Aftermarket Suspended ATC185s: likely original intended use?

[Josh in FLA]

Collecting parts and trying to get some ideas for an upcoming build of an 81 185s with what appears to be a High Performance ATC weld on rear suspension and replacement triple trees and suspended legs.

My question is what would the likely original use have been for this trike? Of course softer riding and better handling would be a priority for most, but would these have been used for desert or track racing applications, dune riding, or?

Trying to put together a period correct build, but unfortunately I was a little young when ATC's were in their orginal prime. Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated. Also any period correct parts or custom touches that would look right on this trike?

[Jmoozy27]

Let's see the Polaroids

[Joseph Farrow]

They would have been used for racing. The 250R came out in 1981 and changed everything. The 200x did not come out until 1983??? So the fully suspended 185 and 200 were where it was at. One of your fellow Floridians Shortline10 has an awesome period correct HPATC 185. The ultimate fully suspended 185/200 would have to the Nicholson.

KICK !!!

[Darius1502]

The ATC 185 was a big 25 inch tired beast back in 1980. The 185 'S' was a sport version same BIG engine but 22 inch tires and a chassis that was similar in size to the 110. So image a big engine stuffed in a moderate frame. So it was a HOT ROD back in the day.

See this article...its kinda puts it in perspective if we were all sitting here in 1981. Sport riders loved the 185S and it was a sport machine that did get raced to. I had an '82 185S and did want an aftermarket front suspension kit. It was hard riding with no suspension.



This last pic of the 1980 185. Which had 25 tires...a big fat beast. Really was the predecessor to the ATC 200 and BIG RED.

I'd love to see a comparison of the 185 and the 185S...because I bet all that extra weight really slowed down the original 185.

[jb2wheels]

In the mid 80s I had an 82 185s. Bought it new. Eventually had full suspension with a weld on conversion. Can't remember where it or the triples & forks came from - there were many options then. I do remember the Bill's pipe thought.

I used it in the dunes almost exclusively. Back than, we made day-trips to Glamis from Cathedral City.

[Josh in FLA]

Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning more towards the performance/racing side, my only dilemma is the number plate versus headlight. As I intend to use as a rider, and a light is definitely handy. Haven't found a whole lot of aftermarket parts, but that will help to keep it a basic no-frills hot rod.

Any go-to parts that would have been a necessity for racers back in the early days of the ATC? I've collected most parts to make a start and will start a build thread when the project gets underway.

[RapidRick]

well i had one and used it mainly in the dunes, and even ran it in an enduro or two in the desert. Stock motor with an aftermarket carb, filter, supertrap pipe, and fox shock, without a headlight though.


Working on bringing this one back to life. RH image is how I found it in flat track trim (the engine is a pull start XR200) . LH is how I'm rebuilding for the desert or using paddles for the sand (185S motor while the XR is being gone through). Hope this helps.

[big specht]

What company made a suspended 185/200 frame that had a linked rear shock set up? Kiser has one (only cause he saw it before me lol)

[RapidRick]

That is a Nicholson frame and swing arm.

[kiser]

So Nicholson made full frames and who all made weld on kits? Me and Specht both have weld on kits also but I have never known much about them

[Tpg69]

So Nicholson made full frames and who all made weld on kits? Me and Specht both have weld on kits also but I have never known much about them

I believe the weld on kit was made by PK. Also if memory serves correct they used YZ 80 forks on the front.

[RapidRick]

I also had a weld on Nicholson swing arm kit. I know I didn't just buy the swing arm because at that time I didn't have the ability to fabricate the mounting brackets and upper shock mounts.

Additionally, honestly I don't remember if I just bought it from him personally or if it was actually marketed.

Vealmonkey has some original documentation, maybe he could share what he has.

[thestud25]

Kiser, I am 98% sure the one you bought from me is a weld on Nicholson kit.

[kiser]

Ok Iv been curious about that. These are very cool bikes in my opinion. I love seeing pics of them. I would post mine but I don't know how? I'll see if Specht can do it for me. Maybe we should start a picture thread on suspended 185/200 frames

[RapidRick]

I also have another weld on kit....let me find the pics I already have taken. It's dark and raining outside right now. LOL