HOTROD MINI BIKE: CT200U Front Suspension, Torque Converter, Predator 212 Hemi

Last year I modified and raced my Coleman CT200U in the first #Gambler500 Mini bike Enduro. We had a great time, but my bike #CamoJoe didn't finish. This year I've set out to build the ultimate mini bike, using comments from you all on my last video and things I learned from the first race.
In this video I'll cover how to install a CT200U EX front suspension on a CT200U (and pitfalls of doing so). I also install a Predator 212 Hemi engine, upgrade the valve springs, remove the governor, and install a Mikuni carburetor. I also install a Torque Converter! All this and more is covered in this video!
UPDATE! You can now order a front suspension kit from Coleman for $135 plus shipping. This is way cheaper than when I ordered all the parts individually when I made this video. shopping.na3.netsuite.com/s.nl...
CHECK OUT THE 3RD ROUND OF CAMO JOE UPGRADES HERE: • HOTROD MINI BIKE: CT20...
The Race Video (Do or Die 2): • DO OR DIE 2: Mini Bike...
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
03:00 Disassembly/Paint
04:08 Engine Overview
06:04 Governor Removal
08:54 Valve Springs
12:05 Front Suspension
15:53 Mounting Tire on Rim
17:59 Mounting Engine
19:10 Torque Converter
22:00 Top Speed Test
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Facebook: / jasonexplainsthings
Instagram: / jasonexplainsthings

[@JasonExplainsThings]

3RD ROUND OF UPGRADES! SEE HOW AWESOME CAMO JOE IS TODAY! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXi9Z5-HrsaGnqM

[@KartFab]

I just want to say that the production quality here is top notch. Really enjoyed the video and how you had to use some ingenuity to get it ripping!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

KartFab thanks!

[@nodakchoppers2945]

not gonna lie im drunk right now.. bought a mini coleman for a gamble race at campzero this year for the surgis rally...... i subscribed just because of the intro music.. top notch

[@ervingoertzen7233]

If people out there don’t approve of disconnecting the governor, don’t watch then . But for gods sake mind your business . If someone wants to do this it’s their business .

[@billhicks7009]

A friend of mine ran a kart track in R.I. he was a race cart builder, one of the best motor builders on the east coast, he ran a division of nothing but Honda clones we got from harbor freight and they were cammed, new carbs and pipes and they ran lap after lap, spinning 6 grand year after year and never snapped 1 rod. Make no doubt these are as tough if not tougher then the honda GX motors you cant kill them.

[@umaxen0048]

Big damned deal. What happens if you disconnect it? The engine blows up after a year and you get a new one from harbor freight for $169.99 (I was off by $71.00 because this engine is on sale now for $99.99!!!)

[@umaxen0048]

You can also govern the engine rpm through the throttle cable somewhere on the carb I believe. If you think it's too fast? Turn it a bit, wankers... I have a hard time believing this would over-rev and blow your asses up...

[@lordofthestings]

I dont think you can race competitively without removing the governor.

[@guymacher4116]

Amen, Ervin!

[@TheTeeDay]

I wanted to do one of these with a little diesel motor

[@nuvey7939]

I have a diesel, but it doesn't have any way to shut the engine down. The engine was originally designed to just cut the fuel feed line, and run it until it dies, turns out that can take up to 10 minutes. Fine for industrial small engines, but not for a mini-bike. lol. Been looking at either an air kill, or something inline to redirect the fuel away from the injector and back into the tank.

[@bradleypumba]

@@nuvey7939 that sounds like a super fun project

[@billwilliamson9842]

I'm an old gearhead and even though you are admittedly new to this, you are very straightforward in your vids, makes them enjoyable and easy to watch. keep up the good work and the gatherin of new found knowledge. Bein a gearhead seems to be a lost art sadly, nice to see younger dudes havin fun the low tech way. i sub'd

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Bill!

[@adew4u2enjoy]

Great build video. The preditor is a very reliable engine. I have made it a goal to try the Gambler out next year. I love my preditor engine so far. I found an really old minibike that had full suspension and a 3 hp engine. Stripped it, welded all new mounts, split and expanded the shock forks and made my own version of the fat tire Coleman mini bike. I probably should have recorded the whole build. But this engine and the pulley system hauls 235lb me up any hill and does 44mph all day long. I still need a better carb, but have done all the other mods. I did build an exhaust header though.

