Trike project

[outcrydrummer]

Figured I would post up and keep track of my progress on this project.

Anyways this first started as a quick obsession with drift trikes but after really envisioning it I couldn't see myself being limited to pavement. I live in the country right off the highway so thats not even a safe option.

Anyways so I've decided to build an offroad trike. I started with a mini bike chopper frame and started mocking up a trike.

The front forks were way to flimsly for offroad use so I've decided to use my suzuki k10 forks with a 20-22" x 3" wide front wheel from a bicycle. I have a 18" wheel on now for mock up until I can actually buy the wheel I want.

The rear axle and setup will be coming from a yard kart I'm buying friday for 50 bucks from a guy. 34" live axle.

To keep things simple I'll simply weld the two frames together and throw in some 1" pipe supports and call it a day.

I'll post pics in a new comment below.

Let me know what you think

and of course any advice is welcome.

Thanks

 

[outcrydrummer]

This is pics of the chopper I started with.
Middle picks are mock up of the front end
Last pics are the frame with the new front end tack welded in place. The rear end might sit slightly lower then pictured in the last photos but shiukdbbe close to that height. And the front end will be slightly higher once the correct wheel size is purchased and installed.

 

[firemanjim]

Looks pretty good! What are you gonna power it with? You should use a diff for this project. I think you'll be happier with the end results......

 

[outcrydrummer]

The cost of the diff is really just too pricey. There is a member who is sort of local who offered one up but waiting on the price.

Thinking either a worked 212 predator or the 420 predator. Open to suggestions.

 

[firemanjim]

I'm sorry, but to me, that thing screams "pit bike engine"! At least a 110cc.......
PM the member again, for the price..... Maybe he forgot.....

 

[tiremikejr]

I will be watching this build intently. this is my next obsession! cant wait to see the finished product

 

[ChrisT]

Liking the look of this.

 

[outcrydrummer]

Thanks guys.
Got any more info on a pitbike engine? You mean like the small chinese dirt bikes?
I'm sure I could get one for next to nothing around here. And having gears is never a bad thing lol.

The back half of it will change shape quite a bit once the rear axle goes in as there will basically be a big square hanging off the back of the bike frame lol.

Tonight I'll finish welding the front end on as its as straight as I think it should be. Got a set of bars coming tomorrow and then tomorrow evening I should be getting some sort of rear end whether it be live axle or differential.

 

[tiremikejr]

in my opinion the live axle would be better if you want to drift at all, because the diff will want to spin the inside unloaded tire verses the outside loaded one. just a thought though. if you don't mind me asking have you decided if the engine will beside the driver like on a race cart chassis, or on the rear behind you like sfd performance, or in front of driver on the mini bike mounting plate?
I was thinking in my head the pit bike setup would be nice for the gears so gearing would not be an issue (torque and speed)

 

[outcrydrummer]

I agree on the pitbike engine. Having gears would be nice.
Haven't decided on motor location but definitely not behind the axle.....too much weight back there already lol

Probably on the original engine plate.

 

[tiremikejr]

I will be looking forward to seeing how the drive chain gets routed with any setup that puts the crank sprocket in front of the driver! This is my fault to my design useing a xr50 I have laying around, with that said where there is a will there is a way!
I may start mine sooner than I thought my curiosity is at max!

 

[outcrydrummer]

Of it goes on the original motor plate it will be directly under me maybe slightly forward of centered but either way I'll be building a sprocket and chain guard......IMO anyone not running one doesn't have much sense lol. Last thing I need is a chain splitting and tearing my leg to pieces......or my daughter.

 

[outcrydrummer]

I'm sorry, but to me, that thing screams "pit bike engine"! At least a 110cc.......
PM the member again, for the price..... Maybe he forgot.....

Havent been able to find a pitbike with a good engine for any sort of deal yet. Still on the hunt though. Also looking at 250 honda atc engines as another alternative or a japanese name brand small cc 2 stroke.

The diff seller backed out after he realized he had a use for it and since then hasn't responded to me. With that being said I will probably run a live axle and try and keep turf tires or smaller diameter rear tires on it so they can break free in the turns.

With any kind of power 10hp+ it should be able to break the back tires free in any kind of turn anyways. Which really I think is the point of the build for me.
I'd like to have a large comfortable trike that has enough power to whip donuts around and cruise at 30+mph with ease.

Other then the axle the next real dilema is finding a wheel and tire for the suzuki k10 forks I have on it. The bicycle tire I have on it is too narrow. The axle is barely long enough to hold itself in the forks without falling off for mock up purposes.
I'm either going to have to find a wider hub/axle mountain bike or bmx tire or upgrade my original idea to a dirtbike or motorcycle wheel and tire which of course is more money.