tubing question

[wgalindo]

Hi,

I want to start building a Mini Bike for my little brother, but I don't know what type of tubing to use. I have found some sites, that use D.O.M, others use thick wall tubing, black pipe, and even E.M.T!! What do you recomend using?? What is the easyest way to bend it, without bending up my check book?? Your help is greatly appriciated.


Thanks

[Peetmoss]

I have a feeling if you use EMT you will likely need and EMT, if you try and ride it. Black pipe would probably work and you can get a cheap HF bender. I have a feeling thats why some people use black pipe. However I would suggest using the recommended materials inThe Chopper builders handbook , even though this is a mini bike. However thats just my opinion.

[david_r]

wgalindo,
Not a direct answer but smallenginewarehouse has some Murray frames for $40.

[blueoval557]

id go with just some decent mild steel tubing. i dont think there is anything to gain from using DOM tubing, which is through the roof when it comes to pricing!! Id just go with like maybe 1 1/4 and as thick as you can get. Make sure its tubing and not pipe.
Kyle

[Suburban_Guy]

I used 1/2" pipe to make a frame due to not being able to source tubing locally enough. The frame isn't overly heavy and I was able to bend the pipe with a manual conduit bender and a snipe. Does make you sweat though!

Here is a photo of the frame and forks in a mostly completed state.

HB

[Suburban_Guy]

Sorry, attachment didn't work.

HB

[wgalindo]

Looks good, but what is a snipe?

[Suburban_Guy]

Must be a redneck term, but a snipe is an extension of some kind to get more leverage on a tool, tends to void any sort of warranty. I used about 5' of pipe on the handle of the bender in this case.

Here's a more recent picture of the bike.


HB

[Dman033189]

What is the hp on that engine? Can you post a couple more pictures?

[david_r]

Suburban,
You have any more info on your suspension?

[Suburban_Guy]

That motor is a 5 hp Briggs from a rototiller (don't like gardening much anyways) and is a little large, 3.5 would be a little lighter and more suited.

The swing arm suspension is functional but probably not a great idea in the end. I currently have it flipped over upside down to lower the bike for my son to ride, but the chain doesn't stay on with me riding it. Works fine with the seven year old, but he doesn't move the suspension much.

Here's a look at the yoke, I stole it off a discarded 10 speed. I'm not sure why I had such trouble with the one weld, scared to put the heat to that tubing I suppose. It hasn't fallen off yet though.

-HB

[Suburban_Guy]

This slightly out of focus shot shows the completed set up on the forks attaching to the yoke.

-HB

[Suburban_Guy]

Picked the wrong file, this is the correct photo for the previous caption.

The previous shot shows the nearly complete swing arm, I later welded a tab onto the pin sticking out in order to be able to bolt it in place.

Jeeze this computer stuff can be frustrating sometimes!!

-HB

[James D. Clark]

Originally posted by Suburban_Guy
Must be a redneck term, but a snipe is an extension of some kind to get more leverage on a tool, tends to void any sort of warranty. I used about 5' of pipe on the handle of the bender in this case.

Here's a more recent picture of the bike.


HB

"Cheater" must be another word for snipe.

The bike looks a little like the Doodle Bug I had years ago. It didn't have any suspension except the springs in the seat. When I got it, it had a Clinton Engine-maybe 2 horse. Kick starter and there was a coil on the mag for a headlight. Real powerhouse. Had to push it up hills. Even had it licensed as a motorcyle with title.