Hey OldMiniBikes,
Last Sunday i picked up a 1966 Taco 44 mini bike in somewhat okay - bad shape. It had a 5hp Tec on it that did not run. There was a substantial hole in the rear of the frame, the swinging arm suspension was welded in place, and also bolted. Every bearing on the bike was original and had seen better days. The drive clutch, jack shaft, and sprocket that leads to the rear wheel were toast. The brakes didn't work, there was no kill switch, and the throttle mechanism stuck.
Here is what she looked like:
I met the guy I purchased it from at a local gas station at 7:30 on a Sunday night and it was raining, I didn't notice these issues right then and there. I was excited to see if it would run! I took it home where my buddy and I cleaned the tank and carb, changed the oil and plug, and rigged a shut off "switch". The first pull after realizing the switch was actually in the "off" position it started up and ran like a champ. Lubed up the chain and topped off the fuel tank. Finished the beer And hit road. What a RIOT. I was covered in gravel spray and rain water and soon after my roommate was as well. The way she was, it would do about 35-40 mph. Or at least as fast as i was taking it in that condition.
Tuesday I was riding around and the throttle stuck on me for the last time. I took it to the shop and set it on the bench to have a look. That is when i really noticed the majority of the issues. Also, I started a post in the "what is it" section and then I know what i was working with. That helped tremendously. It needed everything. And that is what she got for the most part.
Last Sunday i picked up a 1966 Taco 44 mini bike in somewhat okay - bad shape. It had a 5hp Tec on it that did not run. There was a substantial hole in the rear of the frame, the swinging arm suspension was welded in place, and also bolted. Every bearing on the bike was original and had seen better days. The drive clutch, jack shaft, and sprocket that leads to the rear wheel were toast. The brakes didn't work, there was no kill switch, and the throttle mechanism stuck.
Here is what she looked like:
I met the guy I purchased it from at a local gas station at 7:30 on a Sunday night and it was raining, I didn't notice these issues right then and there. I was excited to see if it would run! I took it home where my buddy and I cleaned the tank and carb, changed the oil and plug, and rigged a shut off "switch". The first pull after realizing the switch was actually in the "off" position it started up and ran like a champ. Lubed up the chain and topped off the fuel tank. Finished the beer And hit road. What a RIOT. I was covered in gravel spray and rain water and soon after my roommate was as well. The way she was, it would do about 35-40 mph. Or at least as fast as i was taking it in that condition.
Tuesday I was riding around and the throttle stuck on me for the last time. I took it to the shop and set it on the bench to have a look. That is when i really noticed the majority of the issues. Also, I started a post in the "what is it" section and then I know what i was working with. That helped tremendously. It needed everything. And that is what she got for the most part.
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