How To Build A Motorized Bicycle Review & Rant

[@72defender]

I can't begin to tell you the headache you inevitably saved me from by sharing your knowledge. Many, many thanks to you!

[@natemcgowan9922]

cheap isnt the only reason people use 2 stroke kits (although for most who sell the bikes they make, it is) some people like them because the power that they have and because the manual clutch, just makes it more interactive and they have much more performance parts and you can squeeze more hp out of them way easier and there is more potential power anyways and they are so much easier and cheaper to work on or rebuild and then also the cheap part is a plus when you buy it but its not the only reason people buy the 2 smokers

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

Hello! I completely agree! 2 strokes are the Honda Civics of the 2 stroke bike engine world. If you're racing and/or don't mind rebuilding them then they are perfect, just not for me lol.

[@Sneakerfan_Chris]

Hey just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos it's very nice to see someone who actually cares about the build the quality and the safety it's very apparent that you take pride in what you do on your builds and just wanted to say your videos have been an inspiration and not only very informative but I am in the process of starting a motorized bike build and just wanted to say thanks forball your great videos and knowledge you share!!

[@MrHobbynut]

I like your video. I know about the longevity, reliability of four strokes. I like the idea of not having to have the extra lever on my bars. Looking into building one this summer. My neighbors will thank me. I'll post some of my vids soon. Thaks

[@abikerider]

I would add that you should either remove the fenders or make your own fender struts and brackets using 1/8" thick steel bar stock. The hardware on a typical bicycle fender will eventually fail and cause a crash. You should also have a bright front headlight that you have on whether day or night riding for visibility. Front and rear brakes are an absolute necessity, preferably front V-brakes or disk brakes.

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

abikerider Excellent comments, thank you! Even though I haven't had any issues as of yet with the fenders, I completely agree that over time the fenders are definitely a weak link. My next bike will be custom front to back, and one of the main upgrades is going to be the brakes. At minimum I'll have a front hydraulic disc system, rear coaster brake, and possibly a V-brake on the back wheel as a back-up depending on the frame set up I end up with. I always had bright lights front and rear on my bikes, but on my next build I may take it to the next level depending on what engine I choose.

[@JackParsons.]

These look real good on these beach cruisers.

[@seanmcaleavy2369]

I am going to get a motorized bike and your video really helped me out. Thanks man!

[@GoJimBailey]

Keep Up Your Info, Knowledge and Experience . I Enjoy ALL Of Your Vids. I Am or Will Be A First Time Builder. I have and am considering using a new Lifan 97cc engine with a centrifugal clutch ( which I already have now ) with a Jackshaft. I am looking forward to my build . Thank You.

[@toyboy9883]

Keep doing what you're doing you the reason why I do not use two stroke engines and went to the four stroke and put more effort in making better bikes and safe for bikes keep up the good work

[@tjsogmc]

The key to a good build is making sure everything is set up correctly. True the wheels and tighten the spokes, grease ALL bearings and adjust correctly (replacing caged bearings for free floaters) make sure the wheels are aligned, etc. When installing the engine do the same, making sure the sprockets line up, carburetor is level, etc. Even a cheap bike with a cheap kit can give really good service if it's assembled properly. MOST of the "problem" videos I've seen are due to a bad set up and owners not having any mechanical skills and doing a booger job of installation. It's not as easy as simply throwing a motor on any old bike in 2 hours and getting years of safe and trouble free riding- there is a lot more to it than that. Normally it takes me a full day to do a kit install- starting from stripping the bike to the frame and properly assembling it. I"ve never had the problems people complain about and I think it's due to good build practices.

[@nofooter03]

Great Video! Thanks for sharing the improvements you made.

[@chrismeyer4857]

can you put a parts list or supplier up , thanks good job. been an automotive tech for over 20 years , I feel your pain

[@MrHobbynut]

You can get a 4, or 2 stroke kit right now from gasbikes.net. 239 for the four, and the two strokes start at 159. I left the change off. You have to decide what you want. To cruise, and not have to mix gas, and oil,4 stroke or speed....2 stroke. Also, there's many hop up parts for the two strokes. Have fun, and good luck.

