Trikes in mud and water (lots o pics)

[pfunk]

Here in Texas, we do a lot of mud bogging. The guys and gals i ride with, all have the big 4 wheel drives, with the mud lites or mud bugs, snorkels the whole nine yards. I use to take my old 85 trx 200, and always had a hard time keeping up with them. That bike weights way too much, and is loose as a goose. So i wanted something better.

Growing up on 3 wheelers, i remembered almost never getting stuck on my Big Red, and if i did i was always able to get out without any help. Thats important out here, the mud can get thick and sticky, and if you get stuck alone, your screwed.

So i started looking..

Well, i got shat from these guys on a daily basis for wanting to buy a 3 wheeler. I was told i wouldn’t be able to keep up, and i wouldn’t make it through the deep water or mud because its almost impossible to snorkel. That I need to get a mans bike, 4 wheel drive, jock strap edition, blah blah.

Anyway, undeterred, i found a 250ES on Craigslist in almost mint condition for 700 bucks. Drove about 2 hrs and picked it up.

I vented the crank, brakes, rear end, and both carb vents up above the handle bars. The snorkel is stock, and is below the handle bars, and i really haven’t seen any need to try and snorkel it any higher, being that the front end stays up in really deep water, and if it gets too deep, I can hop off, and float it.
Rebuilt the carb, and it starts first kick, without any hesitation (has electric start, but i need to pick up a battery).
This thing is beautiful. Lights work, trunk plastic, tool kit all in mint condition. Hell of a deal, and I was very excited to get this thing in some mud.

So first few rides we took her on, were on some of the roughest terrain in this area. Deep water, hill climbs, thick mud, and she had no problems at all. As a matter of fact, I’m usually the only one that doesn’t require a tow. Im so glad i picked this trick up, i feel home again..


Needless to say they all have a full plate of crow to eat.



Any advice on trikes in mud and water will be appreciated. Im still trying to figure out what tires would be best (size, tread, etc). Right now i have wooley boogers on the back, and a hole shot on the front. Those work well, but im thinking a little more tread on the back would be better. Definitely some self cleaners too.

[rdlsz24]

Sweet that thing looks like a beast in the water. I've never taken anything in water that deep.

Rob

[vrswiss]

Thats great. Is that a upside down machine in the water in the 5th picture down? Looks like some tires sticking out of the water.

[pfunk]

yea she loves it.
Most of those pics came from the testing phase. Making sure all the lines were buttoned up before taking it out on a real ride. I wish i had more pics of the rides, but its too risky holding a camera in water and mud that deep.
Most pics turn out as drinking beer at rest areas..

[whipit]

you had better service the rear end on that thing ....now

[pfunk]

Thats great. Is that a upside down machine in the water in the 5th picture down? Looks like some tires sticking out of the water.

lol, you have a keen eye. Yea, there were a few 4 wheelers that flipped over that weekend.

6 oil changes, flush, and carb cleaning, rear end flush, and they are runnen strong again. I still wouldnt do anything like that to mine. It was fun to watch tho.

[pfunk]

you had better service the rear end on that thing ....now

The rear end is vented (with all new line) above the handle bars. Everything is, carb, brakes, crank, etc.
I spent 2 weeks buttoning this thing up, and i check it all the time, oil, rear end and all.. It's never taken in a drop of water. Am I missing something?

[keister]

Welcome Looks like a blast!

I have done my share of mudding with the big quads on my Big Red - though I haven't gone as deep as you. It is fun to show up their $5000 machines with an old ATC. My biggest concern is that the quads all have airboxes up high (where my gas tank is). Just make sure you check your airbox and filter after you ride.

I'd suggest some ITP rears. I have one on the front and need to get them on the back as well. My brother has these all around his BR.



One last note on the forum rules - you need to be wearing a helmet in posted pictures.

[MonroeMike]

Cool pics, looks like the dog got in the action too...

[Name Brand]

Very cool.

I highly recommend Kenda Bear Claws.

I have my SX set up for water crossing; check the link in my signature below...

[daniel_250r]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpgAw...e=channel_page i know i show this vid a lot in the water/mud threads but it might help you with ideas

[mahackney42]

I highly recommend Kenda Bear Claws.

I second the Kenda Bear Claws. More versatile than they look. These things never seem to cake up, even in the deep stuff.

Mark

[somekidwithanm4]

Yep. Get the Bear claws.
I've actually driven a 4 wheeler deeper than that with a stock airfilter and exaust. Fully submerged a 2001 Honda Recon 250ES and it still ran perfectly. Haven't had the privilage to do the same with a trike yet though.

[pfunk]

Bear claw eh, I actually have a set of Bear Claws. But they fit on a 12 inch rim, and my rims are all 9's.
Should I go with a bigger rim, or find some Bear Claws that will fit on a 9 inch rim (if possible)? I also like the MudBugs, but cant find em for 9 inch rim. Im considering breaking down and buying some 12 inch rims.

Also, I'm thinking 25X12 for back?

[pfunk]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpgAw...e=channel_page i know i show this vid a lot in the water/mud threads but it might help you with ideas

Loved that video, thx for sharing!

Very cool.

I highly recommend Kenda Bear Claws.

I have my SX set up for water crossing; check the link in my signature below...

Very nice work, both gave me some ideas on how to snorkel this puppy, if i decide to. I only weight like 190, so i find its kind of difficult to get the back tires on the ground in deeper water. Thats why im consdiering a heavier tire and rim for the back.