GREEN '85 250R fenders are here!

[Bigbore]

I could use some other's opinions. I've been getting all of the parts I need to build a KX 500 / Tecate / 3 wheeler.

I already have a nice and very clean '85 T-3. I bought a KX 500 engine, carb, and electronics, planning to swap the KX 500 into the T-3. There’s allot of work that would need to be done to the frame to make the exhaust work. Most every thing else would be fairly easy. BUT... I decided not to butcher my '85. I rather sell it than do that. It would be different if it were a wreck.

I thought it would be easier to use the KX500 frame, NO mods needed for the motor or exhaust. I could get new plastic including a NEW tank. New '85 T-3 tanks aren't an option. So I bought a '97 frame for my '02 motor. THEN... I saw 3Razors KX500 conversion and it looks NICE.

When I first saw 3Razors conversion it looked like an '86 T-3. It wasn't until I started reading I realized that it was a conversion (which is exactly what I'm wanting). I didn't want it to look like a trike conversion but something that looks closer to factory.

I would use the KX 500 tank and radiator shrouds, instead of putting the radiator up on the triples. Would it look better using a wide front '85 style front tire or an '86 narrow? Keeping in mind the radiators are now like the '86's. I would use a set of 2005 KX 85 Inverts that I bought for the project. If I went with the wide front, I'd use the '85 fender. The narrow front, I'd use the '85 250R in lime green.

What rear fenders would you use? Since the sub-frame needs to be built anyway it could be built for a lot of different rear fenders. I don't think any of the newer 4 wheeler fenders would look that good. Most are too wide at the tank. Maybe the raptor? Any ideas? Maier will have most of the real popular rears in lime green. Would you just go with '85 rears? I think the "low-profile" rears suck, but that’s me.

What color frame? Silver like the '86 - '87 or lime green like the '90's and up KX's?

[200x Basket]

the kx500 will fit in a 86 tecate with VERY little mods. that is what i would do.

[Darius1502]

Good project!! Do you think there is any way to use a 1996 to 2006 KX 250 tank and frame?

I do think there is any advantage chassis wise, since the lower slim tank would allow for better rider transition. The KX 500 engine does fit

http://www.ktm380.com/ktm380fotos/be142c9954b12e08390.jpg

http://www.ktm380.com/ktm380fotos/be142c9954b12d273816.jpg

http://www.ktm380.com/ktm380fotos/be142c9954b12d273813.jpg

http://www.ktm380.com/ktm380fotos/be142c9954b12d27388.jpg

http://www.ktm380.com/ktm380fotos/be142c9954b12d273812.jpg

Either way it will be an awesome project.

[RideRed250R]

the kx motor drops in and bolts up with the frame... of the 86... litterly BOLTS IN... using stock motor mounts and all... the only problem is the pipe which you could have custom made which would probably be around 250 bucks... but still your atc WOULD FLY... BE GONE... BYE BYE
adam

[200x Basket]

actually a kx500 pipe will almost fit into the t3 frame

[Bigbore]

I didn't want to do in a '86 KXT. They’re too hard to find as a roller. Too hard to find allot of the other parts compared to the KX.


In the pictures of the motoard, is that a 500 in there? Something to definitely think of.

[kloby]

Yes, it should fit w/ minimal modification :)

[smokinp]

this is a idea I am looking into as well...I wonder what mods has to be done to the 85 to make the 500 engine fit?

[Darius1502]

Yep the motards all are KX 250's with 500's in there.

[tecatemantodd]

What year KX 500 motor would work best??

[250rulzes]

I am also pondering the swap. One question I do have if you were to go with the 86/87 tecate frame would the 85 tecate swinger fit? It looks like the rear suspension would bolt up nicely. What are your guy’s thoughts on the pipe? Looks like a KX 500 pipe would damn near fit? What about the 250 tecate pipe? Would it fit on the KX 500 motor? I was also thinking about cutting my KX 500 frame's "Y" down tube out and graphing it in to the 85 chassis. Frame integrity would certainly be in question at all times with that mod. Does anyone on this site have a KX 500 tecate???

[3Razors]

For anyone that is interested. The 84-87 Tecate swingarm bolts right into the kx500 bike. Sprockets line up and everything. The only modification is the shock linkage system. Stick with 89 and up kx500's for parts interchangability.

