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View Full Version : ATC185s conversion to T3 type swinger



ATC185R
12-15-2007, 11:29 PM
-I'm converting a 185s to a racer by adding a Tecate type swinger. As you know, the 185s had NO rear suspension, so I will basically be reworking the whole back half of the trike. I will be using the stock axle and carrier for now...will maybe change it later. As you know, the 185s and BRs adjusted the chain by pivoting the whole axle carrier. I will use this same setup. So if you are familiar with the earlier T3s, they still used this old setup...My swinger will look similar. I have purchased a nitrogen shock off of a yamaha crotchrocket- R6 I think. It is too stiff I know but I think I can compensate that by using extreme linkage geometry. I will be using rectangular tubing for the swingarm. I am using wristpins out of an automotive engine as bushings (about 5/8 ID). These should have optimum wear characteristics. I don't know if I can even drill them for zerks though? Another thing I have been kicking around with my shock linkage is making it adjustable. Why not put a turnbuckle in the middle of the rear connecting link? This way I can change shock height and ultimately change ride height, you know go from motocross to ice racing in a few minutes. Any way I have been putting off chopping my frame because this is my daily driver. I want to get everything figured out and then just do the project all at once. I decided I need some rear suspension after bending 2 axles, cracking a wheel and bending another. I do some way too extreme stuff for a ridgid axle trike. I'm lookin' at buyin' a Tecate but until then this will be a neat project. Any input is much appreciated! thanks. :TrikesOwn

A few questions:

-I am always bottoming out my forks. I installed heavier springs and different valving by TerryKit. What will putting synthetic Shelbourne 80w gear oil in my forks hurt? It will definately stiffen them up. I am currently running 10w-30w.

-Also I read a thread on hydroforming and am kicking around the idea of making an exhaust with a small expansion chamber (kind of like FMF powerbomb) here's link http://i.timeinc.net/mx/content/images/aug04/082704protopipesm.jpg this is an FMF prototype for 4stroke mx bikes

-Also any input on the adjustable shock linkage would be appreciated.

runaway
12-15-2007, 11:44 PM
helloi
if you want you could look for my 185s project i put a 200x rear on mine i wouldnt advise doing it my way. here are some photos that i found on ebay if i had to do it again i would do it this way. hope these help if you need more info pm me i will give it .
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/th_185s12.jpg (http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/185s12.jpg)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/th_185s11.jpg (http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/185s11.jpg)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/th_185s6.jpg (http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/185s6.jpg)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/th_185s4.jpg (http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/185s4.jpg)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/th_185s3.jpg (http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/185s3.jpg)
hey if you decide to go this route please post your dimension's and all measurements for the rest of the board.

ATC185R
12-15-2007, 11:55 PM
Ya, I've seen conversions like this before. I appreciate the pics. I think I want to build something with more travel though, something that will take more abuse. My rear end should look similar to an R or an X when I'm done.

runaway
12-16-2007, 12:00 AM
hello
no prob,heres wat i wound up with.
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/th_P1010039.jpg (http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/P1010039.jpg)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/th_P1010038.jpg (http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/P1010038.jpg)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/th_P1010037.jpg (http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s221/runaway_017/P1010037.jpg)

ATC185R
12-16-2007, 12:14 AM
Sweet...The reason I'm goin' to keep the original axle carrier is so I don't have to add the 200x style chain tensioner like you did. It looked like a pain in the ars to notch the frame to accomodate the room to make your swinger bolt adjustable fore and aft. Seems like it would weaken it a lot too.

runaway
12-16-2007, 12:30 AM
hello
its welded up pretty good i still need to add some gussets to the chain adjustment area. why dont you just get a light alumi one from a four wheeler as long as it adjusts from the rear. it sure would be alot easier to make the mount and you shouldnt have to cut the back bone of your frame. you could mount it up like the guy did in the pictures i posted earlier.

