'08 Yamaha V Star 1100 Trike build

[BladeDreams]

Hello,
I have had my bike since new -ish, I'm the second owner, but purchased it with just over 100 miles on it. Think it was a little to intimidating for original owner.
So, Now I'm up to 6969 mile on it, And have decided I want a Trike.

I spent the last winter (since Thanksgiving 2015) doing a lot of research on this 'idea', as I didnt know anyone with a trike.
I was only able to find 2 places that would / could make a trike kit for my bike - being a shaft drive.
Tri-Wing out of Canada and American trike (now Extreme Trike - via Art in Motion).

I almost went with the Tri-wing kit... Except for Darlene.
As I said, I'm new to this trike business, dont know a lot of the in and outs and how to's.
But, When you as a company are asking thousands of dollars for a product, and a potential customer asks for "what am i buying, what do I get, for my money?",
And your response is "You dont need to worry about that, we've been doing this for 25 years." Well, lost me right there.
I did try a couple more times, even spoke to Jim on the phone - "No, we dont send pictures or instructions of our kits, except with the kit."

With the research, and general information I was able to find using my Google Fu, I found out that the Tri-Wing kits require you to cut your drive shaft, weld it inside of this coupler they send you, and pretty much it.


If they would have sent me that picture, I may have done it. But they refused to.
Also they use some old, used ford axle that they cut up and fab into a "kit" with drum brakes on it...
This really "killed it", for me.


So, I found Tom, at Art in motion, provided my bike info, what I was looking for...
Next day I had an email with the quoted price, parts list, and links to the site - WITH pictures of all the parts! LoL.

http://www.artinmotionllc.net/motorcycle-trike-conversion-kit-with-trike-body-shaft-drive-metric/

Found it uses an American Trike [now Extreme Trike] kit.

I know this one shows a pulley for belt on it - the shaft drive one was too small.

So, after a few you tube videos, Google Fu for this kit...
Sent my $$$ to Tom, tore my Swing arm and final drive off my bike ( they need it to modify it to the axle they will CNC cut and build to it), and sent it to them to be converted.

Pics of the tear down:

Pic from last Fall2015

Start to take off the saddle bags and seats.

 

[BladeDreams]

View attachment 34915 Starting to remove the stock mufflers.




Pic of it from left side.

Start removal of the bar for the saddle bags, the Rear disk brake caliper.

Make sure to hang disk caliper by a wire or other such, dont want to just hang it by it's hose...

Pic of the two nuts holding the right side of the rear axle.

Removing the bolts to the final drive.

 

[BladeDreams]

Removing the 2 nuts for the axle.

Sliding wheel and final drive off the swing arm.


Remove the final drive assembly.



Remove the nuts holding the final drive gear from the wheel.



Had to remove the rear exhaust manifold to get to the bolt for the swing arm. also the battery, and battery box.

 

[BladeDreams]

Pulling the Swing arm off.

Inspecting, for just under 7000 miles - still looks new


Re attached the final drive differential and final gear drive gear - to ship off to be converted to the trike axle.


Built plywood crate for it...

Needs much more padding - filled it with old news papers.

So, this is where I am as of 1 week ago..
They said about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to complete the CNC and powder coating of my Trike kit. Also they have the fiberglass body made out of shop, so that needs done and shipped to them.

 

[BladeDreams]

Been looking into this "triple tree rake"....the ones making my kit "recommend" a 5 degree rake.
Damn! These things are not cheap, either!

I am not sure if I need or want one....
From what I have been reading, alot of people say they are like adding "power steering" to your bike.
Other say, if you cant handle turning maybe I should get a car....lol.

So, armed with the little knowledge I have gleaned from this forum and my google Fu...

I found that on my stock bike it has a 32 degree rake already.
measures from frame to front axle 19 inches.
with a trail of 5 3/4 inches.

Adding a 5 degree rake will make 37 degree rake, 20 inches from frame to front axle and a trail of 6 1/2 inches. at a cost of $700 plus.
Adding a next size up tire adds almost the exact same, for a cost of about $160.

Is the rake worth it?
I found...If I do this...I like the looks of this one:
Eliminates the top nuts, makes it look much "cleaner", and has a "built in" 1 3/4 extension.

I think I will be waiting until I get the trike completed - [tighten up the front tree's as suggested], ride it...see what I think.
I will be posting the rest of the pics of course! { I just need to have patients, waiting for it to arrive :Excited:
And all of the above is also in video format on my youtube channel - same name.

