doing the conversion myself, suggestions welcome

[pcombe]

Looks like your making good progress.

thanks Bro.
I was warned that you always have to tickle some things into place.
It seems that the instructions read out in a fasion that are primarily for folks that do allot of conversions and assume a previous knowledge?

A novice has to spend some time sorting out their intent. That said, The champion kit is fairly straight forward unit.

I still have some peices sitting in bags, that in reading ahead and looking at illistrations, I have yet to see where they go?
I assume their purpose will become clear at some point?

 

[pcombe]

...yaaa-I brushed my teeth and got a few tats........pepper

hah! hah! You missed a few spots old son

 

[pcombe]

I have been making slow progress on my trike.

ThumbUp I have the shocks installed and the rear end,drive pulleys etc. aligned.
Dr. appointments and such are getting in the way of my time to work on it.
I am in the process of mounting the exhaust but if i follow the instructions the pipe is going to hit on the body frame. I got it figured out how to modify it to clear. I have to change the mufflers to fit the bike and not the bike to fit the muffler assembly. I don't want to risk cracking the exhaust at the head.
The rubber vibration mounts on the exhaust will work with modification.

:Shrug: The other problem i discovered is that the instructions tell you to move the relays off the outside of the oil tank and relocate them inside the frame but but they don't tell you how? the wiring is not long enough to attach the relays to the side of the batt. box, so i am welding a tab off the bottom of the batt. box to hang down lower to mount the relays on and take the strain off the wiring.

:Shrug: :Crap:
The other thing that threw me, is that they sent a large radiator clamp to wrap around the whole works including batt. and box to hold the battery down, and there is no way to make that system work either. p you blew it on that champion, very unproffessional). You would have to have two of the clamps end to end to cobble up something only an amature or a drunk would put on his bike.

ThumbUp I don't mind welding a couple of 6" bolts onto the side of the batt. box and making a top plate to fit over the bolts and sit on top the battery to hold it down, Because the system they design is down right chicken crap and i would only use something like it for a road emergency, and pray no one ever seen it?

I am really tired today!
New medication, It may take time to get used to? I have good day's and not so good day's.
But i whipped all the demons from yesterday.
I was looking at the upper motor mount strengthening kit today and i rally cant see any problem with attaching the braces by welding them in place, rather than using the epoxy?
Anybody see a problem with that?

 

[Sloufoot]

I am really tired today!
New medication, It may take time to get used to? I have good day's and not so good day's.
But i whipped all the demons from yesterday.
I was looking at the upper motor mount strengthening kit today and i rally cant see any problem with attaching the braces by welding them in place, rather than using the epoxy?
Anybody see a problem with that?

I hope you don't run into a problem with the frame after welding on it. TIG it if possible.
:Trike1:

 

[pcombe]

I hope you don't run into a problem with the frame after welding on it. TIG it if possible.
:Trike1:

I have a wire feed but not a tig.
I looked in the area around where i want to weld and see that welds are running both horizontal and vertical.
As you probably know this is wide area on the neck and not just tubing.

 

[kevukusa]

I have A softail with a frankenstein rear. but have 6 degrees raked trees it looks nice but.........way too light up front. If I where to do jt again I would put the rear on with stock trees and see how it handles. Good luck mate

 

[pcombe]

I have A softail with a frankenstein rear. but have 6 degrees raked trees it looks nice but.........way too light up front. If I where to do jt again I would put the rear on with stock trees and see how it handles. Good luck mate

Its not often i hear someone talk about the steering being to quick!
I bet it is nice looking scooter.

My friend has a springer softail -lehman, and it would sure benifit from being raked.
I see they are making a tree with a raked stem for that front end.

 

[pcombe]

I got the top motor mount reinforcement put on the frame today.
I welded it instead of using the epoxy. Bill smith at champion gave his blessings to the idea.

I got the gas tank on and the engine fired up for first time since this conversion began.
The Bassani pipes sound nice! Allot louder than my stock pipes. I love the way the old single cam engines sound.

