85/86 350x project tips tricks and advice...

[tony8008]

ok, so this is pretty much all the info on what im getting and what ill need.....(for the most part). Im looking for that veteran input and advice. This is going to be an every day rider, but i want it to be something to look at as well...thanks in advance!


86 Honda atc350x motor runs but does smoke lightly when running. it will need new piston and rings. included will be
carb, throttle cable, clutch cable, oil cooler, kick start lever and shift lever
I will also give a stock bore cylinder since the current one on the motor has already been bored to next size.
the motor has a 12:1 piston, megacycles cam, and aftermarket valve springs and hardened rockers.
I would recommend going to a 10.25:1 piston. the cases has no chain damage.

other parts with it: all 1985 model- frame, forks, triple tree, handle bars, wiring harness, airbox and tubes, swing arm, shock, axle( removed) front hub and axle, front caliper, rear hubs,and new brake line, front fender, I think I have a front rim to go with it.
you will need: gas tank, seat, rear fender, rear wheels and tires, front tire, headlight, front master cylinder, rear brake setup and exhaust.

[jb2wheels]

Keep it as stock as possible.

Replace all the wear items - bearings, brakes, chain, sprockets, etc.

Take it apart and paint stuff. Looks like crap when the black engine is painted in the frame and the frame gets all the overspray.

I have an 85 I refreshed. It was a $700 runner with a chain hole in the case cover. I took it down to the frame and back up again. I did not go into the engine. It's almost 100% stock except the plastic tank, Uni air filter, fatter pilot jet, Progressive fork springs and shorter Ohtsu knobbies.

It is the most reliable 3 wheeler I've owned in since I started over again about 6 years ago.

It runs great and I flog it mercilessly in the sand with knobbies. I have paddles for it that are still virgins. Don't need em.

The engine I did not go into smoked so I swapped in the engine from my 86 project.

When I tore the engine down, it had a Wiseco 10.25:1 in it. It will go back with fresh rings and a dingleball hone.

It's quiet. It runs every time I want it to. I never have to clean the air filter since it's in the stock airbox.

Even the 10.25:1 pings on 91 octane piss the call premium gas in Oklahoma. It needed 93 octane premium I bring with me from TX when I go to Little Sahara.

Anyway, I like my stockers.

[jb2wheels]

And have the frame braced or DIY.

[tony8008]

thanks for the advice! i have looked into a premade gusset kit from tpc although someone posted on a forum here that tpc was gonna stop making them. i dunno how true that is but i sent them an email. any thoughts on where i can save some moola on the plastics other than just buying from ebay?

[jb2wheels]

Both my 350X frames have the TPC gusset kit. One I shipped to TPC for the install and 1 I had/helped done locally. I don't know anything about his production plans.

I have not shopped for plastics for a while. As I recall, the real savings are in the shipping costs - like if Rocky Mountain ATV is having a free shipping deal. That's where I got my last set of 350X fenders.

[tony8008]

i kind of figured the only place i was going to save on the plastics was the shipping! i guess ill be watching for sales! hopefully i hear back from TPC so i can order a kit! what are your preferences on wheels and tires?

[smrover1]

I sent TPC an email awhile back with no response

[jb2wheels]

As I recall, calling Bill at TPC was always the better option.

As far as tires go, I'm not too picky about the front. My 85 has an ancient NanKang knobby. I've used Chen Shins on my 200Xs. My 250R has a Kenda Front Max and my 86 350X will also when I put it back together.
This isn't too bad a deal for a front: eBay Nankang Link

I have 20x10x9 Ohtsu Knobies on the back. They are fantastic. Sand, dirt, trails, rocks, pavement they just don't care. These are stock 85 or 86 250R tires. They were still available new when I put the X together a few years ago and they were not expensive - $60 each as I recall. The are NLA no longer available. Which sucks because I want a set for my 86.

I've ehard good things about the 20x10x9R radials used on the TRX450R. I might try a set of those.

[BOB MARLIN]

The TPC gussets are a good value. You get a lot of gussets for the money. If they don't offer them anymore they would'nt be that hard to make yourself. If you are using an '85 frame I would definatly do the gussets. If it's an '86 you might get away without them.

[tony8008]

Well TPC emailed back and said the kits are still available so i will be ordering one today. i guess i will keep shopping around for the wheels and tires..but since im deployed right now i have nothing but time to look for parts and spend money!

[tony8008]

welp i just ordered a mess load of parts from rocky mountain atv ....safe to say im getting excited to get started on this project when i get back to the states!!

[tony8008]

any thoughts on exhaust? i havent found to many options out there...

[tony8008]

Parts are starting to roll in!! i cant get home fast enough!!

[350for350]

First, thank you for your service. I'd like to say that I served too, but the closest I got was being a civilian contractor in Iraq. Not the same, but kind of doing my part too. I can kind of understand some of your feelings and I do have a MUCH better appreciation for our military now. Second, your choice of trikes is a good one. Mine's stock except for a Uni filetr and a 400ex carb. You won't regret it. Since mine's stock I don't have a suggestion for an exhaust. You might try to pm Flyingw. He has built several trikes including some 350x's.

[tony8008]

so the how much of an improvement is the 400ex carb? from what i have read its a bit of a tight fit. i may just have to bite the bullet on the exhaust and spend the money on a DG setup...