//ArrowChat Code
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 57

Thread: ATC/TRX450R conversion - Ride report inside page 4

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Tionesta, PA
    --
    5,735

    ATC/TRX450R conversion - Ride report inside page 4

    OK guys - had to do it. I have always LOVED the other 450 trikes - from Jason's first one to the evolution to his latest master piece. From Derrick's to Black Sheeps , 250R Fans- and Virgils and Crazy Flights. I am obsessed with the concept.

    Here is my build. My cousin Snake is to be thanked for help in this project - he has done more in this build than I have - he has a pretty skilled hand in welding and fabricating - as well as having the right tools - like a porta-band - and a plasma cutter.

    I'll keep the intro short. The motivation and reasoning behind this project can be seen at any given OTC race. It seems the 450 powered 4 stroke conversions eat up the 250cc 2-stroke trikes of the mid 1980s. Albeit - I love those machines - I feel that if I want to be competitive in the OTC race series - I must be on a 450. As it stands, Jason Hall, Derrick Adams, and Bill Casey are the only other guys in the circuit running them currently. I have gave up on the ATC500 project and will pass the power onto Max sometime in the future for hill climbing adventures beyond belief.

    STAGE 1

    The Cut. (November 29, 2008)

    Here is the candidate. A 2004 Honda TRX450R. It is a bit ragged out but not a bad start considering what it is. In Stage 1, I cut the front of the quad off. This may look familiar to someone out there




    And now - the cut - the Snake.....................................




    The Graft (December 4, 2008)

    Trying yet a 3rd approach to this conversion, we grafting on the bottom 1/2 of the engine cradle, steering neck and down tube from an ATC250R - to the existing quad frame. The other 2 successful conversions were A) use a bike frame, and B) custom build the 250R parts I will be using. Derrick Adams approach also worked by using a larger cradled Tri-Z frame. By using the ATC250R front section of frame - I will be able to use the ATC250R triples, forks, and whole front end as at this point I am only starting to utilize it's full potential on a race track. We built the top frame spurs from the steering neck to the existing quad dual split backbone. - I will need to lower the stock foot peg position to make this trike comfortable for me.

    Today - 12/4/08 - My CRF tank arrived in the mail. Snake and I completed the graft this evening. First we bent the bottom ATC frame cradle about 1.5" out on each side to meet up with the TRX frame as the ATC frame rails were 5 inches center to center - and the TRX is 8 inches center to center. Then we took some final measurements. We then inserted 3/4" round stock steel slugs into the joints for strength and fit. Upon final welding the frame - it will get a 3/16" skid plate welded to the bottom of the frame - not for protection so much as for frame strength.

    Next was the twin spur top sections. We used 1" X 2" 3/16 rectangle tubing for this piece. We also slugged these joints. Some leveling and measuring and we were right where we needed to be.

    I worked all week on getting the rake where it should be as well as ride height (ground clearance) - seat height - and wheel base. As you will see in the pictures below - this TRX/ATC is dang near exactly the same everything dimensionally as a 1986 ATC250R. Same seat height - wheel base (close) same rake (a degree or two less than the 86R actually). They really are close. What really came out great was rider position. As I already mentioned - the pegs need lowered - but other than that - this thing fits me like a glove. From the seat - the bars are a perfect distance for me - about 2 or 3 inches longer reach than the R. On my R I feel so cramped - sitting on this - it feels like it actually fits me.

    For pictures below - I have it on my old 84R front end - obviously this is for fitment only and will not be used on the finished product.

    Last edited by atctim; 01-04-2009 at 10:41 PM.
    RIP - Yamahondaman!! You will never be forgotten!
    RIP - Sam Brehm!! Gone but NEVER forgotten!
    RIP - Sandpuppi101 - You will live on in my mind - I miss you friend!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Tionesta, PA
    --
    5,735





    The 250R comparison



    A Good Quad - is a Quad like this one shown here


    Concept photo of a near finished product. We will be using the front hood and headlight off the TRX450R. It will allow me to have headlights and a number plate - as well as retaining more readily available and cheap quad parts. Although it is far from traditional styling - I think it set the styling of this trike far apart from anything else out there. Also - shown in this photo it the correct front forks and triples I will be using.




    Stay tuned for finish welding - paint and polish of this new racer!
    RIP - Yamahondaman!! You will never be forgotten!
    RIP - Sam Brehm!! Gone but NEVER forgotten!
    RIP - Sandpuppi101 - You will live on in my mind - I miss you friend!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    100mi west of Chicago
    --
    3,582
    I knew it would only be a matter of time Tim! Looking good so far. You should be able to get some decent coin for the 450R shocks and a-arms on eBay.