[@thishombre1952]

The bail at the end was amazing!

[@bruin4937]

Very cool project and you did a great job getting her up to 44 MPH!

[@gehringer37]

Dude...your channel is awesome!!! I grew up as kid riding mini bikes in Detroit. The best childhood I could have ever had!!!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Mike! I’m about to start a whole new round of mini bike videos... doing some truck centered ones first. 😎

[@kiheirc3195]

Fantastic job Jason I sure wish I had a parts list for front suspension I guess I will figure it out these many bags of been so fun for me take care buddy

[@ReddingCT70]

Hi Jason just came across video. You do a great job of explaining things and being transparent. All of us make mistakes, that's how we all learn no matter who you are.I have been repairing, restoring the Honda Mini Trails for years & have heard comments as you describe. But just recently as little as Monday pulled two vintage mini bikes i had in storage & will redo both a Bonanza & a Bird mini. I am having a blast from the past, as I still have about 20 of these bikes in storage. Some will be customised , some will be fast, and some will be ugly. keep up the great work.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Awesome! I love mini trails. I have a project SL90 and CT70 that I plan on making videos about.

[@NarrowRoadAdventures]

16:40 "I have used fire and air and I have made a tire!" 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@packofhounds]

Good video my man and the bike is really looking cool now. I only just found (and subbed) your last year's minibike vids a couple of weeks ago so all of that is still fresh in my memory.

[@shaynedumas4436]

HELL YEAH...BIGGER BETTER FASTER STRONGER...PERFORMANCE BABY!!!

[@meco72104]

Nice build, cool little bike. Glad you didn't get hurt.

[@josegonzalez7050]

Chill out everyone. Let the man do his thing. Thanks bro very inspirational videos makes me wanna modify my bike.

[@bwxmoto]

"I have used fire and air, and I have made a tire!" 🤣

[@solo9883]

Yo bwx i i think you a agree that mini bike in the thumbnail looks sexy af

[@bwxmoto]

Yeah it's bad ass! I think the OG CT200U is the best looking mini bike out there! Love the old school style.

[@ajar15dad80]

You are true believer! Lots of patience and guts! The great thing is your knew what you doing.seems like you’re having too much man.

[@speedtwitch]

Im diggin' that you dig retro synthwave.

[@micskates420]

I was going to mention tdc but just continued watching..great vid man!

[@raphaelcastro3673]

This looks like a lot fun! Continue being awesome!

[@catrockstar396]

Congrats bro your a great mechanic and it looks so good,love the inspirational talks, keep making these vids

[@ralphrayner1783]

I like things like this keep it up, hot rodded a go kart years ago, was fun. 69 now, still like doing the same thing!

[@Heffbomb]

Fun video. Good luck at the race man.

[@stepside764]

I like how you kept the drama at the end. Great build now I'll start my build.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Mistakes always stay in on this channel! :-)

[@dkernek]

Camo Joe is back!!!!!! Heck yeah!!!!

[@dkernek]

And BTW, screw the basement dwelling a$$ hats that have nothing good to say. I know how much time goes in to making a video of this quality, very much appreciate all the hard work! You have inspired several of my friends and I to get trail bikes. I think we have more fun on them than the dirt bikes sometimes. Rock on and keep the awesome videos coming!

[@rhodesgifford5745]

I did all of these mods and more to my bike and I have not any problems for almost a year you just Gotta be easy you know how to control it and it won’t explode

[@jacobwilbert1018]

Awesome! It is clear you are still learning and may not be as knowledgable as another guy but you are getting in there n doing it. Thats how you learn, great job n kool vid. You should be proud of your machine!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Jacob!

[@williamokrasinski9840]

Good job Jason. And good getting the correct Frt. axle. Also on another Vid. someone showed the difference between a cast Al. torque converter Versus a billet aluminum one. I hope it all held together for this years race.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Watch the video to find out! :-) It did... until it didn't.

