5 Best Bicycle Frame to Put an Engine On | Latest Picks in 2022

Are you looking for some action and more speed modifying the existing bicycle? Well, you can do that with an electric motor. But the real adrenaline rush can be achieved through gasoline engines.

The problem is that your bike frame may not withstand the extra weight you are about to introduce. That is why you need the best bicycle frame to put an engine on. It can even save you lots of time and energy during installation due to its readymade fuel tank and convenient mounting options.

Whether you are an expert or not, you can assemble the parts by seeing some YouTube videos and ordering the compatible parts. In this article, let me help you with the most important part which is the frame. Let’s get started.

Just in case if you’re in a hurry….

Check these two best frames from my review unit and thank me later.

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Bicycle Frame

As I have already walked the path, you don’t have to do it by yourself and waste more time. I have the technology for wheels and you should make a cart using my research.

What I mean is that read my buying guide, spend no more time in finding a suitable engine-ready frame, and focus more on bike motor kit installation along with assembly.

Material

I am giving construction material more priority. It is because the whole point of buying a specialized frame is to ensure greater load capacity and durability. For a reasonable price, the best material one can get is aluminum. It is lightweight, strong, durable, and rust-proof even without any coating.

As this is a single piece of structure with no additional parts, there should not be any mixture of other metal parts. Carbon fiber would have been a better option but the cost is too much for those who are on a tight budget. With the cost of a carbon fiber setup, it is possible to buy a low-budget motorcycle.

Build Quality

You know that the frame is not cut out from a large piece of aluminum. So, there are joints that are welded to hold different pieces together. By build quality, I mean the quality of welding.

You can’t tell how good it is by looking at the pictures. So, read the customer reviews and get an idea. If you are going to buy one from my recommended list, you will not have to worry about this factor.

Measurements

After that, take note of the measurements from the specs of your chosen model. Because you will have to buy the parts and accessories according to that measurement. For your convenience and find parts easily on the market, I have reviewed only 26” frames. There are 27.5”, 29”, and lots of other models but the compatible kits are not much available online.

Compatibility

In this category, see whether your chosen one allows mounting different 2-stroke bike engines because mine can. Whether it is a 48cc, 60cc, 66cc, or 80cc, you can mount almost any engine model available on the market. At the same time, see the fuel tank capacity. Most of my reviewed products can hold 2.4L.

Next, look for the diameter of the headset, and the width of the rear portion. It would tell you what front suspension and rear-wheel you can install. The reviewed products in this article would allow options for single speed, multiple speed, V brake, disc brake, and more.

Design

Finally, consider the design of the bike. Due to the previous factors, I had not many options left. The top pick has two top bars with some space in between to house the fuel tank. The other 4 models come with a fixed fuel tank built in the top bar. Other than that, there are no differences that are worth mentioning.

Best Bicycle Frame to Put an Engine On: My Honest Review

Whether you are looking for some action or want a powerful bicycle to carry a good amount of load, the following frames can let you put an engine.

1. BBR Tuning with 2.4L Brushed Aluminum Tank – Best Overall

The quality of construction, finishing, and practical design are the reasons I like this one from BBR Tuning more than other models. It is indeed a bit pricey but it is worth every penny for the features and durable build quality.

Compatibilities

Unlike other conventional frames, this one is not limited to specific engines or fuel tank capacity. Due to the clever design of the company, it can house a 48c, 66cc, or 80cc 2-stroke bike engine easily.

This motor-ready bicycle frame has a mounting plate on the bottom which is compatible with almost every 2-stroke engine on the market. Moreover, it has slots for 1-piece or 3-piece crankset, vertical dropouts, and 33mm headset compatibility.

Design and Construction

By the look of its design, you can relate it to an ordinary beach cruiser frame. But make no mistake as it has capabilities more than that. The hollowed-out top bar of the strong aluminum structure can house an included custom tank that can hold 2.4 liters of fuel at once.

Due to the use of brushed aluminum, it is extremely lightweight yet strong enough to allow heavy parts on board. Also, you won’t face any hard time installing or customizing the bike. The design allows both disc brakes and caliper brakes.

Style, durability, and efficiency are the reasons people like it a lot. Considering all those features, I think that this is the best frame for a motorized bicycle.

What I Liked

Durable and lightweight construction with perfectly welded joints is what I like the most. You can use it for other projects other than making it a fully functional bike for its specs and design.

The fuel tank has a large capacity and you always have to option to install an additional one. Even though the frame is specially designed for motorized uses, you can always take off the engine and make it into a normal bicycle.

What Could Be Better

The frame doesn’t come painted which means that they can be scratched pretty easily. Painting it for yourself only adds more to the cost.

---

2. BBR Tuning 26 Inch – Runner-up

Comparing this one to the top pick, this one is more of a budget model with a few minor drawbacks. Unlike the previous one, it has a fixed fuel tank. Also, the finishing doesn’t look premium. Now, check out the good features of the frame that makes it perfect for those with a tight budget.

Compatibility

Getting a bicycle frame under $200 with heavy engine compatibility, 2.4L tank capacity, and easy installation design seems to be a good bargain. Also, there is another model with a 3.75L tank capacity that looks the same. All you have to do is clarify which model you want at the time of placing the order.

Moreover, the frame has enough clearance to allow wheels with disc brakes. As the design ensures front motor installation, you would find this product compatible with almost all bike engines.

Convenience

If you look closely at the structure, you will notice small cable ports running along the center and bottom of the frame. As a result, you won’t have to use any ugly zip ties or other cheap alternatives to run the cables. 

