Well, it's official....

[Shadow Dreamer]

At the end of the month I will take possession of a 1977 Honda GL1000 that is going to (eventually) become my trike. I know the road is long and that there may or may not be a light at the end of the tunnel....

As I am a complete noob to building bikes (not a complete noob to working with tools and repairing machines/clutches/transmissions/etc...the "toys" I worked on professionally were typically much, much larger), I'm going to ask for EVERYONE'S input - good, bad or indifferent. Show me the fallacy in my logic and/or approach, show me the right way, and let's discuss it.

Here's a couple of pics of the basket case, I mean bike, that is to become my trike:



My plan is to put a Chevy GU6 rear end under it, modify the prop shaft, and add more suspension.

 

[Ol' Man Jeb]

Best of luck to you, Thom, on your build. I'm sure you will like the results. Welcome to Trike Talk. If you run into problems there are many helpful people at your service.

 

[Shadow Dreamer]

That is my intention, FWH. The bike won't be delivered until the end of the month, and I've already been warned it's a complete basket case......looking at the pictures it sort of reminds me of an assembly line I had to rebuild after a tornado had played in the factory for a few minutes....it took a while to get everything up and running, but I still managed it.

 

[Gorilla]

Should be an interesting project. I will be following along

 

[Shadow Dreamer]

Step One - Concept


Here is my "artist's concept" (more appropriately titled "Maniac's Impression")

 

[paws]

Your arms are a lot longer than mine to reach the handlebars. Will be interesting to watch your build. Have fun.

 

[Shadow Dreamer]

Your arms are a lot longer than mine to reach the handlebars. Will be interesting to watch your build. Have fun.

Yeah, I didn't mock up the bars. They're going to be stretched back. I may be 6'4" and have 78" wing span, but even I couldn't reach those....guess it's back to the drawing board.

 

[Shadow Dreamer]

Need Some Help

Since I have to wait until the end of the month before I can get my hands on my donor bike, I've been trying to do some design work instead...problem is, I can't find any measurements anywhere!

Does anyone know these measurements (outside to outside) or would anyone be willing to take these measurements for me and let me know what they are? (also need to know tube diameter at the point of measure, please)

Thanks!

- - - Updated - - -

oh...I need them for a '77 GL1000

 

[peteg59]

From one builder to another, the pre-planning you're doing is good. It can solidify a design, etc., however the only real way to build your GW trike is to get it physically in front of you.
Then inspect every weld, frame rail, and all existing parts you have closely.
If it were my project I'd try to get it running again & ride able, even if only for yard riding.
Then you will know if what you've got is worth the investment on a trike kit.
In running/riding condition, it will likely give you more motivation to continue.
I know the early wings needed timing belts replaced on a more frequent interval than later models.
I'm sure others with GW's can offer you specific info on your build, as well as other common maintenance procedures it may need.
Don't be discouraged if there are setbacks along the way. Its just how these projects sometimes go.
Best of luck on your new ride, & like others say: post up pics if you can. We all like picsThumbUp

 

[Sidecarbill]

Check the bottom of the frame rails they like to rust out. Especially the removable one, which wouldn't be big deal you could find one somewhere. But if the other side is rotted that wouldn't be good. Tap them with a hammer see if any holes show up.

 

[Shadow Dreamer]

Then you will know if what you've got is worth the investment on a trike kit.

Kit? KIT? LOL....This is going to be a complete custom build, but that is the plan, at least ensure the drive train is properly functioning. If I have to, I'll build a completely new frame and fit the drive train into.

Check the bottom of the frame rails they like to rust out. Especially the removable one, which wouldn't be big deal you could find one somewhere. But if the other side is rotted that wouldn't be good. Tap them with a hammer see if any holes show up.

Excellent advice, SCB! If the frame is trashed, then I guess I'm just building a whole frame.