    Rob

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    United States
    --
    7,765
    cant wait to see it finished!! and shinny! give us a ride report!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Waterloo IL
    --
    2,701
    Wow. That is awsome man. Did you ever think of having Jason Hall make you some tripples so you can run inverted forks?
    08 Outlaw 525s
    07 CRF70
    04 Harley FLHRCI
    04 TRX90
    03 XR650R
    03 400EX- XR650R engine
    02 XR100R

    01 Banshee
    00 XR50R
    00 XR70R

    99 PW50
    99 JR50
    96,95 Sportsman 400
    95 Xplorer 400
    94 Indy XLT
    87 Trail Boss
    86,86,86,86,86 Scrambler

    86 TRX70 x2
    85 ATC350X
    85,84 ATC250R

    85 Red Tecate
    85 LT50 x2
    84 XR500R
    84,84,84,84,83,82,80,79 ATC70
    82,79 XL500R

    83 ALT50
    79,78,77,77,76 XT/TT500
    76,75,74 XL70
    72,71,71,71 SL70

    72 Harley FX
    72,71,70,70,70,70,70 CT70H
    72 SL100
    70,69 Z50

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Grosse Tete, LA
    --
    3,439
    Looking very good tim. I like.
    Feedback thread: http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/s...ad.php?t=78535

    Patiently waiting..

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Northwest Indiana
    --
    1,893
    Way to go Tim. Even though there are many people who think about these hybrids, only a 'few' attempt! And they all have their own personality. I like the beginings, and looks like you'r on the right track. I have always thought however, that the 04-05 trx looked short. Bet ya a +2 arm would really balance that bike out nice. But... don't know how it would effect handling on it though. Guess a few shakedown rides will answer many questions for all of us. Good luck man, and most importantly, have fun.............

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Tionesta, PA
    --
    5,735
    Thanks All - Ed - I am having a blast building this thing - it is so much fun creating.

    I would like to add this picture before the question even gets asked. It will answer rake questions I believe. This also may be why mine looks "longer" when actually I don't think it is. Optical illusions are always fun...........

    Ride Report by the end of the month
    RIP - Yamahondaman!! You will never be forgotten!
    RIP - Sam Brehm!! Gone but NEVER forgotten!
    RIP - Sandpuppi101 - You will live on in my mind - I miss you friend!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    N.E. Ohio
    --
    2,005
    Bike radiators? looks good...can't wait for final report
    I just noticed the top photo...lol the kicker..flopped the photo?
    Last edited by Tri-Z 250; 12-09-2008 at 05:31 PM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Columbia
    --
    5,131
    Awesome Tim. Really happy you got it done so fast, no wait for results!
    My feedback: http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...k-for-ATC-Eric

    Survivor! TF: 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13 Sandpuppies: 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 Imperial Invasion 09, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

    Everything Big Bore on FaceBook

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    somerset ma
    --
    1,822
    pretty clever indeed! I like the way that head light looks on there Keep up the good work and way to go!!
    My rides, 1985 ATC 350X, With legit Lamborghini Countach paint,2003 Harley Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider,customised the way I like it! 1997 GMC Sierra is gone, primary mode of transportation, 2008 Toyota Yaris!

    Check out my build thread of my 350X
    http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php?95389-Tank-s-1985-350X-build-is-FINALLY-all-done!-)
    Screw giving away the Harley, It's payed for!!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Waterloo IL
    --
    2,701
    Maybe I'm just not looking at it correctly but why the square tubing from above the engine to the tripples? Are you going from round tube to square then back to round? Or am I missing something?
    08 Outlaw 525s
    07 CRF70
    04 Harley FLHRCI
    04 TRX90
    03 XR650R
    03 400EX- XR650R engine
    02 XR100R

    01 Banshee
    00 XR50R
    00 XR70R

    99 PW50
    99 JR50
    96,95 Sportsman 400
    95 Xplorer 400
    94 Indy XLT
    87 Trail Boss
    86,86,86,86,86 Scrambler

    86 TRX70 x2
    85 ATC350X
    85,84 ATC250R

    85 Red Tecate
    85 LT50 x2
    84 XR500R
    84,84,84,84,83,82,80,79 ATC70
    82,79 XL500R

    83 ALT50
    79,78,77,77,76 XT/TT500
    76,75,74 XL70
    72,71,71,71 SL70

    72 Harley FX
    72,71,70,70,70,70,70 CT70H
    72 SL100
    70,69 Z50

  13. #13
    Russell 350X's Avatar
    Russell 350X is offline Testicles between my toes at the devils backbone Teaching quads a lesson
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Steamburg/Randolph NY
    --
    3,092
    Lookin good Tim, can't wait to see it done.
    TF 07,08,09,10,11,12,13,14!
    Raffa's IceFest 08, 09, 10,11,13!

    SAY IT!!!!!BUD LIGHTS AND RED LIGHTS!!!!!!

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    EC
    --
    1,607
    Wow Tim, way to get it done! Lookin' forward to seeing the end result.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    overton, PA
    --
    5,257
    lookin good man did the rid eon my half assed conversion make u need one ?
    ok here goes, 85 atc70,2 84 atc70's 83 alt50,83 atc110 , 70 us 90 parot green, 85/86 350x garage queen, stock rider 85 350x, project 85 350x 85 250r drag bike, 2 85 250sx's, alt185, , scat tracker?99blaster,85 250r rider,85 250r ice racer project ,93 kx500,99 xr200r, 91 dr250s ,89 lt500 quadzilla,88 lt250quadracer, 88 trx250r race full on race quad,, 01 yamahakodiak400, kawaki kd100,lt50 for my doughters,93 300ex, 230 quadsport, lt185, lt250 quadrunner,84200s, is that enough?

//ArrowChat Integreation Code //