Gas-powered bikes
 

I really do appreciate the depth of information among the members here.
I would like a small motor bike--especially for my trips to the fall AACA meet at Hershey. Its well over a mile from my camper to the beginning of the flea market. With my bad knees, I can manage the flea market because we all tend to stroll at a rather relaxed pace. However, the extra mile or two at the beginning and end of the day is something I'd like to avoid.
Right now I use a 5 speed bike and pedal, but adding a gas motor would make it more enjoyable, and feed my desire for things mechanical.
I've seen 2 and 4 stroke add-on kits to drive a bike using either a chain, or a belt, or friction roller right on the tire at prices from a low of about $200 to $600 or more.
Does anyone here have any personal experience with these bikes and motors? Any brands to avoid? Any upgrades that are best installed from the beginning?
What is your experience?

Thanks.

Honda scooter?

What about an old-school minibike?

x2

A Honda CT70 makes the perfect cushy pit bike. They're a ton of fun too!

You do not have to have bad knees to want to avoid that additional walking to reach and leave the grounds every day at hershey.

A very small bike modified with an electric motor might manage that range daily easily. I was even sitting here wondering if a guy with bad knees could use one on the grounds a little. You could rig the electric motor as a tire friction device quite easily I think.

I well remember the hershey of old. Went for twenty years and missed five. Went back once more and it was not the same anymore. Time changes everything it seems.

If I described what it was like the first few years we went.I do not think people would believe me. Perhaps you were going thirty plus years ago or so as well. I am pretty sure I will never venture there again. Nothing is certain though.

If faced with gas a four stroke sounds more period than a two stroke and is less offensive to the ear. I do think mufflers possibly are far more efficient now as well. Unfortunatly I have no direct experience with the add on units.

Chances of major rain where very small in my times there. Except the once. It was quite memorial to say the least that time.

Its a motor vehicle and you have to insure it just like anyother--a cop will just as soon hit you with a $350.00 fine here as anywhere else riding this.

Look at Pedego Electric bikes - very nice.

http://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/catalog/Pedego2010Catalog3/index.html

most of the kits are chinese crap motors that break and cant be fixed due to no parts avalable. I would maybe look at an electric hub motor. still chinese but the reduced number of parts and less tolerance requirements make them last a little bit longer. plus they are greener :) if you care about such things. going around a swap meet or where theres people its better to not have exhaust gasses, the electric way theres only gasses if you have the chili

I've got a couple of Puch mopeds I picked up for about $200 or less each. They had about 50 miles on them. No need to license or insure them in CO. Max speed about 30mph at this altitude.

$200 for a Puch, even one needing some work would be great.
Maybe I just have to keep looking.

Barry123400,

My first Hershey would have been 1965. A friend's dad took me along. Almost got run down by a VERY quiet Auburn Boat-tailed speedster with a very loud horn.
Went back in 1966. I think the Blue field was all there was--under the present water rides.
Airplanes still landed at the airfield across the highway.
Missed a few years due to college and grad school. Started going back for Saturday, only about 1980. Began camping, first on a side street and later at the American Legion lot a few years later.
The RAIN was legendary, as was the mud. Some enterprising person began to put it in buckets and sell the stuff. Remember them building roads with straw and stone? I've been there when rains caused ankle deep floods. Ice crystals mixing with chrome for the vendors selling hood ornaments and door handles is another favorite memory. I've had both my kids with me at some shows--getting drenched and cold and still having a great day together.
Now, its a guys week for a couple of my best friends. We grille beef and drink dark red wine and some single malt scotch, and more than that I cannot remember. ( Important note to self--do not use cell phone to call the wife after emptying a bottle of scotch.)

I like these type.

scooter

It would be on the larger sized engine versus my favorite - the 50cc which does not require tags/insurance in Ga. I have a 50cc Yamaha Jog that I ride to town occasionally. It is by far the most fun ride I own:). The step through is good for old knees too.

I have seen adds for electric scooters, the ones the kids ride with the little wheels. Top speed of about 20mph, 30 mile range & all the electric power pack is built into the deck. They are small enough to have with you if you want to walk a little.