New Baja Owner but not new to mini bikes

[Jamesk5h]

Hey All, Just picked up this Baja Minibike with literally no stickers or anything saying the model or engine size. From the research I did only using the serial number I have a hunch that it is a 2005 MB165 / HT65. I really don’t know much about these bikes but does that sound right? If anyone has any input about what they think it is that’s greatly appreciated. I have predator swapped a manco streaker and a wildcat before but they were death traps. I would like to do the same preadator 212 swap with this Baja. I’m new to the jackshaft tech though.
Another question: Would the swap be hard to do for this Baja? Would I have to eliminate the jackshaft or could I use it? I would like anything possible to keep the chain from popping off ( previous problem that kept happening to the streaker and wildcat.

would I need any adapter plates or anything else to make the predator swap work? Also would the stock Baja clutch work on the predator shaft? I could get a new clutch but uncertain about the chain size and shaft size. Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
I went over the bike and do not see any cracks in the frame or engine plate. Thank you!

 

[Jamesk5h]

Hey All, Just picked up this Baja Minibike with literally no stickers or anything saying the model or engine size. From the research I did only using the serial number I have a hunch that it is a 2005 MB165 / HT65. I really don’t know much about these bikes but does that sound right? If anyone has any input about what they think it is that’s greatly appreciated. I have predator swapped a manco streaker and a wildcat before but they were death traps. I would like to do the same preadator 212 swap with this Baja. I’m new to the jackshaft tech though.
Another question: Would the swap be hard to do for this Baja? Would I have to eliminate the jackshaft or could I use it? I would like anything possible to keep the chain from popping off ( previous problem that kept happening to the streaker and wildcat.

would I need any adapter plates or anything else to make the predator swap work? Also would the stock Baja clutch work on the predator shaft? I could get a new clutch but uncertain about the chain size and shaft size. Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
I went over the bike and do not see any cracks in the frame or engine plate. Thank you!

 

[Charles S]

That's actually a VIN, there are websites for searching VINs. I think there are even sites for searching only Chinese VINs.

IMO, the Ducar 212 would be a much better choice than the Predator.
https://www.dynocams.com/item/212-1000/ducar212/

Both the Ducar and the Predator should be a bolt-in swap.

http://www.bajamotorsports.com/categories/minibikes

Those frames have been prone to cracking/breaking near the steering head, inspect it carefully, consider adding a gusset.

https://oldminibikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/check-your-frame-s.153828/

 

[Jamesk5h]

Thanks. I really don’t see any cracks at all. Now if the cracks are under the paint then I won’t know. I swapped a predator on to it last night. Just to see how it will ride. Hopefully will finish it up today and get to ride it. I wouldn’t mind welding gussets onto it. I’ll have to search around and see if they have any premade for this bike.

 

[Strigoi]

Predator swap is a waste of money. You'd be better off putting that money towards mods on the stock engine.

Like Charles said, if you want to do an engine swap do a Ducar 212.

If you're having issues with the chain staying on it's either a bent sprocket, severely worn sprocket, the engine and sprocket aren't aligned or it's not tensioned properly.

 

[Jamesk5h]

I already have a predator 212 ready to go. Swapped it out already but ran into a few snags. Right now the chain is too short to work. Also the jackshaft is screaming like a banshee when I rev it up. Not sure what’s going on there. The screaming stops when I let tension off the shaft pulley. I have it adjusted all the way back (loose) but the chain is still tight and screaming.