project Polaris Predator 500X

[predator500X]

Me and a buddy decided to do a crazy project- turning a pefectly good predator 500 into a trike!!!! i started with a predator got a honda cr125 for parts (triple trees and forks) honda 350x front hub and wheel, and custom steering tube for the frame and a custom axle. Heres some pics and a link to a video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EI20RC9wA0&feature=plcp
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146797&d=1336878330
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146799&d=1336878365

[falloutboy]

It will be interesting to see how this comes out.

[86R]

Pretty wicked. Predator front ends are horribly ugly should be a massive improvement when its done.

[Matt85'350x]

I've always wondered what a predator trike would be like. I don't have the heart/ability to cut up my predator but I'm interested to see how this goes.

[swampthang]

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished machine. I like these quad to trike conversions. The only thing that scares me is all those welds on the tripple clamps.

[predator500X]

thanks guys i cant wait either, 86r i was gonna try to still use the center of the front plastics we'll see how that goes, and swampthang i trust my fabricator hes one of my best friends

[WJG1000W]

how fast did that predator go you think

[predator500X]

bone stock brand new they did about 80mph

[Big Mike]

Predators are bad ass machines!! I had one for short time, and I am watching this thread for progress.

[predator500X]

heres a video of the almost done triple trees.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8T_S8c5TQs&feature=player_embedded

[JasonB]

interesting project! I love these bikes, guessing its going to be a retarded hardcore machine if you get the suspension geometry and fork rake just right!

[predator500X]

heres some pics of the frame so far.
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146905&d=1337053635
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146904&d=1337053617

[WJG1000W]

bone stock brand new they did about 80mph
i new they were fast but a friend of mine has one that does 100+ but i didn't know if he had done anything to it

[zmpolaristech]

i new they were fast but a friend of mine has one that does 130+ but i didn't know if he had done anything to it

130 plus, Huh? Not this chit again.....

[briano]

Yup, stupid people at it again.

Not me but a guy I know says his quad will go 150 cuz it got a pipe, and regeared. Lol

[swampthang]

i new they were fast but a friend of mine has one that does 100+ but i didn't know if he had done anything to it

I would have to say either someone has an imagination or some tall gears to reach 100+( or 130+ :lol:)
Look at this test on the Predator. Seems like it ran in the low 70mph range consistently. http://www.off-road.com/atv/review/2003-polaris-predator-500-atv-tested-by-offroadcom-21685.html

[predator500X]

so we got more frame work done before we ran out of weld wire heres the progress so far.
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146981&d=1337219167
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146980&d=1337219150
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=146979&d=1337219134

[audioworks04]

I would be a little leary of how you can control your welds with a mig on such small tubes. Tig would deffinately be the prefered method. But looks good so far keep the updates coming.

[predator500X]

thats all just tacked together my welder Vito got to bring it to work to finish weld it

[falloutboy]

It coming together nicely. How well will the plate in front of the gas tank support your top tubes from the neck? If it was me I would run some tubing from that point back to the main frame, on the sides of the gas tank.

[predator500X]

no room for pipe but we plated both front sides and inside should be plenty of support. i do mostly trail riding i dont go crazy tryin to hit jumps, broke my collarbone last year and cant afford to miss that much work. the video of me breakin my collarbone is on youtube that s@#t hurt!!
http://youtu.be/mtJRKEQVyLM

[just ben]

the video of me breakin my collarbone is on youtube that s@#t hurt!!
http://youtu.be/mtJRKEQVyLM And people think trikes are dangerous

[BeersBuds&Mud]

that sucks, but man it was funny to watch!! (the words after the crash)

[predator500X]

heres a video of the the frame all tacked up just some tig and some more mig welding and its done
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4nPAhoCF9Y&feature=g-all-u

[predator500X]

so we got a rolling chassis!!!!
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147179&d=1337399239
And in case u thought it would be small heres a photo of Vito(the welder who built this for me) sitting on it
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147180&d=1337399255
I think we got a Junior powered trike...LOL
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147178&d=1337399221

[BeersBuds&Mud]

its the MONSTERTRIKE!! it eats 4wheelers and dirtbikes!! :lol: cant wait to see it rip!!

