Bent Power

[Hive]

I have put a Golden Eagle 32cc Tanaka 2 stroke on my Sun CX Speedster short wheelbase recumbent and I love it!

I ride it more than I drive my car now. I get about 200 smiles per gallon.

It is the ultimate human / gasoline hybrid vehicle. I get a lot of comments and smiles from people all the time. Harley riders pull up along side and ask about it a lot.

The top speed is 39 MPH on the flats and there has yet been a hill I cannot conquer. I figure that I have saved in gas and insurance costs the cost of the engine and I have lost over 40 lbs while having the time of my life.

I converted to V brakes on the back and kept the disk on the front.

I also found myself refueling the 28 oz tank often because of the miles I have been putting on it. So I converted a plastic 1 gallon tank to a permanent tank that feeds the engine.

In the last 3 and a half months I have had the bike converted over to Golden Eagle engine power, I have put on almost 4 thousand miles. I would ride it every day if I could. Up here in Ohio we have a lot of rain and snow so I have become very aware of the weather.

I have had very little problems with the set up. I did go through 3 rear wheels until I figured out that the folks at Golden Eagle know what they are talking about.

Save yourself some money and get the strongest rear wheel you can.....I now have the Velocity wheel with the 105 spokes and it is incredably strong.

I also have lost lock nuts that hold the engine to the mount. Use plenty of locktite.

Change the clamp for the throttle to a automotive stainless steel worm band clamp. The clip on clamp they provide is not strong enough.

I would also recommend getting the longer throttle cable for a recumbent. The one that comes with the kit is too short.

I run Amzoil in the 2 stroke. It seems to run better and get better mileage. My plug stays cleaner with the Amzoil also.

I would recommend running a second wire from the kill switch to ground the engine out. The kill switch when I mounted it was not working. The handelbar is insulated from the bike engine by the mounting system of the handlebar on the Speedster. I ran a ground wire to the engine from the kill switch and the problem was solved.

I would also recommend getting a light system for your bike. You will find yourself going further from home with this set up and you will find yourself in the dark more often than not.

I made a fairing for the front and I would recommend getting one. The wind at almost 40 is very punnishing and it will get you tired. The fairing is great for cooler weather riding and if you get caught in a rain storm which is innevitable.

Been on several long trips with it. From Cleveland to Columbus and back for just a little over 4 bucks. Down to Cincinnati with an overnight stay over and back the next day. Total gas cost was 6 bucks at 3 bucks a gallon. I have put this system through the test and it has passed every time. Very reliable and very cheap to ride.

I've been stopped by police three times. Each time it was to find out where they can get one.

If you are thinking about getting a Golden Eagle bike engine kit, don't think about it any more. Just do it! You will not be sorry.

Steve, Wow!

I am impressed, really. You do not fool around and that riding level is quite an accomplishment.

My only complaint with my rig is me; I have trouble dealing with traffic and starting the bike up when stopped, motor or no motor.

You are correct in all your observations. The kill button thingy is minor. Maybe a Sinz BMX brake lever for a better throttle or one that you can tighten to one position for long trips?

I was seriously thinking about putting the motor on a Rans CF, but your comments have me thinking. The mileage rate is much more than my experience. Will try the Amzoil.

If you go the site the pics are on, locate the GEBE Recumbent and other threads I have added, you will see lots of do and don'ts but you are way beyond that. You should put this piece up on that site. I believe I will add this reference to the threads, if you do not mind and do not wish to add it to that site.

Good one...thanks!

 

[Alaskavan]

I purchased a Whizwheelz Zoomer, and am in the process of attaching a motor. My commute is 27+ miles each way in a very rural setting, and I'm getting a bit old for that much pedaling. Since my trike has a 20" drive wheel, I decided not to buy a Gebe setup (though I've heard a lot of good stuff about them). The trike with motor should make the trip in about an hour. That's fast enough, I'm rubbernecking at the scenery a lot anyway. Reliable, comfortable, cheap transportation is my goal.

I do have one question: Since I do still pedal, can anybody recommend a supplier of large chainrings (60 - 65t)?

 

[Alaskavan]

Wow. It's been a while since I visited this thread. I installed a Lifan (Honda clone) motor made for a kids ATV on my Zoomer. I also installed a Windwrap GX fairing. I put over 3,500 miles on it this year, including a ride from Seattle to Ocean Park and back.