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Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob
I recently salvaged a Honda 125 from a quad. It has 5 speeds + reverse and electric start, with the horizontal cub cylinder layout.
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Was that quad still chain-driven? Well, that engine would be interesting to swap into something like this 50cc Chinese motorcycle:
Reverse would be great to use it with a sidecar.
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I might build a 1+1 microcar for it, with the cylinder head showing out the front.
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This sounds like an interesting project. I've already lurked about building some custom car or mini truck with a horizontal-single engine, but I would make it with a conventional grille (enabling some adjustable deflectors to either retain heat in the winter or allow a more effective cooling in the summer).
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The whole power package is about 100#, though, so if I'm not quick, it may be rendered obsolete by electrics.
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I honestly don't believe the ICE will become absolutely obsolete at all, even if plug-in serial hybrids become mainstream and start resorting to a microturbine instead of a reciprocating engine.
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Originally Posted by davidgrey50
125s only count as small in North America. How much bike do you really need?
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They count as small everywhere else too, however in other places where fuel prices are more of a matter of concern this becomes their main sales argument. Plus in some countries such as France, Spain and Portugal there is the advantage of being entitled to ride a 125cc motorcycle with a car driving license.