Predator 212cc engine swap mini bike motorcycle

I show how to DIY motor swap a Harbor Freight Predator 212cc engine into a mini bike, dirt bike, motorcycle. This bike is surprisingly fast with this 6.5hp/ 7HP Hemi engine and a CVT TAV2 style 30 series torque converter transmission in it! This motor is a common upgrade for go karts but is easy to install on a motorcycle too, I have even seen this swapped into trucks and cars. This is a simple project that can easily be done over a weekend with a welder and angle grinder. There’s also a Honda xr100 with a BBR big bore kit motor swapped CR80 in this video.

[@rolls_8798]

damn, the 212 cc predator actually looks like it works pretty well on dirt bikes, I’m surprised more people haven’t tried a swap

[@mixflip]

Dude....your house/property is amazing. I wish we had that kind of elbow room.

[@hondashadow8379]

Thanks for showing it right off the bat instead of the common rambling many do at first. I'm impressed at the torque it makes, thumbs up.

[@YOYOshart]

I think this is something that crossed just about every gear heads mind at least once. It’s kinda wild how well it works! Shoutout to you for pulling it off, sick build!

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha thanks! You got this comment so right! My brother and I probably started talking about this maybe 6 or 7 year ago, at that time we were thinking installing one in a older CB 125 or 175. Thanks for checking out my video and commenting :)

[@YOYOshart]

Mike festiva no problem man, seeing a predator on a old cb would be pretty cool I’ve always thought about putting one on a quad of some sort. Great content keep up the good work! 👍🏻

[@tommysdiy582]

Love it. I have an old dirt bike that’s been sitting behind my shed for years, it has a Briggs and Stratton on it that got burned by a nearby fire. I had originally made it into more of a cafe racer style but after watching this, I’m thinking of turning it back into its almost original glory

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! 😊

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Pretty slick engine swap you did here Mike, bet that thing is a blast on the trails. Enjoy riding with your son.

[@edwardwerick2420]

Adding that 212cc Predator and CVT drive to a dirt bike chassis makes a very potent combination! I kept reminding myself as I watched this video that engine is almost at it's LOWEST state of tune. Those 212cc engines can be tweaked to almost 20hp. HOO-HAH!!

[@codcade]

Well to get 20hp its $1000+ in mods, plus your own porting and shaving etc

[@TheGamingGeek2001]

I'm rewatching this video because it is such a cool project, and I never realized that you were running a 4.5:1 gear ratio, and still getting that CRAZY amount of torque. Thing would have a vicious launch with a 7:1

[@cgoodwin2875]

Fantastic swap, I never thought it would have that sort of kick but torque beats HP every time. Keep building.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my project! yeah it's defiantly got more grunt then i thought it would. Take care :)

[@xnotx2]

I feel like I'm living under the predator engine rock. Didn't even know you could get all sorts of stuff for them. Super cool. Fun factor is all that counts #1 Getting out riding, adding that extra person that might not have a bike, etc.

[@Mikefestiva]

Hey Dan yes there’s a lot of hop up parts available for these engines, the great thing is you can buy them on sale for $100! Great little engines. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@k1ortia]

What an amazing place to live...looks like total freedom

[@heavystarch100]

IKR!!

[@Awavy1]

I would never have thought that 212 could have that great of performance in a bike like that! Great job dude.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks! Yes I was surprised how good that engine does in this mini bike! Thanks for checking out my video 🙂

[@tomar3]

Everything about this video was enjoyable. The editing. The content. And your knowledge on this topic comes across so subtly. Fair play to you. I'm also very envious of the trails you have around you.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks I really appreciate your comment!

[@jongonegone1262]

the honda engineers are like those dam cvt transmissions. makes all the difference on small lite vehicles. nice builds. and those engines never seem to run out of gas.

[@bradleyj.fortner2203]

That thing is a lot quicker than I thought it would be. Nice build.

[@bigjay6743]

It's amazing how much torque those little engines have.

[@Maga4Lyfe]

I can't believe how much power that thing has. It even sounds killer. Great job!! I enjoyed..

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on Thanks! It’s definitely faster then I thought it would be :)

[@BaronBoar]

Outstanding, one of my favorite predator 212 videos I have ever seen!

[@aidenmechanics2124]

BaronBoar i agree with you!

