Manky Monkey Motors

okay first post and probably a question asked many times but here goes.
just starting a build on a 1800 Goldwing and was wondering what axle to use.
have built over 20 other trikes with the reliant axle but think I want something a little beefier this time and possibly with disc brakes or available kits to convert to kits.
any ideas please.
cheers,Bash

Ford sierra/ Bmw diff with irs.  you will loose the panniers
swing arm axles mgb/ reliant scimitar or if you got some extra spare cash ford atlas L S D :o

once built a 1500 with a jag axle and didn't like it so beam is the way to go for me.
is there an easy disc conversion for the mgb and is it heavier duty  then reliant?
they are the one that seems readily available.
cheers,Bash

The mgb brake shoe setup should be fine for the 1800.  on my gl1000 reliant axle with mg midget brakes work fine always pasted  mots on brakes

It may be a tad low geared, which can be overcome! but the Rascal axle is extremely robust, and I believe is used extensively, with 'moded' Reliant brake drums to comply with the formula rules, in 750 Club racing, so will handle the output of your motor with little trouble I should think .Morrag

Welcome to MMMotors Steve.  ;)

Hi Steve
The MGB axle will take the power of a rover V8 but it is also very heavy. With drums I think it's about 165 lbs

Does anyone know the weight of the reliant axle to compare.
Thanks for the welcome.
Cheers Bash

Not weighed one, but seeing as I can carry one, I would guess less than 70 lbs but that is only a guess.

You could use a moggy 1000 or escort mk1 or 2,
They will all convert to disc.

Moggy,ford escort, not sure about mgb? Are pressed steel axles, that is they don't have round tubes. This makes them difficult to shorten, and, purely my opinion, not so easy on the eye.
The ford cortina mk3,4,5 would be my choice - baby atlas I think they were called, and there would be a fair number of diff ratios too. If you need a heavier one, the rover SD1 is similar.
Huw

Not looking for a heavier one, have around 100kg to play with to keep it under the magic 450kg.
I Do have a couple of reliant axles and have read somewhere about getting thicker tubes made, that way I could easy shorten one side and the disc conversion is relatively easy.
Opinions please as to weather this would handle the power.
Cheers,Bash

It should handle the power I have seen then used on a v max. not to sure about it taking the weight as the 1800 is363kg dry and the reliant axle having a alloy diff, as for the diff ratio the reliant will be close @3.23 the 1800 is 3.10
you should keep it under 450 depending on how you do the swing arm.
on mine bike was 265kg trike 368kg

Depends how you use the power.  If you intend on drag racing it, NO.
Stronger tubes and a wide swing arm.

Just ordinary riding, the swing arm will be holding the length of the tubes.
This way the swing arm takes the weight not the axle

I modified (well had no choice it was bent) the one on my trike. Bought the steel, machined to size, pressed in and welded the original bearing carriers onto the ends. With new tube it's easy to check alignment, and a step in the carrier to locate in the machined end of the tube helps.
If you mount the swing arm near the ends of the axle the weight is no problem, don't know about the toque capacity though?
The ford baby axle has a lot to recommend it...
Huw