ATC185R
12-17-2007, 01:04 AM
Heres what I am plannin' on using as a pattern. Aftermarket swinger for an early Tecate.:beer This should be fun as hell to fab. I'm gonna enjoy it :w00t:

OZQUAD44
12-17-2007, 11:31 AM
Looks like a factory 86/7 Tecate swingarm

oldskool83
12-17-2007, 11:40 AM
wouldnt a 200x chassis swap be easier?

boy i thought i was i nuts for putting a 300ex rear end on a 200x.

ATC185R
12-17-2007, 12:42 PM
ya a chasis swap would be easier. I already have too much time and money invested in the front end of this trike and figured I might as well go all out on the rear end. Unless somebody has a cheap 200x roller and then I could make an auto-x. That would be sweet I guess then I could sell my current trike as a 185 roller with extremely good front forks :beer

scooterroo
12-17-2007, 05:16 PM
Heres what I am plannin' on using as a pattern. Aftermarket swinger for an early Tecate.:beer This should be fun as hell to fab. I'm gonna enjoy it :w00t:

:wondering aftermarket swinger? stock 86/7 swinger looks like to me. :welcome:

Vealmonkey
12-17-2007, 07:03 PM
atc185r, what have you done with the front end? You have me curious now.

ATC185R
12-17-2007, 08:21 PM
Old school TerryKit valving and heavier one-piece springs. I run heavier oil and they perform about the same or better than a 200x. A little less travel though :( If you do your research. TerryKit was big on the ATC racing scene in the early 80s. I scored these out of SoCal :w00t:

cr480r
12-17-2007, 11:20 PM
So you are making the rear long travel and keeping 185 forks on the front?

ATC185R
12-18-2007, 12:56 AM
Ya I know....I should convert the thing to an auto-x and do it complete, but I have the resources of a good shop and all the parts bought already and I really love to fab. And also I was kinda wantin' to keep the 185 forks to make it old school so people can tell it's a conversion and not just another 200x. Like I said, they almost perform as well as an x's anyway, so why not make somethin' unique?

Hey if anyone knows the effects off adding a turnbuckle in the middle of the back shock link I would appreciate it. Is this a good idea? I want to be able to change ride height easily.

OZQUAD44
12-19-2007, 01:31 AM
Auto X has to be the way to go. There are two rollers on EEEEEBBBAAAYYY right now. Auto X is the machine that Honda should have made instead of the 200M.

If you just want to make an old school machine, just keep it hard tail and add a groovy paint job, Bright Orange with racing stripes and a white seat and frame for example. Take it back to 1979.

oldskool83
12-19-2007, 08:58 AM
Auto-x...may more options you'll thank all of us after you ride one. I road one because i didnt know if i wanted a 185s or auto-x...it only took the a few mins to realize i would of hated my self for not building one.

those 2 roller on ebay didnt look that bad either.

RapidRick
12-21-2007, 12:44 AM
I've had a fully suspended 185s and have a stock 200X and a 200X with a 185s engine in it (one of the first AutoX's) and the 200X Auto is a better choice IMHO. Just my $.02, I do also have a Nicholson swinger what was used in the suspended 185s and a sister to one I ran in a 500X and it will stand any punishment thrown at it. I can send you dimensions and pics. PM me if you're interested to copy it.

ATC185R
02-25-2008, 03:49 PM
Well I stayed up last night building the adjustable carrier brackets and skipped school today. So possibly I will get the beams of the swingarm completed tonight. I have been looking for an x frame for quite some time and finally decided to just use what I have and make the best of it. I am pretty slow in the shop so you aren't going to see any speedy results. But on the other hand, the brackets came out perfect the first time. :w00t: Man I need to get a plasma cutter. I borrowed my boss's and freakin love it.

84honda200s
02-25-2008, 03:58 PM
nice job on them bad boys man !!! i built an auto-x and i love it but i give you mad props fr taking this on man. its one thing to slap a auto motor in a 200x frame and call it good (like me and many of us) but you chose to build a suspension for a 185s and for that man major props to you. looking good man. keep us updated.

ATC185R
02-26-2008, 12:29 AM
Thanks for the compliments