 

[Lucky]

Great build pics. If I were you I would give ZOOK a call. He not only can give you excellent advice, but can most likely save you some BUCKS. GOOD LUCK

 

[BladeDreams]

Great build pics. If I were you I would give ZOOK a call. He not only can give you excellent advice, but can most likely save you some BUCKS. GOOD LUCK

Emailed Zook.

I found the forum store, seems to be closed.

 

[stacebg]

Been looking into this "triple tree rake"....the ones making my kit "recommend" a 5 degree rake.
Damn! These things are not cheap, either!

I am not sure if I need or want one....
From what I have been reading, alot of people say they are like adding "power steering" to your bike.
Other say, if you cant handle turning maybe I should get a car....lol.

So, armed with the little knowledge I have gleaned from this forum and my google Fu...

I found that on my stock bike it has a 32 degree rake already.
measures from frame to front axle 19 inches.
with a trail of 5 3/4 inches.

Adding a 5 degree rake will make 37 degree rake, 20 inches from frame to front axle and a trail of 6 1/2 inches. at a cost of $700 plus.
Adding a next size up tire adds almost the exact same, for a cost of about $160.

Is the rake worth it?
I found...If I do this...I like the looks of this one:
View attachment 34943Eliminates the top nuts, makes it look much "cleaner", and has a "built in" 1 3/4 extension.

I think I will be waiting until I get the trike completed - [tighten up the front tree's as suggested], ride it...see what I think.
I will be posting the rest of the pics of course! { I just need to have patients, waiting for it to arrive :Excited:
And all of the above is also in video format on my youtube channel - same name.

i think you have that backwards.... if you add raked trees it move the wheel forward but reduces the trail not increase...
i think 5 deg will make more than 3/4 in difference...
imho the reduced trail is the ONLY way to go... like driving a dump truck w no power steering compaired to a vw with power steering.. i think you would be pretty happy with the 5 deg tree..

 

[Papa Zook]

I don't sell a rake kit for your bike but the one you posted looks like a good quality piece. No, adding a taller tire/wheel on the front wont have the same effect as raking it, and yes raking it 5 degrees will make a big difference in ease of steering. You can always finish the build and try it without the rake but I think you will find that you will want to add it.

 

[BladeDreams]

I don't sell a rake kit for your bike but the one you posted looks like a good quality piece. No, adding a taller tire/wheel on the front wont have the same effect as raking it, and yes raking it 5 degrees will make a big difference in ease of steering. You can always finish the build and try it without the rake but I think you will find that you will want to add it.

Thank you ☺
I will test it out afterwards, and see if I need a rake kit then

 

[BladeDreams]

Just a quick update.
Seems the Body kit for my custom trike is being re made -
Not sure what happened, or why...

But Tom Did notify me, to let me know it is going to be delayed.
Hope they are able to get sent out by end of this week.

Fingers crossed!

 

[BladeDreams]

...Finally got a hold of someone at American Trike - Now Extreme Trike.
Spoke to Mac, said they had it done and were shipping it out on 4/28/2016, and that it would be the next day before they had the tracking information.
5/03/2016 is Monday, hope to have some sort of time frame on delivery today.:clapping:

Little disappointed, That not heard anything on Friday or Saturday...Most shipping places are open on Saturday and I know the Shop was...:xzqxz:
Maybe they just got busy, everything shipped as it was supposed too, and just haven't had time to email the tracking numbers to me -


When I spoke to Mac, he gave some different information on tire and wheel sizes then Tom did for same trike from Art in Motion...
Mac - who is at the shop Extreme Trikes, that built the trike conversion;
Says 16X7 rims and 225/55R16 tires.
overall height will be 2 inches taller then what I was told before...But, he assured me that is the size that will keep the Oil level, the speedo accurate, and best "feel" for riding.
And, to run what the tires say for PSI - 44lbs. <---

Everywhere I read about says 20 to 30lbs...

