This Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Is A Dangerous Predator
Say you’re a person who likes to scour bike auction listings. You’re cool with wrenching, and you like finding bargains that you can fix up. Maybe you want to flip them, or maybe you just like to test your mettle against the worst abuse that people can inflict on their bikes. You know, just to see if you can bring them up to scratch. It’s good for your skills, and besides, you like a good mechanical puzzle.
Let’s also suppose that you find a mid-90s Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic at one such auction, and it’s seen better days. When it finally arrives, i t’s in better shape than you expected it to be from the report, because the auction company was clearly in pure CYA mode and rated everything as being in totally reprehensible condition. So really, anything less than a complete horror show would be a pleasant surprise. This bike isn’t awful. but it kinda needs an engine transplant. What should you swa p in?
In The Shadows Of Giants:
I’ll save you some time. The most glaringly obvious answer is clearly a 212cc, 6.5 horsepower Harbor Freight Predator lawn mower engine. It comes straight off the shelf at your favorite purveyor of cheap parts, tools, and that unique lightheadedness you can only get from the fumes as soon as you walk in the door. I mean, t hat’s 120 well spent, amirite ?
T hat’s exactly what the guys from SRK Cycles did with their 6500, 2 00 bargain auction find, and boy, did it deliver. You want loud pipes? As observed here. this bike is even louder and vibier than ever before. As observed twice by different people throughout this video, it leaks oil like a champ to mark its terr itory when parked. Not only that, but it can manage a top speed of around 53 miles per hour, so it’s totally ready for highway cruising !
I mean, I admit that it’s probably not the first thing you’d expect when someone says something about a ‘Harley lawnmower.’ Still, s ometimes the greatest joys in life come in completely unexpected forms. The great part is, if you want to do a swap like this, you don’t even need to be near Nashville to go buy yourself this Predator. Got some good weekend plans? You do … now.
Harbor freight lawn mower motors
Harbor Freight Tools at 800-444-3353 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT, email at recall@harborfreight.com or online at www.harborfreight.com and click on “Recall Safety Information” on the bottom of the homepage for more information.
This recall involves two models of 14 inch chainsaws sold under three different brand names. The Portland and One Stop Gardens brand chainsaws have a green and black color scheme and “Portland” printed on the blades. The Chicago Electric brand chainsaw has a red and black color scheme and “Chicago Electric” printed on the chainsaw handle. All recalled chainsaws were sold with a black blade guard. The model number is printed on a label on the bottom of the chainsaw.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chainsaws and return the product to their local Harbor Freight Tools store for a free replacement chainsaw. Replacement units will be available starting May 21, 2018.
Harbor Freight Tools has received 15 reports of chainsaws continuing to operate after being turned off by the operator, resulting in three laceration injuries including one serious injury to the arm requiring stitches.
Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide and online at www.harborfreight.com from May 2009 through February 2018 for about 50.
Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif.
Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
Related Recalls
DynaDrive Fresh Water Well Pumps Recalled Due to Risk of Electric Shock; Manufactured by Davey Water Products
The pumps are not adequately grounded and can pose an electric shock hazard to the user.
Mammut Sports Group Recalls Alugator Ride 3.0 Hoe and Alugator Ride SE Avalanche Shovels Due to Risk of Injury or Death
The spring locking mechanism on the recalled avalanche shovels can fail in an emergency excavation of a person buried by an avalanche, posing a risk of injury or death for the buried person.
Kawasaki Motors USA Recalls Engines Sold on Ferris and SCAG Riding Lawn Mowers Due to Burn and Fire Hazards
The high-pressure fuel line can get damaged by contact with the fuel pump cover, causing a fuel leak that poses burn and fire hazards.
STIHL Incorporated Recalls Docking Stations Sold with STIHL iMOW Robotic Lawn Mowers Due to Fire Hazard
The docking station’s printed circuit board can short circuit when exposed to moisture, posing a fire hazard.
The insulation coating on the stove can ignite during use, posing a fire hazard.
The fin scroll of the chipper shredder can fail, ejecting pieces of metal from the chipper shredder hopper during operation, posing a laceration hazard.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than 450 trillion annually. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
LT1045 Repower with a Harbor Freight Predator 22 HP (708cc) V-Twin
I have a simple question. Has anyone replaced the Kohler 20hp single Cylinder with a Harbor Freight Predator 22 HP (708cc) V-Twin motor. I am specifically asking about my Cub Cadet LT1045. The motor is running good right now, I have recently had some problems with it and want to have an idea of what I can do if the motor takes a dump. The deck is good, I just rebuilt it last summer and everything else on the motor is good so I don’t necessarily want to trash it if I can get it back to good running shape for 700 and maybe even get a smoother more powerful V-Twin in the process. Let me know what you guys think.
