tom thumb mini bike

[oompaloompa543]

i am looking to start a tom thumb minibike from the popular mechanics:way: i had a few questions:
1. what motor should i use that is semi cheap
2.what type of tubing should i use
3.do i really need a jackshaft
thatnks

 

[r_chez_08]

There is a member on this forum called r97 who made one based around the motor from a gas bike conversion kit. Try searching r97 mini bike or school project or something and you should find the thread.

 

[r97]

i am looking to start a tom thumb minibike from the popular mechanics:way: i had a few questions:
1. what motor should i use that is semi cheap
2.what type of tubing should i use
3.do i really need a jackshaft
thatnks

1. Not the POS I used......I think a two stroke industrail engine would be good, a large chainsaw, Tecumseh snow blower engine, or anything else you could find. Four stroke would work too, but not as good. If you can find a suitable 50cc dirt bike or atv engine that might work too.

2. I used sch40, 1/2" pipe which worked fine. I could probably go down on the wall thickness, but it still weighs close to nothing.

3. Depends on what engine you get, what clutch you get, where you will be riding, total weight, and rear tire dia. In most cases I would say you will need one. They aren't very tough to incorporate anyhow.

 

[oompaloompa543]

i was wondering if you had any pictures of the bike, i looked at the google sketch up models and those where really cool. thanks

 

[r97]

Pictures,

 

[oompaloompa543]

what kind of motor is that?

 

[Russ2251]

I wonder if a 141cc Lawn-Boy would fit...I doubt it.
I would love to try a "test fit".

 

[r97]

what kind of motor is that?

49cc two stroke from thatsdax.com ........ don't get it.

I wonder if a 141cc Lawn-Boy would fit...I doubt it.
I would love to try a "test fit".

Funny you say that, I have been thinking the same thing. It might, lots of extra room in there horizontally!

 

[oompaloompa543]

could i put a weed wackier motor on it?

 

[r97]

Around 50cc is really the lowest I would go. A weed whacker could work, but not ideal in my opinion.

 

[porsche930dude]

did you get it going yet ? whats the problem with the engine?

 

[r97]

Oh yeah it works, the problem now (that little bugger of an engine is just one little problem after another, nothing major, just aggravating little things...) is that it leaks gas like nobody's business out the air filter when you turn the petcock. I'm thinking its a problem with the needle not sealing correctly... I'll fix it eventually.

 

[oompaloompa543]

should i get a 50cc manual motor or like a chain saw motor?

 

[r97]

In my opinion:

Manual= more fun

Automatic= easier, maybe a bit safer.

Post up the engine you want before you buy it, a lot of theses smaller engines aren't that great.