Manky Monkey Motors

hello all!
 i have been reading this forum for some time, lots of useful info from knowledgeable people that I'm sure to ask dumb questions any time soon :D
i was going to build a reverse trike using a Honda cn250 but looking at the bigger picture has led me to stop, even though the bike is in lots of bits in the shed.
the reason being that swmbo is disabled and a smoother ride is needed so 2 wheels at the back with independent suspension,plus no msva :P   the trike is for when were away with our camper and me to play on 8)
i have some triumph herald rear hubs and driveshafts would these be ok if i found a diff to run em?
but now i dont have a bike to convert,swmbo likes goldwings and the likes but funds say no, is there any cheap tourers ? btw i know nowt about bikes never rode 1



thanks  baldylocks and the three hairs

Hi Baldy 'n' welcome.Im sure someone will be along to answer your Q's who's far more knowledgable than me! I have seen complete herald rear ends used. I thought they look really cool,but not sure if they worked ok in practice! There is definitely a fountain of knowledge on here which will enable you to anwer all the questions during a build (they did for me!)
              Rod

eh up chief, may be able to find you a Herald diff but not promising anything... why not go the Reliant route as they seem cheaper (though harder and harder to find) than a decent shafty bike donor??

thanks for your replies Rod and Panthershaun,
regarding the herald rear end was thinking would it convert  to disc brakes and how?
did not think reliants had IRS, was looking at the sierra route but at full width thats some R,SEND
and it all depends what bike i end up with :-\

thanks

I meant use a Reliant motor and an irs rear axle

ah i see panthershaun , told ya i would ask dumb questions here is another what frame would fit a reliant motor etc?  i was trying to avoid msva the saved money was for gagets gizmo's and doodads... :D

thanks

I may be wrong  ::) ,but I think the only way round avoiding MSVA is to have a bike converted to trike by bolting on a rear end so that it is removable.

Spot on Rod, if your registered disabled then a conversion will not have to undergo an MSVA inspection or as Rod says, if its a `bolt on` conversion that does not radically alter the excisting frame and allows the bike to be returned to `normal`. Either way though, expect a visit from the DVLA cos they will still want to check it out and make sure for themselves.

GT550 or GT750 if you want a cheap tourer.  Do a simple bolt on rear end and you don't need MSVA but with a standard bike front end the steering is hard work.

Technically, I'm not sure about whether the 'disabled' exemtion applies if it's the passenger who's disabled - good place to ask is the NABD forum (National Association for Bikers with a Disability).

even new builds from scratch are exempt if your registered disabled providing reciepts and parts match the registration process ;)

I understand that the exemption applies if it's designed for the use of a disabled passenger. You have to prove it though  ;)

Dunno if rules have changed ,but a few years ago a mate was allowed road tax exemption cos his missus was disabled ,and his car was their only form of transport.

hi thanks for all the replies,
yes am aware that to avoid msva it has to be a bolt on rear end,  this gives me an advantage with winter storage, i dont want to go the disabled route as there are then usage restrictions.

have read about effects on steering with bike conversions  this down to weight transference have read about trying to keep weight on all wheels equal or have i read it wrong or is it duff info!

thanks

Most bike/trike conversions tend to sit very high at the back, which throws the vehicle's weight forward onto the front end, making the steering feel heavy -also makes 'em look a little out of proportion in my own personal opinion, but then, I'm a fan of low slung rigid frames meself. Biker Gran's GT550 conversion's one of my favourite bike/trikes cos it looks ...right.

http://www.mankymonkeymotors.co.uk/Trikespageimages/gertie/trike.html

Oh, welcome to the forum by the way mate.  ;D

There are no usage restrictions on a trike registered under the disabled exemption. However it should only be used when needed/valid.

The SVA is easy so the best route really.

Handling wise, even-ish  weight distribution to each wheel is a good starting point.

 

Thanks for the kind words about Gertie - but I have to point out that she is actually a little lower at the rear than when she was a bike, but the steering is still rather heavy.

hello all and thanks for your replies.
bikergran i love the look of Gerty the golf club gearlever is the best use of a golf club ive ever seen.

i think things are going to be put on hold into the new year cos having problems selling my trailer and cn250 project plus a yamaha 100 engine,

would love to build from scratch. did this with our camper 5 years ago and its currently on its 3rd layout change, swmbo says convert a bike then she will say if i can build 1 from scratch. because im never finished messin (her words)


thanks again

Im the same! Thats why I'm not gonna powder coat my frame ,coS I will be forever changing bits and adding brackets etc! ;D

had an idea!
 i live in bradford and would love to get some hands on practice with trike building,
 is there anybody that could do with a hand ?
 
i have a rampant tool addiction so can bring some of my own!


thanks

Madron lives in Doncaster, only 36 miles from you. You could try contacting him -he always has a garden full of projects on the go.
Check the Google map at the top of the page in General Discussion, for an idea of who lives where.