With the inevitable gas prices are going up and with the idea that I may move to a part of the country where they have clubs for these things I decided to buy my bosses 1978 Honda Hobbit PA 50II moped. After about 30 or so on again and off again hours of cleaning up and figuring out the wiring I finally got her running just last Sunday (06/10/07). It still needs some work like cleaning out the rusty gas tank and some more wiring diagnostics and a few adjustments here and there to really make it public road worthy but it's getting there. And then we'll get into go fast parts and by go fast I mean 40 or so miles per hour. I have ridden it for a short bit but my first real ride might have to wait a few more weeks but so far it is very fun.

First pictures so this isn't a worthless post, then I'll write more about it because it's worth knowing about these mopeds.

It's missing some of it's original body panels but I'm going for the weight savings and the you can see everything look.





This is the end of my bike in which most moped racers will see.


Mid engine Friends


The gas tank is not original but I still kind of like it is a weird sort of way.

[This message has been edited by The Poopsmith (edited 06-17-2007).]

I was told that the PA50II is one of the fastest classic mopeds around and that there is still some decent after market parts to maximize the performance on these bikes. The most common upgrades are a 70cc stroker kit and a freer flowing exhaust which combined is claimed to upgrade the speed factor to around 40 or 45mph which I hear can be scary on a moped. I will at least get the exhaust kit and will probably buy a 70cc kit even if I don't install it.

Some general specs:

49cc air cooled 2 stroke engine code PA 50II
Max horsepower 2.26hp or 1.69kwh at 45 kph or 28mph
Max Torque 2.75 ft/lbs or 3.72 Nm at 45 kph or 28mph
Probably good for 80 miles to the gallon maybe more.

Single speed variator enabled transmission, a belt connects the variator to the rear wheel.
I haven't done much research on the variator transmission but it is a mechanism that is a variable pulley that drives a belt to the rear wheel. I was told by a friend that variator equipped mopeds are the hot bikes to have. I believe it is the variator that makes this one of the faster bikes I assume it maximizes the output of the engine to the rear wheel thus making it faster than most.

Honda dealerships still carry most mechanical parts for there bikes so I can find new stock replacement parts for my bike which I hear is expensive but awesome.

In the European market it is called the Honda Camino and was most likely changed to Hobbit for the US because of the Chevy Camino. There are two models of the Hobbit both identical in configuration and trim but one being slower the PA50I (20mph) and the faster one being the PA50II the only real difference between the two is the carburetors and I believe parts of the transmission.

That's about all I know for now to learn more about mopeds check out http://www.mopedarmy.com/ this site is pretty fun to browse and see all the different mopeds around and see what people are doing to them to make them a bit more custom.

Daniel

I've heard that those 70cc stroker kits end up with a blown motor shortly after installation since they aren't matched to the fuel system. I was thinking about that for my chinese pos TNG Venice scooter but having second thoughts as a motorcycle shop says the usually last a matter of minutes. Think I'd rather do a motorswap to a 150-250 or just buy the size vehicle to do what you want in the first place. But a Honda 50 is about as solid as you can get for a scooter and unless you want to step to a Vespa for the italian cool factor, makes more sense. I just wouldn't suggest trying to make it do to much it wasn't designed for if you want it to be reliable.

Looks like the Honda guys have stroker kits available with aftermarket heads and carbs to match available up to about 117cc

http://www.50caliberracing.com/big-bore.htm Not sure what the longevity on something like that is though.

[This message has been edited by Scott-Wa (edited 06-17-2007).]

I've got an '82 Honda Express myself. They're good little bikes.



I'm bolting up the better engine off of an Urban Express, and modifying it for more power. Things like an enlarged exhaust port, performance reed valve, modified variator, etc.

Big bore kits can cause problems, but most bikes can take them so long as the fuel system is tuned to match. You could argue that a turbocharger is a bad idea for cars because running one with a stock fuel system wouldn't work out so well, but that doesn't stop people from doing what's required to use them.

Nice.

Here my moped, a Tomos Targa LX. It will cruise at 45 all day, I've put 4000 miles on it so far. Added performance exhaust.

You need to change the gas tank. Get a blue one and put a NOS sticker on it.

...but be careful. NOS can be hobbit-forming...

Ed

You guys remember Western Auto?? I had a Western Flyer moped (made by Puch) back in the 80's. Rode the snot out of it. It all ended one day when I was trying a high speed (for a moped) wheelie and the front wheel fell off. Ouch. Gotta make sure those nuts are tight...

quote Originally posted by CoolBlue87GT:

That is nice also. Needs a big fat back tire, .

Hmm, I may consider a moped for most of my transportation needs.

