08-13-2015, 02:53 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 454
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Harbor Freight Choppers
Sweet home made Harbor Freight Choppers! They both had HF 420CC motors with centrifugal clutches. Owners said they do 55-70mph depending on sprocket size and get about 35mpg.
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2013 SSR XF-250 Last edited by dh; 08-13-2015 at 02:56 PM. Reason: incomplete |
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08-14-2015, 03:27 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Posts: 436
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I know these are not the same and are offered in UK, but they must be made in China for sure:
http://funbikes.co.uk/Baja_Big_Wheel...284909%29.aspx |
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08-14-2015, 11:54 AM | #3 |
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: arkansas
Posts: 297
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If only those 420cc motors were coupled to some sort of transmission! even a 2 speed! A totally serviceable machine that every part is replaceable for a reasonable price! And it would not take a factory trained mechanic 5 hours labor to diagnose and repair an engine problem.
Maybe I should keep my majesty and graft a new swing arm coupled to a 420cc and ride it forever. |
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08-14-2015, 12:07 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Deerfield Beach FL
Posts: 1,410
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Yeh take a look at the gearing issue. Look at the size of the rear sprocket on that stretched bike. Its almost the same size as the wheel.
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08-14-2015, 02:59 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
Posts: 25,977
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I noticed that. I'd be at least trying to graft a Torq-a-Verter to it, so you could have some torque multiplication and high speed gearing.
My preference would be to use an old-school transmission, like from a Royal Enfield. Neat bikes! I'm hoping to build a complete bike some day, and obtain registration and insurance for it.
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Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer |
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08-15-2015, 12:14 AM | #6 |
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: arkansas
Posts: 297
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Can you imagine after building one out of common hardware store parts and tagging it you and a few buddys go touring and 1000 miles from home the motor dies and for a quick repair you stop at a farm store or harbor freight and just buy a new engine and 15 min later you and the rest of the riders are on their way home! Mail or ups it home for a overhaul and spare motor. Set up the rear tire for a darkside car tire and get 35k before it wears out! All generic parts that can be had any where!
Them air cooled industrial engines run for ever so failing is not a common occurrence too. |
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08-15-2015, 02:05 AM | #7 | |
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 454
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Quote:
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2013 SSR XF-250 |
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08-15-2015, 02:31 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
Posts: 25,977
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They are pricey, no doubt. There wouldn't be much of a savings with a vintage transmission, either.
I suppose a spare centrifugal clutch would be cheap and easy to pack.
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Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer |
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08-15-2015, 04:58 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: arkansas
Posts: 297
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Don't remember exactly how it was done but a neighbor 40 years ago came home with a brand new wards scooter that had a centrifugal 2 speed belt transmission.
Then there's the v-belt ones that are lever actuated like lawn tractors have, with more pulleys and another lever you could go two speed pretty easy and cheap and still be able to use a centrifugal to keep belt wear down. |
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