Think I'll probably go with that, but will "mock up" the ride height and everything - BEFORE buying any wheels. ThumbUp

 

[stacebg]

...Finally got a hold of someone at American Trike - Now Extreme Trike.
Spoke to Mac, said they had it done and were shipping it out on 4/28/2016, and that it would be the next day before they had the tracking information.
5/03/2016 is Monday, hope to have some sort of time frame on delivery today.:clapping:

Little disappointed, That not heard anything on Friday or Saturday...Most shipping places are open on Saturday and I know the Shop was...:xzqxz:
Maybe they just got busy, everything shipped as it was supposed too, and just haven't had time to email the tracking numbers to me -


When I spoke to Mac, he gave some different information on tire and wheel sizes then Tom did for same trike from Art in Motion...
Mac - who is at the shop Extreme Trikes, that built the trike conversion;
Says 16X7 rims and 225/55R16 tires.
overall height will be 2 inches taller then what I was told before...But, he assured me that is the size that will keep the Oil level, the speedo accurate, and best "feel" for riding.
And, to run what the tires say for PSI - 44lbs. <---

Everywhere I read about says 20 to 30lbs...

Think I'll probably go with that, but will "mock up" the ride height and everything - BEFORE buying any wheels. ThumbUp

i think i would try to keep roughly the same resulting gear ratio as stock.... the ride height might not be as big a factor as keeping the engine it the same rpm range.. just my thoughts

 

[BladeDreams]

WOW! six...6 weeks to finally get a tracking number -
Anyway, According to "RoadRunner Tracking", it will be here the 10th. epper:

Still, very disappointed that I was told it shipped on the 28th of April... and the tracking shows it was picked up on the 5th of May -:xzqxz:

Either way, I'll should still have it built, tested, and any "glitches" sorted and still get a pretty good ride season out of it :clapping:epper:ThumbUp



Pics, and updated videos on youtube should be starting again this weekend.

 

[BladeDreams]

Only 6 weeks to arrive, after they received my swing arm for conversion.


After removing all the shrink wrap, and setting the body off to the side.

Opposite view

One of the 1st "issues" I have found.
Looks like they had to "modify" the mount - using a cut off wheel grinder...

I have nothing against "RVT", but, when you get it all over your hands, gloves - go wash them, or change gloves!
Also, you will see my next "issue". The axle "hub" is...a little crooked. :Shrug:
I was advised by American Trike / Extreme Trike, that there is a bearing inside, and that it is straight, and shouldn't be an issue.

Um, okay....yes, I will be checking and watching this through out the build...

Checking the alignment for the drive shaft

"Test" fitting to the bike / Trike.

Checking side to side and centering.
looks good, so far.


Now, I'm just waiting on wheels, then can mount the body and trim to fit.
Then send out for paint.

- - - Updated - - -

So, as you can see from my previous post, I have a bit of "cleaning up" to do.
Then Paint.
Then can get back to assembly of this.

No instructions, no pictures - lol Just gonna have to "figure" it out...
Anyone have a "starting point" for the preload on the rear axle?
Think I saw somewhere to put a 1" thick board under both rear wheels,
Loosen all bolts,
Use a floor jack to "level" the trike - mostly the oil has to be "level".
Then tighten everything back up.

Sound right, or close?

 

[Marc H]

Interesting setup.I'll be watching this thread to see how the 1100 looks triked.

 

[stacebg]

Only 6 weeks to arrive, after they received my swing arm for conversion.

View attachment 35957
After removing all the shrink wrap, and setting the body off to the side.
View attachment 35958
Opposite view
View attachment 35959
One of the 1st "issues" I have found.
Looks like they had to "modify" the mount - using a cut off wheel grinder...
View attachment 35960
I have nothing against "RVT", but, when you get it all over your hands, gloves - go wash them, or change gloves!
Also, you will see my next "issue". The axle "hub" is...a little crooked. :Shrug:
I was advised by American Trike / Extreme Trike, that there is a bearing inside, and that it is straight, and shouldn't be an issue.

Um, okay....yes, I will be checking and watching this through out the build...
View attachment 35961
Checking the alignment for the drive shaft
View attachment 35962
"Test" fitting to the bike / Trike.
View attachment 35963
Checking side to side and centering.
looks good, so far.


Now, I'm just waiting on wheels, then can mount the body and trim to fit.
Then send out for paint.

- - - Updated - - -

So, as you can see from my previous post, I have a bit of "cleaning up" to do.
Then Paint.
Then can get back to assembly of this.

No instructions, no pictures - lol Just gonna have to "figure" it out...
Anyone have a "starting point" for the preload on the rear axle?
Think I saw somewhere to put a 1" thick board under both rear wheels,
Loosen all bolts,
Use a floor jack to "level" the trike - mostly the oil has to be "level".
Then tighten everything back up.

