Need help identifying OLD Honda 3-wheeler (pics)

[Chump]

Hi all,
New forum member here and just recently purchased a very old Honda three-wheeler. I can't find any model numbers on it, but the serial numbers are:
Frame - TBO1-2007196
Engine - TBO1E-2005342



Here are a couple of images:
http://www.ashurstfamily.com/photos/d/1222-2/DSCN0233.JPG

http://www.ashurstfamily.com/photos/d/1227-2/DSCN0234.JPG

http://www.ashurstfamily.com/photos/d/1230-2/DSCN0235.JPG

http://www.ashurstfamily.com/photos/d/1233-2/DSCN0236.JPG

It has no suspension, drum brakes and appears to be one of the earlier (cheaper) versions? Any info on the model name, year, engnie size, where to buy replacement parts, etc. would be fantastic. I'd like to attempt a restoration on it, and any tips or help would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

[firefirefire90]

1981/2 ATC 200. That is my best guess. Wait im not sure now, But it is of the 200cc family and you can get parts at Servicehonda.com, denniskirk.com, and ebay. Im not sure if you can get parts from JL ATV but you can try. wWait crap it could be a 185.

[350x'inNY]

Looks like a 200 motor.... could be a 185, but I don't think 185 had a front brake???? The gas tank looks like a 76 ATC90's.

I'm sure someone with a Honda ID code book could help you out..... oh.. or you can go to www.atcheaven.com .

Bruce

[ScottZJ]

Yeah I have to agree being a 200s or possibly a 185s early years.

[thedeatons]

My best guess:

1980 185 (Non "S" Model)

The gas tank is from a 1975 Honda 90 as referenced here:

http://www.allterraincycles.ca/75atc90.html

I would sell the tank, since it doesn't belong there anyway, and recoup some of the cash you spent. The tank is a rarity if it's not a rust-bucket.... If I had some different pictures of the frame, and if there is an original headlight I could tell you for sure. Someone on here will be able to look up the numbers for you... James

[thedeatons]

185 and 185S had front drum brake, and the fork's dropouts look the same as mine, along with the seat.... the uplifting rear cut of the seat tells me it is from a 1980 185, because of the individual rear side fenders and trunk....!!! There is also no headlight switch on the bars, which tells me 1980 or 1981... and the tires are big, probably the 25", just like what came on the 1980 185... You can reference this picture for this stuff...

http://www.allterraincycles.ca/80atc185.html


This is fun!!! James

[350x'inNY]

http://www.atcheaven.com/Model_ids.htm

1974 ATC90 tank.....


ATC185 1980 (A)

Introduction of ATC185, first model to graduate from "pressed steel" to "tubular frame" Nice bike with plenty of horsepower that was lacking in previous models. Seperate rear fenders with tool box, this model targeting the "Work Horse" market. 180cc engine, 12v electrical system.

Engine Number TB01E-2000013~

[Chump]

Holy smokes, you guys are awesome! I never imagined this sort of reponse!

Yeah, the frame is tubular, and the tires are 25X12.0-9 and all 3 need replaced. If there are any cheap places online to get them, I think it would be cool to replace them with NOS or repro units, but if it is going to cost a mint to get the original tire size, I'll prolly just get some that fit the rims, but that aren't necessarily the exact same size.

So that gas tank...it is a rare one? I wonder then if I could just trade the tank to someone for the one that belongs on there? I figured it was not OEM because it is held on by a hose clamp.

So with ATC parts, is Ebay a good option, or is it smarter to just use an online classified forum?

PS - thanks for all the info and links - I am going to be doing some major reading here. Anybody have any ideas on where to pick up an online copy of the FSM?

Oh yeah, and what are the chances that I am going to be able to get fenders for thiis thing, and how much (approximately) should I be budgeting for that?

[wheelie king]

Parts???

A few of my faves:

Denniskirk.com
Bikebandit.com
dratv.com

If the tank is good, you'll have US90 guys fighting over it.

Ebay is hit or miss, but definitely there is treasure to be found there. Good luck, and great trike!!!:w00t:

[Vealmonkey]

Most of the parts aren't real hard to get unless you are looking to do some kind of restoration and that gets very expensive. For tires, the cheng-shin copies do just fine and look alot like the originals. You can get fenders used off ebay or get new maier fenders. Maiers aren't exactly like the originals but they are better than nothing. Ebay is a pretty good parts place and alot of people sell the carb rebuild kits, cables, brake shoes, and most of the things that will get you going. The first thing you really need to get is a real honda service manual, they are the best. Even a used beat up copy will keep you out of alot of trouble and they are tons better than the clymer manuals. When it is fixed up that trike you have will do at least 50 mph. They are pretty peppy. Good luck and keep posting pictures of your progress.

[thedeatons]

So, if our estimates were correct, and it's a 1980 185... Let me know and I will lead you to some NOS parts for it... they are pricey though. I have an NOS seat for it right now, in my bedroom, and I paid $220 for it... If you have the money, that is a great model to restore, because it is a round headlight model, and the first 185 to be produced. The 25" tires are exclusive to that 185, as all the other 185S models had 22"ers... If you are planning on a perfect restoration, plan on at least $2k, if you do it correctly using NOS parts. If you're just looking to "get it running" and bash it in the forest, then plan on about ~$500-$1000 to be reliable. I can give you a lot of tips if you need, as I've been restoring mine, as have a lot of other guys on here. I can tell you one thing, if you decide to do a "restoration", you will not be using any vendors except for Honda warehouses, places like bikebandit.com and Ebay.... Good luck, email me anytime... James

[hiltu]

http://3wheelerworldforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12260&d=1118194576 try this site guys

[thedeatons]

Well, that tells us it's a 185, but doesn't help with the year....

