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Classic Mini bike Engines

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Making a Tecumseh Snowblower Engine Look Vintage As a kid, the Honda bikes were what we dreamed of owning.  Their motorcycle feel with steering head bearings and a transmission were high end features in a day when lawnmower type flathead engine powered mini bikes were the norm.  I remember as a kid, looking for the reel type lawnmowers that had horizontal shaft engines.  Hoping to find one no longer being used and pulling the engine off to put on a mini bike I didn’t even have at that point!  They were around in the late 60s, early 70s, but were usually 2 or 2.5 hp maximum.  My first “go kart” was one my Dad built, using parts from an old baby carriage and a sheet of plywood.  I pestered Dad until he finally conceded to find an engine to bolt onto the back of it.  I believe it was 1967 or 1968 in Ancaster when we found an old outdoor wringer washing machine engine.  Yes, gasoline powered washing machines were common up to the 1960s....
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1970 Fox Minibike Part 10- It’s Alive!

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As the tires on the pit bike were worn out, a choice had to be made as to what would replace them.    The little 2.50x 10 size is available in many styles and brands. I ordered a pair of Michelin Starcross tires as they had an aggressive knobby pattern.     It was also a chance to remove the wheel bearings from the hubs and put new ones in.     One of them was a bit loose in the bore, so a prick punch was gently hit in several places to raise the surface the bearing sat in.     I couldn’t find new wheels at reasonable prices, so a good rubbing with Autosol made them shine as much as possible.     The new small tires were tough to install, as the bead is stiff.     Dish soap and patience prevailed! Well, after three months of working on the bike project, the day came to fire it up and take it for a spin.     I changed the oil and put a new drain plug gasket on, not knowing when or if ever the oil had ...
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1978 CT70 Resto Mod Part 5

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Well, this is the final installment of this bike build.  One other thing to mention is that when fitting a 125 to a CT or and small bike chassis, the foot pegs need an hour or more of “adjustment” with some heat.  This is because the 125 is wider than the 50 or 70 engine.  The bolt pattern for fastening the foot pegs is the same though.  It just takes a bit of work to get them to clear the engine and sit level.  Finishing touches were to install the headlamp and bezel, engine oil and adjust everything.  John V. bought the bike and kept it for a couple years.  Pete bought it from him and rides it regularly.  Pics include John riding it at the sand pit near Norway Bay, being parked up at Bell’s Lake after a day of riding and it loaded with the other 1978 CT70 I fixed up.  It is a fast bike, wheelies with ease and is very reliable.
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