Out of the closet 86 t-3

[3 or die]

Well, as usual I am eating some crow, and having to build the t-3 I swore I never would. I knew I couldnt count on my fav parts whore for many parts, and its had me down. Ive had this Tecate for over a year. It was a good deal for us in the souteast. It is complete, runs, drives and stops($800). That being said it is wore out. Not a tight place in it.

Here it goes, I am gonna say 6 months and $2200

I PUT THIS IN THE WRONG PLACE. SHOULDNT BE HERE IN THE LAIR, SORRY

[3 or die]

Tore it down some today. Removed plastics, brakes and pipe. Well that top motor mount aint right. Is it the wrong one or what?. I got a order for Aussie if anyone know how to get a hold of him.

[krazykane]

good luck with the build something about the t3 i love them .

[3 or die]

Got down to bare frame today. No cracks, broken, or stripped bolts.:D

[3 or die]

Gotta love the blast cabinet. frame, swinger, footpegs, and rear support will be powdercoated.

[3 or die]

Had the frame and swing done with bedliner. The pics dont do it justic. It looks real nice. When bearings arrive ill have a roller again.

[brapp]

come on i need motivation for my t 3 project.

[3 or die]

I am pleased so far. Thinking honda black front fender. Green rears of corse. Need black only stickers, and black seat. Has 400ex hubs, 300ex rear shock, possibly gonna use the black 250r front rim, cant deide. Dug out my pvl for it too.

[3 or die]

I now have a complete airbox, thanx to our bud down under. I also instaled the 300ex shock. The t3 top mount uses a smaller bolt then the honda. It is a simple and quick fix to just drill out the link on the trike. I noticed that the swing arm bearing bushing was real close. So with just a little effort I was able to use a bushing instead of drilling on the trike. Now at any time I can use my oem shock. Also, I did not want to use my oem overflow bottle on this one and I spent hours going back and forth on alternate mounting locations. I finaly discovered with custom mount I could use the shock resevoir and again avoid any alterations to trikes original integrity. I am pleased becouse the rear plastic keeps it hid.

Rear plastic is on its way, and the seat is off to cosmic quads for custom work.

[sportvette]

nice work. i like the overflow bottle idea you came up with. what overflow bottle is that from???

[3 or die]

I've had a few requests on the way I did my overflow. Im sure thre is several ways to do it, but this is how I did mie. Its a 85/86 250r bottle. The rubber bushing you see is the common r front fender gromet. Thats inch and a half pvc.

[3 or die]

Had a little trouble, this may be better

[3 or die]

Got my seat back. I like it allot.

[MonroeMike]

Looks great.

[hang&rattle]

Oh wow, that does look real good. 'Kawasaki' looks good in print. The word looks good on a cycle.

[3 or die]

Thanx allot! Im proud of it too.

[3 or die]

This is where I am at. So close, but the motor is a stumble for sure. I need a total build. Id just like a spock big bore and be done with it. Ive got the pvl, 38mm carb, full dg. It makes sence just to go all the way since im set up for it anyway.

[Eric250R]

Looking great....keep it up !!

[Jason125m]

Any updates?

[sportvette]

what size turf tamers are those? 18x9.5x8? i might go for those myself.

[3 or die]

I am sure they are 18" cant remember the rest. Seem wide though. No updates at the moment. I thought I was about done but the motor is a setback. Ive done a good job on it so far. If im gonna have to do a complete build on the motor Im gonna do it all the way. It aint gonna be cheap, and thats no lie. Id say it will be spring before I can spend that much money. Thank you.

[Rollingmenace]

Looks good man what kind of liner did you use on the frame i did a similar thing on a 200x project with Al's Liner i really like the black and green look

[3 or die]

Looks good man what kind of liner did you use on the frame i did a similar thing on a 200x project with Al's Liner i really like the black and green look



Thanx, I used herculiner 220445923592 thats a ebay item number. The blue in the t3s seemed kinda pansy to me.

[Bretmd94]

As a plumber I love the use of the pvc pipe. Keep it up!

[Rollingmenace]

Thanx, I used herculiner 220445923592 thats a ebay item number. The blue in the t3s seemed kinda pansy to me.

cool man im curious how it holds up for you ... only complaint ive heard with the herculiner is that it kinda turns chalky color over time... im curious how it holds... ive had the als on mine for seven months and so far so good

[3 or die]

It looks good so far. Its never been out of the garage though. For sure powder coat is the way to go. I have some extra frames so now that its gonna take longer Id like to get one done in black.

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/b1bbecd9.jpg

Looks like I solved my motor problem. Im picking this 500 up Friday. It was gonna cost about 500$ to do up my motor properly. I can get this 500 in there for just a little more.

