Without saying too much, let's just say GRM is planning some editorial on mopeds, pit bikes, go-karts, and the like.
However, though I was able to convince the higher-ups that we need to write about this, I was not able to convince them to fund a series of increasingly-stupid moped projects.
This means we'll need to write about your silly contraptions, so let's see what you've got. Post up a picture and a short description here, or send me an email at Tom@GrassrootsMotorsports.com. If we pick your contraption, you can expect some coverage in GRM and a healthy dose of GRM swag to accompany it.
Thanks!
Oh, and for examples, check out the pit bikes section of GRM.
I have one posted in my garage with a few pictures.
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/reader-rides/6856/
Manco Thunderbird minibike, 6.5hp Harbor Freight motor (honda clone), power transferred through a centrifugal clutch. Torquey, will do close to 40ish mph flat out. I have 3 friends with identical builds, haha.
also if you are trying to put together some sort of article and need resources, oldminibikes.com is a good one. forum and parts, etc....
Tom Suddard wrote: stupid moped projects.
You rang?
My 78 Vespa Ciao. 75cc of italian moped fury. Suzuki K10 Forks, cut down clubman bars, custom top tube that was once a clothing rack, YZ80 pipe, Malossi 47mm kit.
Totally useless thing.
[URL=http://s459.photobucket.com/user/ditch_digger/media/moped/ciao01.jpg.html]
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I really need to find a 120lb kid to sell it to. I look like this riding it
Aye.
My 1976 Motobecane 50V
74cc of French moped fury! 19mm Dellorto, 47mm Airsal kit with stock head milled 1mm, cut and flipped mountain bike bars. Headlight was once a Harbor Freight flashlight.
I completely agree with the circus bear sentiments. At close to 6'3", I look utterly ridiculous on this thing.
There is an 82 BMW R100 I am jonesing to Cafe'
I guess this means I should thoroughly document my Ruckus engine swap, if it happens...
Would you be interested in the upcoming engine swap on my off-road kart? We're removing the GY6/CVT and swing arm suspension and replacing it with an engine off a '79 Honda CB 650. It will have a swing arm suspension, but the engine will not be mounted on it, and it will have a slightly complex drive system.
Woody
MegaDork
6/25/13 2:04 p.m.
This might be cheating because it was featured in the Pit Bike section. Margie was actually instrumental in the sale of this bike, which was a retirement gift for the head of the AMA Museum.
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/71-honda-ct70-mini-trail-vintage-pit-bike-update/1645/page1/
Here's a funny story of the sale of the little bike:
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/honda-ct70-mini-trail-update-and-now-the-rest-of-the-story/19168/page1/
Also, not really a pit bike and only sort-of a motorcycle, certainly a silly contraption...my Montesa 315R:
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/montesa-315r-the-project-begins/54630/page1/
JThw8
PowerDork
6/25/13 5:34 p.m.
My silly contraption was already posted in the Pit Bikes section but if you want more info for your article just let me know.
This is gonna be good...can't wait to see some of the go-karts people have!
ransom
UltraDork
6/26/13 12:29 a.m.
In reply to JThw8:
What the... Is the flamingo the controls? How does that work?
Hasbro
SuperDork
6/26/13 12:29 a.m.
I never used it in a paddock but it would have been perfect.
JThw8
PowerDork
6/26/13 7:06 a.m.
ransom wrote:
In reply to JThw8:
What the... Is the flamingo the controls? How does that work?
The steering wheel is not shown in that photo, traditional steering that comes up through the hammock.
The flamingo is the throttle and brake, forward to go, back to stop. The original control for the golf cart upon which its based was a single pedal with a front and a back and a center pivot, so press on the front of the pedal to go and the back of the pedal to stop, same linear motions being transferred so it was easy to connect it to the flamingo.
Here's a video from the first test drive to see it in action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZvNx03Rne0
Not mine but one of many spotted at the swap meet.
Bruce
vwfreek
New Reader
6/26/13 9:38 a.m.
Shameless plug. I work for the company that builds these.
Folkman Inc. Short Course Kart.
Hasbro wrote:
I never used it in a paddock but it would have been perfect.
Holy crap batman! More details please!
subrew
Reader
6/27/13 2:02 p.m.
I've built three more since taking this picture:
From L to R:
1969 Kawasaki G3TR,
1962 Honda C100 vintage Trials machine,
1963 Bridgestone BS7,
1964 Honda C105 Rat Rod (140cc engine),
1964 Hodaka ACE 90,
1964 Yamaha YJ1 with hor rod YSR50 motor,
1966 Honda S65,
1964 Yamaha YG-1T,
1970 Suzuki AC50,
1964 Bridgestone 90 Sport,
1966 Honda C110 Bonneville Racer,
1963 Honda CA100,
1963 Miyata Miyapeto,
Center: 1966 Honda CL90 Scrambler
Recently built:
1966 Suzuki K11P:
Honda C110 Scrambler
And my latest project, a scrap Honda C100 frame, C100 pushrod motor, built into this:
I've written a couple "primer" pieces on Per's site, for people interested in getting into classic tiddlers:
http://garagelove.com/vintage-pit-bikes-getting-started/
http://garagelove.com/vintage-pit-bikes-different-types/
Would there be interest in my buddy's gy6 150 swapped ruckus? it's pretty damn cool. and purple. can't forget purple
In reply to v8exocet:
That looks like fun.....that is all.
Hasbro wrote:
I never used it in a paddock but it would have been perfect.
I'm still waiting for details on this
110cc auto ATV engine based drift trike
200CC multispeed ATV based drift trike. still gotta do about 20% of the wiring, ran out of electrical tape and some other stuff. and get the seat covered (pan is sitting crooked) Both built entirely by me alone.