[@adamcolbertmusic]

I think Chris Meyer is referring to parts that you mention such as sprocket adaptor, crankset bearings, gas line, etc. Or at least that's what I thought he meant.

[@adamcolbertmusic]

I just ordered a 2 stroke engine kit and am going to have it mounted on a Huffy Cranbrook (which has 12 gauge spokes; noticeably thicker than the usually-standard 14 gauge spokes).......BUT......my friend who will be helping me is a certified welder, and he's also been working on 2 stroke engines and riding dirtbikes since he was like 11, and I'm actively learning the ins and outs of a 2 stroke engine. A motorized bicycle, particularly with a 2 stroke engine, is definitely NOT something you just want to slap together, and IS something that requires a lot of respect in using. I'm going to have him disassemble the engine and inspect it first, as well as the other parts. 2 stroke engines have a lot of variables -- when and how to use the choke, a proper oil:fuel ratio for "breaking in" the engine when you first get it, a proper oil:fuel ratio for after it's broken in, (knowing that a different oil:fuel ratio is preferable for "racing" conditions with constant high RPMs compared to "leisurely" use with lower RPMs); likewise knowing that this is NOT a "racing" machine!!), understanding that different brands of 2 stroke premix oil have different ratio ranges depending on product, adjusting the idling speed on the engine, making sure the timing of the magneto is set properly, understanding how to adjust the clutch and what that means, and so many things. So it's not just "the 2 stroke is cheaper; let's go with that!" vs "the 4 stroke is less maintenance for a layperson; let's go with that!" There are so many factors, and even with all the right parts and adjusted properly, it still comes down to RESPECT for the machine, recognizing (and staying within) its capabilities and limitations, and not treating it as a "toy". And CERTAINLY not looking at it as a quick money making scheme. Personally, I've always loved motorbikes etc., and I'm wanting something enjoyable and convenient (and fun, of course) to scoot around on. But again, and it can't be stressed enough, you really have to have respect for the machine and get to know and understand it in order to use and enjoy it safely and reliably over the long run. It's so much more than just slapping a kit together and "wa-laa!" That's why, when I decided I wanted to have a low speed gasoline bicycle (as they are legally called in my state), I specifically WAS NOT going to do it on my own, and searched out a friend with lots of mechanical and welding and 2 stroke engine experience.

[@danz409]

i bought one today. and wow did i have a HORRIFIC quality experience! the guy who made it has his heart in the right place. offering extremely affordable motorized bikes with parts from china. i mean $350 for everything "assembled" isn't that bad of a deal. but just about everything on the bike needed tightening. chain grinds/raddles like crazy so that is defiantly not aligned as you mentioned. i tried moving the idler/tensioner to help cut down on it thinking it was that. (it was a little off) but didn't help any. and worst part of all... it has yet to start... i can't get the thing to run at all. iv had it go for 2-3 seconds at most than it just putters out. gas line is open. choke on still nothing!

[@TheLoneRanger745]

I think your right on the money, A lot of people making poor quality bikes , dangerous junk.

[@darthpapi4203]

great video, great bike but the message was greater. thanks for the upload brother

[@squirrellysquirrels1167]

Thanks for the advice, going to do this on a mountain bike and when I get around too it a truly custom rat rod bike.

[@garychief2338]

"I'M ANGRY ABOUT THIS!"

[@Didgeridootrio]

Where can you get one of those sprocket adaptors?

[@Djflatbush]

I've watched like 3 of your videos so far. Keep up the good work! I really want to do this to my bike, a beach cruiser very similar to this one. My wife bought it from a place somewhere here in Cali, maybe the same place Lifan horizontal 4-stroke you get yours! Idk. I know nothing of how to make these so im trying to learn. I want to get quality parts like you're saying but would like a somewhat detailed list, like another guy was saying. Or at least the main parts (like that sprocket you recommend...) and I can figure out the small stuff.

[@bradisnor5004]

Hey what type of bike do you got there i mean like the frame not the motor or anything just thought it looked cool.

[@GreatValueBleach]

Can you list all the stuff you put in your bike? And where did you get your bike? I live in socal

[@gokartsminibikesandmore9925]

How are them 4 stokes up hill? And whats the top speed

[@CIBERXGAMES]

How much for one?

