Build a Trike
Template:StubTemplate:AccuracyTrikes are motorcycles converted to have 3 wheels, a single front wheel and a rear axle with 2 wheels. They offer the feeling of "freedom" you get when riding a motorcycle but with added benefits. Trikes are roomy, giving comfort for 2 passengers. They also are more stable (2 wheels in the rear) and offering a smoother ride with lots of space for your luggage or items. To build a trike, you will want to possess some mechanical knowledge yourself or have someone there that does. Also, you should have some machining and welding skills. Knowledge of motorcycles and motorcycle parts are also necessary.
Steps
- Begin by securing your motorcycle on the 2 jack stands.
- Take off the rear wheel by loosening the nuts on the sides of the rear axle and then gently slide the rear tire forward. At the same time, slide the chain from the sprocket and you will be able to remove the wheel off of the swing arm.
- Remove the rear axle out of the hub.
- Decide how wide you want the trike's axle to be. You can make the axle whatever length you'd like but we will assume your trike will be built half as wide as its total length.
- Measure the total length of the motorcycle and determine how wide the rear axle should be according to these measurements (half of total length).
- Divide the width of your axle by 2 and this is the measurement of the axle you will be welding to each side of the existing rear axle.
- Using your metal lathe, you can match the thickness of the existing axle by turning your steel down and then cut the metal to match what lengths you need.
- Making sure they are square; carefully weld the pieces of metal to both ends of the existing axle. Now you have a modified axle ready for welding wheel hubs onto and placing the new axle on the swing arm.
- Weld the wheel hubs to each end of your newly built axle and put the axle back onto the swing arm.
- Put the chain back onto the sprocket and tighten the castle nuts.
- Place your new trailer wheels on the ends of the newly extended rear axle and tighten down the lug nuts making sure the axle is secure.
Tips
- After you finish building the trike, you can add fenders which will require more work and some painting and is a project all on its own.
- There are many used pre-manufactured motorcycle trikes for sale at car or motorcycle dealerships and can also be purchased over the Internet. This is recommended if you are not familiar with welding tools and the metal lathe.
Warnings
- To build a trike, you must possess a moderate level of welding skills to do this project. For example, if the trike's axle is not welded together correctly, your trike will shake while on the road and could create a dangerous situation that may cause an accident. Do not attempt if you are not familiar with welding and mechanics.