Sound right, or close?

really sad to see a new pc like that show up w rtv all over it ... a little modification is not uncommon but be nice to make a "finished" pc.. if ya know what i mean

 

[BladeDreams]

^^I completely agree.
Yes, I can do all the needed machine work, clean up and re paint...But, For what I paid - I shouldn't have to do it :AGGHH:.

Okay!
I got the rims in today!

 

[BladeDreams]

Wanted to upload some pics of my "progress" : )


The "T" bar that the body mounts to...all 4 holes stripped out. Looks like they "tried" to clean out after the powder coating...
I got that cleaned up : )

Starting to "look" like a trike now - !

1st TEST fit of the body :clapping:

Trying to center it up.
I need to mount the fender, measure and cut it - to make room for the body.
Then, trim the body to fit.

And...Then off to paint.

I'll still post up the next pics as I get to them, New cobra ShotGun pipes, and mounting, carbon fiber covers...

 

[Gorilla]

Cool nice progress

 

[Marc H]

ThumbUp Lookin good!!!!!

 

[BladeDreams]

Okay, MUCH progress!
Started Mocking up the body, mounting and fitting.



Started to run into an issue - Of where the exhaust would mount, exit - Or even Look.

So, we stopped, mounted up the Exhaust and - Test ride - First ONE!!!!ThumbUp

^^ Had, an ongoing issue with the brake lines - the 2psi residual valve, fittings, hose kept leaking....
Ended up having to just run all one piece new braided line right to the master cylinder.

That Cobra Drag Star shotgun pipes not only look good
But sound AMAZING! - Have to go to my build video 18 at about 29 seconds in to hear it.

Using the Flex pipe - as too much movement between the bike frame and the IRS to use solid pipe.
Doesnt look as bad as I thought it would - and most of it will be covered by the body, then crome heat shields...

Closer look at the "studs" I added to the air filter.
As the Hyper charger I was wanting, would cause more issue then what it was worth..
Had to dress it up...just a little.

Back to the body now that we have the exhaust figured out.

^ 1st cut, yes, still need to round out the corners - and lots of trimming to go -

All leveled up, looks right.

Will need to wait till next weekend to get it out side, to have more room to walk around it. Make sure everthing is exactly where it needs to be.
Then I can make the Final trimmings. and Drill the mounting holes.

 

[BladeDreams]

Some more pics - realized I didn't show the tank, seats and fender on it.




As I said, I did go for a "test" ride. I went before I started trimming the body, right after I mounted the exhaust.

1st thing...It's a Yamaha V Star 1100 - So not a "heavy" bike to start with.
I had been told about, and looked into getting a triple tree as was told it would be difficult to steer as too heavy.

Okay, I said...and did NOT get the 5 degree raked triple trees.
"PHFFFT! it's easy to turn." I said.

Okay....after ridding it...I was wrong! LOL
But, not for the reasons Iwas told - Or should say "Incorrect way" of describing the issue.

It's not that it's "heavy", it's that the rear wheels are so close to the front wheel - geometry - that the rear wheels want to go straight.
The front wheel, being so close to them, is over powered, and "forced" to go straight.
You can fight it, and turn - One could even become "used" to this, and "live" with it...

I'm, going to still wait - get the body painted and re learn how to ride again
Then go from there - but after my first 20 minute ride, I think I agree with needing the raked tree's.

2nd - {damn, I'm long winded...} - I had full plans and intentions to re jet the carbs....
Until I started it the first time, rode it...again, youd have to watch the build 18 youtube video, at about 28 seconds;
to "hear" why i dont think I will be making any changes to those carbs.

It starts better, runs better, SOUNDS amazing!
Granted, I have not really rode it yet....so that may change, but for now - I'm NOT messing with what is working so good.

I'll get the lights mounted on and add those pic's before I send it out for paint.
Otherwise, next will be the pics when I pck it up just before mounting it on, then after pics.

All in all....I really, really am glad I decided to do this build!
I was cautious at first - lot of cash to just send to someone up front, and hope - they complete the deal.
Then to get it, and find sooo many "issues" that I was very much taken aback by it.
But, in the end...I would do so again.