[@ericmcginnis2097]

What state are you from. The reason I ask is in the state that I'm from (ohio) you have to have everything you said you didnt. In ohio they are considered mopeds as long as they dont go more than 20 mph. You must have at least a moped license. Any faster than 20 mph and that its considered a mororcycle. So u need a motorcycle endorsment. But if you have a drivers license your good. But you have to have registration plates mirors helmet the whole 9

[@alygonzalez2913]

are you selling any motorized bikes?

[@Djflatbush]

That "Lifan horizontal 4-stroke" was an accident. I guess I pasted it after copying it from one of your other videos. That's another thing, I want a decent motor! Where do I get "the one"!?

[@solosword593]

Where do you get your motor? I could not find it.

[@indychuckluck]

nice bike and good points!

[@joebananas4741]

Well said.

[@JAM-zb2vh]

Hello brother god bless you can I ask what bike do you use thank you and god bless you stay safe

[@rejoinslanuit]

I'm looking into building one of these, but I want a long lasting and durable build. I have no clue where to start or how to do any of this, but your videos are definitely a great find! I was wondering if you could give a rough estimate of how much you spent building that bike? Not including the speedometer & lights as I've already got those.

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

rejoinslanuit Thank you for the shout out and props on my videos! Without the lights and computer, I invested about $800 in to my first Huntington build. I still chat with the owner of it now, and he has almost 2K on it and still going strong. If you have any further questions or want to keep up with more info and my latest builds, find us on Facebook by searching Masterlink Motorized Bikes and then "Like" us. Or you can email me direct at [e-mail]

[@besttop10s7]

It depends an easy way is to find the parts in like a junkyard or repair shops you can find them for cheap there

[@johnbishop3972]

how much did you spend on that bike total?

[@1aam17]

quality over quantity

[@s1rShAnKsAl0t11]

Thank you for this video sir!

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

Pogar Johnson Thank you very much! I really appreciate it!

[@AndRootPro]

+Sinister Custom Cycles I'm looking to order a Gruber Huasheng engine kit, I hear the gruber parts are better than the chintzy ones in eBay listings. Have you used gruber parts? Is the huasheng engine good?

[@AndRootPro]

+AndRootPro its a 49cc

[@hellohun7331]

Friends and fellow enthusiasts.... Never buy your parts from Gasbike or kings motorbikes, they will rip you off and never make it right.

[@robertsmith5323]

+hello hun ---gasbike was really bad. they tried to accuse me of fraud --and just walk off with my money because my card was colo address and im in ny. I had to go bonkers to get the guy to break down and send it. you can tell they are shady just by the clunky, five-dollar website too. but I just HAD to save 20 bucks. I haven't even installed it yet and i'm getting bad feelings about it-- and when it's finally ready to go,.. I have a feeling im gonna be harassed right off the road by cops. new York is like that.

[@robertsmith5323]

+robert smith and I have zero clue what the line through my comment is supposed to mean--I didn't do that.

[@iconaclastor]

Good looking bike but where can it be seen being driven and will a larger 4 stoke put it into the legal area requiring a license

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

iconaclastor Thank you! I won't have videos of the bike being riden until this coming summer when it's warmer out. A bigger engine will require more red tape, but if you don't go cruising down the road at 50mph and only use the extra power for hills and acceleration, you won't draw attention to yourself.

[@floydansel2786]

Is there any way you could help me with parts that I need to install a 212 predator engine on a Schwinn Jaguar

[@dsm811]

i like that bike, i would like to built that one for my son and was wondering if U could list me(email) the parts you used and where you bought them?

[@wakaiiofficial]

What bike is that and can I do mine on and eBay kit

[@andrewstearns5029]

Where would you suggest I buy my motor in my bike. Be honest I would like to purchase one from you. If you do sell them would like to know how much I would like a good quality and a real good build I think you have the knowledge and experience to do it better than I can but if you don't sell them knowledge is the best way to go. But I rather purchase one send me your comments on this thank you Andrew

[@chessirecat7998]

Do you know of, have or can you make a video with the best over all parts to replace on most 2 and 4 stroke engine kits? I really want to pick up a bike this month and install the kit next month after I get paid. Thats the plan and so I will be researching a lot between now and then. I can tell you do a lot of research too and I respect your opinion. Anyways I would a ppreciate your feedback and reply, either way thanks for posting this video and Godspeed to you.

