Tricky Dick's Cagiva 200

[robertc]

Well here goes my first stab at a build thread, the Tricky Dick's Cagiva 200. I hesitated to start one (thread), as it seems there may be a Cagiva specific completion curse placed on those who have tried this in the past. I know there are some finished machines out there, but a completed thread from start to finish is the plan here. For those of you who like these machines, I hope you find this interesting, informative and full of some great photos. I have set myself a goal of completing this by Christmas 2014, and figured Thanksgiving was a fitting day to go public. This project would not be possible without the help of several 3WW members, and several new friends I have met since beginning this journey. For everyone who has helped to this point, I am truly thankful.

My Dad- My dad got me hooked on motorized vehicles at a very young age. He raced and sold Hodaka dirt bikes, and bought me my first mini bike at the age of five. At twelve, he allowed and helped me to buy a new 84 Honda 200s. My love affair with trikes started the day we brought it home from the dealership. I ran my feet over within twenty minutes, and never looked back! I first fell in love with the Cagiva back then, after seeing both the advertisements and articles in my monthly pornography subscriptions (thanks Dad)! I dreamed of owning one of these beauties back then (85/86), so I guess twenty five years later is better than never.

Andy L.(Tricky Dick 11)- If it were not for him, who knows what his dad (Jerry) would have been doing! Thanks for all the info up to this point, and assume I will be bothering you again soon. I know you have several machines you are restoring, and I can't wait to see some Cagivas built by the founder’s son.

Bill K.(OC)- He is well known for his superhuman ability to locate, source, restore, and rebuild the rarest trikes out there. I have been lucky enough to see his Cagiva in person, and it has got to be the nicest example in existence today. Not only have photos of his machine on this forum been helpful, he has put up with quite a few of my nagging e-mails as well.

Glenn S.(atvinnovations)- I purchased my project from Glenn, with it came some great information, and a decent starting point. He has a top tier build thread that is awesome for you 250r fans, and has a ton of talent as witnessed after seeing his shop and some of his machines. He makes a trick looking 250r replacement caliper for those of you who have not seen them. He can be found at (atv-innovations.com) Thanks again Glenn for the opportunity to acquire my machine (and 1/2)!

Nick Q.- Niccolo is without a doubt the person most responsible for what you will see to come. Niccolo has been a great new friend, and I hope to meet him some day. He is the founder of the CagivaWMX facebook page, and responsible for helping Cagiva fans across the world restore their machines. He resides in Italy, and goes by nifulosport on E-bay. He has helped me find the majority of my parts, and probably has more available for those that may need them. An honest and trustworthy guy, he has made finding parts overseas possible for me.

Brian C.- Brian is the founder of TeamCagiva, and has to be one of the most knowledgeable guys I have spoken to regarding Cagivas in general(on this side of the pond). He has been a good resource for parts, and is currently rebuilding one of my 190 motors. Find him as well on facebook at TeamCagiva. Although he is one of those two-wheeler guys, I wont hold it against him.

Mike H.(HRE)- For those that don't know of him, an incredibly talented fabricator who has helped tons of guys here. I can't thank him enough for the many parts he has made, and plans to make for me in the future. For those in need of a Cagiva rear carrier, Mike now has a jig and can build them. I just got pictures of the finished carriers a few days ago, and boy they are sweet! For us non-fabricators, he is a life saver. He can be found here on the forum.
There will be more to thank before this is done!

I started my search for a Cagiva years ago, and happened upon this project in early 2013. I had contacted one of the previous owners (Glenn) of a Tiger 125 frame I had purchased, and during the conversation he asked if I would have interest in a Cagiva. My jaw hit the floor, and a week later I was making the drive to Connecticut from Ohio. Glenn had plans on restoring this for over ten years, just never got around to it. His busy schedule was my gain, and he had acquired some pretty rare pieces to get me started. Below are a few pictures I received from Glenn prior to my purchase:

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Here are some pics from tear down:

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I am expecting the frames and swingarms back from powder coater by Christmas. My plan between now and then is to give you a daily tease of Cagiva NOS trike porn. The first installment happens to be the centerfold. A NOS tank (thanks Niccolo), that is still a virgin (never been screwed if you look close)
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Have a nice Thanksgiving!

[xrider]

Looking forward to the build Bob!

[robertc]

Looking forward to the build Bob!

