Baja Doodle Bug 30. To buy or not to buy.

~JM~ · 08-08-2008, 03:33 AM

I've been thinking about buying one of these DB30's from Joe's Sports.

I want to use it for cruising large outdoor swap-meets, car shows & pit bike type duties. I plan to fab up some type of removeable box or basket to haul parts around with it.

I usually try to avoid buying anything that is made in China, but it is getting harder every day to find an alternative. From my limited reading it sounds like the Doodle Bug has a spotty reputation for reliability & worse yet, the company behind them is even more unreliable.

I also find some posts from owners that are very pleased with their DB30. Usually these are modified machines with a larger engine & a TC, or a young father who's kids haven't managed to break it yet.

Someone please give me the straight poop on these little machines. I'd like to go look at them tomorrow. Will this 5' 8", 190lb. middle age guy, be happy with a Doodle Bug?

Thanks
~JM~

**GTO** · 08-08-2008, 03:52 AM

Where are you from? Joes sells them on sale for $199 most of the time. Used ones are $100-$150 like new with burnt clutch.

The engine is too small so plan on replacing it. (add $129 for clone 6.5HP) You'll need to mod the mounts for the 6.5 and get a different clutch. ($30+)

I treat the doodle like an odd ball Chi com beater I can cut on. but one is ok I guess and it's fun to ride with a torque converter. You can find real old school bikes all the time cheap so think about what you really want before pulling the trigger,,,OR just start a collection.

~JM~ · 08-08-2008, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

Where are you from? Joes sells them on sale for $199

Thanks GTO.

I'm in both Joe & Harbor Freight country. Near Portland.

What type of motor mount modifications are required?

**GTO** · 08-08-2008, 04:15 AM

Theres 8 holes on the mount, 4 are for the little engine and to the left is for a big engine, I put a Belt drive Tav-2 on mine but should line up the same as clutch. I had to upen the slits up to the right to line it up perfect. People also sell mount kits but it's not rocket science.
Lots of bikes for Sale in your area but you have to compete with Steve and a few guys here!

Take a look at craigslist for old school and used doodles I see doodles cheap all the time because people give up on them after the cltch goes and dad sells it off.

I need to paint mine after lowering the fenders but its back on the list and I let the neigbor kids ride it anyway. (so I don't have to worry like my other bikes!)

INJUNTOM · 08-08-2008, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

,,,OR just start a collection.

That's not a half bad idea!

INJUNTOM · 08-08-2008, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

I let the neigbor kids ride it anyway. (so I don't have to worry like my other bikes!)

I'm putting together a small fleet of various sized Cats for beater/riders. Ugly as hell, but really nice engines.

Gotta be able to share your minibikes....that aren't the nice ones :)

**GTO** · 08-08-2008, 05:04 AM

Check your want ad, theres a Bonanza and he might take the $199 doodle price.

INJUNTOM · 08-08-2008, 05:05 AM

Get a new Db to beat on, and a classic to restore.

**GTO** · 08-08-2008, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INJUNTOM

I'm putting together a small fleet of various sized Cats for beater/riders. Ugly as hell, but really nice engines.

Gotta be able to share your minibikes....that aren't the nice ones :)

I've been letting them ride the unrestored ones too but I'd hate to see them bent! We gotta set up the next gen ya know.

I can't wait to restore the Taco super trail and let them beat the snot out of it.

INJUNTOM · 08-08-2008, 05:14 AM

I thought about bringing out the Barris bikes for the next beer drinking BBQ races LOL