[@allentremper8243]

I would put my"cheap" 2 stroke up against any 4stroke under 60cc, my 2stroke was cheap, my bike is not, I can go 35-40mph, get 110 mpg, and on long trips I do not run it as fast as it will go, I give it frequent breaks to cool down, but all and all, I am not a mechanic, I am a Carpenter, it took me all of 3 hours to unbox to ride, another day to figure out that hub sprockets are the way to go, along with a upgraded exhaust, a boost bottle, I do have to take more tools than I'd rather, but on long trips, ya gotta tighten down stuff, and give it breaks every hour. As far as the"Law" goes, man once cops see my bike, they just smile. I imagine that will change as soon as more people around me build one themselves, the more cops see the more chances of trying to get a bunch of laws about them. Yea, if you are stupid, if you think going 35mph on a bicycle is the same as it would be on say a scooter, then you may crash. I think that would go for any bicycle if it's ridden with out thought. The fact is that the reader can install these kits , you really don't need anyone to help, I am no mechanic, and seriously done with the build in 3-4 hrs., Maybe it might take some a bit longer and some not as long, the installation is pretty straightforward. It's what you do with it after the build that will determine how safe your bike is, bikes aren't safe to begin with, so, I am not getting why you would be upset about others selling them, even if they do take advantage of the person they are doing the build for, same thing with any mechanic, either they are honest or not, I don't mean to pick on mechanics but there is Truth in that last statement. Buyer beware.

[@YetAnotherJohnSmith]

I was earlier looking at motorized bikes this week. Long story short, page after page of two stroke and spoke mounted sprockets. I'm glad I seen this Ps "Angry comment"

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

how fast will a motorized bikes go what's the top speed how far do you get on a gallon of gas if it'll even hold a gallon

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

+the hillbilly gamer ! Hello Hillbilly Gamer! Top speed depends on a lot of things like rider weight, rear sprocket size, terrain, etc. I'm 165lbs and on flat asphalt with no wind with a 36 tooth rear sprocket the fastest I've managed to get is about 33mph. The peanut tanks that come with the kits are about a half gallon and the most miles per gallon I've managed to get is about 158mpg, so just shy of 80 miles to a tank of gas. The largest production tanks I've seen are 3/4 of a gallon which would get you about 115-120 miles. Thank you for watching!

[@garypaterson6892]

Thx for the help!

[@adiintel1]

ive got over 6000km on my 2 stroke push bike and its still going strong but you are right i did modify it with better sprocket carby,boost bottle even nuts bolts and washers.

[@dwightabler834]

So true that is why I build my own and it takes lot longer than a hour

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

dwight abler Exactly! You can tell who puts time in to their builds and who doesn't.

[@troyguinn303]

Sinister Custom Cycles I'm 3 weeks into my custom build (not including the two months of planning and researching my options. It's my first build and I wanna do it right). I am using a 2 stroke, but you'd better believe I'm doing it right. As of now I'm waiting on parts so i can ditch the spoke mounted sprocket. That thing is a disaster waiting to happen and even though I could take my bike for a spin right now, I refuse because I know it's in my best interest to wait and use quality parts. I want people to see my bike and be able to tell it was a SAFE and quality build. So far, I've got $400 into parts alone, not including the engine kit or bike itself. But in my mind that's completely reasonable, even though I am not financially rich by any means, as my life is worth far more to me then what I've put into my build. Love all of your videos man, and I love the message you are trying to spread. Another motorized cyclist in my town is determined to build only safe bikes, so we have teamed up to lecture anyone we see riding a dump-salvaged bike with a weed-wacker engine taped to it. MORE videos please! And screw all of the trolls, anyone who trolls this video is definitely one of the unsafe builders.

[@tristanhicks7340]

2 strokes are better at performance but need more maintenance so for a person who is not mechanically inclined should get a 4 stroke

[@vincentferrigno9726]

I was thinking about doing this for my bicycle....I think i have the very same type bike is that

[@ROKKOREX]

ill have to agree

[@gaylinlack726]

Thanks. Agree with you on this. A little quality goes a long way. Most box store bikes will not hold up to weekend biking without a motor. They sure won't last if ridden near 1000 miles in less than 6 months like yours was.

