JIllian's bike - What a ride!!!

[mephistopheles]

When I set out last year to get Jillian a 50 cc motorcycle I gave a lot of thought to which bike to get. I wanted the Honda but I also wanted a bike with an electric starter. I researched but could find no way to hook up an electric start to the honda.

The TTR was out because I knew we would be going pink with the bike and I couldn't find any for the TTR.

That left the Chinese clones. I found one with electric start and bought it. As many of you have seen in the pictures that I posted we put the Honda training wheels and Pink plastics on it and Jillian loved it.

I have kept the bike in good running condition but there are some issues that I did not like about the bike.

Issue one is that there is only one gear and the bike is very fast. it scared the bejesus out of Jillian.

Issue two is that the plastic number plate on the left side is a different size than the Honda because the battery is on that side. So when I put the pink plastics on the bike, I had to keep one red piece and it looks kind of funny.

I addressed these problems as follows:

I purchased a set of stock XR50 handlebars from ebay for $15.00, a stock throttle for $25.00, A brake cable for $15.00 and a throttle cable for $4.00.

I found a one tooth down front and 3 teeth up rear sprocket for $15.00 and installed them. this cuts down on the top speed. the Honda throttle has the adjuster screw in it so I can limit the throttle which eliminated the scare effect.

the only problem was the appearance of the bike. I finally decided to try to relocate the battery and all of the switches and stuff.

I was fortunate in that the battery fit nicely between the two frame rails under the seat. At full compression of the rear suspension, it does not hit the battery. I fabricated a battery box and bolted it on, reconfigured the wiring and solenoids and hooked the start/stop switch to the stock honda throttle.

I chopped up the original starter switch and attached it to the handle bars.

This was a lot of work but it came out very nice.

My total cost for the bike was just under $600.00. the only advantage over the Honda that I have is that there is an electric start for Jillian. the big disadvantage (besides being a Chinese bike) is that there is only one speed which is equivalent to an XR50 in third gear - fast.

I did manage to find a set of Fox Black and pink graphics so I will be going with black plastics. As soon as it all gets here I will up some pictures.

All in all, it came out alright and I am pleased with the results. Joey wants it when Jillian is done with it for a pit bike (he may take the pink graphics off though ) ).

It was a fun project and if anyone wants specifics, I will be happy to share them.

[mephistopheles]

Now that I look at the picture of the graphics, I am not sure that black is the best choice:

What color do you all think would be best? Pink (will be low quality and will fade), Black or White (these will be higher quality UFO plastics)

Here is the graphics set:

Fox_pink_graphics - All Things Moto! Member Photo Gallery

[char393]

I think I would prefer white plastics with those graphics.

I don't really care for black plastics, they look so good at first but are hard to keep looking nice. White plastics hold up much better than I expected they would.

[mephistopheles]

thanks right now its a coin toss. I tried to photoshop it and came to the conclusion that I stink at photo shop.

The graphics arrived already and we are riding one week from today so I have to make up my mind quick.

I'll post pictures of the finished product.

[ssnssmom]

I just LOVE those graphics, do you mind telling where you got them? They match my gear!!!

[mephistopheles]

Finally got some pics uploaded. the bike came out great. At the last minute I decided to blast the frame and paint it florescent pink. Jillian was pleased!




hope you all enjoy.

ssnssmom, I sent you a PM

[DRGSin393]

Lookin gooood! she'll be the envy of the tea club. How does she like it?

[pjg351]

Cool bike! Pretty in pink

[mephistopheles]

Originally Posted by DRGSin393

Lookin gooood! she'll be the envy of the tea club. How does she like it?

She loves it. She is begging to ride it. Unfortunately I started a new job and the benefits don't kick in until January. After Joey's broken foot, we decided not to chance it and we are all grounded until then.

I think she is counting the days until January with more enthusiasm than counting the days until Christmas.

[The Kimster]

Those graphics ROCK!
The bike looks awesome! Great job!
And when she finally gets to rid it take lots of pics and post them up please!
:0)

[XR-Fiddy]

That bike does look really good. Nice job on that. You make me want to do some plastic work on my XR50!