A new addition has been made to our Gallery with a project completed by Vin¢. Additional details and pictures of the project are available for viewing as well.

In anticipation of the engine kit, I researched the physical size of the engine. I determined it wouldn't fit in my existing dual-suspension mountain bike, so I went & got a Schwinn Point Beach for the wider tires, sturdier frame and hand brakes (no coaster brakes).

Since this was destined to become my main commuter vehicle between home, work & school, I converted a pair of discount messenger bags into saddlebags w/ some 25¢ carabiners and attached them w/ an off-the-shelf eye bolt. The lights & speedometer / odometer are also off-the-shelf from any big-box store.

When I got the kit, I spread it out on the living room floor & checked the contents.

Since I lacked the hardware to reinvent the engine mountings, and all the studs stripped out, I replaced all the mounting hardware down at the local Ace Hardware (hence the name "Ace") and inserted some spare pieces of rubber under the mounting straps.

In order to get the chain to fit, I had to demonstrate my lack of proficiency w/ tin snips where the rear fender interfered. A friend offered some edge trim I have yet to attach. I have also not yet put on the chain guard due to spacing issues.

The hardware that came with the ignition module (ignition_mt.jpg) and chain tensioner also stripped out. The tensioner actually slipped inward and snapped a spoke before I could stop it. Neoprene washers inserted between the mounting straps and the bar (and more replacement hardware) fixed that.

The resulting wobble in the wheel prompted me to build a truing stand out of scrap wood & inexpensive hardware, purchase a steel rim and spoke wrench. The alloy rim that came w/ the bike will come off when the engine's 500km break-in period ends. This Instructible (http://www.instructables.com/id/Wheel-Truing-Tutorial/) gives a great overview.

The clutch cable tensioning screw also came from the factory w/ no hole in it for the cable, remedied primitively with a bench vise and a cordless drill.

On advice from this forum, I got a $2 off-the-shelf inline fuel filter and also left the copper filter in the in-tank petcock intact.

As of the time of this writing, Ace has about 180 miles (290km) on her.
On advice from this forum, I will soon have new clutch pads, a 36-tooth sprocket and a set of gaskets on order.

Vin¢

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