First starter bike before painting and fork reinforcement.
Jeff popping a typical wheelie on SB1.
Rothermel popping a wheelie on SB1. Note mini dog in background.
Donut produced by SB1.
Todding around in the snow with SB1.
On the right is the original used starter we had on SB1.
On the left is one of the heavy duty starters used on both bikes.
Lifetime warranty has come in quite handy.
Second starter bike runs for about an hour on a full charge.
Weighs 150# but the dual batteries help keep the front end on the ground.
Before 72 spoke wheel upgrade.
Video: Ryan performing a classic donut.
Video: Starter bikes in the winter.
Starter BMX offers ridiculous wheelieing opportunities.
Tips and Tricks:
Starter and flexplate are for an '87 Pontiac Firebird w/ 350cid (5.7L) V8 and automatic transmission.
Autozone (DL3570MS) starter is $70 with the core charge and comes with a lifetime warranty. (153 tooth) flexplate is $32.
You will probably be replacing the starter monthly or annually depending on usage so a lifetime warranty is strongly recommended.
This starter was used on 82-92 Camaros & Firebirds with auto trans, weighs 19#, is rated at 1.5kW, and has the inline bolt pattern.
A smaller, less powerful, interchangeable starter was used on 305 V8 Camaros w/ manual trans.
Gear reduction starters were used on '93-96 V8 Camaros and '94-96 LT1 350 V8 Caprices. It is rated at 1.6kW, weighs 10# and features ball and needle bearings! Of course it costs far more.
Added weight causes excessive stress on the wheels, fork, frame, and brakes.
Plastic mag wheels are great for BMX bikes, 144 spoke lowrider 26" wheels are great for mountain bikes.
http://www.aztlanbicycle.com/lowrider-wheels.html is one source for $45.
Depending on riding style, one for the front is a good idea, or at least a good alloy wheel.
Foam tires are another good upgrade for reliability. http://amerityre.com/index.cfm?action=products.lowspeed
We've had problems ripping the knobs off their "mountain" tire though, so go with the "all-terrain" if you ever ride on dry pavement.
Fork should be suspension, chromoly, or reinforced. Otherwise it will bend after landing wheelies or hitting snowbanks.
Frame should be reinforced when adding battery mounts, particularly the top tube. Do not use a women's road bike frame!
In addition to battery mounts a diagonal tube protecting the starter is a good idea. This should keep the starter from clipping things and protect the solenoid when the bike falls over.
Center pull brakes are highly recommended for stopping twice the weight of a normal bike + rider.
24V (series) operation does provide improved acceleration and top speed. This will burn out starters much more quickly, bend starter shafts, and worst of all, cause the solenoid to stick on. This is very dangerous.