2008 Cub Cadet LT 1045 Kohler 20 HP single cyl. Twin cam OVH 2005 Cub Cadet LT 1046 Kohler Command C23V 23hp V-Twin
Harbor Freight Coupons
go.harborfreight.com
The the fuel pump, air filter cover and ribbing on top of the cooling shroud all look the same.
I love SCAG and have a SCAG Tiger Cat II. I know there is an engine shortage, but I’m kinda of disappointed to see this happen if it is a chinese motor.
I have used the Predator engines, and I know they are pretty good for the price, still wouldn’t want one on a 7600 zero turn.
I will say the engine has a LOT of positive reviews-
Ridin’ Green
Good or bad, makes no difference to me. I simply do not want to help fund a government that is trying like mad to take over as the world’s leading economy and thus currency. Think things are bad now? Wait until china is calling al the shots. No thanks!
SouthEastTurf
The metal bracket tat holds the fuel pump is the same, the design of the cooling shroud is the same, the reccess for the sticker is same shape and size, aif filter is little different, but simular, design on the fan cover is same, valve covers are exactly the same.
SouthEastTurf
Good or bad, makes no difference to me. I simply do not want to help fund a government that is trying like mad to take over as the world’s leading economy and thus currency. Think things are bad now? Wait until china is calling al the shots. No thanks!
Ridin’ Green
A neighbor down the road from me has gone through several of those HF Loncin engines on his Agri-Fab leaf trailer/vac. Tried to save a few bucks and ended up spending more by far.
zlandman
Had a 5hp predator on cement mixer. Air cleaner assy glue rotted and broke apart. All the “chrome” bolts rusted badly. The engines are copies of American briggs and kohler designs. I wouldn’t want one on an expensive mower either!
Youngandfree
The metal bracket tat holds the fuel pump is the same, the design of the cooling shroud is the same, the reccess for the sticker is same shape and size, aif filter is little different, but simular, design on the fan cover is same, valve covers are exactly the same.
Youngandfree
It’s funny you think scag is the only one.
Exmark vs Toro: The Better Engine And Overall Mower? | LawnCareGrandpa.com
When it comes to the world of power equipment, few names are bigger than Toro and Exmark. The American brands have built stellar reputations on…
lawncaregrandpa.com
Crazy 4 grass
It’s funny you think scag is the only one.
Exmark vs Toro: The Better Engine And Overall Mower? | LawnCareGrandpa.com
When it comes to the world of power equipment, few names are bigger than Toro and Exmark. The American brands have built stellar reputations on…
lawncaregrandpa.com
He didn’t say he thought scag was the only one.
SouthEastTurf
It’s funny you think scag is the only one.
Exmark vs Toro: The Better Engine And Overall Mower? | LawnCareGrandpa.com
When it comes to the world of power equipment, few names are bigger than Toro and Exmark. The American brands have built stellar reputations on…
lawncaregrandpa.com
I was actually looking for others using it. I didn’t think SCAG was only one, just didn’t have time to look at all the different mowers.
220464
Good or bad, makes no difference to me. I simply do not want to help fund a government that is trying like mad to take over as the world’s leading economy and thus currency. Think things are bad now? Wait until china is calling al the shots. No thanks!
It’s a lot bigger than you not buying a Chinese product. It’s unstoppable simply for the fact that many Americans don’t mind buying Chinese made products. Billions of dollars are imported from China daily and will never change because of the agreements our governments make with their country. You buy our stuff, we’ll buy your stuff. like you said: “wait until China is calling all the shots”. Because EDIT: they own a good chunk of our debt, at least 1.1 Trillion dollars of it anyways.
Where Are Predator Engines Manufactured?
Whether you agree with the idea of clone products or not, it’s hard to deny that Predator engines have caused quite a storm over recent years.
Predator is a range of engines and generators that are designed to use gas more efficiently and therefore produce cleaner energy. They are sold at Harbor Feight stores in the US.
However, some of the models in the range have developed a controversial reputation as they have been advertised as clones on more expensive models from Honda.
This bold and unashamed undercutting of a larger, most established company has left a sour taste in many people’s mouths. And the bargains have brought joy to others.
In this article, we will be investigating the mysterious manufacturing process of Predator engines. We will also be looking at if they really are Honda clones, as well as looking at the stats of their most popular engine.
What are the most popular models of Predator Engine and products?
There are two main contenders in this category: the 2000 Generator and the 212cc engine. What makes these two so popular?
The 2000 Generator has built itself a reputation for being a near-silent, compact model. They are very safe to use, and they can even power sensitive portable electronics.
The 212cc from Predator is a little controversial but still one of their most sought after engines. The reason this engine is so controversial is that it is marketed as a Honda clone. It is claimed that this engine does the same job, for less and it doesn’t even need premium fuel to run.
Both of these products are well-reviewed and are often sold out.
Predator 6.5 HP 212cc OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine
[amazon fields=”B005U31ORU” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Who makes Predator Engines?