[Big Mike]

I really am liking where this build is going. I might be into building one of these instead of a 450R 3 wheeler. Keep up with the updates.

[Vito]

We will see how this one works out when it's done, if its good to go I'm thinking about a outlaw 525 IRS trike lol

[TatTooL23]

Looks really cool. Very long engine cradle.

But honestly I would gusset the sh*t out of that steering neck area.

[Big Mike]

I didnt realize that you were in CT, not far from here, we might have to meet up for some riding so I can see this thing in person when it is done!

[Billy Golightly]

Creative way to jig up the trees where you welded them, good idea!

[kyleb]

What a monster! Keep us a updated!

[codyb93]

Always wondered where the interest for polaris sport quads went ... I had a 09 525 straight axle and it was a lot of fun, hauled ass. Also had a few buddies who had 500 outlaws and predators and stuff and you never hear of them at all or even see any anymore where I'm from ... Still, should be a cool build!

[Bryan Raffa]

how much clearance that thing have????????? sweet!

[Vito]

how much clearance that thing have????????? sweet!
Without the engine and stuff it has 15in from frame to ground and tire to tire it's 7ft long

[Bryan Raffa]

Know trailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro!!!... I like it... whats you plans for plastic , shrouds? wish you would have started this sooner .. so you could bring it to Trike Fest! YAMAHONDAMANYAMAHONDAMANYAMAHONDAMANYAMAHONDAMANYA MAHONDAMAN

[predator500X]

sorry no posts latly takes a while to strip paint off this frame, and waitin on a few parts, but dont worry the 500X is still gonna rip!!!!

[badass350x]

Been two days,,,, where's the new pics???? Lol..

[predator500X]

okay i got the frame primered waitin on some bearings chain and handlebars but i got most of the parts painted ready to get bolted on. and dont worry about the top of the frame its plenty solid!!
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147796&d=1338772480
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147795&d=1338772478

[Big Mike]

I cannot wait to see this thing assembled!!!

[WJG1000W]

this will be one crazy mudding machine

[Big Mike]

COME ON ITS BEEN 4 DAYS!!! What you got done?!?!?!

[predator500X]

frame is in process of painting takes a while to do it right and work 65+ hours a week to pay for this kind of project! oh yeah and have a pregnant wife with my firstborn due last monday!!! busy life.....

[Big Mike]

Congrats on the firstborn, whenever he/she decides to arrive.

[predator500X]

thanks mike. Ok so it begins, time to assemble!!!!
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148161&d=1339210348
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148162&d=1339210349

[predator500X]

okay so i just spent 14 hours putting this monster together so i can take a test run sunday if all goes well you may see a video for this beast very soon!!!!

[gomer202]

pics pics pics!!!

[predator500X]

here it is 95% done test rode it today crazy badass trike!!!!still got some cosmetic things to do. video soon to come!
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148237&d=1339353052
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148236&d=1339353036
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148235&d=1339353016

[BeersBuds&Mud]

Oh man!!! Did u ride her??

[predator500X]

heres a link to a couple videos enjoy!!! the frist video is me the second is vito the fabricator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DauJ-8inxYg&feature=g-user-u
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASqRHotIqdA&feature=plcp

[badass350x]

Awesome, now you just need to unleash that beast, good job!!

[yaegerb]

That is one helluva long reach, it looks uncomfortable.

[predator500X]

its not that bad a reach i gotta do some tweaking but it keeps me over the front end so i got steering traction otherwise it just wants to go strait. lol

[Big Mike]

I love it!!!!!! It is perfect me because I have long arms and it would be just right for me I think. Get it all finished up and I will come pick it up on my way to trikefest and really test it out for ya.

