| Examples of bicycles that can be motorized are below. Just make sure that the top frame tube sights toward the rear tire or higher, and the wheels are at least 26". Besides the requirement of adequate space
for an engine, front suspension and front disc brakes are very helpful. I have been
riding for years and know for a fact that front suspension and a disc
brake are necessary for comfort and fast braking. Looking at these photos I can see the most spacious frames are of the Micargi and Motobecane 4500. 29" Genesis Two Nine $200 WalMart  26" Golden Wheel Stinger $190 KMart  features: steel frame, steel rims, Shimano shifters, dual disc brakes. (the steel frame, heavier than aluminum, absorbs vibrations more)  26" Genesis HD2600 $280 WalMart  26" Micargi RX 0.3 Mens $310 BikeBuyers ($40 shipping) features: dual disc brakes, 2.3" tires, alloy handlebars, double wall rims, 4" travel forks (adjustable Zoom 580 with lockout), Shimano shifters, 21° head angle (more angle gives better handling), colors; white, black, red  2013 Motobecane 450HT
$320 BikesDirect (free shipping) Features: bike height selectable,
aluminum frame, aluminum double walled wheels, 4" travel adjustable
preload Suntour XCT forks, 2.1" tires, Tektro front/rear disc brakes,
colors; white, orange, green, black Dawes Haymaker 1000
$330 BikesDirect (free shipping) Features: bike height selectable,
aluminum frame, aluminum double walled wheels, 3.2" travel RST Capa
forks w/lockout, 2.0" tires, Tektro front/rear disc brakes, colors;
silver, yellow Motobecane Windsor Cliff 4500
$350 BikesDirect (free shipping) Features: bike height selectable,
aluminum frame, aluminum double walled wheels, 3.2" travel RST Capa
forks w/lockout, 2.0" Kenda tires, Tektro front/rear disc brakes,
colors; black, white 2013 Motobecane 500HT
$380 BikesDirect (free shipping) Features: bike height selectable,
aluminum frame, aluminum double walled wheels, 4" travel adjustable
preload Suntour XCT forks w/lockout, 2.0" tires, Tektro front/rear disc
brakes, color; silver/grey 2013 Motobecane 550HT
$350 BikesDirect (free shipping) Features: bike height selectable,
aluminum frame, aluminum double walled wheels, 4" travel adjustable
preload Suntour XCT forks w/lockout, 2.1" tires, Tektro front/rear
Hydraulic disc brakes, colors; silver, black, redMost of these bikes have seats that are too hard if you ride much and can be replaced with a gel saddle. I would also replace any low-rider handlebar stems with an adjustable one that allows a more upright body position. All these need a motor mount converter (for 1+1/4" or 2" wide frames) since the standard mount for the engine is for a 1+1/8" diameter down tube. That is included. Basic engine sizes available are 48cc and 66cc. 48cc is preferred for legal reasons but if you ride up hills then the 66cc is much better. Both incur the same cost. If you get a 48cc and later want to upgrade it then I can upsize it to a 55cc (15% increase) with special offset intake (for its wider intake hole spacing) if you feel it's too slow from a stop or won't climb hills as well as you want it to. Please consider also buying these items: speedometer, front light, rear light and fenders. The speedometer also has these other
functions; odometer, trip meter, thermometer.  Unfortunately these bikes are more desired by thieves than motorcycles because they are more "under the radar" legally than a motorcycle is and easier for a thief to resell. (No license, title, registration, etc) This problem exists much more in the big city than in small towns. If you are going to be parking it while you go inside to shop then you need protection against thieves. I recommend any of the following: 1) $150 shock-sensor/pager/siren that is also a GPS tracker so you can locate your bike if it is ever stolen. The type to buy that is the most hidden and least likely to be detected by a professional thief is the one that mounts inside the steerer tube. But only the Motobecane bikes shown here have enough space for them since the tubes have to be >250mm long. Along with it you will need a good lock such as the $65 Binetto T2 Titanium. 2) $105 D-lock which is both a lock and a shock-sensor/pager/siren. How/where to carry it while riding is the only problem with it. In addition you might also need a Seat & Wheel Lock Set ($54) if the thieves like to rob parts from bikes. What is the legal status of these bikes and what are the legal requirements? The word amongst riders is that as long as you don't speed (or go over 25mph), drive recklessly, etc then the cops leave you alone even if you aren't 100% in accordance with the law.  |