Monster in the Making

[nstyle73]

I picked up a washed up former-racer that had been put out to pasture with some Mud-Eaters. For now I'm going to make it into a Monster Energy themed flat track inspired rider. Nothing fancy, no powdercoating, just some parts left over from my previous build and some cosmetic decals etc. It came with a +4 axle, RAD bearing carrier and axle nut, JP Racing airbox cover, KX250 ignition and 38mm Mikuni carb. I rode it around the yard and the pilot jet was partially plugged so its in parts now, but here is what I am starting with. Should be a quick refresher.

Don't let the pictures fool you, the plastics are all broken except the front fender, but the seat is great and the KIPS label is intact.

[dcreel]

Was that front numberplate on it when you got it? Looks like a different variation of the 84-85 Tecate numberplate. Any idea who made it? Looks nice..

[nstyle73]

It doesn't have a name or anything that I can see. It might be from an 85, but I thought the forks were different and since it slides over the brake guides, I think it might be specifically for the 86/7 The middle part is a plastic mesh, which I think an aluminum honeycomb that matches the JP would be pretty sweet. Since it has the KX ignition, I will probably keep it even thought the guy sent the headlight and brackets.

[ATCeeya]

Very nice. I cant wait to get my paws on an 86/87 tecate. If you dont mind saying how much did it set ya back?

[T3 LOPES]

very nice tecate! whats your plans for this monster? the # plate looks like a ufo with a little extra style. very cool

[nstyle73]

I gave a little over a grand, which I figured the less common parts were worth that. I forgot to include the axle pics. I'm not sure what kind it is as it tapers, unlike the Durablue I have seen.

[scooterroo]

wow, nice find. is it me or are the t3's popping up all over the place lately? nice to see em, and even nicer to see them being fixxed, restored, etc... keep us posted on your progress.

[nstyle73]

Well, this keeps cutting me off so I'll make this short. Its great to see more T3's, it means there will be more parts made/reproduced and more that make it to Trikefest as a result

[nstyle73]

The PLAN is to just make some cosmetic upgrades to keep it a nice rider that can be occasionally beat on. Mechanically, its pretty sound. I pulled the top end and the nikasil looks good and compression tests at 165psi. I put a glass-beaded head, head gasket, base gasket, and clutch gasket on. The front and rear bearings feel and look good as I took both apart to clean things up. The chain is pretty new and the sprocket is an aftermarket blue anodized 38T in good shape. Depending on tires, it may get replaced. I would love to find a CalFab to complete the old-school package, but wouldn't everyone. Here are a couple pics of the front fender, and DC Plastic shrouds.

Edit: I couldn't attach the pics. Sorry

[nstyle73]

I took a few more pictures. The hubs are painted and the engine is all back together. The swingarm actually ended up being polished under all of the crap that was on there. Its by no means perfect, but with a little work, I think it will look pretty decent, especially for a rider. The axle could use a coat of chrome at some point, but it is just kind of dull with minor surface rust right now. I need to make a couple exhaust hangers as the pipe was tied up with a shoestring, then clean up the rear plastics.

[scooterroo]

wow, nice. i didnt know dc made the tank covers in black. thats cool as all hell. i like the 250r front fender on there also. i have been in search of a green one for my t3 flat tracker project. really cool man, keep up the good work.

[taiterator]

That RAD bearing carrier is sick!!! Nice T3 you picked up there, congrats!

[nstyle73]

The bearing carrier is pretty sweet except that the outer pieces are worn a little, so right now it feels like there is a little play. I'll have to see how it feels when I get everything tightened up.

Although, we should all feel lucky to have T3 Repro parts, the DC plastics fell a little short on the quality scale to me. Especially compared to the Hornet powersports shrouds on my other bike. However, they are functional and come in black, so they were just what I was looking for. The fit is ok at best as is the finish, BUT they look cool from about 5 feet away.

[scottyms]

any idea what the wavy rotor is from?

[nstyle73]

The rotor is a CGR piece, I bought two sets when I did my other build and thought it might as well be on a bike as in a box. Its SS with a nitride coating. It takes a while for the pads to wear in and get a good bite.