Traditional Mini Bike Build

[Gungfudan]

I am going to build a Traditional Mini Bike from the plans I found here. I am lookind to make this a sweet little old school street bike. I am going to rebuild the 3.5hp Tecumseh engine I have and get as much performance out of it without messing with governor. I am wondering if I need to change up the front fork design? Will that be an ok design for a street setup?

 

[TX7]

I don't know your skill set, or experience level, but I would suggest just buying an old mini bike frame, preferably with a suspension and a jack shaft. They can be found cheap at swap meets, or your local Craigslist. Many already have wheels, tires and sprockets. Just from my experience, piecing a mini bike together can be more expensive than buying one that's intact. Your 3.5 Tecumseh is a good start, but to get real performance, many use larger engines, and buy performance cranks, pistons and carbs to increase performance. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Gungfudan]

I don't know your skill set, or experience level, but I would suggest just buying an old mini bike frame, preferably with a suspension and a jack shaft. They can be found cheap at swap meets, or your local Craigslist. Many already have wheels, tires and sprockets. Just from my experience, piecing a mini bike together can be more expensive than buying one that's intact. Your 3.5 Tecumseh is a good start, but to get real performance, many use larger engines, and buy performance cranks, pistons and carbs to increase performance. Just my 2 cents.

I hear you.

Some of my skill sets are: Journeyman Carpenter, I learned to weld from my Dad who has been welding for 30 years, I have done some light sheet metal work, and I continue to learn more and more skills to add to the toolbox.

I do have a mini bike frame that I am working on right now but it is a trail rider. I don't mind building one from the ground up. Also if it takes a while that is fine. I am not looking to race. I am just looking for an old school build that can go with my 1988 Ford Ranger Build.

I hear you that it can take money and that is fine. I just need some help with the frame. If that frame isn't going to cut it that is fine. I can always go with another.

 

[TX7]

Sounds like you are up to the challenge, go for it, and have fun. And welcome to this site, it's good to have you here.

 

[ond]

Good Luck with your build Dan ! I'll be watching.

 

[landuse]

Welcome and good luck. I look forward to seeing your build

 

[itsid]

I am wondering if I need to change up the front fork design? Will that be an ok design for a street setup?

The plans have been published half a century ago, in a highly repurtated magazine.. I'm fairly certain the design is sound.

BUT personally.. the flat bars are cringe inducing indeed.
(I think that's the mini bike you talk about)
personally I'd go for round stock.
maybe for simplicities sake a schwinn springer fork cut down

Welcome and enjoy your ride (uhm... both rides actually )

'sid