[Swinger]

Are you gonna have to modify the frame for the pipe? Glad to see you are back at it.

[3 or die]

Normaly just a little for the spark plug. There is a rumor that a br8cmix will work without modification, we will see.

[nstyle73]

It will work, but you won't like it without a little massaging of the frame tube, or at least I didn't. Nice looking build.

[lazybiker79]

Great looking Tecate!!

[3 or die]

Loaded up ready for two hour trade deal on 500 and kid backs out. I'm real frustrated now.

[swampthang]

Loaded up ready for two hour trade deal on 500 and kid backs out. I'm real frustrated now.

That sux! A 500 would have made this build awesome. What was his excuse for backing out?

I had a guy piss me off on a deal yesterday as well. He calls and wants what I have and says he's going to the bank to get the cash. He calls back to ask for directions and says he's headed my direction. 2.5 hr drive and 4 hours he dosent show so I call and they say there on the way and would call me when they get here. I ask why would you call when you get here you will be here? Never seen them and they will not answer my calls even late at night. They better be dead somewhere! CL people suck.

[3 or die]

Ya, this was a cl deal also. A very young kid. Said his brother decided he wanted it. I was nice just in case it comes available again.

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/326b1092.jpgTwo hours after kid backed out I got the call. Kid crashed and became scared of it.
I got it today at a great price. What a beast(after you kick it like your mad) its much differant than 250 based motors. The power is at lower rpm. I can see why these hurt members.
It's gonna be great, now I just gotta build it.
This is not revenge, it's PUNISHMENT!(dont forget to take pics!)

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/4b26902a.jpg

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/326b1092.jpg

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/c131b6f0.mp4

Made a vid of me running kx before I pull motor. It's difficult for me to run hard. It totally blows off the rear tire, or pulls the front wheel.

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/fe28acc4.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/1207a85b.jpg

I got to work today. This was way to easy.

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/752cfa62.jpgI was disappointed to find so little build info on this swap. I find pics of a few things here and there but not much. I am not a engine scientist, not even close. I honestly prefer to ride the dog doo doo out of one the let the other guy fix it.

I assume the kx500 pipe is the best one to use. It's a good thing cuz if the t3 pipe would have been closer I would have used it. So that being said I got the sawzall out today and about 30 min later the pipe fit. It actually is gonna function well depending on the weld job.http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/951ea3f0.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/752cfa62.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/c5d4e8a9.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/77c13381.jpg


That story is yet to come. I think the wire welder will be a waste of time here. This old pipe has been slimed for many years with nasty burnt oil. My experience is the cleaner the material, the better it will turn out, especially on thin stuff. It's been a very long time but I think I'll get my torch and braising rods out. My fear is that when I'm all done it won't fit so I guess it needs to be tacked up while installed.

I did not want to fool with this pipe. But honestly if I had a extra one I also would not sell it. If I can pull this pipe fab off I'm gonna be well on my way.

[Red Rider]

It's been a very long time but I think I'll get my torch and braising rods out. My fear is that when I'm all done it won't fit so I guess it needs to be tacked up while installed.I agree. Tacking it together while it's installed is definitely the best way to go to assure proper fitment. I don't see the tank/shrouds in any of the fabbed-up pipe pics, hopefully you've installed them with the pipe to avoid any surprises down the road.

[nstyle73]

One tip might be to mount it to the bottom radiator bolt on the right side rather than the mount on the frame. It might save you some fabbing and room on top under the tank.

[3 or die]

Thanks for the help fellas. I couldn't stand it so I went and drug out my dirty plastic and confirmed all was ok. It looks to me for some unknown reason this pipe is gonna be nicer to the plastic and tank than stock set up. It has allot more clearance. http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/ff4b6dfd.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/719603a8.jpg

[Trackburger]

Sweet!!! That is gonna be one hell of a ride when its done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[volfan537240]

coming along very nice! a 500cc t3 is gonna be a beast!

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/1912862f.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/1912862f.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/9067e5b3.jpg
14/38 is to tall, but for testing it will do. I'll use 18's. If there is room I think 12/39 is what will be for me. Might bring chain down on end of swinger.

[nstyle73]

Take this for what little its worth, but on my 300 I have a 15/37 with 18's which is a final of 2.47 and with 18's is geared up considerably from stock and with a stock swinger pulls the front in all five gears and is a great woods bike. On my 500 it currently has a 14/35 combo with 18's which is slightly less tall and in my opinion could almost go up a tooth. It launches hard in second and with the stock swingarm has plenty of torque. These seem like pretty tall gears, even with the 18" tires, compared to stock, but I think your 12/39 will be really short. Again, not worth much, but your 14/38 with 18's will even be shorter than stock final ratio. Anyway, your pipe looks like it is going to fit great.