[Vito]

Yes it was fun to finally ride it today and get a taste of the positive coments from other riders. Then again we all know some idiot that is just full of negative stuff to say, writes stupid pointless comments on YouTube videos but thats fine with me I'll keep building custom creations and having fun riding them. Btw I love stupid people they make me lmao. The only thing that I would change on this now is the ride height. It handles well but we can improve it, the reach does feel weird at first but after riding it for a bit it is very balanced front to back this way. All of the older trikes I have ridden felt very light in the front while accelerating or climbing hills so we tried to lessen that effect and it worked perfect. We felt this was important to make it manageable or rideable because of the weight and power output of the original machine. This was only a test today so we shall see what the future brings for adjustments and improvements

[predator500X]

i had to leave that idiot a comment on your youtube listing!!

[BeersBuds&Mud]

those trailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotr ailpro guys on youtube probably ride 4-wheelers!! :lol:

[predator500X]

beers, hes got a tecate he turned into a bike and it looks terrible!!!

[BeersBuds&Mud]

Hey would!! What a sh!t bag!! Lol

[Vito]

Ya let's take a three wheeler and make it a fatcat because that would be awesome and never been done before:crazy:

[just ben]

beers, hes got a tecate he turned into a bike and it looks terrible!!!It looks alot better than that. That quad looks perfectly set up for a spider monkey. and the cosmetics are second to none oh wait there is none! I completely understand why bill casey (converts quads for a living) said that a predator would not be a good choice for a conversion. I applaud the effort though Edit...Here is my comment on his video. "it's not a very strong design. run a tube from the center of that gas tank plate (for lack of a better name) down to the main frame. Triangles are as strong as you can get." real offensive huh?

[just ben]

Ya let's take a three wheeler and make it a fatcat because that would be awesome and never been done before:crazy:show me a tecate that has been done.

[Vito]

It looks alot better than that. That quad looks perfectly set up for a spider monkey. and the cosmetics are second to none oh wait there is none! I completely understand why bill casey (converts quads for a living) said that a predator would not be a good choice for a conversion. I applaud the effort though Edit...Here is my comment on his video. "it's not a very strong design. run a tube from the center of that gas tank plate (for lack of a better name) down to the main frame. Triangles are as strong as you can get." real offensive huh? not that comment your other stupid comment( looks like it handles like a turd) IMO this is a three wheeler forum and that is what we built. You took apart a three wheeler and made a dirtbike with small fat tires like a fatcat or bigwheel. There is a forum for that also. I not knocking your ride at all it's a fast bigwheel I'm sure but it's not a trike anymore.

[just ben]

not that comment your other stupid comment( looks like it handles like a turd) IMO this is a three wheeler forum and that is what we built. You took apart a three wheeler and made a dirtbike with small fat tires like a fatcat or bigwheel. There is a forum for that also. I not knocking your ride at all it's a fast bigwheel I'm sure but it's not a trike anymore.It's a threewheeler forum with sub forums for any type of machine.You did knock it along with your buddy And is why I went on the defensive. Is turning a trike into a bike an origanal idea? no. A tecate ? no but has anyone actually done it before?As far as saying that it handles like a turd I don't remember saying it but I don't doubt it.It sounds like something I would say,I call it like I see it. Infact if you read into my custom build thread I said my own machine handled like shilt. It took almost as much to get it to handle good as it to build.You guys may or may not get it right but IMO I just don't think it's ther yet.

[Louis Mielke]

The mods are watching guys. Take it easy. Discussion is fine but this is borderline on be coming something that will get locked and temporary bans handed out. Play nice.

Anyway, my 2 cents. I like it, it's pretty cool, sounds/looks like its got plenty of power. I do have to agree I'd be a little concerned about the strength up top, those vids look like you're riding it a bit more aggressively than was planned as described in the build. I would wonder if you could find a slightly shorter gastank from another quad that would let you shorten it up a hair. That is a really long reach. Doesn't look like you could steer it sitting on the seat.

