Can I do it?

[c3powil]

I just recently joined the forum here and would like to receive some response on whether you all think I can build my own diesel bike.

I'm a college student at Kennesaw State University with some mechanical skills and knowledge in motorcycles. Currently I am doing maintenance on a 1973 yamaha tx500 and 1982 suzuki gs550 in my garage. The idea of a diesel motorcycle completely intrigues me and I have to know; can I build one? I was thinking of buying an older frame for a honda cb or cm bike and popping in a diesel engine like this http://www.carrollstream.com/10HP_Diese ... s186es.htm

But how complicated is it? I know almost nothing about diesel engines and the way they work. What is a good place to start learning?

Also, In order to build my own bike it would have to be worth it. I would have to be able to ride it daily and be able to get up to a decent speed. Not sure if 10 hp will do that for me.

[Stuart]

Welcome to the forum

Well, those Chinese single cylinder diesels are the cheapest to buy but many have had cause to doubt the durability of these engines. Don't forget the old maxim, 'buy cheap, buy twice'. Saying that, if you are willing to purchase running, secondhand engines even cheaper & add say, decent support for overly long injector lines (prone to cracking from vibration) & better seals & bearings you will end up with something a bit more reliable.
Personally I would aim to find a Yanmar or Briggs & Stratton engine (from garden machinery business?) if you are in the US. Ruggerini and Lombardini are also good. If you get a twin do not get one with 360 degree crank because of vibrations. I have a Ruggerini MD191 850cc in my Enfield.
Both single & twin will usually only make 3800rpm but the twin will pull better to a top speed full on of almost 70mph. Realistically you can expect to cruise at 55 or 60 mph for long periods with 120 mpg from an 850 bike of 19hp.
Singles are popular because there are no width issues when mounting with a gearbox. You will see more Royal Enfield singles because of issues like this.
I'm told it's best to mate a gearbox with an engine outside the bike (on a plate) & lift the whole thing into place.
I hope that helps some. Reading through these kind of forums will increase your knowledge quite a bit too Checkout Dan's build below. He told me he just got on with it when others he knew just kept talking about it.

http://www.dieselbike.net/Dansbike/Dansbike.html

[c3powil]

Thanks a lot for the response! This may become a hobby I take up for quite some time.