So after reading quite a few threads, gathering 100's of minibike photos, and modifying my current minibike, I decided I want to build a style of my own with my own frame using whatever parts I can find locally (with minor exceptions) on a limited budget. I'm an older guy but not a big fan of the traditional style of minibikes. Being new to this forum I was also contemplating entering the build-off but decided not to for the following reason. After reading the requirement must be in the "spirit of the minibike", I felt my idea was out of place and shouldnt be logged there. Also, I dont have any parts and prefer to pick up what i need as i need it. I want a bike that is slightly larger than the traditional minibike but smaller than a 3/4 style and be street legal but at the same time use ideas and components from the minibike inventory. Other members have doc builds on here that include 3 wheels, tracks, etc so I figure why not be different. anyway, i scribbled/doodled a couple different ideas and plan to begin in the next week or two on the build. the one labeled "FatAss" is my #1 current choice, the other is a chopper style followed by a bobber style. The scale may be slightly off but for perspective the tire/wheel combo plan of using a 10" trailer wheel with tire diameter of 16-18" or possibly something from the golf cart markets. Let me know what you think or if Im completely wacked out of my mind.
Considering Building a Homebuilt Bike
- Thread starter firemarshal71
- Start date
- Tags homebuilt project
Thanks Doc! I just got done researching parts and am going to go with a live axle setup for the rear so that I can use a hub with a 4" on 4 bolt pattern like member RatBike has done. I will be able to use the golf cart DOT 16 x 8.5 on 8 on back and whatever trailer tire and wheel combo I can find that is equivalent to a 16" overall height and about 5" width on front. For braking, probably will go with a drum/sprocket setup for brakes but am also considering a clutch band brake with scrub as a backup to keep frame width to a minimum.
Hey FM 71 , its a lot of work to build from scratch but is well worth it when your done.
I used a 16.5 , 6.5 , 8 on the back of one of my bikes with a live axel , but used a disk brake from a chinese atv worked out well for me
Here is a picture or two of the rear wheel.
Good luck , and take lots of pictures.
I used a 16.5 , 6.5 , 8 on the back of one of my bikes with a live axel , but used a disk brake from a chinese atv worked out well for me
Here is a picture or two of the rear wheel.
Good luck , and take lots of pictures.
Thanks for the input Adrenaline, I am definately looking for salvaged parts as an option but keep coming back to this trailer tire that i can pick up at our farm and fleet store for about $36. It is DOT, 16" x 4.5" on 8" wheel and has no mention of "trailer use only" on it.
The engine, I wasnt sure of the cc's at the time, but it is the next bigger one that i seen at harbor freight with the electric start and charging coil. I believe it is the clone version of the 342 you referenced above. I would love to get a honda, or something similar but this is an area I can't really afford to splurge in. I like the Predator 212 so thinking that for 300$ I can't go wrong with a 342. Then again, I may just stick with another 212 and go with a jackshaft setup or torque converter.
The engine, I wasnt sure of the cc's at the time, but it is the next bigger one that i seen at harbor freight with the electric start and charging coil. I believe it is the clone version of the 342 you referenced above. I would love to get a honda, or something similar but this is an area I can't really afford to splurge in. I like the Predator 212 so thinking that for 300$ I can't go wrong with a 342. Then again, I may just stick with another 212 and go with a jackshaft setup or torque converter.
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BigRob, thanks for the advice. I seen others are putting couplings on the shaft (outside of the shaft bearings) and wondered if you had any sideplay without them. the setup you show is exactly what i had in mind. how wide is the frame in back from shaft bearing to shaft bearing? (axle width) and did you get a custom shaft made or just cut the threads and excess off?
old thread revisited
Been a while since I posted anything on this thread but alot of what I learned from the members who commented on here helped me with my chopper for OldMiniBikes-13 build. Now that the bike is complete, I want to revisit this idea. It's not going to be a minibike but more like a 3/4 size bike. I have seen so many other kinds of builds on here that I am truly inspired to build something different and one that will really push my imagination and current fabrication skills. I have refined my original drawings and undecided if I will do another chopper or go with the low and stretched out bobber style. I still like the idea of a ribbed cage design, no fender out back except for a partial cover and low seat. Appreciate any feedback you might offer, thanks for looking.
Been a while since I posted anything on this thread but alot of what I learned from the members who commented on here helped me with my chopper for OldMiniBikes-13 build. Now that the bike is complete, I want to revisit this idea. It's not going to be a minibike but more like a 3/4 size bike. I have seen so many other kinds of builds on here that I am truly inspired to build something different and one that will really push my imagination and current fabrication skills. I have refined my original drawings and undecided if I will do another chopper or go with the low and stretched out bobber style. I still like the idea of a ribbed cage design, no fender out back except for a partial cover and low seat. Appreciate any feedback you might offer, thanks for looking.
Cool looking concept, I am not familiar with the laws in your area but street legal from scratch is tough... it's the VIN number for me that's the killer. Here is a cool thread to check out this guy Graucho builds some crazy choppers. LoBoy Fat Tire Chopper Bicycle
You don't have to use them but maybe throw a set of pedals on there call it a moped no vin, inspection, registration, or insurance.
You don't have to use them but maybe throw a set of pedals on there call it a moped no vin, inspection, registration, or insurance.
thanks Chain. It will be easier if I can find a donor bike and use a title and engine and build a new frame around, but Wisconsin requires a similar process as in the kit car industry and needs to meet certain criteria- seat height, horns, mirrors, lights, typical safety stuff. The engine size will determine where it can be taken but Im going to try and keep a low profile.
I have already changed the design a little more and morphed the two designs into one since I can't make up my mind. It has a slighly taller chopper look. Still looking for a small displacement donor bike.
I have already changed the design a little more and morphed the two designs into one since I can't make up my mind. It has a slighly taller chopper look. Still looking for a small displacement donor bike.