Schwinn Stingray Chopper . Picked one up today. Bad?

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 4:31 pm

Lucid, those are a different kind of handlebar on your bike (very nice BTW) then I've seen on other choppers, are they stock?

Lucidvegas · Post by **Lucidvegas** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:29 pm

I'm not sure :) I bought the bike off someone thinking I'd use it for burning man. I don't think I will though. They do say stingray on the handle bars though...from a sticker..../shrug. Overall the bike is very nice. I still think I'm going to sell it. I bought a ladies cruiser and it's....LOVELY. 3 speeds. I almost don't want to take it out I like it so much....but I bought her FOR burning man, so it shall be for that.

Gonna keep my eyes peeled for a cheap electric bike. Sounds like everyone is going to bring theirs this year.

I missed one on craigslist for 350, kicking myself still.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:43 pm

Those look like original style stingray handlebars.
All you need is the seat now.

All electrics are not the same.
What kind was it?
Do your research.

They vary from a hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.

Lucidvegas · Post by **Lucidvegas** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 7:55 pm

It was an Izip Trailz Al

http://www.currietech.com/currie-techno ... c-bike.php

apparently they do not make this kind. They make a similair model, I think the only difference is the current model is a heavier steel.

/shrug.

Not that I looked into that much. Just saw it while trolling. I wish I would of picked it up for 350.

I heard pedal assist works really well on the playa.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 8:10 pm

If they're all like the one I tried, not an unusual deal.

Heavy, but enough power.
No controller, just an on/off switch, common with cheaper kits.
Lead batteries.
Don't count on much range with a stock single battery.
Look for ones with dual batteries or the better batteries.
A decent cheaper kit though.
Controllers can usually be added.

Buy the best type you can afford to start with.
You'll come out ahead.

The forums have a great deal of info.

Lucidvegas · Post by **Lucidvegas** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 8:32 pm

This is a pretty good deal. 400 bucks, and free shipping.

I read the difference somewhere between the ezip and the izip's. Something about the company splintered or something. I dunno.

Got my eyes on this one. The girls bike is 100 cheaper than the guys! I'd want a step through anyways.

After I posted this I found this link....explains the difference.

http://www.eco-wheelz.com/articles/diff ... -brand.php

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 8:43 pm

Try going to Burning Man first, with a beater bike.

Worry about something important, like where to get caviar and crackers.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 8:58 pm

A few types
http://www.electric-bikes.com/bikes/bikes.html#Prima

I have a Prima L'eco drive.
I have seen the old stock lead battery bikes offered for $600 or less in the winter, new.
Best time to buy.

The Prima is a cheaper european model, a great deal over all.
Lead or better batteries, an on/off "controller", some great frames.

http://electric-bikes.org/prima-electric-bikeshtml.htm

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Mon Feb 14, 2011 5:32 am

I thought I was pretty good at bike mechanics (used to race bmx WAY back in the day)but the threadless triple tree forks on the chopper are new to me.
The headset is loose and I'd like to tighten it up but i'm not sure how to start. I got the bars off(going to find different taller ones)but that's as far as I've gotten!
Anybody pulled theirs apart that could give me a few pointers?
I'd greatly appreciate it!

*bows to more knowledgable bike mechanics*

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 3:07 pm

SO.....
I just started loosening bolts on top of the forks and low and behold...they came apart!
Oh for the good ol' days of threaded headsets, though.
Much easier to work with, IMO.

Found taller bmx style handlebars and they should work out.
I agree on the seat being uncomfortable.

And the way the pedals are placed being almost directly below the handlebars theres no way to stand up and pedal without knocking your knees!

Woody Kusherman · Post by **Woody Kusherman** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:40 am

Hey all! I too just bought a bike for this years BM (which will be me and my girls 1st) and am going to motorize it too.

Bought this bike on CL for $75:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a389/ ... 0-1141.jpg
it has a kinda wider back tire too..

...and this 80cc motorized bike kit for $207 shipped:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Motor-bike-gas-kit- ... 5275299945
Check out there videos on that page, god damn things look fun as hell! I can't wait to open mine up out on the playa. Oh and BTW i wrote that seller and asked, he said he has ran these motors in 100F heat and said it shouldn't be a prob as long as you use a good synthetic in them.

I've been doing a lot of research on this stuff for a few weeks now, personally i stayed away from the electric because there run time and top speed are just pathetic for how long you need to charge them, plus they add a LOT of weight. I know it sucks to burn more dino bones, but these things get 100-150 MPG, and the one i got only adds 22LB's.

There meant to mount on diff style frames then the bike i got, but i think i can make it work. If not i plan to sell this bike and get another the motor is more suited for. I think we might just leave my girls bike home and add some pegs to whatever one i motorize.

Question:
This page on the BM site: http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/ ... iving.html
...makes me wonder if maybe you gotta get a permit for a motorized bike? Black Rock City DMV they say you gotta go to?

I know I've seen pics of these motorized bikes at BM a lot, can someone verify if they need to be registered as a "Mutant Vehicle" or what not?

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:49 am

They have to have a mutant permit or other, if gas.

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:54 am

WOW!!

I watched the video associated with the motor and the bike was FLYING!!!