Thanks Matt, enjoyed our conversation. I likewise am looking forward to watching your build progress. I got a deal for you, I swap you tank and rad we talked about for that sweet Hoosier front. You know it's not original to your build! Here are those pics of brake calipers and rear master we spoke of.
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[Ghostv2]

I need to do my homework and get some history and info on these machines. I keep seeing these builds more and more, this one being the most complete and promising. I have an idea of what these are about, but I need to do some reading. Very cool build, look forward to seeing the final product.
If anyone has any links to direct me to it later that would be helpful.

[robertc]

Since I mentioned the carriers in the post above, here is a couple pics I got from Mike(HRE) this morning. I think he powdered these today. Working on Thanksgiving, now that is commitment!
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Thanks again Mike, shipment #2 leaves Ohio Monday!

[robertc]

I need to do my homework and get some history and info on these machines. I keep seeing these builds more and more, this one being the most complete and promising. I have an idea of what these are about, but I need to do some reading. Very cool build, look forward to seeing the final product.
If anyone has any links to direct me to it later that would be helpful.

On the "Home" page, under the section "Explore the Unknown", you will find the Tricky Dick's Cagiva page Bill (OC) put together. The most informative I am aware of.

[Ghostv2]

On the "Home" page, under the section "Explore the Unknown", you will find the Tricky Dick's Cagiva page Bill (OC) put together. The most informative I am aware of.
Alright thanks, I'll have to check it out. Busy with today's festivities and was waiting until I'm on a computer to do my homework. I'll have to check it out tonight.

[Orangecnty250r]

Great thread!! Look forward to seeing this build!!

[yaegerb]

This is sick!!! RobertC, that is the most complete set of pictures I have seen of a Cagiva. Thank you sir for posting!!! I will be watching in awe of the posts to come.

[Joseph Farrow]

It is so cool to see these things come up on here. As an early to late 80’s subscriber to Dirt Bike Magazine and occasional buyer of Dirt Wheels remember reading about Cagivas and seeing photos, but out in the fields and bushes we grew up near that many a 250R and Tri-Z called home the odds of seeing one in person was as likely as coming across a Ferrari pulling a plow. Thank you, and everyone else that is sharing their exotic builds with us.
:beer

The Cagiva's were cool. I remember seeing them at the races and in ads in Cycle/ATV News. What made them special was you could buy them ready to race right out of the box. As well as being a 200cc two stroke. None of the Big 4 were producing factory built 200cc Two Strokes.

Look forward to following this Build.

[robertc]

Today's NOS Pics:

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This piece came with the initial acquisition. Although I can't take credit for this find, it does have a cool little story behind it. The previous owner had contacted Hi-Flite back around 2001 or so, and asked about their ability to reproduce the seat for him. When he started describing the color and the "Tricky Dick's" logo on the side, she started laughing. She told him she had been moving one around the shop for over fifteen years. Appearantly it was ordered by Tricky Dick's back in 85/86, but never got shipped. This racing relic almost never saw the light of day thanks to the trike ban, but I guess it gets the last laugh.

[Ghostv2]

You just keep getting luckier and luckier.

[oile]

WOW!!!! that is so cool that you have been able to find those hard to find parts.

[torker]

Maaannn. This is GREAAT... That fuel tank and seat are nothing short of amazing!!!
I can almost see a rolling chassis with the parts you've got.
Tuned in on this one for sure. Great project and great work...

TORKER.

[TrickyDickII]

Very nice restoration kick-off thread!

[robertc]

Great thread!! Look forward to seeing this build!!

Thanks Bill. Me and Andy joked about you setting the bar a little too high for most of us. Thanks again for all the help with the Tigers.

[robertc]

Very nice restoration kick-off thread!

Thanks Andy. I know there are many guys on here who would love to know more of the Tricky Dicks history. I am hoping you will shock us one day with a truckload of vintage photos!

[robertc]

Here is a couple photos of the NOS Shrouds I found. I saw these listed in Italy on a motorcycle forum(thanks Andrea)

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You can still get repops from DC Plastics, I have attached a few photos below for comparison.

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[robertc]

Today's NOS Pics:


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[robertc]

Front Caliper Cover:

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[oile]

Wow!! This blows my mind that you have found all these nos parts.

[Bren_downe]

Owning a Cagiva is badass enough,then you gotta rub our noses in all these NOS goodies!! Nice work sir, can't wait to see the finished product.