[Chump]

Thanks to a tip, I found the displacement figures on the cylinder. It is indeed a 180 cm3 displacement head.

The page that really helped the most was posted by theDeatons:
http://www.allterraincycles.ca/80atc185.html

Mine has (the remnants of) a clutch lever, but I could not find where the clutch cable was to enter the crankcase/tranny. Turns out, it is apparently some sort of semi-automatic? So I guess I just kick it down all the way and that is neutral (for starting) and then I just kick it up through the five forward gears?

Regarding the restoration. I wan't planning on dropping a few thousand into this. I am not really a trike fanatic, but got a deal on this and figured I would get it running...then I started thinking it would be fun to restore it. If it is going to cost a ton, I may have to change my plans from "restore" to "get it running and painted." On the other hand, if it is rare or something and there is a contingent out there who would be looking for a bike like this to restore, I would hate to be the one holding it and not taking advantage of it...to be perfectly honest, I'm not really attached to it and have plenty of other projects I could be doing, so if someone out there would want it, feel free to chime in and PM me an offer.

Anyway, my plan was basically to see if I can get it running, then do a frame off paint job, obtain or fab some fenders, and go.

[thedeatons]

That's not yer clutch lever brother, but rather the front brake lever, on the left side of the bars. Rear brake is on the right, along with the foot pedal doubling as a rear brake activator also.... Neutral is actually at the top, and you pull the shifter up through the gears to find it.

This is a pretty pricey project, and frankly I wouldn't mess with it unless you are ready to spend some cash.... From the looks of it that thing will need a lot of sandblasting, and there is no telling about the engine's internal condition.... Do you mind telling us what you paid for it? It may be pretty difficult to get rid of, simply because it is such a project.... Just the tires alone will put you into it over $100 (not counting the cost of the trike), then there are axle bearings, and everything else that just goes into getting it rolling.... I'm not trying to scare you off, just prepare you... By the way, did you miss a letter in the frame serial number? I ask because we are having trouble getting the year from it.... Good luck, James

[Chump]

Thanks for the info on the brakes - I just looked and saw how there is a spot on the rear brake arm lever for another cable attachment for the hand assist.

Also - great info on the shift pattern - that would have taken forever to figure out...

Yeah, I am not in this for the resto - I am just going to get it running and see how the engine is. If the engine works good, then I will see about either buying a set of tires (so far the $25 Wal-Mart tires are looking real good) and just do a nice paint job on it and ride it, or I may end up parting it out and turning it into some sort of tube frame go cart project. Then I could just sell that gas tank to someone who needs it.

I paid $25

[gotballs 250r 82]

I think that is maybe a 81/85 110:w00t:

[xljimmy]

I am not sure when 185 started but I do know that 1983 was the only year of suspended front forks. So I assumed that '83 was last year made. So I would guess '82 or younger. '79 was first year of 110 so I dought they had 185 '79. So from what I know it could be between '80-'82.

[hiltu]

im with you too jimmy, between 80 and 82

[xljimmy]

Running your model number at http://www.3wheelerworld.com/spexhome.shtml shows it is a '80.

[el Pollo]

I'd say hold onto it and do a resto. It may take a huge chunk of change, but if you space it out, it won't be that bad.

On a side note, exactly when did Honda start producing the 185S?? I ask this because my father-in-law gave me my 185S and always said it was a '77. And being that I don't have any service manuals, I never questioned it...

[dreadhed]

I'd say hold onto it and do a resto. It may take a huge chunk of change, but if you space it out, it won't be that bad.

On a side note, exactly when did Honda start producing the 185S?? I ask this because my father-in-law gave me my 185S and always said it was a '77. And being that I don't have any service manuals, I never questioned it...
The first 185s was in 81. The first 185 was in 80. PM me your engine & or frame # I can tell what year it is. As far as I can find the only 1977 model was the atc90. The atc70 was out of production at that time then can back in '78. Hope this helps.

Your trike is a '80 185. Your tank is off of a 90k2 '74. Hope this answers your questions. I think I have one sitting around if you need some parts.

I recomend getting a Honda ID Motorcycle Guide. It is a big help if you are going to get into Honda atc bike, 4 wheeler, etc. It has every thing for 1959-2000.

Hope this will help you in fixing it up. They are good motors. I use one. The 185/185's are tough.:Bounce
Gabe

[thedeatons]

But I already guessed a 1980 185... What do I win???

[MTS]

IMO if it still has good compression the most its gona cost to get it running is oil change, carb clean, tires, fenders can be had at cheap on ebay, i could make a decnet rideable trike out of it for under 150$ no problem, more than likely less.

[dreadhed]

A pat on the back!!!!!!:beer lol

[350x'inNY]

http://www.atcheaven.com/Model_ids.htm

1974 ATC90 tank.....


ATC185 1980 (A)
Introduction of ATC185, first model to graduate from "pressed steel" to "tubular frame" Nice bike with plenty of horsepower that was lacking in previous models. Seperate rear fenders with tool box, this model targeting the "Work Horse" market. 180cc engine, 12v electrical system.

Engine Number TB01E-2000013~


Ummm... can't you all read... all the mystery was solved over a day ago... :rolleyes: :crazy:

[ebecme01]

you can use plastic from any NON S 185 or 200 1980 to 1983. Since the rear brake drum is so small, its a 1980 or 1981. you should be able to use a tank from many many models in the 185 and 200 models. If you are interested in a front end with suspension, they only made that model with front suspension in 83. You may be able to use a 185S or 200S front end but the regular 200 front end is better. You can tell the difference by the axle being in front of the lower fork leg. the S models had smaller front ends and the axle is behind the fork leg.