[@davidwichner2018]

Same and it look like it has POWA!

[@livingunderarockunderarock9963]

I came across a bunch of engine less dirt bike frames when I was a kid. Wish I could’ve done this to a few of those. Cool build dude.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for commenting! I definitely think this video will help get a lot of kids out on bike that had previously been broken down. Hey it’s never to late to build your self a mini bike :) Take care

[@danw1955]

Man, that thing is torquey for a 212cc.! Perfect gearing for trails and plenty of oommff with the CVT. Sounds like a big old 500 Yamaha single with your home-made header! Job well done!😄👍

[@jgsn5029]

I can't believe it took this long for someone to do this, it looks great!

[@datraktorman69]

Someone did it 2 years ago

[@OhioEnduro]

I've always wanted to do this but I figured it was going to have low speeds and wouldn't really be able to RIP. But I was very wrong, that bike is no pushover. Very very nice

[@shiftymiata]

Same here! Never thought it would work that well.

[@ollilehtonen6764]

And you can always tune the engines.

[@alexgriffin6785]

I feel like Hondas and clones are great engines if you build them out them they become bullet proof the speed is all about your clutch and your gear ratio I had a stage 3 kit on a fast kart that was about 16hp with a simple shit clutch and it was pushing me at about 60-70 mph

[@arlint692]

Man I wish I had a dad growing up.

[@ActivityPhoto]

Very cool engine swap. Amazing how well the Harbor Freight engines work.

[@chrisconway8406]

Watching from the UK great idea just shows you dont have to spend a fortune to have fun im gonna see if i can pick a cheap bike up with a blown engine and have a go myself.

[@rangerismine]

Thanks for keeping an old dirtbike on the trail.

[@c4motorsports390]

I have wanted to do that for a long time and now I am going to look for a dirt bike with no motor. it turned out sweet good job

[@moto_story77]

Wish I had all those trails in my backyard.

[@johnroberts4647]

Thanks alot Mike for the videos. Just finished my champion 7hp in a Yamaha RT 100 build and couldn't have done the same quality job without your wise tips! Cheers!

[@Mikefestiva]

Yes! That’s great to hear! Have fun on that bike. My son and I love riding around I’m my Predator swapped mini bike. Take care John 👍

[@volvomeister]

All week I've been looking for a engine for my Honda XR100 and I stumble upon this, what a coincidence! Thanks for the info!

[@YosefMetal]

I have an XR100R

[@chxyy.3602]

Am i the only one that watches these types of videos to try to build your own but doesn’t know anything about parts and stuff😭

[@teektalon3310]

Learn all you you can my friend. That's half the fun of it!

[@tommysdiy582]

😂😂😂

[@tommysdiy582]

This is how you learn though

[@JoshuaKing-ff6ye]

No that's why I'm here

[@centralcoastcamper9631]

Not a bad little engine swap for just playing around. I see many possibilities with this type of engine/trans combo. thanks for sharing.

[@axelgranzini6797]

Dude that thing actually sounds sick

[@senorweapons9118]

So glad I watched this video, cause I'm doing the same thing with an old 1983 Yamaha yz80 dirt bike frame with a 212 predator and I was always having trouble with the engine alignment cause of the way I installed it and the chain would rub against the torque converter spool. But now that problem is solved thanks to you!!

[@ruudiutsenikov609]

U should rather put a horizontal 4t engine on it

[@intheshitter]

I've seen this motor used in go karts and even pickups. Such a great little motor :)

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha yes they are! Thanks for commenting

[@CanonFirefly]

Nice one mate. That's a sick bush hack. Looks like a great place to grow up and live. Reminds me of my childhood thrashing bikes out in the bush.

