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How to Build a Lowrider Bicycle
Dec
How to Build a Lowrider Bicycle
How to Build a Lowrider Bicycle
If you’re looking to turn your bike into a lowrider, there are some restrictions you’ll have to work around. You’ll need to choose the right 2-stroke engine and keep bulky performance upgrades to a minimum.
You will also need a flexible muffler that can angle upward or horizontally, as standard mufflers are likely to drag on the ground.
Installing a Motorized Bike Engine
If you’re a fan of classic bike style, installing a motorized bike engine can be a great addition to any bicycle. However, since lowriders are usually built on smaller frames that are closer to the ground than standard 26-inch beach cruiser bikes, there are a few restrictions you should be aware of when building a motorized bike for a lowrider.
The first restriction concerns the frame size. Any bicycle that has a clearance of at least 9 inches between the bottom of the frame and the bottom of the crankshaft will fit most standard bike engines. You will also need a hub gear that will accommodate the 9-bolt rear sprocket mount assembly that most engine kits come with. Lastly, you will need a muffler that is either short and angled upward or flexible like the BBR Tuning High Performance F2 Thrust Exhaust Muffler so that it doesn’t hang too low and drag during operation.
2-stroke engine kits are a good choice for lowrider bikes because they offer a wide range of engine displacements that can be used on small frame sizes. These engines can be tuned for smoother, faster operation with a correspondingly higher maximum speed than 4-stroke engine kits.
Optional high-performance upgrades such as a speed carburetor or upgraded CDI are also possible, but you should try to keep these add-ons to a minimum to avoid making your motor too large for your bike’s frame.
Choosing a 2-Stroke Engine
If you’re building a lowrider bike, the choice of engine is one of the most important. You need to select a gas-powered motor that fits with the bike’s overall design and style. The bike frame must be capable of supporting the added weight of a motor and rider. It’s also a good idea to select a bicycle frame that has plenty of room in the center for the engine. How to Build a Lowrider Bicycle
Bike engine kits come in different cc sizes, and each option will offer differing amounts of power. 48cc 2-stroke engines are ideal for beginners, while 66/80cc models offer more power and can be customized with high-performance parts for faster speeds. The largest two-stroke engines, 100cc models, can be used on lowriders as well and deliver impressive performance.
Since lowrider bikes are designed with smaller frames, they can have some restrictions when it comes to engine installation and high-performance upgrades. For instance, vibration motor mounts won’t work on these bikes because they don’t have enough space. In addition, standard mufflers may hang too low on the frame and could drag as you ride. For this reason, opt for a muffler that angled upward or is flexible in its positioning, like the BBR Tuning F2 Thrust Exhaust Muffler. This muffler is also a great fit for lowriders because it can be positioned at different angles to avoid dragging.
4-Stroke Engines
The loud buzzing sound of 2-stroke engines in dirt bikes, boats, chainsaws and lawn equipment may be unmistakable, but understanding how they work can be a bit more challenging. Whether you’re currently working in the industry or considering becoming a technician, it is important to understand different engine technologies and the advantages and drawbacks of each.
Four-stroke engines use camshafts, valves and cylinders to power propellers or wheels. They are more fuel-efficient, cleaner and more durable than 2-stroke engines.
A 4-stroke engine utilizes a dedicated oil lubrication system to prevent wear and deposits on the piston. As a result, it can require more maintenance than a 2-cycle engine. A high-quality 4-stroke motor oil, like Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil, helps maximize your engine’s performance and life.
2-cycle and 4-stroke engines are very similar, but each works differently. The difference lies in how the engine accomplishes the fuel combustion and exhaust cycle. A 2-cycle engine requires two strokes of the piston, with the intake (induction) and power (combustion) occurring on the upstroke. A 4-stroke engine uses a longer, more complete cycle of the piston.
The four events of the 4-stroke cycle are the intake stroke, compression stroke, power stroke and exhaust stroke. The intake and exhaust valves are controlled by the camshafts, which are driven by the crankshaft. The compression ratio is the relationship between total cylinder volume and compressed volume, with a higher ratio providing greater efficiency.
Mufflers
The mufflers on a motorized bike are usually slip-ons and, in theory, they should just slip right off. In practice, however, you may have to exert some force to dislodge them from their homes on the headers or cylinder head pipes. If you disturb these too much you could have problems with the gaskets, or you might damage a cylinder head (which would suck). Be judicious with the amount of force you use.
For best results, you should have two old bikes to work on. One bike will do if you have to, but it will limit your design options.
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