X-1 Pocket Bike Restoration / Customization Project

Hey everyone!

I've recently purchased an X-1 Pocket Bike that was going to be sold for parts, but I'm going to restore it and at the same time, customize it.

I'll be updating this as I work on it, which ideally should be pretty steady. However, if it's not, I apologize!

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Original Condition + Pictures of Parts Needing Replacement:














9/23/2011:

Today I went out and bought paint and some 100 grit (not rough, but not fine) sand paper, to begin sanding. I already have 120 grit to smooth it out with before I can start the actual painting. I'm using Krylon Fusion paint in Gloss Black and Gloss Yellow.




Started Sanding and going to try my first attempt at painting a fairing. Never have I done such a thing.

Will update soon after painted.

Painted black:




Will be doing something graphical on it later, just not sure what yet, any suggestions?!

Off to work for now.


9/26/11:

Been a crazy week, between class work and running around getting things done. Haven't been able to do much on it until today. Got some more sanding and painting done. Drawing up some tribal graphics now, hopefully get those painted on today.




9/27/11:

Got the pull starter last night pretty late, decided to throw it together just to see how it's looking so far. Still have one more fairing to paint. The biggest one too, heh, it's the one that covers all of the front plus the windshield. Looking good so far if you ask me. Battery will be arriving on my doorstep any minute, and HOPEFULLY it'll be running. If not, I'll (probably) need a new solenoid starter.



10/3/11:

My first full day off in two weeks. I'm thrilled that I'm finally going to get some real work done here. After botching the first paint job due to my inpatience, I've taped one of the fairings up with a zig-zag-ish paint job, used some fine sanding paper to prepare it for the paint and my new throttle cable should be here in a couple days. Some minor graphics to come, then it (hopefully) will be complete.




10/10/11

Been so busy with work and school, have been doing 15-20 minutes of work on it at a time whenever I get a chance, here's the product.



Let me know what you think.

 

Nice, what's the engine size?

 

Stock it's a 49cc, but with the upgrades already applied it runs equal to a 65cc.

Hoping to get it to the level of a 110 after a big bore kit and upgraded carb and air filter. But my bank account is dwindling currently.

 

Updated.

 

Looks like fun! I personally would've gone with a slightly larger bike just as I was never a huge fan of pocket bikes but nonetheless it looks to be a fun project! What exact modifications are you planning besides the bore, and paint?

 

I want to get an upgraded carburetor, air filter, and rocket key as well. But I might also consider selling it for profit if I can find a new one to work on. I'd like an X-18 or X-19.

But after I'm done painting and I get it running, which should be tomorrow if UPS cooperates, I'll be just over $115 (not counting paint, which isn't much) into it. And I could probably get around $200 if I sold it.

 

This is a pretty cool little project. I've never done a restoration on anything, but you've inspired me to look into "restoring" something.

OT: Are these fun to ride? Kids at my school have them and they talk about how much fun they are.

 

Wow! What a nifty project. Good luck. Is there any mechanical work that needs to be done?

 

I feel like solid black with either two semi thin lines, or one thick line going down the middle in yellow would look a bit more sleek than a tribal design, but whatever you do, good luck ^.^

 

They are VERY fun. Although they do require some time, because without proper maintenance they won't last more than a couple years. However, for basic things they don't really require more than basic mechanical knowledge.

Some. The petcock and throttle cable need to be worked on. Going to create a bracket for them both, easy fix. One of the headlights isn't working, but that's probably just the bulb being out. I haven't actually looked into it yet.

I'm also tearing it apart and giving it a thorough cleaning before it sits in the garage for the winter.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Like racing stripe(s)? I like that idea. I haven't made any decisions yet!

 

Make sure that you do the sanding evenly and correctly, nobody likes an uneven gloss
As for the graphics, maybe use a bumblebee stencil to match your black and yellow? (serious)

 

Considered it. I actually have done a lot of transformers themed work, graphically at least. But in think it would require too much yellow to make it work, and black is kind my thing.

Also, pull starter shipped yesterday, battery should be here tomorrow. If all is well, she will be up and running!

 

Updated!

 

That is pretty small, is it street legal yet or do you still have to register it?

 

I'm not entirely sure I'm going to register it. Legally, I'm supposed to, but I know the cops won't bother me too much about it. And this particular model doesn't come with a VIN number, so it will be a pain for both me, and the folks over at the DMV. It's technically a 49cc motor, but it's going to be running at a rate much higher than that, so it won't be street legal without a motorcycle license. I'm going to order a 49cc sticker and put it on the back of the engine, just in case.

 

Yeah, I meant racing stripes, sorry for my horrible description lol.

Would like to point out now that the body is on the bike it's starting to look very nice.

 

Haha it's quite alright! Im considering that but I would also want something on the side. Not sure what.

It's really starting to come together, although it doesn't seem to want to run on it's own power... Just cutting off once I let go of electric start, going to look into it in the morning.

 

Cannot, for the life of me, get this thing running.

 

what happens when you try to start it?
maybe post a vid so that people here can help

 

Agh i just left my house so I'll post a video later.

Basically you need to hold the back brake and push the electric start to start it. It starts and sounds great when you're holding both, but immediately stops when you let go of either. So more or less the engine will run off of the battery but not at all without it.

Odered a new carburetor because the petcock on mine was broken. Also, cleaning oil lines and gas lines because they've been sitting for a year or two unused, if not longer. Even if that isnt one of the problems, it's something that should be done.