Just...next time I'll know that these companies overcharge a lot! and argue them down.
Maybe I just got a "bad one"...I dont know, but all the things I had to fix, re powder coat - I shouldnt have had to.
It should have been ready to "bolt on" as soon as I received it. [not talking about adjustments, and shipping "dings"].
Mac, at American Trike was decent enough to listen to me "vent" my feelings when I first received the axle...
and still, provide the help and send the needed replacement parts to make it "work".

So, YES, I would still very much recommend them!

Just remember the sign at your favorite fast food burger place...You are NOT going to get exactly what you see in the picture :xzqxz:
But, you still get what you ordered...

 

[Marc H]

Looks great.Glad you like it so far.Carbs should need no jetting unless you something with the intake.Pods and cams are popular but I only did pods on mine and was happy with the bike.At least on the dyno I don't think the hypercharger does much for that bike due to the size of the inlet hose.

 

[BladeDreams]

Looks great.Glad you like it so far.Carbs should need no jetting unless you something with the intake.Pods and cams are popular but I only did pods on mine and was happy with the bike.At least on the dyno I don't think the hypercharger does much for that bike due to the size of the inlet hose.

Cobra even said I would need their stage 1 kit - ...I'd disagree, for now at least.

Pods and Cams....I looked at those, watched a few videos on....don think I need to go that far - at least not right now -

The Hypercharger - No, doesnt add anything but looks, and a headache from everything I have read and seen...Would sure look good with red LED's inside the butterflys though -

I did figure out the mounting for the front Brackets for the Body - As soon as I get the time to "do it" - I'll post pics up.

 

[DblTrbl]

Looking GREAT!! I have an 1100 I just bought...now you got me thinking..lol

Trust me on doing the rake kit on the front....YOU WANT IT!! If you like to ride the twisted roads, you will want it.

I had a loaner trike while mine was being built. It was a Stratoliner with California Side Car trike kit and NO rake kit...I took a day trip doing back roads here in NH and VT....I almost didn't make it home my neck hurt so bad. It took 3 trips to the chiropractor before I could move my neck.

My Venture with Hannigan trike kit has the Steer Lite.....it's like power steering...I can ride 500+ miles and not have an issue.

Just my 2 cents

 

[dickdb]

I've been following your progress closely. My 2002 1100 made it to American Trike on May 18. They are doing the complete conversion for me. I used to wrench on my Harleys years ago but wouldn't even think about doing what you're doing. My mechanical skills today are nil. Can't wait to see your finished trike.

 

[BladeDreams]

Looking GREAT!! I have an 1100 I just bought...now you got me thinking..lol

Trust me on doing the rake kit on the front....YOU WANT IT!! If you like to ride the twisted roads, you will want it.

I had a loaner trike while mine was being built. It was a Stratoliner with California Side Car trike kit and NO rake kit...I took a day trip doing back roads here in NH and VT....I almost didn't make it home my neck hurt so bad. It took 3 trips to the chiropractor before I could move my neck.

My Venture with Hannigan trike kit has the Steer Lite.....it's like power steering...I can ride 500+ miles and not have an issue.

Just my 2 cents

I'm "almost" thinking the same. Just need to get it to the point I can actually ride it - not just around the block a few times.

Only thing holding me back from just getting the Raked tree's - besides the cost...
Is none of the stock items I currently have will fit on any triple tree's I have seen.
The Headlight with a "few modification's"...everything else will need to be mounted different or at least new fabbed mounts made. Turn signals and the windshield, front brake lines, side chrome....not huge things, just want to "finish" up the trike part first then go from there.

I've been following your progress closely. My 2002 1100 made it to American Trike on May 18. They are doing the complete conversion for me. I used to wrench on my Harleys years ago but wouldn't even think about doing what you're doing. My mechanical skills today are nil. Can't wait to see your finished trike.

It would be Great to see your trike when you get it back
and, How long it takes them. Are you working With Mac? Or Sam?

Im at the "details" stage right now, cleaning up here and there, trimming body, lights -

Then off to paint. Made the mistake on last project sent to paint to soon - then found a few things to correct - then painted again. lol - live and learn.

 

[Marc H]

Just a thought here but there was a way to put a Harley front end on a Vstar.Don't know if its still out there for purchase or if the info is out there but it might be just as cheap to buy a used front end and get trees from Zook.I know SS Custom Cycles used to have them so you might check with Shane. http://www.sscustomcycle.com/products/hardcore/Yamaha/v-star1100.shtml