[@Blessedup69]

I love how you handle the idiots. Serious respect

[@Yourmomshouse69in]

I remember my first time changing a tire on my minibike. My mom didn’t know I had a minibike because she wouldn’t let me buy it but I was keeping it on the side of our house. At like one in the morning I snuck down and took off the back tire and took it upstairs where I had a new tire sitting( thank you styro for taking me to get the tire) I stayed up all night figuring out how to get it on and countless KZbin videos 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Coltrabagar]

Hey, now you've got front pegs!

[@theshootindutchman]

The insert at 24:00 with the horse is great haha😆!

[@MadazzaMusik]

Your videos are blilliant and look easy to follow.👌 I wanna mini bike now

[@ReddingCT70]

Great I will look at it. I have quite a few videos as well. Thanks

[@ANONYMOUSANONYMOUS-bf2xk]

I had to say this "LOOK MA NO BRAKES" LOL you did good on this don't worry what the dislikes say it's not their build or Money. I build custom go karts for a hobby and everyone is different based on a driver and terrain. Good job on the r&r on your mini bike. 👍👍👍

[@jgraham8248]

Good job! And thank you for calling it a wheel and not a "rim"!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I say the right word about half the time. :-)

[@madeyoulookcustoms4009]

Forget the haters .... nice videos man I love fixing up mini bikes

[@sammkinder5858]

First time I have heard anybody mention cam gear timing .......... extra points !!

[@jasoncaribou9530]

Lucky guy , great video , Love the bike 🚲

[@stevestiffler9120]

Grew up riding mini bikes and always on the look out for a faster engine. Found a neighbor who had a 8 horsepower cast iron Koehler engine that made my mini bike lethal (55mph).

[@umaxen0048]

I'm at work and have no sound on this computer, however still rate this video a 95/100 because you seem to explain things in quick detail. A1...

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks!

[@justinsmith847]

When I saw you mount that tire it had me laughing not at you but with you it made me remember when I installed tire tubes in the rear tires of my lawn tractor it's really not as easy as people make it look in the videos lol

[@chrisbarnard6385]

If you havent wrestled with a tire on an old honda atc 110 three wheeler as an early teen then you havent lived!! I love that you put it all in the videos, not just the successes

[@Yourmomshouse69in]

You’re making it better

[@richardalvis4695]

Ive got an old Baja 200 mini bike. In my 50s and still love it. Doing the keepers on the valves? Get yourself a fitting that fits the spark plug hole and your air compressor hose. Pressurize the cylinder with air and the valve wont drop. In case you didnt know. Have fun. Thanks for posting the vid and keep on trucking my friend. Life is short.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Good tips Richard!

[@nitty728]

Dude your edit on this is sick!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks man.

[@solo9883]

Its cool how people take these mini bike style offroad motorcycles and make them strait motorcycles

[@kratoseus309]

Great video!

[@olliefraga]

That is an incredible video! Got yourself a subscriber!

[@jeffsack8951]

You could just change the governor spring tension setting your RPM to the new valve springs. Seems like extra work to tare it completely apart with the same result. :)

[@wahoolagin]

Great video. Only problem is now I want to tear mine down and soup it up. Thanks for the tips

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I'm an enabler!

[@vernonwentland3517]

Kick ass video...thanks and sorry about that brake cable

[@JasonExplainsThings]

It's all good.

[@brucebihag9348]

keep rocking men

[@thisolddog2259]

When I was a kid in 1969 my folks bought me a mini bike from Montgomery wards, it had a 3.5 hp Briggs and the foot brake was connected to a paddle that would go against the rear tire! It cost $99.95 brand new! That was one of the greatest day's of my life!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Great story Jim. My daughter loves her Coleman CT100. She's 8 and learned to ride it last summer.

[@thisolddog2259]

@@JasonExplainsThings man Jason what a great dad you are! I want to share another story about something my dad made me ... So he built a wooden go-kart with no engine and a rope steering then towed me around the property with his pick up! One Trouble today is some kids are coddled so bad they can't have real fun

[@noahsmith7905]

great video! just a tip to help, intended to help: you loose a good amount of power with the stock exhaust... i would get a header 4 sure man. great video

[@JasonExplainsThings]

That's the plan. Thanks for the tip!

[@titodalessandro1909]

Great modifications. Looks like the drum brake isn’t enough to stop it anymore.

