Not raining on the parade at all!

This I why I like this discussion board, I really appreciate the advice you guys have given already. I'm still unsure about putting the motor in this bike. I'm leaning towards yes, but you raise some valid points concerning safety. Especially the braking aspect.
 I do think it will be a cheaper option than getting the "tried and trusted" engine options. There is no limit to what you can make with a little trial and error. (plus I like a challenge)

If I do use this engine, I will find a way to relocate the carb. The more I thought about it, the less keen I am to modify the tank.

At the end of the day; I do want to ride this bike fairly often in the summers, So I do need to compromise "the look" for some safety (keeping in mind these things don't sound like they were to safe from the factory.)

I've also picked up my next challenge that will move into the garage once the simplex is done. Can't wait to throw the simplex in the back of it and go to a drive night.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm going to do some more thinking and see if I can come up with a plan here.

 

So... I ended up finding this little engine and transmission from a 1983 Honda ATC185. I thought the price was right at $0. lol
I'm sure it's not a good idea, but I'm considering wedging this into the bike.

It is a 5 speed semi auto clutch, so I will have to shift through the gears, but no need for a clutch lever (which will still keep my handlebars clean)

At 9hp I think it's a little much for the frame to handle, but it's not like I'm going to be wringing this things neck at all...ever.

I'm a little hesitant to do it because I will have to cut out the tank support, and cut a notch in the back of the tank for the carburetor to clear the back of the tank under the seat.

Has anyone ever tried this? Or better yet, does anyone have any reasons to or not to do this? I'm not thrilled about cutting the frame. (the tank I'm not so worried about because it's fairly dented up on the one side)

So far the reasons I have for wanting to put this in the bike are as follows:

-manual transmission with centrifugal clutch  <--- this is a big one for me, I prefer shifting gears but don't want a clutch mucking up the look of the bars

-4 stroke with CDI ignition, no messing with oil tanks fuel mixtures or points

-COST (obviously)

I'm VERY interested in everyone's opinions on this. I feel it's a pretty big decision to cut into the frame or not.

I will admit though that I am leaning more to the shove it in there side of things.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts or opinions on this guys

Cheers
Matt

I spoke with Wayne yesterday and ordered up front and rear spoke sets and a stiffer seat spring. What a great guy! An absolute pleasure to deal with! Too bad there aren't more out there like him.

So here's what I've ended up with so far. I will have to order the stiffer sprin from Wayne, as the seat hits the fender when maxed out.
Let me know what you think of the style.
Cheers
Matt

I think you're right about hitting the fender. I'll play around with the position of it.
Don't worry, it's only scotch taped on right now (couldn't find the duct tape  )
I haven't decided how I want to make the mounts yet, I would prefer to keep as many original parts as possible. So I want to figure a way to do it with the original spring.

Found my frame number.   07509
Judging my the pictures of the different seat mount, spring and tank configurations. I must be a fairly late model bike.

I've been working on a seat for this thing this past week. I'll post a new thread in that section. check it out and lemme know whatcha think.

Cheers
Matt

Hey guys, I got this thing a few years ago at an auction.
Got the rolling chassis with two rear wheels, it had a bicycle rim ont he front with original hub.
The plan is to get it back moving again with a semi automatic engine. Sort of a resto mod if you will. (I haven't found a suitable drive train yet, but I'm sure something will come up.
I've been slowly working away at getting things moving again. Front suspension was completely seized, and one broken spring (I'm looking for replacements if anyone has any ideas)
I don't plan on painting the bike as I think the maroon/purple colour with the patina looks to lovely to hide.
I'll post pics as I go

Great wealth of information here guys!