If one meets these requirements in PA, I don't need a motorcycle license.

quote A motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals, a motor rated no more than 1.5 brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission, and a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour, or an electric motor-driven cycle equipped with operable pedals and powered by an electric battery.

Also:

quote MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE DEFINITION: A motorcycle, including a motor scooter, with a motor which produces horsepower not to exceed 5 brake horsepower. NOTE: The holder of a Class C license is authorized to drive a motor-driven cycle which has an automatic transmission and a cylinder capacity that does not exceed 50 cubic centimeters.

Taken from PA DOT site.

So I can use any motorcycle or moped or scooter with 50cc or smaller engine without a special motorcycle license. I'm not real familiar with the "moped scene" Any ideas on ones out there that would fit the above? Places to start looking?

Anyone getting into mopeds should drop by www.mopedarmy.com

I'm very fond of the Honda Express, as I've owned a few. The early ones ('77-'80) are very common and cheap, and parts are easy to get. The second gen ('82-'83), while less common, look a lot nicer and have a much better engine. Gone are the carb which goes out of tune every 5 minutes, the wind up starter system, and the single speed transmission. 1981 saw a model with the first gen frame and the second gen engine.

A stock first gen should get up to about 28-30 MPH, while a second gen should buzz all the way to 32-34. And there are plenty of things which can be done to improve that, if the need for speed sets in.

While not the fastest or most modable moped, they're easy to find, reliable, and parts can be had at a local Honda shop. I also know them well, and am here to answer pretty well any question about them. I'm even putting together a page devoted to performance mods, and revamping my repair guide.

If you're looking for something a bit newer, you should look at what Tomos has to offer. There's the Targa, and the LX variant, the more classic looking Revival, the Arrow/Youngst'R, etc. They're also quite reliable, outside of a few things you have to watch (oil injector hoses, etc,) and have tons of aftermarket parts.

Pretty well any of these will pass for a moped in most areas, even though most of them lack pedals. They all have 49 CC engines, and come close enough to the 25/30 MPH limit most places have that they're let through. My '82 Express lacks pedals, is good for over 30 MPH stock, has a two speed transmission (Some places say only 1 is allowed,) yet the city of Vancouver is fine with it as a moped. And they should all get in the area of 100 MPG. How often do you get to fill your tank with a $5 these days?

Though not a moped, my SO recently bought this 03 Honda Reflex with ABS. Its only a 250 but she is getting 65-70 mpg with it. It sure is fun to ride, quiet too.

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I do plan on searching the junkyard for V-Tech, Type-R, and Si logos that I can adorn to my Honda, I may even fashion a wing to the back because you know its not cool with the school until it's got a wing attached. I'm definitely going to have fun with my bike when I get it up to spec.

I know it varies between states but here in Nebraska I can legally ride my moped so long as it's 50cc (or at least appears that way), has the pedals attached, has a working headlight and brake light, and I wear a helmet. I however don't need a motorcycle license or a title to own the bike but I got a bill of sale through the transaction for good measure.

The Moped Army site may have some good leads to decent classic bikes otherwise there are a plethora of bike companies making new models that are very decent. Another good place to check for mopeds or scooters in your home town and is free to use (except for the fact you pay for the internets) is http://www.craigslist.org (use the right side navigation to locate your state and city) or there is always Ebay. Glad to see there are others sporting mini motorcycles.

Daniel

Most of those companies making new bikes are the chinese ones, which in most cases arn't worth a dime. Sure they might work for a little while, but as soon as something breaks (And that won't be long,) you discover that there's no one selling parts for them, not even the place that built it.

Maybe your right I just assumed a new moped would be better than an old moped in terms of technical progression but perhaps not most of what I've seen classified as a moped isn't because they don't even have pedals. I honestly don't have much interest in new mopeds/scooters so I have never even looked. I did go on Ebay and found plenty of older classic mopeds for reasonable prices I may have to buy up a few more before the next gas catastrophe hits then I can make a quick buck selling them for ridiculous prices to all the hipsters with allowences from mom and dad.

Daniel

I'm driving 15 miles to work each day and wanted a cheaper alternative than driving my cars that for some reason tend to use more and more gas each year because I can't leave a car bone stock.

A cheap investment that's good for your wallet and your health.
I soon discovered that I'm no longer tired when I come home from work... and I can eat all the bacon I want

Yeah I got a free 10 speed from my father which I threw new tires and tubes on and have been going on trail rides around where I live but I don't think I could enjoy riding my bike in most of the summer weather we have here. By the time I would get to work I wold probably be very worn out and sweaty so I'll stick with my Fiero for the time being and maybe try the moped to work once in a while. I do like the idea of being able to travel to work and back for a full week on one gallon of gas with the Hobbit.