[@jimmycooper7248]

You can push a length of cotton rope into cylinder when piston is down and bring it up till it stops to keep valve from falling in when doing springs

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Good tip!

[@tyclemons161]

I got an old 4hp Tecumseh that I clocked in at 41 on my mini bike.

[@KB2HSH]

I had a 2.5 HP Briggs and Stratton that was "fast"...as a kid I raced all the cool kids in my neighborhood...their Puchs and Motobecanes couldn't touch it

[@superpossum78]

You can also fit the torque converter by trimming a bit off the converter assembly/plate. The crosspiece you removed adds rigidity to the already narrow tubed classy.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I plan on beefing up the frame in the future for sure.

[@True77]

Omg 😆😆 was not expecting that at the end!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

me neither! :-)

[@JonLasaga]

With the 212 clones you can get alot more power by putting in a billet rod and a cam with the springs. It will also improve engine life as the rod fails on the predator when its held at high rpm especially with the governor removed

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Stay tuned! :-) I just might be doing that.

[@roypatterson9910]

Just a helpful word of advice, the next time you do engine work or you are starting an engine that you've never ran before, you should always put your front tire against the wall or a tree so it won't take off on you.

[@ardennielsen3761]

i got a 208cc on a 150lb bike, it does 40mph with no throttle input. PZ30 with a tuned muffler specific for the cam shaft it has. 45lbft@2000rpm and 23hp@3800rpm, does not run on gas lower then 91 octane. I have it geared to do 55mph@6000rpm, no need to go past 35mph in the city... 65mpg. might sand the head down to bring up the compression from 8-1 to 10-1.

[@chrishorst6993]

Not like it’s a one of a kind or rare old bike we’re parts are hard to find. People modify to their needs. Enjoyed you video

[@silkboxing4454]

Chris Horst Exactly Chris. It’s not a Vintage Bike with rare Parts. I just built a Nitro Drag Bike and moded the 212 with a 2 stage kit. Had the the whole frame chromed. Bad Ass

[@ctiernan21]

besides the foam filter the bike is UNREAL. Id love to have one like this

[@JasonExplainsThings]

That filter works great because it survives being hit during a crash. I clean it often.

[@ctiernan21]

Its sick bike sucks you didnt finished just watch all the videos on this bike!

[@ctiernan21]

Jason Explains Things lol survives crashes

[@alexandrealbergaria6224]

hahahaah the end was unexpected funny! glad you okay!

[@jgraham8248]

I commend your spirit....you gotta get back on the horse!

[@dirtbike7781]

I am saving up to do the same thing to my mini bike

[@DawgYa1]

Awesome video!!! Add front brakes!!!!

[@herbwag6456]

I guess that's why motorcycles have 2 brakes. Good video!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yep! I was just happy it broke before the race and not during. I was thinking about that the entire time during the event.

[@RedfishInc]

If you are going to be messing with small tires in the future let me recommend the harbor freight small tire changer. That thing has saved me a ton of frustration and money on changing lawn tractor and trailer tires. 24 bucks well spent.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Redfish Incorporated I’ll give that a look. Thanks!

[@billwilliamson9842]

works best if bolted to the floor or to somethin REALLY heavy.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

For those interested, here's a link to the front suspension parts. I would honestly recommend finding a parts bike or perhaps even just getting a BT200X because all the parts added up was like $280. shopping.na3.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.3546502/sc.27/category.122618/ctype.SS/SS.122618/.f

[@CraigArndt]

Just raise the middle finger to trolls. I'm building one now using an old HS50 Tecumseh on a Mini racer frame. I think I'm going to look into a torque converter. They sure work well on atv's and sleds and they're reliable. I'm keeping the governor in so I don't blow up the motor because this HS50 has to be 35 years old or more. Thanks for posting this video!

[@xWooZyAmericaNx]

Hey bud, good content

[@yehudah6522]

I like the washers

[@jok3yjesu339]

I will say that soap to aid mounting tires is much much needed

[@bOnKoNe]

Not sure if anyone made this comment, but instead of trying to unclip the governor gear, punch it through from the outside sending it through the inside.... It comes apart in one piece, the tap that hole with a 1/4 tap and lock tight a set screw in there

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Good point. I saw that method in another video.

