Engine Choices

[Bowtie41]

Hello all,
I've been contemplating building a BSR from scratch,and did a web search for ideas,and ran across this forum so I joined.Lots of great stuff learned already.My question pertains to the "Engine of Choice" here.I read countless posts and most seem to run the Honda clone 6.0/6.5.I was wondering why no one runs a shifter motor that I at least found looking tonite.It's 1/4 to 1:00am so my eyes are "fuzzy".I have a brand new 50cc clone with elec start and 2 speed I was gonna make a mini harley with,plus I have an ATC 110 parts bike I was gonna put on a Radio Flyer wagon.Is there an inherent danger with these auto bikes as opposed to the clutches most appear to run?Just curious,and thank you for your time.
Kirk Geahlen

[CritterBuddy]

Welcome Bowtie!!

As you stated this is a great site for ideas, help, etc. as there is a lot of diversification and backgrounds. I'm not familiar with a shifter motor other than hearing about them and will let the other folks here help you with your question.

Again, welcome to the board!

[voodoo_stepchild]

There are quite a few shifters actually,
several being right here in this forum. Everything from atc engines to 125cc liquid cooled 2 stroke engines. The biggest problem is handling. These vehicles dont handle like a quad, or a 3 wheeler, or a motorcycle. Its a steering and handling situation all in its own and like no other. When you finish your bsr you will know exactly what I mean. Start the bsr, raise hell for a few seconds and see. Then pick yourself up off the ground , dust the gravel and rocks and dirt from your clothes and scratch your head wondering whats wrong with it. NOTHING, its just the nature of the beast. But getting back to your question, there is nothing wrong with running a transmission equipped engine on the bsr. But once you rap one up to around 35 to 45 mph you will realize that more power is not always a good idea LOL. Good luck with your build and post lots of pictures


Voodoo

[Bowtie41]

Voodoo,Thanks to you and the others for the replys.I was wondering why I hadn't seen any yet.I need to peruse the archive better when time allows.My intended engine is a 49cc Honda Z50replacement that only has 2 speeds as equipped.I can add a 3rd speed later,or use a 90,110,125 ATC engines I have later if I have any flesh left on my body.I had a major ATC accident about 20yrs ago that landed on me,throttle open,NEW TIRES,it fleshed my legs like a deer skin.NOT KEWL.All better from that,now have 9 bad discs in neck in back,so I figured I'd put the baby motor in first,learn how to lean it in turns,then upgrade and .......get stupid.......get more power.....get more scrapes,aches,and pains.That's when the real fun vs. fear factors in.My thought behind why they weren't used was a possibility of flinging the driver forward as the downshift grabs,but i'm not a big fan of the Comet or similar clutches due to slippage,and lag after gas is applied.I dunno,maybe technolgy is better than when we built carts in the late 70's.Thanks again and good luck in all you do!