[86T3]

This is incredible, i cant believe you found so much NOS plastic. Is the rear fender a different shade of red than the maier colors you can get now? This is going to be a killer machine.

[RodKnockRacing]

wow nice NOS parts cant wait to see it finished

[Tri z250]

Can't wait to see it finished

[robertc]

These are the remaining tank pieces:

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I appreciate the kind comments regarding the NOS parts. It has not been an easy task, nor am I the first to do it. It has been the result of some great contacts, lots of searching, and more dead ends than pots of gold!

[robertc]

This is incredible, i cant believe you found so much NOS plastic. Is the rear fender a different shade of red than the maier colors you can get now? This is going to be a killer machine.

The rears are in a color that is not currently available. I contacted Maier about having them made again, and they were not interested. They did tell me that if I was to source the correct plastic sheets in the correct color, they would do them. I have not yet made any progress, but have not given up. I will update if this changes.

[Joseph Farrow]

Thing's going to be Awesome when finished. I want to ride it. :naughty:

[Vealmonkey]

NOS-some! A way harder machine to redo than most Tigers. I've been watching this thread. All the best.

[WIkid500]

At first I was giggity when I saw the frame.... Only a few days later I see all the NOS plastics that I thought would be impossible to find in any usable condition. Bad arse! Going to be a sweet ride. Keep posting the progress pics, cant wait to see this one evolve.

[robertc]

NOS-some! A way harder machine to redo than most Tigers. I've been watching this thread. All the best.

Thanks Pat, keyword being "most"! Hope to see you at ashtabula next year!

[robertc]

Radiator:

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Radiator Guards:

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[oile]

Ok Ok you going to tell us were you parked your time machine at. This is awesome that you came up with all this stuff congrats

[robertc]

Ok Ok you going to tell us were you parked your time machine at. This is awesome that you came up with all this stuff congrats

That's funny stuff oile. It will be interesting when it's finished which one will have been more enjoyable, the challenge of finding the parts, or the assembly of those parts. Once the assembly is finished, the treasure hunt is over!

[robertc]

I know it just a front tire, but it took awhile to find this little guy:

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Ohtsu H-Trak AT 102 (21X7x10)

[ebaccm26]

Really looking forward to seeing this one come together. All of the NOS parts are awesome, very cool stuff!

[Ghostv2]

This is more like putting together a brand new bike than a restoration. I check this thread everyday just to see all the NOS pictures and i am amazed like everyone else.

[C.J]

I know it just a front tire, but it took awhile to find this little guy:

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Ohtsu H-Trak AT 102 (21X7x10)

I have two of these in pretty dang good condition if you ever need another lol

[trizilla]

this is awesome Bob! i knew from our conversation at ashtabula you were doing one but i guess i had no idea of the caliber of bike your building. so is your tiger done or just on the back burner?

[robertc]

this is awesome Bob! i knew from our conversation at ashtabula you were doing one but i guess i had no idea of the caliber of bike your building. so is your tiger done or just on the back burner?

Thanks Eric, but not as awesome as seeing you on Pat's Tiger at the races this summer. I wouldn't say the back burner, more like the side burner. I am still gathering parts, but hope to start assembly on the 250 this Spring.

[robertc]

A few of the necessary electrical components:

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[torker]

Just one word WOW!!!

TORKER.

[robertc]

Tricky Dicks utilized the original Brembo front disc from the Cagiva dirt bike:

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The rear disc was a Yamaha Tri-Moto disc (part #5V6-25711-00):

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[3 Wheel Drive]

What's next NOS frame & engine? Can't wait to see this one when it's done,,, or the next pic!

[robertc]

Carb Set Up:

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Carb is a 36mm Dell'Orto:

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Intake:

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Carb/Air Cleaner Boot:

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[slashfan7964]

Oh my god. Amazing.

[robertc]

Engine Pieces:

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No Frame!

[jays375]

Wow $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Ghostv2]

Any updates? Must be out looking for more NOS.

[JasonB]

amazing work finding these NOS parts, im excited to see your Cagiva when you finish her up!

[robertc]

Well now that the holidays and Polar Vortex have come and gone, I can now focus on my trikes again. Oh, and work too. There have been a few exciting developments that have taken place since my last pics of NOS parts.