[@johnnywrench9669]

That's awesome. I can't believe how good it runs with that motor

[@classydays43]

This Predator 212 is almost becoming a meme. Just waiting for one to run Doom, play Shrek, or steam hams. Awesome build by the way. Your welds are top notch

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha yes these things power just about anything these days! Thanks for commenting and checking out my bike project :)

[@floppycopy1284]

I saw one in a car 😂

[@sambananas4513]

Reminds me of my childhood with a 4hp mini-bike. Good stuff. Cheers

[@FlyinBrian777]

I was one of those kids in the 70's that had a minibike. The 3 hp engine seized up, my dad pulled a 5 hp motor off a old snowblower. That extra 2 horses made me feel like I had a Hayabusa. lol

[@jeff2235]

Love that bike! Interesting sound. Performance looks pretty decent too. Maybe YOU could do that over the weekend- that would be a lot of weekends for me.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on Jeff! Yes the bike is fun to ride, it makes more power then I would have thought it would. Keep in mind It’s one of those projects that can be built in a garage with a few things like welder, angle grinder and some hand tools. If it takes someone a few weekends that’s fine, everyone works at there own pace. The thing I mainly wanted to show was it’s possible, it’s affordable, and it’s not that hard to build, especially now there’s a video I made showing all the steps needed to build it. Take care and thanks for checking out my video 🙂

[@HeadRush2002]

GREAT SWAP!!! Runs amazing. Been thinking of swapping a 212 into my daughter's auto 110 quad.. xr50 style Chinese junk never runs. The 212 should kick ass.

[@Mikefestiva]

I think that motor will be great! I put on into that utility quad truck I built, it’s a solid engine. Take care

[@MikeSmith-rx4uu]

I like how it surprised you how much power those little 6hp have. VERY COOL PROJECT! Subscribed!

[@boatbuilder515]

I had this idea for a long time and never built one , its good to see you guys made it happen ... Good job super fun

[@Mikeofindy]

“I don’t want to destroy the tire” goes right into a full donut

[@Mikefestiva]

Well it was to good to hold back, I just had to rip it 👍

[@Mikeofindy]

Mike festiva SEND IT!!!

[@sidefx996]

That was awesome! Was not expecting it to ride so strong. Nice job! Looking forward to seeing more.

[@ervingoertzen7233]

Wow , I am totally in awe ! It really turned out awesome , really looks like a bunch of fun . Gives me an idea for next project

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on Ervin! Thanks for commenting :) it’s definitely a fun little bike! Take care

[@fishfire_2999]

Dam sure does look like fun doesn't it ,crap I need a bike get the hell outta the city once in a while ,def looks like a blast man👍

[@Steelythestacker]

I've seen some videos of people doing the exact same thing as you. That being said, your creation is one of the very few that I would ride or put my kid on. Well thought out, great execution. Very well done.

[@headlesnorseman701]

Love that you mix in bits of action and cut between stuff that we don’t really need/want to see. Perfect project style editing! Subbed!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks I really appreciate it! I try to keep the videos moving along but still add some info and “how to” for people but keep it fun with shots of the bike ripping :) Thanks for subscribing!

[@austinbartose6527]

Damn I wish I could live were you do. My state sucks now that California moved in and turned it all to city. Those ferns are everywhere

[@OriginalKingRichTv]

What "city"

[@private1712]

Amazing to see someone have an idea and work to see it through

[@therealbigfoot3076]

Just watched a video of a kid put this same motor in a truck and it drives lol

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! If you liked this video you should check out my channel, I built a bandsaw mill from scratch, a quad truck and a lot of other things! Thanks for commenting

[@private1712]

I will when I get time u should do like a series and try and make the bike into a normal dirtbike like clutch shifting and kickstart

[@ThatGuyInTheShed]

Geez that goes way better than I thought it would! I've been contemplating a similar swap for years but I've been putting it off because I thought the performance would be rubbish.

[@rayditzenberger9517]

So cool.... You can tell by all the responses that you hit a sweet spot..... I bought an old 100cc Kaw trail bike to re do but the motor is history. I had been thinking about doing this or just scraping it but you have convinced me to see if I can get a 212 to fit in the frame. I am absolutely amazed at how well this thing has worked especially as stock. I rode these old trail bikes in the 60 and 70's. What a way to salvage these old bikes.....I am gonna start tomorrow.....Thanks for your video. Great job by the way.:)

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on Ray! I appreciate your comment :) I definitely recommend building one!

[@theoriginalmungaman]

Who are the 41 idiots that gave this a thumbs down? Great fabrication and riding skills!

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha, I like your comment! Thanks :)

[@OliverMotorized]

nice! I really like the quality in which you installed it.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks! I appreciate your comment :) I also have been really digging your channel, I will be emailing you a photo of my quad truck, I saw you where going to be making a 20,000 subscriber thank you video with other peoples projects, and asked them to send you photos. That’s great!

