Kawasaki 750 hard tail (was rear end ratios)

[minimutly]

Hi to all, been lurking on here for a week or so. I have just this week got myself a kawasaki 750 hard tail trike. It's an '83 vintage bike, class 3, 1st regd in '97.
The back end is a reliant axle, not sure what ratio, but I intend to do some rolling calcs to find out what ratio. The thing has a couple of issues. It wants to wobble (but if you're firm with the bars you can stop it), and has a rather hideous rear bench seat.
What I'd like to do is fit an irs back end (looking for a sierra diff), and possibly a new front end - I originally thought a girder, but am now leaning towards a leading link springer). I'll make a back end before chopping anything off the trike, once that's done tackle the front end.
What I'm wondering is what ratio diff I need? Ford have such a range it's daunting!
Anyone know where to start?
My thoughts while typing this is to find out what's currently fitted, decide if that's too high or low, and go from there?
Compliments to all on the standard of machinery on this forum, it' s been interesting reading.
Happy Christmas to all,
Huw
Huw

[BikerGran]

Hi Huw Huw

Is it a GT750 front end?  My GT550 wagged its head till I got some rather super duper extended yokes which reduced the trail and made all the difference I could wish for!  Also got rid of the 'rear wheel steering' effect when going over bumps.

I'm sure someone will be along to talk about ratios, even if it is Christmas eve, cos I know nothing!  Mine has a Reliant axle.

[scannerzer]

Hi and welcome,know nothing about ratio's but it's good to get you on here

[Olds]

Welcome to Manky Madness.
Working out the ratio is quite simple. Just count the prop revolutions as you push the trike forwards in a straight line for a number of wheel revolutions. Then divide the prop revs by the wheel revs. Easier with two people.

[steven brock]

How about a picture

[terry t]

Hi have you checked the head bearing might need tightening up a bit.
as for the axle, reliant A 3.23 or B 2.79 are about right.  what wheel size you running on.
as already said post some photos

[fifer]

Hi and welcome 
Perhaps the following Reliant info From my site might help .
...................................................................
AXLE RATIOS ;

AXLE ; STANDARD RATIO { 850cc } ; ..... 3.23
{ The Crown wheel has 42 teeth and the Pinion has 13 teeth}
...........................................................
AXLE ; HIGH RATIO { 850cc } ; .... 2.78
...........................................................
AXLE ; STANDARD RATIO { 750cc } ; .. 3.545
{ The Crown wheel has 39 teeth and the Pinion has 11 teeth }
...........................................................
AXLE ; FOX RATIO; .... 4.11
...........................................................
AXLE ; REGAL SPLIT CASE TYPE ; .... 4.354
...........................................................
STAMP MARK ;
A = 3.23 { The Crown wheel has 42 teeth and the Pinion has 13 teeth }
X = 3.23 { The Crown wheel has 42 teeth and the Pinion has 13 teeth }
No letter = 3.23 { The Crown wheel has 42 teeth and the Pinion has 13 teeth }
B = 2.78
L = 3.545 { The Crown wheel has 39 teeth and the Pinion has 11 teeth }
F = 4.11

[digger06]

imo, if you change to a reliant axle, the 2 main ratio,s arnt that far different,
its the wheel size that alters things

and short wheelbases tend to wobble, the front tyre shape makes a lot of difference to that

[Olds]

A point to consider is that if you change the frame to add rear suspension,  legally it should be put through MSVA.
Would this trike be HEX ? (think the description fits).

[digger06]

if itsdown as a trike already, who would know?or care?

[Olds]

or care?

DVLA. Insurance companies. Me if you crash into me or mine and the insurance company bails out.
If it's been a trike since 97, there will be quite a few pics of it out there. DVLA themselves may have a description and pictures of it (I know they have of mine). All insurance companies ask for a description and some ask for pictures. I know that it's unlikely, but in the event of an accident with a large claim, any insurance company involved, may investigate the vehicle history and yes that can even involve, trawling through Google images etc.
Sorry, but as far as I'm concerned (others may disagree), keep it legal. It's not difficult.

[terry t]

A point to consider is that if you change the frame to add rear suspension,  legally it should be put through MSVA.
Would this trike be HEX ? (think the description fits).

The only difference,  HEX is already a soft tail, but like you say Dave it fits the description

[minimutly]

Thanks for all your replies, some especially useful stuff, especially the reliant ratio info. ( not sure who it was said they were pretty much the same -obviously not).
And yes it would seem to be the "hex" alluded to,  on ebay 3 weeks or so ago.
For the record it's currently a hard tail reliant, with a sprung rear seat -hence the confusion I guess.
On the msva thing I'm not too bothered either way, other than to stick two fingers up at the dvla who are a bunch of clueless morons. Why pander to their whims, they know it' s a trike, as long as the insurance co have a valid description on record what does it matter?
I'll see about getting some pics up - I guess Ineed photobucket or something?
Also, where do I find the stamp on the reliant axle?
Regards,
Huw

[terry t]

the number or letter if it is stamped on the axle will be here on the oval part on the diff casing looking on the right by the axle stand.  your diff will be the other way round



as regards dvla they know when the mods were done and probably got photos on record so insurance and the police can find out if its been altered
from original trike conversion registration.

[minimutly]

Are you kidding?do the dvla "know" anything?
If they do have records that means they have to divulge them if I ask? Think I might try that....
I fully agree on legallity issues though, but having said that,  if they have little or no info currently, what changes?
I know  if I start on the process of declaring stuff to dvla it will cost me time and money.
How do the trike design machines get around this - most oof the ones I've seen are not on q plates?
Thanks,
Huw