[@ricksimpson2167]

,,, a decent entry-level bicycle is$700. To. $800,,. To disassemble one of these little two-stroke Motors clean inspect and blueprint it,,, reassemble it all stock,,. Lube the bearings and lap the piston rings,,. About a hundred and fifty dollars,,. The build one right just in parts about $1,200,,,. Plus labor of about $400,,. ???

[@mikefisher5686]

Is there a governor on the motor?

[@kxlucifer]

no governor..just dont wide trottle open..cruise with it.

[@SCUBADUDESMITTY]

CUE CRICKETS,,,by the lack of responses, I guess you called out the folk's who wanna make a FAST BUCK at others expense,,,NOT the way to do business... I MYSELF am on the obama plan,(broke&unemployed) and I have spent two week's, on research and edgemacating my self on the good, the bad and the ugly, of motorized bike's.....Im a long way from building my own little retired biz,, but every one of the bikes I make would be a high quality ride,,,at 6'4" & 245lb's If I feel safe at 50+ mph, I would hope others would too! BUT you get what you pay for,,IF I put 1200. into a truly custom bike,, im gonna ask that with a little mark up- volume and quality is where it's at !!!,,,,shelling out 2500. + for a goochie peddle power bike is for those trying to fit in to the IN crowd of peddling ass.......PLEASE by all means,, keep posting those idea's.. insignificant thought's to you, may be worth million's to some of us !! BTW-- where can a guy get those groovey fork's in a 29" with disc brakes ????

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

Hey Scuba! Unfortunately there are a lot of people that take short cuts on things, but I have also found a few extremely good builders out there that take quality to a whole new level! The good, and the bad builders know exactly who they are. As the old adage goes, and as you mentioned, you get what you pay for. I still stay in contact with the people that bought my bikes and they are approaching 2,000 miles trouble free! Even though I said I never would spend a couple grand on a bike, I'm in the process of doing just that. The performance on the one I'm building will be insane and set me back almost $3,000, but, it will be all top shelf parts and get me the power I don't need lol.As far as the fork goes, are you looking for the springer fork in a 29er, or a regular MTB fork in a 29er w/disc adapter?

[@SCUBADUDESMITTY]

Sinister Custom Cycles I found some 29's --mtb w disc, but what IM hopeing to find and have not seen YET is a 29x4 in wide tire type springer,-- I guess im before my time,,,as I have not seen ANY 4in tiered bikes get motorized ! let alone a 29x4..

[@ricksimpson2167]

,, you are to check out the ultra light kits that people's assembling and selling,,. And the home-built experimentals,,, When you put your butt in one of those and fly it up to about 3,000 feet,,. ???

[@gagemundee9436]

can you help me put an engine on my bicycle

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

Gage mundee If you're local to the Twin Cities I can certainly help. If you're not local you can email me and let me know what you need help with and I'll try to help you out as best as I can online or even through FaceTime or Skype.

[@albertotijerina2859]

Thinking about building these bikes for charity, would love to get your advice maybe over a phone call please help! God bless

[@todhenry8416]

any gear ratio tips 36 to much lost 1,2gear move to 40 and no good 4,5 gear this is right drive jackshaft

[@copylapse8318]

i have some questions about 4 stroke and for my situation what would be best could you add me on Skype just to help me out just a little skype: davidbardot

[@sinistercustomcycles110]

For some reason I never have any luck when I use Skype but I'll see what I can do. Can you do me a favor and send me a quick email at [e-mail] please regarding your questions. Thank you!

[@vadney05]

What type of junk bike sales will result in injuries that will result in the shutting down of motorized bike loop holes? A junk motor may cease to operate but it wouldn't cause a failure that would result in any worse injury than a so called "quality" bike. Its a nice sentiment to hope for others to churn out quality products but to make a safety claim is lazy. Its ok to be a purist loser but to claim safety as your motivation is disingenuous. What are the profit margins on one of these bikes? Best case you're looking at 15 bucks on hr to fabricate these. You honestly expected a modicum of safety form a guy selling a bike whos time is worth so little?????? Sinister indeed ps. stupid name

[@RowdyRide]

Ohh shit. LMAO