[@jerseyjfp]

I agree really good clean install and no half assed work. Love it!

[@bentonrodeheaver2596]

This is good stuff. Over a year ago I pondered fitting a jawa speedway bike motor ( auto also) into an old husky xc frame that's been dormant too long. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@timstewart567]

Hey Mike, I just bought a 1972 Honda SL125. It's a basket case, but the frame and wheels are in great shape. I'm planning to do a very similar build. You are one of my favorite KZbin builders and a terrific teacher, thank you! Tim

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! That’s going to be a great bike for that engine swap 👍 Take care Tim

[@bradley1995]

Yeah gotta love these small engines. Great way to teach the little ones how to wrench!

[@Chris-yy7qc]

This guy is taking the cars and cameras stuff to a whole new level. Liked+subscribed, hope to see more content like that. :)

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Pretty cool project i was kind of impressed at the overall build/ video i didn’t expect for it to power The bike so well

[@G56AG]

This turned out incredibly well, I'm really surprised how well it performs. Well done!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks! I appreciate you checking out my project :)

[@capchassuck]

Thanks for posting. yeah I'm going for a flat head Briggs 5 horse with a mikuni carb and torque converter soon as I can. I have a 75 Kawasaki 400 rat roller frame. this video gives me confidence.

[@conker33350]

Wow I've always wanted to see someone stick a harbor freight motor in a bike cool vid. Definitely subbed. PS thanks for adding the top speed not everyone does that but everyone gets curious. Look forward to more videos.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks! It’s been a fun bike project 🙂 I have a few other videos on my KZbin channel about this bike, if you get time check them out. Take care

[@conker33350]

@@Mikefestiva haha already binge watching you. I'd like to see what you come up with in the future:) thank you

[@team187rc]

Ive got a 87' rm80 wit a GX200 6.5hp honda motor with governor removal kit & 22mm carb its so fun just like yours once u start to upgrade motor u'll fall in LOVE!!! Keep up the great work!!!👍🤘🖖

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for commenting Craig! That’s sounds like a awesome bike! Take care

[@sf.5895]

That thing runs GREAT! can't believe the performance. Nice job!

[@Mikefestiva]

Yes it’s quite quick for a bone stock 7Hp engine :) fun little bike! Thanks for checking out my video

[@VasilyBuilds]

Everyone: Predator 212's are slow! Mike festiva: Hold my beer

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha!

[@nicumarc5788]

This guy is a genious!!!I am a diesel mechanic and still dream to have a set up garage like Mike!

[@vancemacd6315]

That's a great build, nice work man.

[@don7406]

Awesome project. That would be a great bike for a youngster learning to trail ride. No clutch or gears to complicate things. Your little one may even learn on it 4 or 5 years from now. Thanks for sharing.

[@daveg1208]

Excellent job. That thing has plenty of off-the-line torque. God bless you brother.

[@tigattac]

Wow, you two brothers shure can ride those bikes!!! Subbed long time ago! Your builds are so well made, you build quality Sir. Seems the cvt spings made a great improvement, as did the carb and everything else. A do-able father son projekt. The plasma cutters you have are a genius tool for a maker. If you can think it, you can build it. You inspire me, keep it up please. Helge

[@jacklowe3788]

Great Video! Those lil predators motors put lot machines back in action that would otherwise rust away - I'm getting ready to put one on blown Garden Tiller -

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jack!

[@jackbowescinema8002]

I love your 2002 in the background! I am restoring one right now

[@1006thedude]

I built something like this 15 years ago with a burnt up 125 frame some gocart wheels and tires and a old tiller motor was a blast to ride and build

[@Mikefestiva]

That sounds like a good machine you built!

[@Joeak74]

I was going to suggest that perhaps you might want to "clock" the starter pull handle to the rear, so its less likely to stag on trail debris.

[@Mikefestiva]

Yes definitely a good idea, plus it will be easier to pull start when on the bike

[@rivierasilver]

This KZbin algorithm is getting better and better

[@ghouliesgarage3922]

Awesome build! Really turned out great !

