Bob
From Mississippi
October 31st, 2007
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I couldn't be more pleased with my new 40cc
Tanaka installation. The kit arrived soon
after I placed my order and the installation
was straight forward with no need for any
customer support. I bought a brand new 26"
Mongoose mountain bike at Wal-Mart, primarily
because it was the least expensive bike I
could find with full suspension and disk
brakes front and rear. I'm a big guy (old
too) and I figured these two features would
be important.
This bike goes a LOT faster
than I normally
pedal and it was obvious
after the first
ride that the disk brakes
and suspension
were important to my sense
of well being
and safety. I wanted to
mount the engine
as far forward as possible
and that position
worked out quite well when
it came to dealing
with the disk brake mounting
points. I only
had to machine one small
notch in the left
leg of the engine mount
and shorten the forward
stabilizing strap. See
the photo for details.
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Other modifications include
replacing the
quick change rear axle
with a solid unit,
adding a different stem
and a set of BMX
handle bars for a more
upright riding position,
a rearview mirror (don't
leave home without
one), a small gear bag,
a speedometer, a
different seat, and a set
of lights. I also
changed the mountain bike
tires for a set
of "cruiser"
tires with anti puncture
tubes because I plan to
ride almost exclusively
on pavement. These tires
are an improvement
for the street; however,
they are a little
spooky on dirt and I have
to be careful on
unpaved driveways, for
example.
I mounted the trail gear
and I am able to
go 23 mph on flat pavement,
even sitting
upright. That's plenty
fast for me. Although
usually I pedal a few strokes
when starting
out, the 40cc Tanaka with
the trail gear
is quite able to pull from
a dead stop without
any problem. It isn't a
top fuel dragster,
but it's pretty impressive.
I've gotten many favorable
comments from
friends and strangers alike.
Yesterday the
mayor of our small town
was out for a bike
ride. When I passed by
she commented that
after seeing me riding
around town, bikes
with assist engines were
being considered
for our police force. That
would be really
cool.
I'm looking forward to
many miles of pleasurable
riding.
Bob
from Mississippi |
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