Markus doesn't miss ANY that I know of. :laugh:
I haven't figured out the kick stands yet. I have three that have regular kickstands like yours Geo and one that has the center stand. Also for me the steering is a little squirrley. The restored one I have scares me to death. I can't imagine it with that motor on it lol. I'll bet it's pretty lively!
Doc
I haven't figured out the kick stands yet. I have three that have regular kickstands like yours Geo and one that has the center stand. Also for me the steering is a little squirrley. The restored one I have scares me to death. I can't imagine it with that motor on it lol. I'll bet it's pretty lively!
Doc
thats because technically it was, Bird/Phoenix engineering changed the names up every couple of years, the bike itself never really changed much though in the 15 or so years they offered it. You can get it narrowed down within a few years/name change usually by the little changes that were made, kickstand/forkplate/1 or 2 piece wheels/seat material etc..
Very typical for this model bike with those handlebars. Same way with the Sears Ropers. While the bike is extremely comfortable to ride, the steering/handling "takes some getting used to". One of our Sears Ropers had a hopped-up Tecumseh H60 that would do about 45 topped out in 2nd gear (it had the 2-speed jackshaft). You FELT like you were doing 80MPH!
Michael
Michael
Also some Bird bikes have an offset rear wheel creating a bias, Wrens have a discernable offset and are terribly squirrely at higher speeds. I'd be willing to bet many more models have this offset. I'm never going to build another Bird with a scrub brake only either, a clutch brake will always be my primary brake should I build another regardless of the engine size or power.
Even under perfect conditions those aluminum pads are fair at best for stopping, add even a little water or use a dried out tire and you best be current on your prayers and be good at straightening forks. I've always advocated safety in our hobby and a clutch brake is a great asset to have on a Bird minibike or any mini with a scrub brake.:thumbsup:
I had to laugh Geo, I remember the first time I really looked at a Bird and realized the offset of the engine and rear tire. I thought some engineer was a whackadoodle. Look at it this way, it's really unique. Of course that uniqueness sadly screws with the stability of the bike, but it's a serious part of our history. Simply said, that's the way they made 'em.
I am glad you are going with the band brake. It's truly less worrisome for your teeth. :laugh::laugh::laugh:
I still think they are a super looking bike and representative of what most of us had as kids.
Doc
I am glad you are going with the band brake. It's truly less worrisome for your teeth. :laugh::laugh::laugh:
I still think they are a super looking bike and representative of what most of us had as kids.
Doc
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the engine being off to one side won't really make the bike off balance when riding it. The spinning flywheel will provide stability like a gyroscrope. It would probably be more ideal to have the flywheel in the direct center of the bike, but once it's up to speed, i doubt you'd notice much of an imbalance, if any
