I bought this bike two years ago and basically gave up right then and there. It's a Scat Cat SC214B, commonly available in the early 70's through mail order. Because of the mail order thing they were much cheaper than typical mini bikes. And when you consider that the rolling frame was imported from Taiwan, that made them really cheap. Some higher Scat Cat models came with a two-stroke (maybe Hodaka?) engine, but I believe most came with a 4 horse Tecumseh.
What I found notable was the very high quality components. The brake hubs are die cast. The shocks are also die cast. Now as for the 10-inch knobby tires - with white walls - OK that is totally wrong on any planet, but that's how they came. The big attraction for me was the awesome gas tank. It was chrome and this one looked great until I realized that it had deep creases from the tripe tree on both sides (design flaw #1). I put a black primer on it to slow the rust and that was the end of that.
After researching I noticed that Scat Cats came with an awesome muffler, but that will likely be impossible to find. Going back to chrome on the tank will be difficult because of the deep dents. So I think it will have to be paint - and a frame modification to stop the dents from the triple tree. The seat looked really good, but on close observation it has holes and tears and will need to be rebuilt.
Now as for the engine, I have rebuilt a few vintage flatheads, but I'd rather have a root canal than rebuild another one. I'm thinking Predator, thus, the Vintage Open Class. I want to make this a fast one, so a 6.5 horse Predator with a few engine upgrades should make this a screamer. With a frame mounted driven member this could be a real challenge.
The biggest expense is going to be chrome. Even if I paint the tank I'll still need lots of chrome - wheels, struts, handlebars, among other parts.
Any advice is appreciated, especially if you have any information or experience with a Scat Cat.
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