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New build idea

Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 10:45 am
by Bossshelby
I have a few spree engines laying around and thought about putting one in a mini bike frame. Has anyone done it, and if so how successful was it? It sounds like a cool and fun thing to try to do.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2015 10:01 pm
by patthesoundguy
Could work, I had seen an express motor on a chopper bicycle on YouTube once. You could have a pretty neat ride on your hands. :-)

Re: New build idea

Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2015 10:29 pm
by Johnniespeed
If you do it, try to incorporate suspension into your build, if you ever have ridden a minibike, you will know why I say this. Also try to incorporate a front wheel brake.
Be sure to post pictures of the build if you choose to attempt this.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2015 8:47 am
by Bossshelby
So here's my design concept so far. Mini bike frames are expensive so I am able to get some free tubing and I'll build my own frame. I can use a Honda spree front fork wiring and headlight/taillight and Honda spree engine.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2015 8:30 pm
by patthesoundguy
I love the idea! Sounds like fun to me :-)

Re: New build idea

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 8:30 am
by Bossshelby
Well I have all the parts but mini bike frames are expensive and my welding isn't that great so I can't build one. I am going to go to the local scrap yard next week and see what they have

Re: New build idea

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 12:57 pm
by Johnniespeed
MInibike frames pop up for sale in the Grand Rapids area quite a bit, usually on Craigslist or flea markets, sometimes garage sales.
Usually what stops the average persons project of sticking a snowblower engine on a minibike frame is the cost of clutch, chain, throttle controls, then the frame becomes available once again.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 1:04 pm
by Wheelman-111
Greetings:

What is this "<Snow-Blower>" of which you speak, Johnnie? :)

Honda Mini Trails from the late 60s and early 70s have a simple, tough little hardtail frame that would seem ideally suited for Scooter Motorization. Unfortunately they also have something of an intense Cult following that inflates their prices, if a title comes with the frame.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2015 1:08 pm
by Bossshelby
Yeah there aren't a lot of cheaper ones around me. I don't know where people get theses prices. Mini bikes are 300-1000 and sprees are 500-1000 around me but that's what there asking not getting.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2015 9:47 pm
by Bossshelby
Ok I am committed to this project now. I have a spree engine, spree wiring, gas tank, oil tank, taillight and lots of tubing in all different sizes. I have the spree engine mount mocked up with custom mounts. The only parts I need know are a headlight and a mini bike frame. I would build my own but with school around the corner I wouldn't have the time to build one and my welding isn't that great. I will post pictures tomorrow hopefully of temporary mock up and parts I have.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 1:09 am
by motormike
Here's my 1971 Bird "Fury"...just to tease you a little... :hi:

Re: New build idea

Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 4:32 pm
by EastCoastCB
Love the custom seat! ^

Re: New build idea

Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 7:07 pm
by Johnniespeed
Mike that 71 Bird is just begging for a CR125 engine.

I find mini bike frames without engines go quite cheap on this side of the state, watch garage sales, flea markets and CL. Usually $40-$75 with seat, tires, without engine.
Its the cost of the twist throttle, chain and centrifugal clutch that stalls most peoples minibike projects and then they resell the frame without engine.

Good luck on your project, post pictures as you progress.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 7:09 pm
by Johnniespeed
Here is a link for motivation. http://muskegon.craigslist.org/mcy/5162017054.html
I think his project turned out great.

Re: New build idea

Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 10:35 pm
by Bossshelby
Nice bike Mike. It won't let me load the photos yet because the resizing app hates me lol. I found turn signals and a tail light I am going to use. I'm not going to need a chain, clutch or throttle because i am going to use all the spree stuff (hopefully). My brothers restoring a bike like yours Mike and he never finished because he doesn't have the money for a clutch. I am going out of town for the mackinaw bridge walk in the U.P. Over the weekend so when I get back I will try to re-post the pictures.