[3 or die]

Take this for what little its worth, but on my 300 I have a 15/37 with 18's which is a final of 2.47 and with 18's is geared up considerably from stock and with a stock swinger pulls the front in all five gears and is a great woods bike. On my 500 it currently has a 14/35 combo with 18's which is slightly less tall and in my opinion could almost go up a tooth. It launches hard in second and with the stock swingarm has plenty of torque. These seem like pretty tall gears, even with the 18" tires, compared to stock, but I think your 12/39 will be really short. Again, not worth much, but your 14/38 with 18's will even be shorter than stock final ratio. Anyway, your pipe looks like it is going to fit great.

I'm glad you came in here becouse Im toataly guessing. Since I am out of my league here please help. I think its easy for me to explain if I just said I'm not looking for huge top speed. 65 68 70 at the most. I tend to prefer 18's for rear tire. What I think has me gearing it so low is I read that the kx trans is geared higher. I also just don't want it so tall that it's hard to get going say in the woods on a hill while slipping the clutch and it's trying to kill the motor. That's in my words cuz I don't know how to say it. In the end if I got it lower than stock I may be right on the money. Another thing I am thinking is the last time I brought a radar gun(certified) to st joe, the fastest top speed was 57mph. Now please fellas lets not fight over top speeds, but I know what I know. The stock t3's were running out of gear around 56. So does this mean I got a 500 geared for 50?

[just ben]

gearing can easily calculated with simple math but real world variables pretty much negate all of it. It's all trial and error basically. If you did any testing and number recording while the dirt bike was together and took actual measurements of tires (rear)you could figure out exactly where you were then go from there to where you want to be.

[nstyle73]

You are correct that is varies on how and where you want to ride, and the kx is geared more widely I believe. I would say my bikes probably run upper 70's on pavement flat out, so that may be a little high for you. I do like to be able to ride 50 without having the thing WO. I have the tranny specs for both if you want me to post them if that would help.

[3 or die]

Seriously, thanks allot fellas. Nstyle, if your 15/37 is putting you over 70mph I think my gearing could be right on. If anything it will be close enough for me to see what's what. I got all the brakes installed today, and more importantly a member contacted me about a pipe for sale. I'm gonna get it ASAP. In the meantime ill start working on the motor mounts.



Side note. It sure looks like I can use stock air box with tecate intake boot. Anyone ever see a stock 86 air box on a 500.

S

[nd4speed]

Side note. It sure looks like I can use stock air box with tecate intake boot. Anyone ever see a stock 86 air box on a 500.

S

Um...no....147566147567147568147569147570147571147 572147573

[nd4speed]

Hey...if you can make extra steel motor mounts, I'm looking for some.....

Would be cool to see posts and pics of the project, cant wait to see some inspiration.

[3 or die]

I'll make some mounts, just may be a while. I bent the countershaft in my 250r so it is tore all the way down also. I'll go into town today and pick up a few things for ideas on the mounts.

[3 or die]

Top engine mount.http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/9e8890bb.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/45cbac72.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/c00abe41.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/96195d2e.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/7b87d9ad.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/35d15362.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/a6ef44a4.jpg

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/5fbf839a.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/b6aa2b7c.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/a6ef44a4.jpg

[3 or die]

That's not easy on a iPhone, but it's done. Start with sharp tools, use center punch, and have patience. That's all it takes. Not perfect, not the best, but it will do. Some other day I will cut some spacers from steel pipe and weld them to brakets.

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/f20ea608.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/f20ea608.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/cc552518.jpg

Brakes are done also. I was surprised at how little of the kx stuff fit the t3.

[nd4speed]

Just realized that the 1986 head is probably different than the 1990's KX500 head that I have and the upper mounts probably wont be the same.

More interested in the front mounts anyway.

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/86%20t3%20project/3522f03a.jpgI would have never bet that the air box would have worked. This thing is gonna be a sleeper. I've ordered new levers, grab bar, and number plate.http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/f211bd43.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/c09ca225.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/3522f03a.jpg

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/c33091ac.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/1fe76aba.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/0fc9d8f4.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/26e1531a.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/c1920b16.jpg
If I had a pipe I could drive it!

[nd4speed]

Only issue I could see with just using any old KX500 is interference with the radiator. I forgot about that, hence the low boy pipe idea.

So the front motor mounts were just flat with no bends?

[3 or die]

Correct, no bends. Very little offset. I used two washers for the slight offset. I traced all the mounts out on a sheet of paper. Pm me a fax number and your full name and I'll pass them out like candy.