[Bigbore]

I thought the swingarms were real close, they both had a rough measurement of 8.5" at the swingarm bolt.

[250rulzes]

Are the uni-trak suspension components similar or is the 84/85 off center?

[BigGreenMachine]

The 86/87 uni trac is the one thats off center.

[kloby]

The 86/87 uni trac is the one thats off center.


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Correct

[Tecate250]

What year 500 motor would fit into a 85 tecate frame? I have a beater frame id like to do it to but finding a kx 500 will be tricky.

[Bigbore]

I would have to be '85 or older, and I'm not really sure about that. The exhaust port has to be comming off to the side. '87 and up are comming out straight ahead and would work without cutting the frame.

[BigGreenMachine]

Bigbore, did you ever get this Tecate 500 finished?

[Bigbore]

Still working on it.

I was trying to get a hold of Miltech to build a '85 T3 swingarm in a +4, but they never called back. Either to much work or bad responders.

I have an aluminum swingarm machined out and nearly ready to take to the welder to be TIG welded. If was steel, I could do it. The swingarm is made to use a TRX 450R carrier and axle assembly. Will use the KX linkage and shock location.

Picking up the 5/8" 4130 square tubing today so I can work on the subframe. I still have decided on the rear fenders yet. Got any ideas? I need to make a decision. I wish I could find a decent set of standard '85 Tecate rear fenders. Maybe TRX 450's in green???? I decided on a narrow front using inverts. Have the aluminum for the triples now just need the time to start them.

I can't use the KX85 front forks. They’re to short. I'll use the KX500 forks but have them dropped 2 inches. The front fender... I looked at the '86 Tecate but didn't like the looks of it. So I'm thinking the '85 250r in green. In a month or two I need to call Maier to have them make a run of front fenders for the '85 R in green. They have a minimum of a 10-piece order to make them. Anyone else want a GREEN '85 R front fender. A good replacement for the '86 / '87 Tecate front.

The once the swingarm and sub frame are done then I can take the frame and other pieces to get powder coated.

I'm busy with it for the next few months. I started with photos. Once something more impressive happens and I can start making ground I'll post the progress.

How is yours?

[BigGreenMachine]

Sounds like your putting a fair amount of cash into this trike? I'm trying to stay on a budget with mine.

I think shaved banshee fenders look the mutts nuts on the rear of most conversions/mod machines. Why not go with a white scheme with green frame? Standard rear 84/85 Tecate fenders on egay now if your up to having them painted.

Just a +4 swingarm? I'm going +6 with 22 inch mud tires and a no link setup in the rear of mine. Thinking I'll rebuild the rear subframe to suit the new suspension and airbox setup I want.

Right now I'm gathering parts. The 500 motor and pieces are payed for, waiting on them to be shipped. Won't be long until its completed (see rideable) when the motor arrives.

James

[BigGreenMachine]

Looking back at those KX250/500 hybrid pics on page one, sick! One of those as a trike would be a sweet ride. Maybe when I'm out working after I finish up my welding trade. If thats the case this 500 will be my girls trike in the future. LOL

[Curtis-Tecate3]

Bigbore,

I might be interested in one of those green 85R front fenders. I tried the same thing with Maier 5 years ago with the same story.

Curtis.

[BigGreenMachine]

PM me a price on one fender too Bigbore.

[BigGreenMachine]

Any news? Update?!

[Bigbore]

Read below. I screwed up some how.:crazy:

[Bigbore]

Not a lot of progress... I got a large landscape project at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora Colorado, 353 Military Family Houses. It’s had me going since July, and isn't scheduled to complete until July of 2007. The moneys great and Uncle Sugar's checks never bounce!

Now for the important stuff..

The front fenders are ordered! I ordered the 10 - '85 ATC 250R fenders, in Kawasaki Green, from Maier about 2 weeks ago. They'll be done, they said, by the first of December. The couple of you guys that wanted one, it'll be the cost of the fender plus shipping from Maier to me plus the shipping out. I just like the look better than the 86 KXT fender.

Miltech????? What ever! No one has ever called me back so I can even order a swingarm. Anyways, I'll one up it. I just am always short on time.
Already have the aluminum, just need to sit in front of the mill for a while.

