Lifan 110cc Honda Cub motor... any good?

[aaron7]

Ok. I joined these forums to ask this one question (at least just one for now!)...

I have a 64 Honda Cub C100. I found a Lifan 110cc motor on ebay that says it drops right in. I've tried to do my research but not many have this motor. All I can find is one guy on Youtube doing a wheelie with it lol

I know this forum is obviously pro-Chinese motors... but I do need to know the pros and cons of the Honda-replacement Lifan motors. I've had many pocketbikes and scooters in the past and I've never had good luck with them... the carbs are hard (if not impossible) to tune, the metal breaks, the screws strip easily...

Any input?

[frostbite]

I wouldn't say we're so much pro-Chinese as anti-anti-Chinese. :D

There are at least 2 forum members who used Lifan engines in Honda frames. One was an ATC 200X and the other a XR200/250?. The XR was even raced. I believe both owners were happy with the swap. A search through the forum should yield the relevant discussion threads.

[culcune]

Ok. I joined these forums to ask this one question (at least just one for now!)...

I found a Lifan 110cc motor on ebay that says it drops right in.

I know this forum is obviously pro-Chinese motors...?

I agree, most of us aren't full-on "pro-Chinese" motors' people, but rather risk-takers in that we invested little money to experiment to see if these bikes are worth it.

If the 110cc is cheap enough, it couldn't hurt to try it out.

[katoranger]

I haven't experience any problems motor wise. All the problems stem from the less developed bike that surrounds a pretty decent motor.

I wouldn't hesitate to install a lifan motor.

Allen

[aaron7]

Well this is the motor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LIFAN-110CC-CT70H-PASSPORT-SUPER-CUB-HONDA-ATV-CRF-XR-Z_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35595QQihZ006QQitemZ1 60213707980QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVWQQtcZphoto

Thoughts?

[katoranger]

You need to go all out and get this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/160CC-BBR-LIFAN-CT70-CRF70-CRF50-CT90-CT-XR-CRF-TRX-X18_W0QQitemZ190203181426QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item1 90203181426

Don't know if it really makes a difference, but this one actually says "lifan" on the sides of the engine.

Here might be a great buy.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/110-Lifan-engine-Chinese-like-honda-70-90-110_W0QQitemZ120228956614QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item1 20228956614

There are so many parts available for these engines that are of good quality that it shouldn't be of much concern for you.

Go look in the pit bike section as that will have alot more info on these.

Allen

[aaron7]

Those are definately cool but neither is a bolt on to the C100 cub. I'm looking for one that just bolts in and I can gooooooooo!

[katoranger]

I thought they were all basically the same, is there a difference in the motor mount setups for the cubs?

It may not have you specific model listed, but they probably do fit also.

I am sure that some minor wiring etc will need to be done. A 1964 honda is going to be a 6 volt system and the new motor will be 12 volt. Also the new motor will be a CDI ignition and the old a points ignition.

I googled trying to find a pic of a 64 cub and found this forum that might be of more help for you. http://planetminitrails.com/webboard/

Please keep us informed here too. I am looking at repowered hondas too.

Allen

[aaron7]

Thanks for the forum link but this isn't a minitrail and shares none of the same parts with them.

This is the C100 Cub:

http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/820/577342.JPG

[katoranger]

I think that those motors will bolt in, but you will need to use some of the stock parts from the cub motor. That side cover by the shifter will need to be used that lines up with the chain cover, the airbox parts and some of the wiring. You could use the stock points, but I would convert it over for 12 volt and run the CDI.

That minitrail forum will have help with the electrical as that is the same idea. 6 volt to 12 volt conversions.

I think it will involve switching the bulbs and the regulator/rectifier to 12volt components and that is probably about the extent of it.

I have been toying with getting a CT90 trail which is real similar to your cub. These engine are basic bolt ins for those too.

Allen

[katoranger]

Here is another link that may be of more help.

http://www.miniriders.com.au/forum/tech-talk/10617-lifan-transplant-into-postie-bike-ct110.html

Allen

[ejcycles]

Hi aaron7
Your bike has a Honda 49cc Push-Rod engine in it. None of these newer engines are in & go. Yes they fit the frame mounts Ok,...
But... Your bike has a 6 volt electrical system on it. You will need to change the entire wiring harness and lengthen the one you receive. Change the charging system parts {regulator & battery}, all of the light bulbs to 12 volt. You will need a CDI box & ignition coil for the the new engine. You will need to figure out a way to connect the original air box to the carburetor. All of these newer engines run a 12 volt electrical system for everything. It can be done if you have the experience.

[katoranger]

I have located a donor CT90 for $50. This may be the beginning of a good commuter project. I am leaning toward one of the 140cc engines that comes complete with wiring and carb.

Now I just need to sneak it home without my wife finding out.

Allen

[ejcycles]

katoranger
I hope she doesn't read the forums! 8O

[katoranger]

Nope, She is totally in the dark about this one. The seller may even meet me at work with it and I can bring it home and sneak it into the shed. I will buy parts one at a time and then wheel it out when its done. She nevers goes in my shed and wouldn't be able to tell it from any of the other junk bikes in there.

Bruce, is the 2speed Hi/lo a separate gear box or part of the internal transmission?

I am not planning to use this bike offroad, but I am just curious.

It is going to be optimized for street use and mpg with enough power to hold 50 on the hills. I think the 160cc pitbike motor is called for now.

Allen

[ejcycles]

Hi Allen
The Two speed part of the transmission {Sub-Transmission} as Honda calls it, is on the outside of the left cover right above the arm to move it from hi to low. The countershaft goes all the way from the right inner crankcase into the sub-transmission. They are a bear to change countershaft sprockets on and the c. sprocket isn't a normal sprocket.

[katoranger]

Thanks, I have never seen one in person. I don't need hi/lo for pure street use anyway, but thought it may be adaptable.

Allen

[mrhyak]

When I was a kid I had to replace a gear in the hi-lo box of my 1970 ATC90 and I found it very easy to work on. Seemed a very simple setup that even a 13 yr old kid with no mechanic knowledge could fix.

As for the guy who wanted to swap out the engine on a '64 Honda C100, there is a bike on Hoopers site that looks to be close to the same as what he mentioned with the same work done but on a 1961 Honda.

https://st12.flashecom.com/hooperimports/images/Customers_Bikes_with_our_engines_Pictures/all_four_1961_110cc.JPG

[katoranger]

I haven't picked up my CT90 yet. It is about 1.5 hours away so I am waiting to find another reason to go that way or someone I know going that way to pick it up for me.

Allen