Repowering a Bearkat Twister

[schleppy]

I have a Bearkat I'm trying to get going and I'm rebuilding the original engine but I would like to put something else on it just so I can ride it. Has anyone else put a newer engine on a Twister? Im just wondering if there is something out there newer that would bolt up and be ready with minimum effort. The engine on the Bearkat is a Briggs Model 147402 Type 0661-01 Code 6705161

Thanks

 

[kc57]

I would look for another running 6-8 hp briggs. Easy to find and not expensive. I tried to put a 10 hp Tecumseh in a bearkat. And it was too wide. Twister's are great bikes good luck !

 

[schleppy]

So an 8hp briggs will fit?

 

[Richard Trotter]

The Briggs 6hp, 7hp and 8hp all have the same extermal dimentions. All the tin, carb and recoil/fan shroud are interchangeable. Just watch that you get the right shaft, usually 1" diameter, 1/4" key and drilled/threaded for bolt.

 

[schleppy]

Thank you Richard.

 

[creia]

Have you got any photos of that cool bike? That is one of the bikes on my son's radar. We have been looking for one for quite awhile.
Michael

 

[Davis]

Only a 6 7 8 hp briggs will work the pocket is too tight.

 

[schleppy]

http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/strictly-us-vintage/116183-bearkat-twister-survivor-sort.html

 

[schleppy]

Theres a couple pics of the old bear in that thread. I can post more later on. Its definitely a cool bike, my kids love to sit on it in the garage and pretend theyre riding it. It has that rear stand that is incredibly stable. The engine is fighting me every step of the way, I want to use the original engine but it has some rust issues and the flywheel and torque converter are holding on for dear life. I keep having to walk away from it before they get the hammer.

 

[creia]

Thanks for the photos- that is a nice bike! (I am very envious!)
Michael

 

[Rawfulink]

I'm currently in the works on a bearkat twister. Putting a 224 max performance in it. Wasn't exactly plug and play. To prevent cutting the frame of this beautiful classic I had to improvise on a engine mount custom to move the engine forward couple inches . It was hitting my jackshaft. Also raised it 1" for proper torque converter placement.im not finished completely. Waiting on my clutch to finish putting my drive train together. 1 belt, 2 # 40 chain drives hence the 4:1 gear ratio on this tote gote. Can't wait.

 

[Rawfulink]

I'm currently in the works on a bearkat twister. Putting a 224 max performance in it. Wasn't exactly plug and play. To prevent cutting the frame of this beautiful classic I had to improvise on a engine mount custom to move the engine forward couple inches . It was hitting my jackshaft. Also raised it 1" for proper torque converter placement.im not finished completely. Waiting on my clutch to finish putting my drive train together. 1 belt, 2 # 40 chain drives hence the 4:1 gear ratio on this tote gote. Can't wait.

Found some new things digging into this old bike. When measuring the sprockets this bike indeed has a #50 main drive chain and a #41 from the jack shaft to lower control arm sprocket. I have drawn a diagram for those that run into similar issues.

 

[Richard Trotter]

If I remember right, the Twister used a 7/8" wide belt.

 

[Gorak]

The #41 chain won't fit over my lower control arm sprocket. Fits the drive sprocket just fine. My lower sprocket is obviously thicker. I tried a #40 and it seems to loose in length. It does however fit nicely over both sprockets. I guess I either take my lower sprocket to the lathe for the #41or slot the holes in my jack shaft mounts to tighten up the #40. I wonder if that will affect the clutch performance on the belt?

 

[Studeman68]

The #41 chain won't fit over my lower control arm sprocket. Fits the drive sprocket just fine. My lower sprocket is obviously thicker. I tried a #40 and it seems to loose in length. It does however fit nicely over both sprockets. I guess I either take my lower sprocket to the lathe for the #41or slot the holes in my jack shaft mounts to tighten up the #40. I wonder if that will affect the clutch performance on the belt?

Been there... while working on super broncs.... Tighten up the 40 chain and you'll be fine. Won't affect the belt.