I have the CAD drawings almost done for the triple trees. The front forks were sent out and had shorted 2" (motoard), new springs, seals, and valved for the weight of the machine (approximate) and me.

The rear brakes your going to love!!!!!!! Don’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet but, COOL!

I still don't know what do for rear fenders. So I cant even start thinking about a rear sub-frame yet.

BGM: I saw your is starting to take shape. Hey if you need a gusset for the frame, were you took out the CDI unit, make one to scale out of card stock and send it to me and I'll cut one on the CNC plasma cutter for you.

As soon as the weather starts turning bad I'll get time to work in the shop

[Derrick Adams]

Bigbore, you may want to look into Blaster rear fenders. You can get them in Green and they already have the kick out for the kickstarter. Plus they are small enough they will work on about any bike and look good.

[BigGreenMachine]

I like the sounds of this one, its gonna look awsome!

Bigbore, let me know when the fenders are ready to be shipped out and I'll get some money to you for one.

I'll take care of the CDI brace, its all in the works.

[Bigbore]

The GREEN '85 250R front fenders came in today from Maier. They look awsome! I'll take some photo's of the fenders tomorrow. I don't know what the billed me yet, but I'll find out tomorrow.

[Aussieduner]

Im might be up for one of those Bigbore the front fender on the 87 Tecate is too bulky and im looking for a race look.

Aussie

[BigGreenMachine]

Let us know the price on them!

[Louis Mielke]

How many green fenders did you end up buying? I would like to get 2 if possible. What did they charge you for the custom batch? I'm gonna be looking into a custom batch myself soon.

[Aussieduner]

Any pics yet ?

Aussie

[Bigbore]

Pictures !!!! What do you think????

I still need to call my credit card company and find out what the final charge was. Maier didn't send an invoice, just a packing slip.

[BigGreenMachine]

Nice BUT whats up with the huge holes on the top of it?! Are they all like that?

[oldsking86]

Yea I just noticed the same thing.. The fender I got for my 250R from Maiers didn't have holes that big...

[smyers33]

Better too big than too small... A simple washer can fix them up.

[SYKO]

my 250r fender from maire was like that with the large holes, you have to put the rubber gromets in them

[oldsking86]

my 250r fender from maire was like that with the large holes, you have to put the rubber gromets in them

Ahh that's right, it's been awhile since I changed it haha

[Bigbore]

Yea they all have the big holes. All Honda's use rubber bushings with steel washers on the front fender. All of Maiers plastic comes with OEM holes for OEM parts.

In the old days Maier didn't put the holes in, you had to do it. Made for some messed up parts.

[smyers33]

I had to drill my own holes on the 200x fender I got about a month ago...

[Aussieduner]

Pictures !!!! What do you think????

I still need to call my credit card company and find out what the final charge was. Maier didn't send an invoice, just a packing slip.

Very nice,let me know the $.

Aussie

[BigGreenMachine]

Yup, what are we talkin here cash wise?

[oldsking86]

I agree let us know, would make a nice xmas gift

[Bigbore]

OK! I found out that they cost me $56 apiece. That was shipped to me. I'll sell 7 of them for $60 each (includes the box) plus shipping.

[Louis Mielke]

Wait how was that broken down? I figured you'd get a discount for quantity. I assume you had to order a whole order of 25?

[Bigbore]

Wait how was that broken down? I figured you'd get a discount for quantity. I assume you had to order a whole order of 25?

No discounts for quantity when your ordering a non-stock color. I ordered 10 front fenders for a total of $556.20. You actually have to pay more than you would for a normal stock color. Another words, take a double hit, more for the part and no quantity discount.

[Louis Mielke]

Wow thats good to know, they'll actually do an order smaller than 25. Excelent! Anymore info you can give me for when I order my, um, custom color fenders?

[Aussieduner]

OK! I found out that they cost me $56 apiece. That was shipped to me. I'll sell 7 of them for $60 each (includes the box) plus shipping.
Any problem with doing the post office thing via airmail to Australia ?

Aussie

[Bigbore]

Any problem with doing the post office thing via airmail to Australia ?

Aussie
No problem. Send me your address and I'll get it out this week.

[Aussieduner]

No problem. Send me your address and I'll get it out this week.

Will do.

Aussie