Motopeds is currently in the midst of a kickstarter campaign to get their MTB/motorcycle hybrid off the ground. This motorized bicycle is currently being marketed as a DIY project using “a Honda xr50 or pitbike engine and downhill mountain bike parts mounted to a custom frame and swing arm,” so if you have a decommissioned DH rig or mini bike with a good motor, this could be your next project. Hit the jump to see more on the Motoped frame, pics, videos, and more.
The Motoped frame kit comes with:
- a U.S. made 4130 chromoly frame (1.5″ headtube)
- 6061 aluminum swing-arm with 135mm wide/14mm thru axle spacing
- sub-frame
- sealed bearing jackshft assembly
- 7075 aluminum motorcycle sprockets
- bottom bracket
- 135mm x 14mm 36 hole rear hub with 6-bolt disc rotor mounts
- custom 1″ O.D. exhaust system (pipe&muffler)
The kickstarter campaign priced between $970 and $1170 (depending on where it’s shipping) currently gets you all of this. You can also head over there to check out a full parts list and estimated costs for the full build. In the meantime, here are our internet-only informed impressions.
Advantages:
When I was a kid there was a guy down the street who lost his license, so he put a lawnmower motor on his bicycle’s luggage rack. At seven-years-old we thought that was the coolest thing ever and wanted to do the same. The Motoped is decidedly cooler than that.
The Motoped’s custom swingarm and jackshaft uses one chain for both pedal and motor drive which doesn’t loosen and tighten with the rear suspension’s movement.
Using commonly found parts makes maintenance easy.
It could be a good way to put a few spare parts around your garage to good use.
In most states a 50cc motor requires no special licensing or registration. You might even be able to ride it on your local bike path (but, please, be respectful, careful, and pedal).
It’s like three bikes in one: e-bike, moped, and dirt bike — you can commute without a car and still look really badass, then shred on the weekend.
Rod Kimble would be oh so jealous of the Motoped.
Disadvantages:
Um, it has a motor.
I don’t think your warranty is going to be honored on those MTB components and if you are going to shred, I question the effect of the extra eighty pounds of the Motoped on those components.
Cost: at about $3k for a DIY project, you could buy a moped or an e-bike or a dirt bike.
Rod Kimble will be oh so jealous.
