350x Build with modern swinger pics inside!

[Matt85'350x]

This is my first build, I got the inspiration for this build from DC's build: http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...+350x+swingarm very good build by the way! When I bought my 350x I didn't realize that the majority of the trike was an 85 but the rear end was an 86. The trike did not come with rear brake components and I had a hard time getting some of the brackets that I needed. Then I found out my frame was bent and immediately got an 86 frame (heard they were slightly stronger) from a fellow member. My trike now is sitting in the 86 frame-I rode it like that all summer until my bearing carrier broke-I then decided it was time for a more modern setup. My goal of this build is to replace some of the older parts with modern parts that are not only better but easier to come by. My first component to change is of course the rear-end (due to all the issues I've had). So I scoured CL for a little while and came up with a rear end off of a polaris predator. Those of you with a chip against Polaris please don't post any negative comments-I happen to like polaris; my predator is a ton of fun and has been nothing but reliable. Anyway, I disassembled the rear end and started taking some measurements-obviously I would need to shave off some material at the pivot point. I don't personally have the machinery to do this but a good buddy of mine was able to help me out last night. He was able to set it up surprisingly fast and it turned out really well. I had to shave 8mm (.315") off of each side to get it to fit with all the stock spacers and seals. Today I was able to mock it up to see how everything lined up-good news is that the chain alignment is spot on but the shock mount will need to be relocated. More on that later, on to the pics.

Swingarm getting ready to mill it down:



First few passes:



Almost done:



Done with one side minus the final filing:



Other side completed:



Bearings back in:



To be continued...

[oldskool83]

any reason you wanted to use a preditor? i just dont see them as very modern or lots of parts out there. most people just swap in a 300ex axle and its counter parts and it works like nothing lol.

id like to see it all worked out though.

[Matt85'350x]

any reason you wanted to use a preditor? i just dont see them as very modern or lots of parts out there. most people just swap in a 300ex axle and its counter parts and it works like nothing lol.

id like to see it all worked out though.

Yes I have my reasons:
-I personally really like the predator-I've had mine for a few years now and really like the way it handles
-This being my first build I wanted the convenience of being able to reference my quad for how things should look
-The parts seem to be plentiful and inexpensive
-Because so much had to be taken off the sides, I wanted to use a steel swingarm for the added strength
-I like the wide stance and strength of the axle

Obviously there was more than one option for this build, but I'm happy with the way it has turned out so far.

[Matt85'350x]

Ok I put the swingarm together just enough to check the spacing of the pivot point and the chain alignment. Looks like if I put the swinger in the middle the chain lines up perfectly! Shock is not attached to the frame, I’ve got to figure out where to put it. More on that in the next post. Here’s how it sits now-what do you guys think?

[the great gazoo]

Looks like a good fit, I like it. Is that an exhaust shield from a 400EX I spy?

[Matt85'350x]

Looks like a good fit, I like it. Is that an exhaust shield from a 400EX I spy?

Yes, good eye! It's actually the complete header from a 400ex-another more modern part and stainless steel to boot! Although it hasn't quite worked out as planned, I thought some people on here said that it was a bolt on; it is definitely not. The pipe must be cut and welded to work-can anybody give me some advice on welding stainless steel? I've never done it before and don't know what needs to be done to make it work. I saw Kasey post in .org that an xr400 header bolted right on-but then what about the rest of the pipe? I bought a 400ex carb, header and can for and so far none of the 3 have really worked out. It turns out that it already had a 400ex carb on it-that was kind of an embarrassing discovery. The header needs to be modified and therefore I cannot use the can. Hopefully I can get the exhaust to work out. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Matt85'350x]

Now to the part that I really need advise on-the rear shock. Here is the problem with the existing shock mount:



So in order to not get the shock not to hit and to get the right ride height I need to fabricate a mount that is more towards the back of the machine. Here’s the space I’ve got to work with-I’m hoping not to have to move the airbox any.



On a less complicated note-I need a place to put the reservoir.

[Scootertrash]

I can't really throw you any advice since I haven't gotten that deep into modifying a 350X, but keep up the good work. Nothing ventured, nothing gained I say. The best part is you are learning all the way thru the whole process and doing lots of problem solving. The only way these mods come about is by people trying them out, no matter if others shoot down your ideas.

Just an idea, but could you cut out the brace on the swingarm that's in the way and move it forward or redesign a new one to allow clearance for the shock and it's travel? Then you wouldn't have to worry about the airbox being in the way for the new shock mount?

[KASEY]

now that you are moving the shock mount,,, you have totally changed the suspension geometry,, if done properly you would have all the mounting points in the exact position as the bike they came off of,,, it things get in the way,, move them,,, i added 1.5 inches to the top shock mount to get it where it needed to be,, and the stock airbox still fits just fine. o the exhaust you won't find anything that will just bolt on,,, i used a xr400 head pipe and built the rest,, it was pretty easy. also i never changed the front of the swingarm,, i moved the ears that th swinger bolt on to... for me i think it was easier and with thicker plate its way stronger than stock. also on the resivour i used a 350x hose and mounted it back in the stock position,,,

[Matt85'350x]

now that you are moving the shock mount,,, you have totally changed the suspension geometry,, if done properly you would have all the mounting points in the exact position as the bike they came off of,,, it things get in the way,, move them,,, i added 1.5 inches to the top shock mount to get it where it needed to be,, and the stock airbox still fits just fine. o the exhaust you won't find anything that will just bolt on,,, i used a xr400 head pipe and built the rest,, it was pretty easy. also i never changed the front of the swingarm,, i moved the ears that th swinger bolt on to... for me i think it was easier and with thicker plate its way stronger than stock. also on the resivour i used a 350x hose and mounted it back in the stock position,,,

Thank you for your insight-I agree that moving the swingarm mounts would have been preferable but that's beyond my fab skills at the moment. I was afraid of not getting the mounts to line up perfectly; trimming the pivot point seemed to work out for DC so I figured I'd give it a go. I've got to get some material and then I will be attempting to move the shock mount.

[Matt85'350x]

Other plans for this build include:
-10 in rim for the front (ordered, waiting on delivery)
-Razr's all around
-TPC gusset kit
-Twist throttle
-Powder coat
-LED lights
-New seat cover
-New plastics

For now I want to focus on getting it functional in time for trike circus at Bundy Hill.