[just ben]

no need louis

[Vito]

Anyway, my 2 cents. I like it, it's pretty cool, sounds/looks like its got plenty of power. I do have to agree I'd be a little concerned about the strength up top, those vids look like you're riding it a bit more aggressively than was planned as described in the build. I would wonder if you could find a slightly shorter gastank from another quad that would let you shorten it up a hair. That is a really long reach. Doesn't look like you could steer it sitting on the seat. I agree it is a little weird. I didn't design it I just built it lol. Eric told my how he wanted it and I tried to make it work and it does work better than I thought it would. Even with my fifteen years of steel fabricating experience it was quite a challenge adding to that frame to make it strong. After that full day of testing and beatin it on some tough trails its definetly strong.If it was mine sure I would have used a motorcycle tank or trike tank with some scoops or something like that. This is my first attempt with a conversion like and it won't be my last. I did learn some things during this build that will make the next one better. I would love to buy one from Bill Casey (TPC trikes) but that's big money for one of those machines.

[Vito]

Oops I somehow messed up the quote

- I fixed it. -Louis

[predator500X]

couple new things done got some front plastics on there plus my pro armor nerf bars, rebuilt the carb today ready to ride sunday!!
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149700&d=1340927867
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=149699&d=1340927852

[200x350xtriz250]

What is the front fender off of originally?

[Blown 331]

What is the front fender off of originally?

Looks like the original Predator fender to me.

I personally kind of want a Predator for myself. The power of a 450 and 1000 times more reliable.

[predator500X]

yup front fender is from predator just cut and zip tie, gonna have Vito make a strip of alum and rivit it together for a better look and hold but this works for this sunday (i hope)

[D-dub]

Awesome build man!,Its always good to have more trikes in the world!...but what you need is a 250r fender bolted under the triples:beer

[dirtburner]

Cool project man... have fun!

[predator500X]

i already have enough honda parts on this, i still want to keep the predator look, a 250r fender would take away with that but thx for the suggestion D-dub

[TatTooL23]

no.... u really need to change that fender or beak or whatever it is. seriously, just put a real 3 wheeler fender on it. it will look worlds better.

[Kit]

Wow that looks soo bad ass.

[countrybumpkin]

that is one sweet looking trike!!! I love to watch a quad get modified into a real riding machine! Awesome job!!!!

[redsox]

thing is bad-nuts!!! don't listen to the haters, they're everywhere. you have something that didn't exist before. you should be proud. nice work. i'm in MA, i'd love to see it someday. keep up the good work.

[jasonrobert67]

haha, that is great, wish i could drive it------------- good job

[Zuplar]

Got any updated pics? I recently bought a Predator and was on a forum that linked this. I have never seen it before even though I've been a member.

[belly]

Very interesting! I'd keep the unique predator look.

[1985-200x-rider]

this is gonna be a sick three wheeler, and your making the world better by making a polaris lose a wheel:TrikesOwn

[blancopaul#1]

should be awsome, put a 250r tank and radiator it would be sweet

[fordtech90]

Man that thing looks cool but very uncomfortable to ride! Having been a quick build and whatnot id say it turned out good but would be great to see a 450r trike would handle alot better I think. As to some of the old comments people dont see alot of predators around because as with most polaris atv's they have poor resale value, bad taste in alot of old customers mouths and being a 500 they still get smoked by 450s all day long.

[corey koemple]

Sweet I had one of those. Should be interesting to c how that turns out 4 u. Post mo pics

[Aden8100]

Really done nice job there...Its dead easy and pretty difficult to go wrong.The display you present for us is inspiring and very professional...

[predator500X]

Haven't done much got a few body panels made up and doing some decals along with a dash mount for my phone.
In some talks with fender producers to get something professional for for the front. Only stuff left is mechanical
upgrades this is an 03 and its bone stock, I want a new bottom end with reverse then pipe and jet it, then we'll think
about boring it out thing goes over 70 now do I really gotta go faster?.....YES.

[CodyRosa]

To answer that last question: Yes lol 70 just is NOT enough.. haha. You should post pics with the new fenders once you get some.

[CodyRosa]

Why on earth would you dislike that? lol