Drift trike Handle bars coming loose

[Tyler272727]

Hello all! I have been building this drift trike for a couple months now and i am all done with it except for my steering, i know how to mess with engines but honestly know nothing about bikes. I got it all setup and it seemed good so i brought it to an empty parking lot and after about 20mins or so the stem started coming loose on me. The clamp for the handlebars is fine and not moving but the stem itself is moving inside the head tube no matter how much i tighten it. Should i buy a new stem or any other suggestions for the steering? I know a lot of people build these drift trikes and there’s gotta be good parts that would work better or are commonly used for the steering setup

 

[Tyler272727]

 

[Denny]

You got to tighten the snot out of it!

 

[Hellion]

You got to tighten the snot out of it!

Use (blue) Loctite (threadlocker)? It could be vibrating loose over and over and over again, which is super common on small engine powered vehicles.

Should i buy a new stem or any other suggestions for the steering? I know a lot of people build these drift trikes and there’s gotta be good parts that would work better or are commonly used for the steering setup

It's been a while since I messed with bicycles but I have never had a problem with the stems. I suspect something is installed wrong, is made of substandard parts (CHY-NUH) or you have a Gremlin. Take it apart and inspect and replace if needed.

My advice also is to place the on/off kill switch on the handlebars where it belongs. It's too easy to have a stuck throttle and a runaway drift trike. Make the switch easy to find in a panic.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Wrap some sandpaper around the wedge part and re-install

 

[Tyler272727]

Thanks so much for the comments! Yeah i ordered a kill switch and it was pretty short, definitely will get remounted. I tried loctite and everything, definitely stiffer but still loose, i have not tried sand paper. But i am wondering if maybe my problem is that the stem is 21.1mm and they also sell 22.2mm, it is possible i need a 22.2mm version instead of the 21.1

 

[Sparkwizard]

I assume that stem and head tube did not come from the same bike/source, so I think you might have a mismatch in sizes, like you suggested.
I would do like @ezcome-ezgo suggested and get some 3M WET or DRY black sandpaper, like 240 grit and wrap a couple times, then carefully slide it back in and tighten it until it stays there.
I like your frame design and execution. Good job!

 

[Grizzlymi]

Thanks so much for the comments! Yeah i ordered a kill switch and it was pretty short, definitely will get remounted. I tried loctite and everything, definitely stiffer but still loose, i have not tried sand paper. But i am wondering if maybe my problem is that the stem is 21.1mm and they also sell 22.2mm, it is possible i need a 22.2mm version instead of the 21.1

Yes, that is most likely your problem. Do you have a set of calipers or a MM ruler or something to measure the inside diameter of the fork tube? If so, measure the fork tube inside dimension and make sure it matches your stem.

 

[Tyler272727]

Yes, that is most likely your problem. Do you have a set of calipers or a MM ruler or something to measure the inside diameter of the fork tube? If so, measure the fork tube inside dimension and make sure it matches your stem.

Yes i do, i will check it this morning and if that’s the case order a new one for it! Thanks so much

 

[Tyler272727]

I assume that stem and head tube did not come from the same bike/source, so I think you might have a mismatch in sizes, like you suggested.
I would do like @ezcome-ezgo suggested and get some 3M WET or DRY black sandpaper, like 240 grit and wrap a couple times, then carefully slide it back in and tighten it until it stays there.
I like your frame design and execution. Good job!

Okay awesome i will give it a try! And awee thanks so much man for the kind words, and thanks so much for taking the time to reply, i am guessing the stem and stuff have been replaced yes, i bought the frame and everything as is and all i did was mount the engine, seat, throttle, and slicks. I was going to do my own frame but found a really good deal with one on fb marketplace with a new rebuilt rear axle so i picked it up and started building!

 

[Tyler272727]

Hey yall! Been dealing with a lot but finally got the drift trike all put together with the new stem and also got some new handlebars, works great now and stem stays tight! Went and test road it yesterday everything seems solid, now for a new kill switch!

 

[Hellion]

....all put together with the new stem and also got some new handlebars, works great now and stem stays tight!

Super. It's just all new stem and bars with no sandpaper "hack", right?

 

[Tyler272727]

Thanks everyone for commenting, and that’s correct yup! If the stem starts loosening at all i will definitely put sand paper in it and try that, seems pretty tight though so far so good!

Super. It's just all new stem and bars with no sandpaper "hack", right?

 

[Grizzlymi]

Was it a MM off from the fork ID?

 

[Tyler272727]

Was it a MM off from the fork ID?

Yeah it had been replaced with a 21.1mm but was supposed to be the 22.2mm, which is what most bikes use i believe. Got on Amazon and working great!

 

[Grizzlymi]

Now we just need a video of the beast in action!