I still need to bleed all the brakes.

I haven't test run the rear end yet, I was just to tired and little things were frustrating me.
I hate it when a problem with an inanimate object pisses me off, It's time to admit i'm tired, and quit for the day

 

[pcombe]

...yaaa-I brushed my teeth and got a few tats........pepper

Jesus ABA!

That toothpaste sure had some nasty side affects!

 

[davek]

Hey PCOMBE...Keep us informed on how the kit process is going..I have a 93 FLHS and will be doing a kit this fall...Some say the EVO doesn't have enuf power but I disagree.!! My EVO has gone everywhere I've ever asked it to...I'm not gonna race the thing nor do I do burnouts !!! It does seem like its going to be hard to get to the triple tree..I,m probably going to go with the Champion kit also..Did you order your from Bazooka? He is a Champion dealer, correct ??
Dave

 

[pcombe]

Hey PCOMBE...Keep us informed on how the kit process is going..I have a 93 FLHS and will be doing a kit this fall...Some say the EVO doesn't have enuf power but I disagree.!! My EVO has gone everywhere I've ever asked it to...I'm not gonna race the thing nor do I do burnouts !!! It does seem like its going to be hard to get to the triple tree..I,m probably going to go with the Champion kit also..Did you order your from Bazooka? He is a Champion dealer, correct ??
Dave

thanks for your intrest Dave:

I don't understand what trouble your having getting a tripple tree.
I got the (HHI) Hog Halter inc. tripple trees from bazooka for $695 instead of the easy steer from champion at $1200.00. They are a well made product. There is a caption at the right hand of the forum page that would take you to the hog halters site and tell you if they make the trees.
Bazooka is the resident raked tripple tree guru.

I am going to shoot you a private message ok?

 

[americanbadass]

thanks for your intrest Dave:

I don't understand what trouble your having getting a tripple tree.
I got the (HHI) Hog Halter inc. tripple trees from bazooka for $70000 instead of the easy steer from champion at $1200.00. They are a well made product. There is a caption at the right hand of the forum page that would take you to the hog halters site and tell you if they make the trees.
Bazooka is the resident raked tripple tree guru.

I am going to shoot you a private message ok?

Dam Paul if you gave Zook $70000 for that rake kit, it would splain why he doesn't show up here much these days....he is prolly on a yacht eating caviar and drinking exotic wines!!!ThumbUp:10:

 

[americanbadass]

Hey PCOMBE...Keep us informed on how the kit process is going..I have a 93 FLHS and will be doing a kit this fall...Some say the EVO doesn't have enuf power but I disagree.!! My EVO has gone everywhere I've ever asked it to...I'm not gonna race the thing nor do I do burnouts !!! It does seem like its going to be hard to get to the triple tree..I,m probably going to go with the Champion kit also..Did you order your from Bazooka? He is a Champion dealer, correct ??
Dave

You should be fine with your evo...but.....a trike kit adds 300lbs, give or take, which will cut into your stock HP. I would at least add a cam, and a hotter ignition, pipes and a K&N air kit! If your are just putting around town, you could be ok. If you are touring at all, your passing acceleration will suck. I am not trying to discourage you, just imagine me on the back of your bike (I weigh 320 lbs), it could encourage some modification!

 

[pcombe]

Hey PCOMBE...Keep us informed on how the kit process is going..I have a 93 FLHS and will be doing a kit this fall...Some say the EVO doesn't have enuf power but I disagree.!! My EVO has gone everywhere I've ever asked it to...I'm not gonna race the thing nor do I do burnouts !!! It does seem like its going to be hard to get to the triple tree..I,m probably going to go with the Champion kit also..Did you order your from Bazooka? He is a Champion dealer, correct ??
Dave

Like you, I could probably get along with my eighty in, motor.

I'm not into the fastest trike game. When folks talk to me about it being under power, I think it will run fast enough to suit me but may be wanting in the ROLL ON DEPT..
It will take longer to reach speed and care when passing will be required I expect.