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/fa2d22e2.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/a551b9b4.jpg

It just takes a little work with a hammer to get room for plug. Now the part I've been dreading. I don't have a good wire welder set up with gas at home. To prevent from having to load trike up and go to another shop I tacked pipe up with a stick welder. Not ideal, but I have a grinder.

[lazybiker79]

Your Tecate is looking great!!

[3 or die]

Your Tecate is looking great!!
Thanks allot. Ever since this turned into a 500 project it got away from some of the bling I had intended. I scratched around the house and have come up with another rolling chassis. I am gonna do polishing and powder coating on it, but that's another story. In the meantime ill get to beat on this rider.

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/85dc6dee.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/a292192b.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/d2c63a6b.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/d4246057.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/e2ea4f1d.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/d9e39d72.jpg

Not having a fun day, but the work is getting done.

[3 or die]

I'm about 30 min away from grinder work. Yuk!

[3 or die]

Done, that toataly sucked! Fits well.http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/3da201d6.jpg

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/3d1215db.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/4b1da2cf.jpg
Its done. I'm very pleased with it. The last thing to know is that I used the left kx radiator becouse of the way you need radiator hose to work. I'll get it down and ride it this week. Thank you all that have helped me out.

[Fungo Wizard]

Looks awesome! Can't wait to see video of it running.

[Trackburger]

Been following this for a while, turned out Awesome!!! Great Job!!!!

[nd4speed]

Super cool !!!

Some pics of your custom radiator setup would be nice...

[3 or die]

http://s947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/?action=view&current=16a0fb8b.mp4

Good first run, not used to all the power low. I'm always past the power curve and then shift late. Been on 250's to long. It's a monster and demands respect. I can see this thing putting somebody in the ER. That's why we call it the PUNISHER!

[Jeb]

I haven't been around a lot the last few years. Whats the story on those one piece tank/shroud plastics? Who makes those? I think they look pretty good and I love the turf tamers on smaller rims on KXTs. Nice looking ride!

[lazybiker79]

Very nice!! I'm glad to see that you got it running. It sounds a bit rich.. I'm running a 168 main on mine and it runs very clean. Remember that it's power valved so the meat of the torque is lower in the rpm. :w00t:

[lazybiker79]

I haven't been around a lot the last few years. Whats the story on those one piece tank/shroud plastics? Who makes those? I think they look pretty good and I love the turf tamers on smaller rims on KXTs. Nice looking ride!
DC plastics use to make them. I have a set on my 87 KXT. I don't think they make them anymore but you could ask them.

[3 or die]

Very nice!! I'm glad to see that you got it running. It sounds a bit rich.. I'm running a 168 main on mine and it runs very clean. Remember that it's power valved so the meat of the torque is lower in the rpm. :w00t:

Yes, I think it's rich too. Ive done no jetting at this point. I'll get it dialed in. Thank you for the info on your jetting. I'll start there. You guys made this easier for me. I'm. Already watching for another kx. That was a fun build. I'm done with 250's.

[3 or die]

Ok, here is one I didnt concider. I assumed that I was going to easily just drill out my tecate kicker and instal it on the kx. Not so fast superman becouse its made of kriptinite. It will knock off the edge on quality drill bits just as soon as you touch it. So, how is everybody else starting there 500. Ive tossed around cutting plastic, making a pin and clip section of plastic, or even the whole set up. Im not gonna be happy having to remove rear fenders to start the darn thing.

[just ben]

Ok, here is one I didnt concider. I assumed that I was going to easily just drill out my tecate kicker and instal it on the kx. Not so fast superman becouse its made of kriptinite. It will knock off the edge on quality drill bits just as soon as you touch it. So, how is everybody else starting there 500. Ive tossed around cutting plastic, making a pin and clip section of plastic, or even the whole set up. Im not gonna be happy having to remove rear fenders to start the darn thing.use a die grinder with a carbide burr to bore out the kicker boss.

[3 or die]

The 250 motor shook bolts out bad, but the 500 is much worse. Took a few hours but problem solved. Thread lock world but you forget what has it and what don't. I am also finished jetting. Ended with a 180 main. Very crisp now, but not lean.http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/4382f6d6.jpg (http://i947.photobucket.http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/c025e2cd.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/b68fa4b3.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/31a0eb69.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/f7e9ebbf.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/169da557.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/813c9f2b.jpgcom/albums/ad314/3ordie/4382f6d6.jpg)http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/275b4a0a.jpghttp://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/7fed1637.jpg[[url]http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/7fed ("[IMG)

[3 or die]

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad314/3ordie/7fed1637.jpg