A very strong, lightweight, and durable aluminum frame makes it an excellent choice considering the price.

What I liked

Putting an engine on a bicycle frame has never been so much easier before this one. It has a good fuel tank capacity with the option to install wheels with disc brakes. As the company perfectly welds the joints, you can rely on it for many years. 

What could be better

Due to the shape of the frame, it may be hard to put the rear wheel in some cases. Find the right tube for the forks, and you will be good to go. Moreover, the manufacturer doesn’t deliver it painted. However, some people like it that way as they can do a custom coating on the frame.

---

3. Grubee Skyhawk Aluminum Motorized Bicycle Frame

Here, I have found a similar-looking model to the previous one from the brand named Gru-Bee. The only difference is that this one has a wider and longer rear side allowing even 29” rims.

Practical Design

From the pictures, you can see that the top bar has a fixed 2.4L gas tank. It has a cruiser-type downtube measuring 38mm. The V-frame angle is 70 degrees which allow versatile application.

Engines with front mount stud spacing measuring either 40mm or 50mm are compatible. Furthermore, for single or multi-speed sprockets, you should use some heavy-duty disc brake axle.

Finishing

This aluminum structure doesn’t come with paint which means that you can color it with your favorite shades, and make it cooler. One can install narrow tires up to 2.25” ones for faster speeds.

For a motorized bicycle frame complete installation process, you can watch this video. Considering all those specs and features, riders can buy this frame for race bikes or other purposes.

What I liked

You can install a disc brake on the front wheel and a v-brake on the rear wheel. The welds on the joints look nice and durable. A lightweight yet strong aluminum body makes the frame weigh only 25 pounds.

Moreover, it is possible to install almost any 2-stroke bike engine on this frame without any problem. The product comes with rubber cushioned blocks so that it can reduce engine vibration ensuring a smoother ride.

What could be better

The specs sheet of the frame is incomplete or missing some important information like the size of the bottom bracket or petcock threads. It needs an expert mechanic to figure them out and assemble different parts accordingly.

---

4. Dolphin1986 Reinforced Bicycle Frame

Here is another frame that looks almost the same. So, what is different in this one? it comes with glossy red painting to prevent rust and save you some money on painting.

Convenience

The rear portion of the frame features a disc brake bracket as well as a v-brake mount. So, you can choose any brake system according to your requirements. Furthermore, it allows both single-speed and multi-speed gear options making it ready as a dirt bike frame or suitable for racing.

It is possible due to the 135mm width in the rear frame. Also, its 38mm downtube along with a 70-degree V-angle frame is supportive for various applications.

Tip: According to the manufacturer, it is not recommended for non-professional buyers to install the rear wheel with a quick-release feature by themselves. If you are an expert, it will be okay. Otherwise, take the help or service of a professional.

What I liked

The metal structure is delivered painted red which surely saves some cost. Also, its sufficient fuel capacity, special mount option for a 2-stroke engine, and good load capacity some notable advantages. 

What could be better

Better material and more lightweight construction would have been appreciated. Moreover, the paint quality is not up to the mark.

---

5. CDHPOWER Bicycle Gas Frame

Reasonable price, decent build quality, a wider range of compatibility, and practical design are the reasons lots of people like this product. Compared to the previous one, this one is a favorite in the community.

Compatibility

First of all, take a look at the specs. There is a difference. This frame can accommodate a 60cc 2-stroke bike engine where other models can’t. Moreover, the brushed aluminum fuel tank is capable of providing service for years without leaking.

Now, you would love the overall design of the frame. It allows a headset measuring 1-1/8”. Also, the rear portion of it lets you install a wheel with a single-speed or multi-speed cassette and disc brake or v-brake. This feature is the same as the previous one as both have the same 135mm width in the rear.

Tip: According to the experts, it is better to use rubber spacers as it reduces vibration ensuring a smoother ride.

What I liked

It is an incredibly lightweight frame with construction material close to high-end aluminum. The frame offers a wider width in the rear compared to other models making it possible to install large wheels. You can install forks with the suspension to reduce frame fatigue. Also, due to the good-quality welding, the frame can take huge loads without any issue.

What could be better

It is not as durable as other models on the list which means that after 1000 or 1200 miles of riding, you may see some damages in the frame.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you put a motor on any bicycle?

Yes, it is possible to install a motor on any bicycle and turn it into an electric bike.

2. Can you put a motor on a mountain bike?

The answer is yes again; you can put a motor on a mountain bike without making it less attractive. However, installing a gasoline engine is a whole new game that requires different frames.

3. Is it illegal to put an engine on a bicycle?

The answer could be yes and no because it really depends on where you live. Local laws and regulations may prevent you from putting an on a bicycle and ride it on a road. However, it is legal to ride it on private property. If you want to roam around with a gasoline-engine bicycle, comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

4. What kind of bike do you need to put a motor on it?

Almost any bicycle frame allows one to install a motor after some modifications. However, if you are considering installing a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine, it needs to be a special kind. Those frames that can’t withstand the weight of all additional parts along with the rider can’t be used for this purpose.

5. How much does it cost to put a motor on a bicycle?

There are no exact answers to that because it depends on your requirements. Visit this link to get an idea about the cost of bike parts and service charges.

Verdict

You have reached the end of my article. Now, the question is, which one is the best bicycle frame according to your opinion? I would go with the top pick which is available at BikeBerry. However, I also like the features and quality of the 5^th product from CDHPOWER.

Let me know in the comments which one you are going to buy and why. Also, don’t’ forget to share your experience of bike modification with all of us. happy cycling!