One of the other reasons why Predator Engines are so controversial is that they have quite a murky past. You’re reading this article because you want to know who makes these products and where. The bad news is that there doesn’t appear to be a simple answer to this question.
Let’s start off with what there is pretty clear evidence of – who USED to make Predator Engines.
- Commercial vehicles
- Passenger cars
- Microvans
- Dirt bike engines
- Motorcycles
- Sports shoes
- Wine (obviously…)
When The Lifan group was making predator engines they were made in China and shipped across the world.
But what about now? Let’s dive into the mysterious practices of the company called Harbor Freight.
Where are Predator engines manufactured?
There have been many articles reporting that The Lifan Group no longer makes Prediors Engines. The Group has not shut down but it was reported that they either sold the patents or have created a smaller company to continue making the engines.
Where things get confusing is that a large American retailer who was once a stockist of Predator Engines now seems to be making the engines as well. This company is known as Harbor Freight.
Harbor Freight is a series of tool superstores, founded in California in 1977. Their unique selling point is that they source their tools directly from the manufacturer and therefore can offer their customers a lower price.
Whilst this is not technically white labeling, it does make it harder to find out where Harbor Freights get their engines made.
We have seen a few places report that these engines are made in the U.S., Japan, and Thailand. However, this appears to be information copied from Honda’s website, rather than information about the Honda clones.
So, where does Harbor Freight make their Predator Engines?
Well, this is not information that they seem to want to share. If we were to make an educated guess, we would say they’re still made in the Lifan Group factories in China.
How similar is the 212cc to the Honda Model?
The 212cc Predator Engines are hugely popular as they have become known as Honda Clones.
The particular Honda engine that they are supposed to mimic is the Honda Gx200. But how similar are the two models?
Is the Predator 212cc an exact clone of the Honda Gx200?
In all honesty, they’re pretty similar to each other but not identical. The 212cc is not a direct clone of the Honda. There are many parts that are very similar if not identical.
However, some of their internal elements are completely different.
Are their parts interchangeable?
This is also a tricky question. Harbor Freight does not advertise that Predator parts can be used as cheaper alternatives to Honda parts; it is widely accepted to be the case.
It’s not something we would recommend doing, as putting ill-fitting or the wrong parts in your engine can be very dangerous.
However, many part purchasing websites allow you to distinguish whether you are buying parts for a Honda engine or a Honda clone. If you have the Predator engine it is best to buy parts designed for the clone rather than the original engine.
Not only is it safer but you’ll also save some money in the process.
Can I replace my Honda engine with a Predator 212cc?
If you want to replace your whole Honda engine then it is possible to install the Predator 212cc in place of it. The Predator is designed to be fitted to a car or cart in the same way.
The Predator 212cc is a ball-bearing mounted gas-saving engine with overhead valves. This makes it more efficient and cleaner than the average gasoline engine. This is why many people chose to replace their car/cart’s original engine with a Predator engine.
YouTuber’s Fleet of Trucks with 6.5-HP Harbor Freight Engines Is a Wrenching Triumph
Welcome to America, where the vast majority of our pickup trucks—1966 Ford F-600 dump trucks notwithstanding—are massive overkill for the kind of driving most Americans perform. The same goes for their engines; as most folks don’t always (or ever) explore the limits of their behemoths’ towing capacities—but it’s okay because this is a free country and having more than necessary is just right. However, if you needed proof that less is sometimes more (even in the world of trucks) just look to this video of a truck powered by a one-cylinder motor pulling a freaking semi-truck.
YouTuber Michael Madison, whose channel went dark about a year ago, explains that the engine powering the humble, redneck-tastic rig you see here is a 212cc “Predator” engine from Harbor Freight. Sold for 120 as a replacement engine for generators, compressors, and other light machinery, this Predator variant is an overhead-valve one-cylinder said to produce 6.5 horsepower and 8.1 pound-feet of torque. As the ever-escalating diesel torque wars prove, most pickup owners will scoff at numbers like those, though the physics majors in the room will know that it ain’t how much force you’re working with—it’s how you use it, and for Madison, the magic is all in the gearing.
Madison uses a chain drive with a roughly 9.1:1 reduction ratio to send power into the transmission, which then drives a 2.73:1 rear end from a Jeep Wagoneer. In first gear, Madison says, this gives the drivetrain an approximate (and hilarious) 269:1 reduction ratio, meaning that modest 8.1 pound-feet of torque is amplified to nearly 2,200 pound-feet at the output shaft. That makes Madison’s trucks comically capable for their given power level, and able to keep up with most “real” trucks off-road.
Such short gearing means Madison’s single-cylinder trucks (yes, he has more than one) are limited to about 25 mph, so they’re definitely not legal to drive on public roads. That’s kind of a shame when you consider that they get about 70 mpg, making them the most fuel-efficient trucks short of a Rivian R1T. One of them even has a solar panel on the back, and we don’t see any of that noise on the supposedly “floating” Tesla Cybertruck.