Predator vs clone quality?

J

Jaymo

Member
#1
#1
How do they compare?
Is the Predator better quality than the 196cc clone used on the Baja Warrior?

How about the 301cc and 420cc Predators?
Do they have any quality problems?
How do they compare to the Hondas?

I want to build my Warrior.

I also want to build one of these An Echo in the Darkness (Mark of the Lion #2)
by Francine Rivers (Goodreads Author) with a 420 Predator, for woods/hunting use.

Also, how hard is it to fit a 301 Predator to the Baja Warrior?
I'm not opposed to replacing the Predator gas tank with a motorcycle gas tank, if need be, for fitment purposes.
 
D

davidlamb78

Member
#3
#3
I think the bigger motors have a 1" PTO. You can turn it down to 3/4" with a lathe or spend $100 on your clutches. I've never used one, but I wouldn't think it would be a hard swap. I'm pretty sure they are still governed to around 3500 RPMs, but they probably have a lot more torque.
 
Moedog07

Moedog07

New Member
#8
#8
In my opinion the Predators are the Best $99 you can spend on a small engine. They respond well to changes in jets, exhaust system and camshafts.
 
Last edited:
Commonrail

Commonrail

New Member
#9
#9
I hit 8100 a time a two but it was a free rev. It didnt have a load on the bike. After the chain keeps jumping, I sure as heck don't wanna hit those and the back tire locks up lol. I'd probably sell it hahahaha
 
H

Havasu Dave

Moderator
#10
#10
...and here I thought a Predator "was" a Honda clone. :laugh:

If you change cam, rod, flywheel, valve springs, intake, exhaust, and carburetor, is it still a $99 Predator?
 
Moedog07

Moedog07

New Member
#11
#11
I can't compare a Honda to the Predator but I have had great service from the Predators and Gray hounds. Big & small blocks.
I am about to tear into a 420cc Predator and will be swapping a GX340 head to boost compression. I'll eyeball them both then.
 
gbabins1

gbabins1

Active Member
#13
#13
I've had about 8 Greyhounds and I have 3 Predators currently. We do rev them slightly higher than the 3600, but never had a real issue with either brand. We ride the Predators weekly and we're not to easy on them. :doah:
 
Dragbikemini

Dragbikemini

#16
#16
Predator is a "knock off". Not a true clone. Anything that will share a Honda gas tank is a true clone. I look at gas tank mounting tabs.
Clones and predators are good mini bike and kart engines but if you install a predator/clone on a plate tamper it will probably start smoking in a week.
Put side by side a UT2 Honda GX200 and Predator. The UT2 casting is flawless. The predator casting is a mess.

Takes some work to find but not all GX200's are $500.
 
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