Up until a few weeks ago, the Cagiva project(s) have been missing the most important piece to the whole restoration, their history. When I picked up the two Cagivas from the previous owner(Glen), they did not come with any stories of their days on the track. Glen remembered purchasing them from an older guy who he thought had said was the original owner, but he couldn't be sure. I was left to only daydream about what might have been, what battles they had fought, what number graced the front plates, etc., etc. There were no original pics, no trophies, no videos, and no exaggerated stories for the bumps, bruises, scrapes, and scratches! Although tickled to have found them, and immediately occupied with the search for parts, I knew they would never be complete without the history.
After much detective work, I have finally solved most of those mysteries. I was able to find the original owner, and have now had the opportunity to talk with him for several hours on a couple of occasions. I will have much more on this to come, but here are a few highlights.
- His name is Robert Hogan
- He is over 80 years old, and was in his 50's when racing the Cagivas!
- He owns and works at the same shop he did when racing the Cagivas.
- He was a dealership in many brands of motorcycles over the years, as well as a Tricky Dick's Dealer for the few short years they were sold.
- He used one of the Cagivas I have for flat track and ice, and the other for hill climbing.
- He said he has a few pictures, a VHS video and some other stuff he is gathering for me, and my plan is to make the trip to visit him in the spring. I can't wait!

For those craving more NOS, I will have a batch of new pics coming soon. I located a number plate, and have some other goodies as well. The number plate should be making its long journey across the pond this week.

I located another organ donor (parts bike). I have not yet picked it up, but will be headed west to the Rockies when the snow melts. Here are a few pictures:
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I have an original Tricky Dicks front hub, but was in need of a second for the "hill-climber" Cagiva. I would much rather have an original made back in the day, and will continue to look. In the meantime, I have identified what front hub was used by Tricky Dicks, and the modifications they made. For those of you in need of a front hub for your restoration, I will have complete details and pics coming soon.

Start of assembly has been pushed back a few more weeks, as I am still waiting on frames and swingarms to come back from powder coating. If he can't deliver by end of month, I will have to take them to another source. He has done work for me in the past, so I am trying to be patient.

Thanks again for the interest, and nice comments.

[slashfan7964]

Wow I can't wait to see all this for myself!

[xrider]

You must of called him right before me lol. Congrats on picking it up, glad it went to a good home.

[Super350]

Any more progress/eye candy?

[Zach]

Incredible! I love those rare trikes, and finding all those NOS parts.... JUST WOW!!!!!

[robertc]

Finally, some pieces are coming back from powder coater. Below are pics of both the stock, and extended swingarms.

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[TrickyDickII]

They look great! Did you get the frames back yet?

[robertc]

They look great! Did you get the frames back yet?

Thanks Andy. No frames yet, should be done next week. Good thing winter is still in full effect here in Ohio, otherwise I wouldn't be as patient.

[CRAZY70MAN]

Awesome powder and build. The chances of finding all those parts are really amazing......... Who was the powdercoater by chance??

[bkm]

Totally awesome build. I remember Andy saying finding a complete dirt bike was probably harder than finding a trike. I can't wait to see these parts come together.

[jsmay]

That looks great. I love the cagiva colors!

[slashfan7964]

Looking awesome, can't wait to see it all come together. I would love to own a Cagiva someday.

[ATV On Demand]

This is a cool project. I hope it comes to Trikefest.

[joe schmo]

how is she going?

[Orangecnty250r]

I haven't seen this thread in a while. All the parts look great!! Even more NOS than on mine! This one is going to be a beauty!

[joe schmo]

Yes Sir, this one and yours are beautiful!! I love seeing them come back to life like new. I have yet to see one in real life :(, some day:cool:.

[robertc]

Not much progress to report, but did grab this a few weeks back.

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[Ghostv2]

There is life!

Glad to see there is still progress being made. It takes me WAY to long to finish a project as common as the ATC's, i could only imagine doing a Cagavia. Let alone it being mostly brand new. Keep it up, cant wait to see a video of it in action.

[slashfan7964]

I don't even want to think about what that cost.

[ctk]

Any progress?

[robertc]

Any progress?

No assembly or new pics to share. I have a few parts being fabricated, and one last shipment from Italy that should be here in the next month. Assembly should go fairly quick, and my self imposed deadline of completion by years end is still my plan. Thanks for the interest!

[Orangecnty250r]

Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to restoring versus being on the track!!!!

[robertc]

Got some more of the Cagiva parts back from powder man. These were beat up pretty bad as you can see from the before pics.
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[Joseph Farrow]

Can't wait to see the finished product. Going to be an Awesome Bike.

