Trike Mod Questions

Was considering a trike mod instead of getting rid of my bike. I saw a Suzuki S50 modded with a rear end from a S10 pickup with a custom swingarm. The Mod seems simple enough and the rear end is only $95 (complete drum to drum) form a local scrap yard. Of course I would have to put a MC and lines for the rear wheels, but the biggest obstacle would be making a reverse.
If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, feel free to post.
Yes I know It would be easier to buy a trike, but it would be cheaper this route since I already have a bike and I'm low on funds.

 

bump

 

If you figure out a (cheap) way to do this with a USA sold rear end let us know!

The last cool one I saw on here was a European only axle, and it didn't look super easy if you've never messed with an auto axle before (or no welder in hand).

 

how about a electric motor (car starter) with a pulley/belt setup to work off a lever to tighten the belt on a pulley right on the drive shaft and be the reverse drive

 

I have a mig welder on hand. As far as the rear end goes, I may go with a Nissan or Toyota truck. The scrap yard also has a KIA Sportage and a Isuzu truck. The ability to have a reverse is important, just not sure as how to go about it.
I could easily do a fake training wheel kit, but I've heard they don't corner well. Then I would still have the reverse problem. Pushing is no longer an option for me, hell walking is sometimes a challenge. :lol:
I've got someone to help with the labor, just need some ideas. So pick your brains and clear out the cob webs yah'll. (You all) for all those above the Mason Dixon line. :wink:

 

The only way of accomplishing a reverse would be to use an auxiliary gearbox after the output shaft.

Rear brake operation could be accomplished by using the rear brake master cylinder from the XJ900/XJ1100, or anything similar that used a rear disc brake setup.

Ghost

 

Thanks for the info MiGhost, that's helpful.
Polock, I like your idea. Sounds simple and inexpensive. Just put the bike in neutral, engage the belt, and use a push button switch to engage a solenoid to activate the starter, turning the shaft the opposite direction.
Only a belt would continually turn with the shaft and wear out fast. Maybe a gear that the starter drive could engage would be better, but hard to find.
I like this though, you got the wheels in my head turning, Thanks. 8)

 

Ok I think I figured it out. Replace the drive in a starter with a nylon wheel, attach the starter to a swing bracket so it can be engaged to rear tire to rotate it backwards. (Smacks self on forehead) Why didn't I think of that before? :lol: Thanks Polock.

 

Performance sway-bar bushings are about one inch in diameter, and cheap.
You could get a starter that already has a gear reduction. It won't be fast, but it'll move.

 

take a look under a riding lawnmower, how the lever that engages the blades works.
lever moves a idler pulley that tightens the belt
direct drive to the tire is how a GoPed scooter works but the trouble with them is from a dead stop the knurled drive wheel eats the tire until
the tire speed catches up to the drive spindle speed

 

Always park on an uphill slope.

 

Thanks for all the responses, they have defiantly helped. I'll look in to those bushings Time. Didn't think about tire damage, thought that maybe with enough pressure it wouldn't be an issue. I was thinking of using a smooth wheel. Maybe it would work with the right amount of pressure without damaging the tire.
Hills are great till you can't find one, then you have to park at the end of the aisle by going thru 1 parking spot to get to the other and have a long walk. Reverse gear went out in my truck once.LOL

 

Friction drive.

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewto ... &start=180

 

Yes, that's what I was thinking about. Just mounted on a hinge bracket so I could engage/disengage with a lever that locks in place engaged and disengaged.

 

I talked to a wise (older) and overflowing with bike knowledge about triking out my 700. He said that since my inline 4 motor is more of a high torque motor, it would seriously hinder performance. It would definitely be slow on take off and mpg's would suffer big time. He has a Goldwing that he had triked by Honda and lost 10 to 15 mpg's, but has power and performance because of the larger 1500cc flat six.
When I mentioned seeing a Suzuki C50 triked, he reminded me that V-Twin motors are low torque and can handle powering a rear end. This makes sense to me. Does anyone think differently? And why?
Anyway, if I can't trike it with a rear end, then I have 3 other options.
1. Do the faux/training wheel trike. A easy and cheap mod.
2. Reverse trike. A little trickier.
3. Sell the bike and slowly go nuts or nuttier. :wink:

 

Was looking through the photo gallery and found a 650 Seca that had been triked. The builder had some tranny issues, but it isn't clear if the conversion was at fault or the tranny was wore out to begin with. I've e-mailed and pm'ed the builder for info. This conversion may be doable after all.

 

I've decided to do the trike mod, but will have to wait till fall to start since I have no funds. I have it all worked out in my head. When I start this build I'll do a full write up with pics. It will definitely require a custom swing arm and suspension, bodywork and new paint job. Yes, it will probably be orange and black, but different. :twisted: