I'm totally in like with that! Never could get the guts up to modify one when I was selling them new...wish I had.
GT Harley Davidson NOS Build.
- Thread starter MazdaFlyer
- Start date
Help Support Rat Rod Bikes Bicycle Forum:
MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
Black leather, on a Harley?
Preposterous!
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
I scrounged a Brooks saddle and bag from another bike in my hoard. It’s seems to ride better than the brown Phat saddle I had on it.
This bike platform has been my candidate for an eBike conversion. I’ve done some short rides, planning to do a few longer rides to determine if the riding geometry and comfort is worth the expenditure.
If I pop for a motor kit, I’ll use a mid drive, that way I have the option of transferring it to another bike.
This bike platform has been my candidate for an eBike conversion. I’ve done some short rides, planning to do a few longer rides to determine if the riding geometry and comfort is worth the expenditure.
If I pop for a motor kit, I’ll use a mid drive, that way I have the option of transferring it to another bike.
Best look so far IMHOI scrounged a Brooks saddle and bag from another bike in my hoard. It’s seems to ride better than the brown Phat saddle I had on it.
This bike platform has been my candidate for an eBike conversion. I’ve done some short rides, planning to do a few longer rides to determine if the riding geometry and comfort is worth the expenditure.
If I pop for a motor kit, I’ll use a mid drive, that way I have the option of transferring it to another bike.
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
I’ve done a couple of 10 mile rides with the new saddle setup. After a few adjustments I think I’ve found the geometry that fits me and my riding style.
The overall bike geometry and seat position is definitely mountain bike oriented numbers. Sure not cruiser or commuter style. The original factory bikes were sold as mountain bikes.
With the wheel size and gearing it is a slow ride. The 26” tires actually measure out a close to 27.375” diameter as mounted. I need to tweak the drum brakes for a little less lever pull, they sure aren’t as good as disc brakes.
The build has been a learning experience. Still waffling on the e-Bike conversion idea.
The overall bike geometry and seat position is definitely mountain bike oriented numbers. Sure not cruiser or commuter style. The original factory bikes were sold as mountain bikes.
With the wheel size and gearing it is a slow ride. The 26” tires actually measure out a close to 27.375” diameter as mounted. I need to tweak the drum brakes for a little less lever pull, they sure aren’t as good as disc brakes.
The build has been a learning experience. Still waffling on the e-Bike conversion idea.
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
Finally got around to adjusting the drum brake cables, what a difference, almost as much power as disk brakes. Really satisfied with the wheelset now. Still some available on the bay but price has went way up.
Still scanning eBay for a pair of rear fender struts.
Still scanning eBay for a pair of rear fender struts.
Which model seat is it? It looks like the B190 (the model should be under the logo).
I would go for the motor, the front triangle looks perfect size for the battery. It would look great with some HD logos on the side.
I would go for the motor, the front triangle looks perfect size for the battery. It would look great with some HD logos on the side.
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
Saddle is a B135…still waffling on the motor, need to get some battery overall measurements.
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
Collecting eBike parts…winter project. 48v10ah battery for starters. Limited space in triangle area due to curved tubes. The bag will accommodate a 48v16ah battery maybe 20ah.
Last edited:
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
A few battery mock-up templates, with the curved tubes the typical older Hailong or Bafang tube cases don’t really fit. There is a newer adjustable down tube bracket that allows for more . The curved down tube would require a shim to stabilize.
newbracket and smaller battery pack case.
Strap mounted Hailong hard case battery pack.
Hailong strap mounted soft shell battery case as shown in previous post.
Templates with sizing…
Quick notation…it would be easier to just buy a prebuilt manufactured eBike.
The security of these battery pack ideas are iffy at best but my probable use won’t include a lot of risk.
newbracket and smaller battery pack case.
Strap mounted Hailong hard case battery pack.
Hailong strap mounted soft shell battery case as shown in previous post.
Templates with sizing…
Quick notation…it would be easier to just buy a prebuilt manufactured eBike.
The security of these battery pack ideas are iffy at best but my probable use won’t include a lot of risk.
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
I’d still like to find a pair of original rear fender struts for it. Guess I’m getting lazy, found a pair of Harley motorcycle struts I thought I could adapt but they are heavy solid aluminum. The geometry just doesn’t work and too heavy.
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
One step closer…need to order the Bafang mid drive motor kit. One down side to this DIY method will be the exposed wiring all over it. Case fits…didn’t turn out to be as long as described.
After a few rides you won't even notice the wiring.
MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
Could be tidied up with a wiring loom. Wouldn't eliminate the wires, but could make them easier to hide
Nice build! I’m building a mid drive echopper too. I also and running a SA front hub brake. I’ll be going 72v and over 8kw of power lol. and most likely a Lightning Rods XL mid drive motor. Though I’m tempted to just run a monster rear hub motor to make it easier.
still collecting parts
still collecting parts
Attachments
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
Starting disassembly of the GT bike, chain, pedals, crank arms, bottom bracket cartridge, brake
Unpacked and checked parts box, looked like every thing was there, even white gloves.
Unpacked and checked parts box, looked like every thing was there, even white gloves.
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
Everything came apart easily. I installed the motor in bottom bracket not without issues though. The Fixing Plate that Bafang provided didn’t want to fit the motor assembly the bottom of the bracket holes were interfering with the bracket fitting into place. Ask for new part or get out grinder? Rat rod bike you get out the grinder and remove some metal from the fixing plate tabs. Probably voids the warranty.
Anyway I went ahead and mocked up the rest of the parts, connected the wiring, now I need to cleanup the routing now that I see where it all goes.
This voyage started in September of 2020…hopefully riding/running by 2022.
Anyway I went ahead and mocked up the rest of the parts, connected the wiring, now I need to cleanup the routing now that I see where it all goes.
This voyage started in September of 2020…hopefully riding/running by 2022.
Last edited:
MazdaFlyer
Like “RadioFlyer”
Still need to organize wiring, add the chain, cleanup the wire ties. I charged the battery, felt better about taking it out of bag to charge. It really didn’t produce any heat. Then I put the battery back on bike, connected the wires to motor controller, turned on the power, the display awoke the brake sensors worked, thumb throttle turned chain wheel. At this point things seem to be on the way towards success.
The display personalization setup is quite a process in its self. I’ll Probably start out in the default mode. Setting the time, wheel size and switching from metric to imperial are the most important to me up front.
I put away our Christmas yard decorations before it gets cold and wet in a couple days. Moved some bikes around to facilitate their storage. So I rode 5 bikes
in the process…
I put away our Christmas yard decorations before it gets cold and wet in a couple days. Moved some bikes around to facilitate their storage. So I rode 5 bikes
in the process…