[@michaeldelio1870]

Simple and fast! Great work Mike

[@rogermarshall8991]

Way Cool, I've been looking around for a frame myself, to build & repower.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on, I’m sure you will find something sooner or later. Take care

[@buttercupwalker]

I've got a new predator and cvt sitting in the shed...been debating on a project for it.....maybe I should track down a cheap dirtbike frame..lol

[@Mikefestiva]

I definitely recommend building one!

[@fishfire_2999]

I am completely shocked ,that thing rips!! Cannot even believe it rips a wheelie 👍

[@5_twenty]

That's the power if a torque convertaaa

[@sergioa.s.5771]

This was great. Thanks for the sharing. And yes, you are right, this is a great affordable simple dad/son weekend project. All the best from Portugal !!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for commenting! That’s awesome to have viewers from Portugal :)

[@jamesmaroon6161]

go power sports might sponsor you if your building stuff just like this. Or if you build gokarts and stuff they definitely will. Just saying

[@Lee-tp2kh]

Not being rude or anything but some people do this shit just cuz they love it they love getting there stories to people like me who won’t ever be able to do this cuz my wife hates me and takes every dime I make I legit dream of doing this have shopping carts in 100 stores and never have the means to buy it but through guys like these I can live thru them a sponsor is obviously amazing but not everyone cares about making money I mean obviously that’s not true and we all want money for our hobby’s

[@jamesmaroon6161]

@@Lee-tp2kh I would get rid of her. Just an opinion

[@nickrudd2568]

For me that would Perfect for brisk trails, This old man dont need No up n down the gears every corner just give it all n go.

[@samsgarage1716]

You did a great job.I put a 212cc on a little dirt bike and it’s ripping.

[@davidrice2669]

That’s amazing! Beautiful work!

[@EJ-74]

Great welding ideas Love the lower frame where you cut those 45s and bent those then welded it all together Looks a lot stronger the way you did it 👍👍👍 The motor worked a lot better than I thought it would Good job bro ✌️ You get a sub 👍 for that 😁 👍✌️

[@GUNTHER-lx6vu]

That's awesome man I love it nothing is junk if a body has ambition and anything with a engine is fun

[@jasoncox8586]

Great idea. That CR would have cost a couple pennies to rebuild but they are absolute animals. Great video!

[@Hutch_moto]

Cool project man , looking foward to carb swap and such . Looks like ya got some nice riding country there.

[@jram7047]

Little gearing change and some of the predator upgrades and you could really get it going

[@ginamiller6015]

Really nice work! Thanks for taking the time to video and share it. Great to see someone with the skills and passion to build and create. Bravo!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks, I really appreciate your comment!

[@pmfkeim6330]

You drifted that curve so smooth

[@fishnmaster421]

Pulls way better than I thought it would

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

If you are taking the governor out I suggest you install stiffer valve springs.

[@Mikefestiva]

Sounds good! Thanks

[@jeremyrock7446]

Cool. It’s gotta be weird driving a dirt bike without shifting 👍👍👍

[@Mikefestiva]

Twist and go! Haha it’s like driving a scooter for the dirt :)

[@rjright7373]

Looking forward to the carb upgrade, and your bike is fairly simple so big thumbs up on that one as most guys pimp things out that'are not practical for the regular guy on a budget! Thanks for that and my only reservation is to have more support on the lower front corner, since there is no room for an inner triangle perhaps an outer one, Oh! Joe Rocket jackets too lol... Hope video 2 is next,.. Yah!

[@bbay1977]

Sweet build. Now i just need to find me a hand full of frames somewhere. Gave me a really great idea to get a few bikes up and running for a little of nothing. Thanks for the upload.

[@Mikefestiva]

It’s definitely a good way to get old frames moving again 👍

[@lawnmowerdude]

That thing is way peppier than I would of thought.

[@shinethelight01]

It seems to have a decent amount of torque. Even if it only puts out, what was it? 7hp?

[@rcfundyer5739]

Really cool build thanks for posting

[@hankbellamy]

Enjoyed this what a beautiful place you have there I could never live in the city

[@eighthof8]

Friggin' AWESOME!! I swapped a worn out briggs on my rototiller with a HF 212. Also have one on my generator. HF engines are top notch!

[@Mikefestiva]

Yes these little engines are really well built! Thanks for commenting :) I really appreciate it.