Frankenstein Steam Roller build

[SCUM]

I am looking at converting my old 92 FXSTS Softail to a trike fro the wife. She had a Stroke a while back and I think 3 wheels would be a good idea now. She really likes the wide tire look. I ride a rigid with a 300mm rear and she said “at LEAST that wide”.

Saw a trike down at Sturgis a few weeks ago; it was using a Frankenstein kit. I really liked the look, fenderless, and super wide rears. Took a couple of pictures but unfortunately I did not get the tire size. By the tread pattern they look to be Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R. and looked like the “right size” to me.

I was considering the 29 x 18.00R15 but was concerned if the tires would just look too TALL and the effect on gearing. So stepping down to a 26” tall tire gets considerably narrower (26 x 12.00R15). I hate to buy a set of tire and not like the look.

So after all this rambling I guess what I am asking is, are there any of you out there that have some guidance for super wide rears and/or pictures of some wide tire trikes with known tire sizes.

Thanks, SCUM

[ridinrigid]

the "look" will depend on which Frankenstein rear you use also. I put a 30" hot rod on my 03' road king, running 295-50-15 hankook on 10"rims with 3 and5/8" backset. tires are 12" wide.I got their fender mounting "kit" unwelded and will mockup my own fenders and weld it later. Love that "fat tire, open wheel " look. they were great to work with and their products are some of the best. Good luck with your project.

Jim

[Foodog2]

I am really interested in the same look and the big tires will affect your speedo. I was thinking about BFG or Nitto 325/50-r15 tires to keep the speed reasonable but they are only 13" wide. The MT Sportsman SR 29x15 15 I think will fit 10" rim but they are like 2" taller than stock. look at wheel calculators that compare two wheels and give speed differences just so you know.

[bentrider2249]

Check with the guys at Frankenstin, they will be glad to help.

[Sloufoot]

I am looking at converting my old 92 FXSTS Softail to a trike fro the wife. She had a Stroke a while back and I think 3 wheels would be a good idea now. She really likes the wide tire look. I ride a rigid with a 300mm rear and she said “at LEAST that wide”.

Saw a trike down at Sturgis a few weeks ago; it was using a Frankenstein kit. I really liked the look, fenderless, and super wide rears. Took a couple of pictures but unfortunately I did not get the tire size. By the tread pattern they look to be Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R. and looked like the “right size” to me.

I was considering the 29 x 18.00R15 but was concerned if the tires would just look too TALL and the effect on gearing. So stepping down to a 26” tall tire gets considerably narrower (26 x 12.00R15). I hate to buy a set of tire and not like the look.

So after all this rambling I guess what I am asking is, are there any of you out there that have some guidance for super wide rears and/or pictures of some wide tire trikes with known tire sizes.

Thanks, SCUM

Here is a couple of places you might fine some information on some wide tire trikes from some famous builders.

If anything fails, contact the builders. I'm suer they will be proud to talk about their work !

Love em !!

Hot Rod Trikes

Custom Bike Show | ArtBiker World : art, bikes, bikers, culture

[Joker]

I'm running the Mickey Thomson 29X18X15 on a 15X15 rim. I changed the transmission pulley from a 29 tooth to a 26 (off an 883) and that got things close to normal. If you have any questions hit me back.

[scotty]

While not steamrollers here is what Nitto 275/50-15 on 15X8 wheels look like on a softail springer. These are a tad shorter than the stock rear tire.

[KindaOldTriker]

Frankenstein kits offers a 10"x15" wide tire/wheel/fenders if you want bigger than the 8" tire.
The fenderless bike looks cool, but, my wifes Frankenstien trike WITH fenders throws up a 10 foot rooster trail in a rain. Without the fenders it would be no fun!

[SCUM]

I'm running the Mickey Thomson 29X18X15 on a 15X15 rim. I changed the transmission pulley from a 29 tooth to a 26 (off an 883) and that got things close to normal. If you have any questions hit me back.

Now that what I am talking about. Looks great

[SCUM]

While not steamrollers here is what Nitto 275/50-15 on 15X8 wheels look like on a softail springer. These are a tad shorter than the stock rear tire.

Love the wire wheels, if you don't mind me asking where did you get those

[scotty]

Love the wire wheels, if you don't mind me asking where did you get those

They are True Spokes.

[SCUM]

They are True Spokes.

They are totally COOL, have that HotRod look, fit the trike perfectly.

[SCUM]

Just got couple of Mickey Thompson S/R tires. Ordered both a 26x12.00R15 and a 29x15.00R15, looks like I have made a decision and will be going with the 29x15. Andrews has a front pulley with 29 Teeth, dropping from a 32 to a 29 tooth front provides a 9% change in gear ratio this should just about cancel out the height difference in the tires. So it looks like a have a plan now. Have another 29x15 on the way, so it looks like the next decision is wheels.

Really like the looks of wire wheels, contacted Dayton Wire Wheel and they seemed to be open to the idea of building me some 15X12 Knock offs, but said it would be a 12-14 Week lead time. Also looking at 3 piece alloy wheels, much much lighter, will help cut down on rotating mass, with those 42 Lbs tires. Had the wife pick out a set of wheels and she like the American Racing Trackstar, so now on to the next decision:-)

[Foodog2]

Sweet, I wish I had some spare cash. I am going to eat the tread off the 265's and think about it. I wonder if I can get a smaller rear pulley on my Dyna?

[Krautster]

hope I see ya on the road sometime..

[Pup]

I have the same setup as above Crossbones with a Frankenstein kit. I just ordered a rake kit for springer's.

http://motorwaycycle.com/store_4/pro...=9&page=1&js=n

Part number 4512B
Item FLSTS / 16” Wheel Springer- 7.5 Deg, Black
Price $238.00




I recommend raking your forks since springer front ends at stock rake tend to be shakey at low speeds on trikes.

[SCUM]

I have the same setup as above Crossbones with a Frankenstein kit. I just ordered a rake kit for springer's.

http://motorwaycycle.com/store_4/pro...=9&page=1&js=n

Part number 4512B
Item FLSTS / 16” Wheel Springer- 7.5 Deg, Black
Price $238.00




I recommend raking your forks since springer front ends at stock rake tend to be shakey at low speeds on trikes.

Thanks, I have been eyeballing that kit.
Have you installed yours? Did it make a big difference?

My project has kind of hit a wall for now. Had a heart attack Nov 1, out of the hospital but going to have to take it easy for a bit

[Foodog2]

Thanks, I have been eyeballing that kit.
Have you installed yours? Did it make a big difference?

My project has kind of hit a wall for now. Had a heart attack Nov 1, out of the hospital but going to have to take it easy for a bit

I hope you are ok. There is some heavy lifting putting the trike lot on so be careful. I hope you heal quick.

[Rick Kay]

My project has kind of hit a wall for now. Had a heart attack Nov 1, out of the hospital but going to have to take it easy for a bit

Recover well and quickly!