I need some help

[scottwelder]

First off I would like to thank you very much for reading

I recently picked up what I think is a 350X but the motor is starting to tell a weird story. First of all the plate by the shifter says it only has 5 gears I thought they had 6? This motor also does not have a decompressor on the head. Is the decompressor detrimental to operation or is just a convenience to help kick it over. Instead there is just a recessed plug there. It also does not have the three little bolts and separate housing for the oil filter. The last thing is the drain plug appears to be on the drivers side. I have attached some photo's and I can attach more. The motor serial number is PE0IE-5008348, I can not find any info on this serial number. Also does anyone know of an online site where I can get all the electrical parts for this like coil and CDI unit.

[atc300r]

I don't think you have a 350x. It looks like an after market frame with an xr motor. Could be a Nicholson frame but Im just guessing. If you could get some pics of the whole trike would help. There are some members on here that know a lot more of the Nicholson built trikes than me.Cool score though.

[DohcBikes]

Definitely an aftermarket frame. Bike engine. You have found something special. Lets see it!

[scottwelder]

Thank you guys so much for the help

Here are some more pictures. And it does not have an oil cooler and I do not see the ports for one. How do I identify this motor.

I don't see a stock frame serial number either.

[Jwheeler]

Can you take a picture of the ass-end of the frame? Where the grab bar would be ! It would be more help on making a ID of the frame for you.

[DohcBikes]

That's not a 350, thats an xr500 engine. I'm about 90% sure thats a nicholson 500. EDIT: 100% sure.

Headstock should be stamped "500X"

Step back and take a picture of the of the whole trike. You basically struck gold.

Yep, look at the back tires. Fox shock on the rear. Original to a nicholson. Very rare find these days. Congratulations!

Get with Mr. Clean here on the board, I believe he still has one.

For all we know its the one in this picture.




Do the community a favor and change your thread title, so more can see and appreciate your excellent aquisition!!

Please take care of that bike, it is a very important part of ATC history. Nothing less than full correct restoration is in order.

If you desire the correct "spelled out" PRO VECTOR H-Trak tire for the front, I have a VERY nice one right here next to me. Feel free to PM.

[scottwelder]

Thank you guys I will send more pictures tonight

[DohcBikes]

Just a little extra info. The engine is from a 1979 XR500.

[Mr. Clean]

Yes please more pics!!! I agree with Damon, its a Nicholson framed big bore!! And I agree with Damon on building it correctly. If you have any questions please let me know thru PM's.

Great score!!! Here are a couple pics of mine. Although its down to the frame now being restored.

[yaegerb]

I hear the nicholsons are hard to work on. If you get frustrated and want to let it go keep me in mind

If it turns out to be a nick, Helluva score and helluva first post! I like this guy already.

In all seriousness though, if it is a Nicholson, please take it back to its former glory, no shortcuts! Mr. Clean or a member by the name of manbearpig. I am sure many others are the resident experts. Get to know them!

[manbearpig]

Nice Pickle you got there...

[ironchop]

Wow! Nice score. That's a significant find right there

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

[Mackus84]

Somebody school me on this bike. Im assuming theres probably not very many built. What are the numbers as far as how many? Very intriguing. Awesome find. Its crazy how these ultra rare bikes pop up like this. Like Dohc said, it could very well be the bike in that picture!

[yaegerb]

And if you want to know what it could look like full restored I give you the following link.....

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...ight=Nicholson

[scottwelder]

Hey guys I want to thank you all so much for your help. Sorry I am late on the pictures but here are some more. So to ease everyone's thoughts yes I am going to take special care of it and I do want to restore it. The motor does kick over with some amazing compression. I am worried about where to find info and parts on this being it is so rare. Are they all honda parts from this or that type of bike? One of my pictures shows a mileage thing that looks factory is it? You guys feel free to look at the pictures and I welcome any and all advice

So now for the story behind this machine. There were two brothers and one of them was jet boat engine mechanic for the Budweiser cigarette boat back in the 80's in California. He owned this trike. I can only draeam that he got it straight from Nick Nicklson in California. Well about a year ago he passed away and the other brother kept it. Well sadly the last brother passed a few weeks ago and my father in law who is a handy man was helping clean out the property and found this trike for free! we thought it was a 350X and I was stoked just to have a 350X so I bought it off my father in law for $100. If I can find any paper work linking the original owner to Nick I will let you guys know.

If you guys want anymore pictures let me know.

So my first step is find all the electronics for it like the coil and CDI. where should I look. Should I get parts from a xr500 dirt bike?

Thank you guys so much for all your help