I thought i would run my 80" this year and see if i really wanted to kick it up to an 88"
I have 87,000 miles on the engine and will probably rebuild it next winter. After spending the money to trike it this winter?
For now, my wallet looks like a VAST WASTELAND!

 

[davek]

I meant I would have a hard time getting TO the triple tree..My scoot has that big speedo and tack over the forks..So getting at the triple would be a little harder...More stuff to remove and replace..I already have put a cam and carb on mine and newer mufflers.. So I think I'll be OK unless Americanbadass has to hitch a ride. Ha!!
Dave

 

[davek]

Holy crap Paul,,I just found all your photos and your front is even more of a "mess" than mine...I have the Electra-Glide sport...Sort of the pre-runner to the Road King....Great pics and I'm sure I will be looking again when I do mine...Dave

 

[pcombe]

Holy crap Paul,,I just found all your photos and your front is even more of a "mess" than mine...I have the Electra-Glide sport...Sort of the pre-runner to the Road King....Great pics and I'm sure I will be looking again when I do mine...Dave

HAH HAH! It is definatly NOT a project for the timid!

 

[pcombe]

clapping pepper

THE WOLF IS ON THE PROWL!

I put the seat and trunk on this morning, adjusted tire pressure, pumped up the rear shocks, aired up the front anti-dive system and cut the wolf loose for about 60 miles.

I have some carburetor issues, I believe because of the new mufflers changing back pressure, I will probably have to re-jet. I would like to put it on a dyno.
I will say that it has a noticeable power increase over stock. And the Bassani mufflers sound like a single cam Harley engine should sound, although a might loud.
I think it will be better when the body is on?

I also need to adjust the clutch as it is dragging.
I haven't had a chance to ride it since i took the primaries down and put on the new drive pulley last Feb.

The trike handles great, I wont have a need for a steering damper.
And my buddy says it rides every bit as good as his tri-glide, so what more could i ask for?

I will put the body on tomorrow as i see no problems with the axles etc. or the new front end.
So i just need to work out the bugs!

 

[americanbadass]

clapping pepper

THE WOLF IS ON THE PROWL!

I put the seat and trunk on this morning, adjusted tire pressure, pumped up the rear shocks, aired up the front anti-dive system and cut the wolf loose for about 60 miles.

I have some carburetor issues, I believe because of the new mufflers changing back pressure, I will probably have to re-jet. I would like to put it on a dyno.
I will say that it has a noticeable power increase over stock. And the Bassani mufflers sound like a single cam Harley engine should sound, although a might loud.
I think it will be better when the body is on?

I also need to adjust the clutch as it is dragging.
I haven't had a chance to ride it since i took the primaries down and put on the new drive pulley last Feb.

The trike handles great, I wont have a need for a steering damper.
And my buddy says it rides every bit as good as his tri-glide, so what more could i ask for?

I will put the body on tomorrow as i see no problems with the axles etc. or the new front end.
So i just need to work out the bugs!

SOUNDS BADASS DUDE...the exhaust extensions may have leaned the carb out, jet up a few notches. Hows the power, mine has a 103 with cams and head work...I now have about the same power as a stock 88 incher with the added weight. I am glad you rode it....it will fuel you to get er dun!!!!ThumbUpThumbUpThumbUp

 

[pcombe]

conversion complete

:wave4epper:wave4epperThumbUp

My trike is complete save for a few minor details!

I tried to upload some pictures to my profile but it won't let me do it?

In the meantime please google --pcombe/photobucket/library--

and it will give you pictures from bike-to-trike.

 

[msocko3]

Re: conversion complete

:wave4epper:wave4epperThumbUp

My trike is complete save for a few minor details!

I tried to upload some pictures to my profile but it won't let me do it?

In the meantime please google --pcombe/photobucket/library--

and it will give you pictures from bike-to-trike.

Looks good, now all you have to do is just ride the snot out of it.

