Newbie to china engines

[nsxguy7]

Hello all,
I recently decided to return to riding after a 10 year hiatus. I've owned a slew of sport bikes in the past, but having been away for a while, I decided to start out with something small to get my feet wet. I recently acquired a 1974 CB750 frame with title. My plans are to build a cafe bike/commuter special as I recently acquired a 44 mile commute to work as well. This will be a husband/wife project ( yes, she really is THAT cool ) and she will ride it when I decide to move up to something bigger.
Rather than stuff a stock 750 engine in it, I decided to go the single route. I found the Lifan 200cc single (FML163) and it looks like a good choice, I think it even would look good in the frame.
My question is...does this engine support lighting and battery charging functions? I think it probably does, but I want to be sure. Anyone have any positive or negative experiences with this engine? Thanks in advance..

[FastDoc]

Welcome to the forum.

You are a blessed man.

I don't think a 200cc Chinese motor would move a CB750, with a average sized person on it, faster than 50 MPH. I'd say 40 would be more like it.

To answer your question the Lifan has a stator that will power a bikes basic electrical systems and charge a battery through a regulator/rectifier.

These are excellent engines for a lightweight XR200 sized or smaller trailbike, but in your application I suspect it will be dangerously slow.

[nsxguy7]

Thanks for the advice. My goal was to make the bike as extremely lightweight as possible and shave even ounces everywhere I could. That said, maybe I should look to an Ascot motor or something similar as I want to at least cruise in the 70 mph range.

[SpudRider]

Welcome; we are glad you joined us.

FastDoc has given you excellent advice. You will never reach a top speed of 70 mph, let alone cruise at that speed with a 200cc, air cooled, carbureted engine. I think FastDoc's estimate of a 40 mph cruise speed is very accurate.

[katoranger]

Sounds like a fun project, but it will not be a highway bike. Now a 250cc lifan twin may be a possibility. These are not as common.

FYI, I have considered the same idea. I don't need to go that fast.

[Weldangrind]

Welcome!

It would be an interesting experiment to place a 200 in the 750 cradle, but I agree that it would never be a highway bike. If you shaved enough weight, it might be suitable for around town, with the occasional blast in a 50mph zone. It would certainly depend upon the weight of the rider and the gearing.

[nsxguy7]

I'm looking at the 250cc Lifan twin as well. Also the 400cc version, but having a hard time finding anyone who imports/sells just the engine here...

[FastDoc]

Important question I forgot to ask.

Do you have an NSX?

I like that car.

[culcune]

Originally Posted by nsxguy7

I'm looking at the 250cc Lifan twin as well. Also the 400cc version, but having a hard time finding anyone who imports/sells just the engine here...

Not sure that bike ever found its way to the US ( 400cc). Try Excalibur Motors www.atv4usa.com since they have imported all kinds/brands of bikes the past several years. They might even have a 400cc thumper left from when they used to carry the Xingyue 400cc adventure bike ( they stopped selling them, however due to quality issues). Member Wild Alaskan stuffed a Honda 400cc single from an ATV into his Lifan enduro. Maybe something like that would work for you?

[SpudRider]

Indeed, the Shineray, 400cc, air cooled engine is not sold by any vendors in the United States. You could order it directly from China, but the shipping costs would be very expensive. I would definitely avoid the Xingyue 400cc engine.

[zingshoen]

it wouldn t be practical for a commute, but it would be fun to build and ride where it is safe to do so! more or less impractical bikes can be so much fun...and a 1974 CB750 is a beautiful bike. i d also consider the Lifan 250 V Twin, which "powers" some cruiser type chinabikes.