Honda 3CON - Modern Big Red

[atctim]

I'm a copy catter - some might tell you. I stole MIK6's idea and ran with it. Lawsuits now pending................

Swinehart - these really are easy to build. The Recon and 250EX share the same frame.

Modified frame pictures (the gas tank hoop up front is part of the stock frame - untouched):

[redsox]

Very very cool. Nice work. Looks stock.

[atctim]

Regarding wheelies - this thing does wheelie on command, but in reality what trike doesn't. The fact of the matter is that this trike has a wheelbase a few inches longer than the quad was. It is not what I would call "Wheelie Happy", but you can pull it up at will, which make it great.

Per request, here is a picture of the dash mounted:

[keister]

I measured and it is 3 inches longer than a 85 Big Red.
The coolest part of this build is that the motor didn't even come out --- heck, the carb wasn't even removed.
Here's a couple pictures so you guys can see the simple construction.

Tim, if I am giving away any trade secrets here, please delete this post.

[atctim]

Nope - nothing we are trying to hide here. I'm glad you took these pictures. I was too engrossed in the build and too excited to remember to bust out the phone for some pics. But yes, Keister is correct. The motor was not even removed - super easy conversion.

[ironchop]

Nice work....great thread

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

[big specht]

Looks good. I have some Q's too
1. Why make it longer than a big red?
2. What about gearing I know those motors are torque motors but don't they normally come with 23" tires and going to 25's or 27's going to kill the power in it?
Any ways I'm dibs on a ride this year at TF the yellow one you guy built turned out great and rode good

[atctim]

Specht: It's not that we specially built it 3" longer than a big red, but we wanted ample space for maintenance and it is basically just how it all worked out. We could actually shorten it by 4 - 4.5", but it is from personal experience that it would then be too short, and as others say - A Wheelie Monster - that would not be great on trails - especially hills. Where it is at length wise seems to be about a perfect combination for agility and stability. The stock rear tires are 22 X 11 - 9, which is what size is currently on it. I would think 25s wouldn't be a problem power wise, but I think it would have clearance issues with the rear fenders and possibly foot guards. I'm going to stick with stock sized rear tires and have no plans of up-sizing them. It runs about 50 MPH with the 22" tires - very similar to the gearing of a stock 250SX actually.

[Hunting Chip]

Add some gun racks and I'd be in love haha
Great job Tim!

[danbur55]

looks great and now a word from the sponsor "are your ready to get your trike on?? introducing the all new TRI-CON"

[Ghostv2]

So what's your opinion on pros vs cons compared to a big red? I'm not familiar with squares for obvious reasons and especially utility quads. I imagine suspension is probably a bit better and a more comfortable ride. Hell I don't even know any of the features these things came with or the motor sizes. Looks pretty bare bones actually. Did they have rear disc breaks?

I bet a modern big utility quad with all the bells and whistles would be sick.

[atctim]

Pros and Cons VS an 85 - 87 Big Red.

Pros
New parts availability
Everything is 15 - 20 years newer
Plastic tank - never rusts
Transverse motor = no 90 degree gearbox
No side covers to loose with pull start back-up

Cons
Not actually a Big Red
Suspension is equal to a Big Red - not better, not worse
No brake upgrades - still shoe / drum all around

It really is basically a modern Big Red - except it's a 3CON. Time will tell, but I think this will be a great little machine for years to come. Hopefully someday we can do a larger utility quad to trike conversion, but in the meantime I will put this guy through it's paces and see how it does. Just a few more things to button up on this machine - still waiting on headlights, and front mud flap. Also - I have all new brakes and cables and bearings for front axle, rear axle and steering stem that need replaced. I will also be replacing the front tire with something better than the Buckshot Mudder that is currently on it.

I got some decals for it over the weekend.

[big specht]

You forgot one con smaller tires

[atctim]

You forgot one con smaller tires

Or is that a pro for better handling?

[fabiodriven]

Tire size is personal preference for sure.