When conventional vehicles and lawnmowers cross paths, chances are those anecdotes are relegated to the wackier side of media coverage, and it's not hard to see why. One South Carolina redneck hacked the back off a Ford Fiesta to create his own ride 'em mower. And then there are some enterprising folks with enough time on their hands to create mower-powered contraptions from bulldozers and mulchers to blenders and submarines. Then on Wednesday via YouTube, another example using grass-cutting ingenuity was added to the list, this time involving a 2003 Honda 919 Sports bike.

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Honda Gets A 212-CC Engine

A couple of YouTubers who host the Cars and Cameras channel probably didn't intend to run a decent bike with a motor intent on cutting lawns. It started when they received the Honda from a fan, before removing the motor to install on a go-kart. Not wanting to keep a perfectly good motorcycle frame gathering dust, the duo decided to attach a Harbor Freight Predator 212-cc motor to it. Ironic and somewhat relevant is that Honda actually created a lawnmower that could go nearly 120 mph.

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Interestingly, they're not concerned about speed, which isn't what they'll get from something that delivers 6.5 horsepower. What they're looking for is garnering some decent fuel mileage. According to one of the mechanics, his Harley-Davidson gets about 50 miles per gallon, and he wants to see this Honda improve on that.

Motor Takes Up Less Space Than A 919-CC Engine

212cc lawnmower engine about to be mounted on Honda 919 bike
Cars and Cameras

Compared to the Honda's original, 16-valve liquid-cooled inline 919 cc engine designed to deliver 95 hp and cruise at a top speed of 135 mph, the 212-cc motor is tiny. Placing the engine on the plate underneath the seat, the lads examine how little space is taken up, suggesting that the unit could be moved up higher on the bike. They also want the engine placed a bit more forward, meaning some trimming of the frame will be required.

Additional changes include using a clutch with a 420 sprocket which will head to the rear wheel via a jackshaft running on a live axle bearing kit. As a result of the extra space available thanks to a smaller engine swap, the crew will have the luxury of placing the jackshaft anywhere they want on the bike before welding it in solid.

Gear Selection On Honda A Breeze

Honda 919 bike cruises on a lawnmower engine
Cars and Cameras

Naturally, there are a lot more changes to be made, but gears are the big issue. When it comes to testing the Honda, the gear selection seems perfect, while handling on the bumpy terrain outside the garage seems effortless. And there was still enough power to perform a burnout on the grass. As for testing gas mileage, that seems to be a long-range plan.

Source: Cars and Cameras