Chopper trike build

Status
Not open for further replies.
V

vnygra

New member
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Picked up a go kart off craigslist a month or so ago. I've been building choppers for a while, and wanted to build something with my daughter(9) this winter. I was originally planning on making it into a drift trike, but the more it think about it, want to do a small chopper style trike(long springer front end, fiberglass body panel over the seat, sized a little too small for me, and a little large for her, so we can both ride it around.

I have a couple questions right off the bat, I've been googling but haven't found much for answers. She got to drive it as a go kart once, but with the solid rear axle, turning sucked. So I'm pretty sure i need to make the rear wheels spin independently, correct? And when i get to making the frame, should i keep the torque converter, or switch over to a clutch and direct chain? Im sure i'll have more questions as i get going on this. Heres some pics of it now




And also, i couldn't find anything the same size as these tires as a slick/ street tire. Anyone know if this is a strange size?
 
Flyinhillbilly

Flyinhillbilly

The great cornholio
Messages
2,468
Reaction score
132
Location
North West Arkansas
Are you trying to do a drift trike, or something more for riding around? Most put PVC sleeves on the rear tires to make the drift trikes turn, as I understand it they turn like crap without them.


Also, welcome. I used to go by turbo Nate on the 33, I knew who you were as soon as I saw the username. I tried to come up with something clever about that not being a shovelhead on your lift, but failed, as usual.
 
Jr. Mechanic

Jr. Mechanic

New member
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
Location
Waldo, Wisconsin
If you want to turn better, then yes. You will need to find some sort of a differential that makes the wheels spin independently, though most offroad karts just have a solid axle (for strength and simplicity).
And KEEP THE TORQUE CONVERTER
They are a godsend when it comes to off road karts. A cent. clutch will burn up very quickly when you have big tires and want speed. You will regret getting rid of your torque converter if you switch (to a cent. clutch, I mean)

---------- Post added at 12:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 PM ----------

and for the tires, is
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...HVvq9IL8XEFo15LJl0Bl6on3cUAe-5Dw0RRoCbPvw_wcB
this what you are looking for, roughly?
 
V

vnygra

New member
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Thanks guys. Yep, just finished the shovelhead, now onto a mini version, lol. Ditching the drift trike idea all together, and doing a trike chopper, so no pvc, need to find street tires, hopfully that will fit those rims i have now.

10-4 on keeping to TC, thats good, since its one less thing to buy. Any one have pics or a decently simple way to convert a solid axle to independent?

---------- Post added at 12:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 PM ----------

Just saw that link for the tires, Thanks man. those look good!
 
Jr. Mechanic

Jr. Mechanic

New member
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
Location
Waldo, Wisconsin
shoot. Well dont feel too bad, because it may not have been the same axle size anyways. If you like the lawnmower idea, though, im sure you could find an axle somewhere for cheap, maybe even at a junkyard.
 
V

vnygra

New member
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Well, what im kind of thinking of doing is having one solid axle, so i can run the sprocket and brake disc on it somewhere, and make the other wheel have bearings in it to spin on its own, just on the last few inches of the axle. I have a lathe, so i can turn down the end of the axle i already have. I'd have to weld a sleeve on the hub to be able to put bearings in.
 
2SlickNick

2SlickNick

American Minibikes @ FB
Messages
2,758
Reaction score
30
Location
Mesa, AZ.
Hey differential would help, northern tool sells those for $100.
I did a solid axle on my build... Turning was not horrible but that's expected with solid axle.
My axle length was 32"
Yes keep TC.
Slicks would be pricey, but Walmart sell 18" rib tires. I used the rib tires on most of my builds.

Here is my setup.

https://youtu.be/62d8M09uAQw
 
V

vnygra

New member
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Ok, i got all the tubing ordered to build a frame. Still looking at the rear axle, i looked at those differential axles, not too bad price wise, but id you use one, do you need to put a brake on each side? would having only one brake on one rear wheel make it want to spin if you hit the brake hard?
 
2SlickNick

2SlickNick

American Minibikes @ FB
Messages
2,758
Reaction score
30
Location
Mesa, AZ.
You would need brakes on both sides... My mudbug trike has a differential and using just one side to brake helps with cornering.
 
V

vnygra

New member
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Slow going. Got the differential axle from Northern. Turned down the hubs to get rid of the band brake mounts. Cant find anything for a sprocket/ rotor to fit the diff mounts, might order a blank one and drill holes to mount. Should have a K&N intake today and be able to mount that up, and start work on the frame. I'm going to need to get a large piece of steel to make the motor mount and jackshaft mount on one plate. The front end looked like ****, but is cleaning up nicely. Need to disassemble it and hit it on a buffer. I found out its too narrow to fit any spool hub, so i'll be looking for an old steel spool hub to cut and narrow a bit to fit.




neck at 50 degrees


 
V

vnygra

New member
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Started on the frame. Had to make a new jackshaft to get the chain lined up with the axle(without having the engine offset in the frame a ton)


 
C

chickenlegs

New member
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Location
washinton state
your jack shaft concerns me. how is it being stabilizwd with only one bearing? im i just old and blind? ;)
with that much length away from its bearing with no companion it will torque axially.
just wondering
frame is kick ***!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top