[@joshsmith7571]

Awesome sir

[@chrishorst6993]

Just teasing. You said header twice instead of head. Great video.

[@sethstilwell354]

I'm considering doing the front suspension upgrade on my CT200U, just like yours. I'm just curious... was a new front wheel hub really necessary? Wouldn't the longer axle bolt have been enough? I thought the wheel hubs were the same width between the CT200U and -EX. Also, could a rear wheel hub fit in the same space? It would be a slick way to get front brakes, just needs a little fabrication for the brake assembly to be stationary on the forks.

[@monitor248]

I'm trying to save some money to buy one of these because I've always wanted one , and I really want to do these cool mods to it like you when I get one but u tend to forget when things go when I take it apart😂

[@DonKeyhole1]

The brake cable should be the best part of the bike. I sort of liked the bent forks; made it a chopper style. How about a chopper conversion series? Extend the forks and add some rake, lengthen the frame, add some ape hanger handlebars, a sissy bar, and a hot chic.

[@heathenprojects2639]

Eccarb makes a kit so you don't have to cut chain guard for a factory look it cost a few bucks but since you already got to raise motor to install nice to not have to hack it

[@MrBob58o]

What kind of battery are you using for the LED light? And the Predator 212's take a 5/16" x24 bolt on the crankshaft for the clutch/ TC driver pulley. Most TC kits come with metric bolts that don't fit the 212's (at least the eBay ones I buy). Same for the backplate bolts, they need 5/16 x 24.

[@beachthor1]

I can’t imagine how miserable someone’s life must be to be comment trolling a KZbin video about minibike mods. Nice work on this engine, very helpful for me!!!!

[@carlg9071]

For the laugh 😂 I subed good stuff my dude now I Kno what I did wrong lol

[@robert8703]

these videos are awesome

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Robert

[@robert8703]

@@JasonExplainsThings you are welcome.

[@MatthewTheRailfanner]

What was the MPH app you used at the start?

[@bigjohn5104]

#1 taking the governor off is not going to hurt it one SINGE LITTLE BIT because he is doing the correct way by HINT HINT the new carb, exhaust, and valves he modified. Now, just FYI buddy you didn't have to go through all that work. You can bypass both the governor and oil sensor without even taking the motor off the bike. =} Great vid buddy super cool and I also have a Coleman I got for free because it "didn't run" haha

[@JasonExplainsThings]

It's fun to do anyway. More videos coming soon with a billet flywheel, rod and more go fast bits! :-)

[@4saken404]

I've seen videos where people bypass the governor on a Predator 212 just by hooking the throttle cable to the arm differently. Hmm. Going to have to look into all this further.

[@Tampaboys]

Great video

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks!

[@Tampaboys]

@@JasonExplainsThings we are just starting a channel. We have no idea what we are doing just learning as we go. So thanks for teaching us so cool stuff.

[@joesmotorcycleadventures4750]

I’m a paint & body expert that’s same thing I would of done to it lol

[@brockviau7832]

Loved the vid btw you could have just made spacers for the wheel to save you some cash. You did it the right way, anyway so I guess it doesn't really matter.

[@benjamingrimstead3352]

On your valve adjustment if you use a square drive deck screw to hold the last screw you won't have t use a crescent wrench to hold it while you tighten the jam nut.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

That's a great point. I'll do that next time!

[@JaBooBaLoo]

Great vid. Reminds me of jaystwocents

[@Joe..3.8.0.9_]

Nice video Jason !! Best wishes on race day , might want to think Elbow and knee pads. Lmao Nice dismount at the end lol Get some good boots THICK SOLES , make for good brakes lol. Lol ... Joe.. Navy veteran ACU-2...

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Lucky you... this was back in 2019 so you can watch the race video right now! :-)

[@Joe..3.8.0.9_]

@@JasonExplainsThings Da.. Don't call me dupid. LOL...LOL

[@btmgng4316]

Thanks for the tips dude, just got my first mini, mods coming in very soon. Also what was that movie clip with the horse

[@johnelledge6574]

I love your honesty buddy!!! I tell everyone the reason i modify mini bikes and off road mowers is i can lol. Better than my truck. Keep up the good work

[@billymajor2123]

it your money and its all about FUN