[Orangecnty250r]

It's always nice to see beat up parts come back like that!

[tecaterob]

Very nice build congrats!!

[TrickyDickII]

Lookin' good Bob!

[robertc]

Another shipment from Italy arrived today.

I had the re-pop from DC Plastics (right), NOS on left.
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Finally got my shifter and rear foot brake lever
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Although not a "stock" item, but one of my favorites!
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[C.J]

What's the word, bird???


92 JP Outlaw hybrid (in progress)

87 LT265R (not much left stock)

[El Camexican]

I think this site needs a link to a live video feed from Roberts garage.:drool:

[robertc]

After another lengthly conversation with Jeff at Maier, the following was determined. Jeff was sure that back in 85/86, Maier would not have ordered or used a special color of plastic unless the order had been for 500 or more. Considering Tricky Dicks production numbers were less than 100, he was positive it must have been a stock color that was used. I had a hunch that (Orange 07) was close, but initially never compared a color sample to any of my NOS Cagiva plastic. Orange (07) is a color that has been around since the 80's. After receiving a color sample from Jeff, I placed an order and kept my fingers crossed. Below are some pics of the finished product:

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For those that are in need, a minimum order of ten pieces is needed (5 fronts, 5 rears). I am pretty sure Matt R.(xrider) is interested in trying to find a few more members in need of Cagiva plastics, so that an order can be placed.

[robertc]

For anyone who may find themselves in need of a front hub for their Cagiva, I have some helpful information. As was the case with several other Tricky Dicks original parts, the front hub was originally a Yamaha part.
Pic of my original Tricky Dicks hub, next to stock yamaha part (29U-25111-00-00):

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The modification to the yamaha hub requires:
1. Carefully removing brake mounting plate.
2. Flipping it around, and repositioning closer to end of hub.
3. Removing the nuts that are welded onto the plate.
4. Welding nuts to opposite side of plate.

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For anyone needing more detailed information, don't hesitate to PM.

[86T3]

Excellent work! I'm down for a set. I may even take 2 depending on price. I'm friends with a guy on Facebook that has one, I'll forward this to him.

[Red Rider]

After receiving a color sample from Jeff, I placed an order and kept my fingers crossed.It looks just about spot on to me. The only difference I see is in the sheen. Awesome work so far! Thanks for the detailed write up on this project. Because of this thread, I've learned a lot about these machines now.

[C.J]

My buddy Andrew bought a set of the red T3 fenders and then went through the process of re polishing his OEM 'giva plastics and they were a dead nuts match color wise. I'll see if I can get the pictures again if they are needed


92 JP Outlaw hybrid (in progress)

87 LT265R (not much left stock)

[robertc]

Ok, so my self imposed deadline has come and gone, which shouldn't surprise me. Rather than dwell on my lack of integrity, here are some pics of the finished frames and tail sections. Note the slight differences in the tail sections, one on left being the early version. I believe Andy said they moved the rear fender mounts behind the cross-bar for easier removal.
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[onformula1]

so cool, I love Cagiva's!
Very nice work.

[250rmanfmf]

I am loving this build. Great work keep it up!

[El Camexican]

You'd better check the steering head races again Robert, I think old Rex is trying to tell you something!

[robertc]

You'd better check the steering head races again Robert, I think old Rex is trying to tell you something!

That is Lucy, and she gives everything I bring home the ten point inspection. She seems fond of Italian treats!

[robertc]

Getting ready to commence assembly of one of the Cagivas when this little surprise surfaced. I tore down the two Cagivas the first weekend I got them, and failed to look under the triples for the production number. Needing a top triple for the second Cagiva, I sent my complete set to Mike at HRE to have a top made not long after tear down. When Mike was getting ready to ship them back, he called to ask of I wanted the bottom of the triple he made to have the same number as my originals. I explained it was the production number, and asked him what number was there. That's when I discovered I had #2. I knew one of them was a very early one due to the subframe and grab bar differences, but never expected this. Hope to talk with Andy soon to find out more of its history.
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GO CAVS!

[xrider]

Very cool! I think mine is marked 42

[C.J]

My buddy Andy's isn't numbered?

He said that he spoke with Andy and that it was supposed to be one of the last ones built,,, that'd be cool to see the 2nd one built and the 2nd to last built!!


92 JP Outlaw hybrid (in progress)

87 LT265R (not much left stock)