 

[Nana]

Paul has a wonderful photo gallery of the entire build process here: pcombe's Library | Photobucket

Here are a couple of shots of his beautiful new trike:

 

[pcombe]

Paul has a wonderful photo gallery of the entire build process here: pcombe's Library | Photobucket

Here are a couple of shots of his beautiful new trike:

Thank you Nana, Your the best!

 

[davek]

Hey Paul...
Your trike looks great..And what a great job you did on the photos thruout the process. It has helped put me over the edge on deciding to trike my 93 FLHS.....Maybe Zook or Champion should use your photo bucket in ads to sell the kit...You could make a few bucks on it !!!!!!..Let us know how it rides and if any problems come up.. Thanks,,Dave

 

[pcombe]

Hey Paul...
Your trike looks great..And what a great job you did on the photos thruout the process. It has helped put me over the edge on deciding to trike my 93 FLHS.....Maybe Zook or Champion should use your photo bucket in ads to sell the kit...You could make a few bucks on it !!!!!!..Let us know how it rides and if any problems come up.. Thanks,,Dave

Thank you Dave:

It rides really nice even with the straight axle.
The air shocks that were on my bike work just fine.
The friend who helped me do the conversion has a Tri-glide and he says it rides every bit as good as his!

As far as handling it is really quick to respond and i don't believe i will need a steering damper.

The pictures were to serve two purposes, one was to keep a record for myself, and the other was to be a source of information and inspiration for folks that have disabilities like myself, or are just a couple of old geezers like me and my friend Ron.

I guess they may have developed into something that a fella could use to make up his mind about whether or not he should tackle the job of conversion himself.

I doubt, i would ever see any profit from the photos ( I wouldn't squawk about it!) and that's OK with me,
If my efforts result in having helped some one, That's plenty enough reward for this old redneck.

HAH HAH!, One thing about it? I came into the world of triking, Hog and all


I had thought myself an average type of motorcycle mechanic, (by no means professional) and i have learned allot of things through this conversion,
I also know that no one took any short cuts in the job! I liked having control over quality.

I would have loved to have a new Tri-glide but being on a fixed income won't allow it.
I have around $8,000 in what you see. I really don't have an accurate figure as to how much it would cost to pay someone to do it.
But i know why it costs as much as it would!
'
If i can help you when the time comes, Let me know?

Paul Combe

 

[Papa Zook]

Thank you Dave:

It rides really nice even with the straight axle.
The air shocks that were on my bike work just fine.
The friend who helped me do the conversion has a Tri-glide and he says it rides every bit as good as his!

Looks great Paul! How does it steer compared to your friends TriGlide? I know its alot easier to steer with the 5 degree rake kit.

 

[Rick Kay]

You did a great job, she looks beautiful!

 

[pcombe]

Looks great Paul! How does it steer compared to your friends TriGlide? I know its alot easier to steer with the 5 degree rake kit.

Hi zook:
I can honestly tell you that my steering is quicker and more responsive than the tri-glide.
As you know, I managed to incorporate the stock, air over hydraulic anti-dive system, so my trike feels more secure when stopping than the tri-glide even simulating emergency stops.
I don't fight it through curves and have a bit more head shake than the tri-glide.
A steering damper would make them equal, But my trike in no way needs it.

Ron and i have been switching off trikes road testing mine, and with 40,000 miles on his tri-glide i reckon he is qualified to say the ride on my tour glide is every bit as smooth as his.

I would recommend that anyone considering a conversion look into to the (H.H.I.)
Hog Halters brand from zook and save themselves a lot of bucks.


The quality is far superior to Harley OEM.
They have some real nice features also, like hand screwing your forks and neck stem into the upper triple tree and taking the guess work out fork alignment, and eliminates upper fork clamps. ( Put your pipe wrench away!)
Sweet!

 

[Big Dog]

Paul, take a bow brother! What a great job you have done, and to document it along the way ThumbUpThumbUp The word can't is not in your world!!!

 

[rchinjohnson]

Great looking job. I wish I had the nerve to do it myself. Any idea of how long it took you to complete the job. Many pleasant miles of triking to you.