Martiansky · Post by **Martiansky** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:54 am

Not a bad price for the motor either.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:57 am

A gas motor needs a permit, an electric motor does not. Put that nifty little motor on that bike, and it may be impounded at the Gate. So sorry. The DMV doesn't hand out personal transport permits easily. You may want to email them directly if you find our advice to be suspect.

The ones you've seen may be staff, or have a handicapped permit, or were chased down and impounded later.

Why not just ride bikes like everyone else? Just curious, not condemning, I know this is your first time working with all this info.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:59 am

... and you're supposed to keep to the 5mph speed limit, even on bikes.

Our pedaled four wheeled 36 gear bike will do over 22 mph out on the open playa with two determined people pushing the pedals!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:01 am

One to two hour charge time for nicad and nimh doesn't seem bad.
Quality counts.

For my use, I need a spare battery or larger packs.
Most bikes are made for dense urban settings.
There is plenty on the bike forums about this.

There is an exception for standup gas scooters.
Useful ones on the playa are costly new.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:04 am

AntiM wrote:... and you're supposed to keep to the 5mph speed limit, even on bikes.

Our pedaled four wheeled 36 gear bike will do over 22 mph out on the open playa with two determined people pushing the pedals!

Note - 5 mph or LESS in the city, depending on dust, and traffic.

Smooth tires help.

Woody Kusherman · Post by **Woody Kusherman** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:05 am

i totally plan to go no faster then the rest of traffic, and not even run the motor in the mornings or in quiet areas, its just going to be to get around a lot easier, i figure who wants to pedal in 110F heat, lol

but a motorized bike really seems to fall into a crack, it's by no means a mutant vehicle, doesn't meet any of the criteria to be a MV, so where does one get a permit for this type of basic motorized bike?

EDIT:
Oh and BTW those videos are of really souped up 80cc kits, after they took the sound suppressor out of the cat converter included in each kit.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:06 am

We normally creep along at under 3 mph, because I can't pedal worth a damn.

Woody Kusherman · Post by **Woody Kusherman** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:12 am

[quote="AntiM"]We normally creep along at under 3 mph, because I can't pedal worth a damn.[/quote]

so where does one get a permit for this type of basic motorized bike?

Woody Kusherman · Post by **Woody Kusherman** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:15 am

[quote="Martiansky"]Not a bad price for the motor either.[/quote]

I know right? That's what i thought,.. the seller seemed cool too when i talked to him. When you compare price and performance, i don't see how electric can even enter the conversation.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:15 am

Woody Kusherman wrote:
AntiM wrote:We normally creep along at under 3 mph, because I can't pedal worth a damn.
so where does one get a permit for this type of basic motorized bike?

Contact the DMV, their info is on the mutant vehicle page on the main site.

Realistically, don't expect to get one unless you are handicapped, or mutate it beyond recognition. They're pretty strict.

Go to your profile and enable your BBCode and your quotes will work.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:16 am

Woody Kusherman wrote:but a motorized bike really seems to fall into a crack, it's by no means a mutant vehicle, doesn't meet any of the criteria to be a MV, so where does one get a permit for this type of basic motorized bike?

Not available.
Not allowed.

Mutant bikes do get passed.
Don't do a casual job, and vet your ideas thoroughly with the dmv.

Make sure you have gearing and tires that will run that slowly too.
Many will not.

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:39 am

Actually, the gas-powered motorized bike is considered a scooter or motorcycle, and those are expressly forbidden in the survival guide. In the PDF, it is on page six under safety. It doesn't really fall through the cracks, you just have to know where to look.

On the DMV page, it is more confusing, especially since the electric motor bikes are now allowed (2 and 3 wheel only).

http://www.burningman.com/media/doc/pre ... _guide.pdf

dmv(at)burningman(dot)com

Non-mutated vehicles intended for recreational driving, including motorcycles, large scooters, and ATVs, are not permitted in BRC and will be impounded at the gate.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 5:25 pm

AntiM wrote:The DMV doesn't hand out personal transport permits easily. You may want to email them directly if you find our advice to be suspect.

The DMV has to walk a delicate line. The BLM wants as few cars as possible on the playa--and with good reason, they do take a toll on the surface, and the land is held in trust for all Americans. (And heck, citizens of the world can enjoy it, too.) The DMV is the instrument that makes the fine judgments to allow the Mutant Vehicles, the Handicapped Transportation, and the work vehicles on the playa without having it become a free for all. And like anything that deals with aesthetics arguments are inevitable.

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:39 am

theCryptofishist wrote:
AntiM wrote:The DMV doesn't hand out personal transport permits easily. You may want to email them directly if you find our advice to be suspect.
The DMV has to walk a delicate line. The BLM wants as few cars as possible on the playa--and with good reason, they do take a toll on the surface, and the land is held in trust for all Americans. (And heck, citizens of the world can enjoy it, too.) The DMV is the instrument that makes the fine judgments to allow the Mutant Vehicles, the Handicapped Transportation, and the work vehicles on the playa without having it become a free for all. And like anything that deals with aesthetics arguments are inevitable.

After watching some of the car commercial ripping up the playa.. I think the BLM is trying to make a funny with the rule for BM..

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 12:07 pm

A lot of those commercials aren't our playa, just a playa. There's plenty around. The pure white looking one is the Bonneville salt flats. It gets a lot of camera-time.