Chopper Trikes - Q about Tranny

[Dream2000]

Hi, I am a new member here, and have used the search function on this question, to no avail.

I have looked at a few Trike Choppers that have various engines from Evo's to Ultima's, S&S....etc. The trikes that interest me are ridgid frames using individual axles with Sprotors on each axle (combo sprockets/brake rotors). These have dual drive chains. Up at the transmission, are two drive sprockets. Some of the listings I looked at mention Ultima 6-speeds. I do not find anything about dual drive chain trike application transmissions on Ultima's site (or any other site). Do these transmissions have differentials or slip-clutches in them...or is one of the chains merely a dummy idler type of deal?
One of the ones I looked at said the trans was an RDS...right drive side...so I suspect the left chain is simply there to balance out the look?

Who makes these trnasmissions, especially if they have posi-type slip clutches or differentials?

On the search here I couldn't even find anything with the word Ultima at all?
Differential also brought up nothing of any help.


Thanks

John

"had a '46 servicar trike chopper back in the 60's"

 

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard. Sorry I have no info on that kind of transmission

 

[scotty]

The set up you are talking about uses any RSD tranny. The left side sprocket is located on the left side primary set up allowing output on both sides. There is no differential. Typically when RSD trannys are used the sprocket on the primary is either removed or not used. I don't know how the dual output set up behaves around corners.

 

[Dream2000]

I finally called and talked to, one of the builders of these trikes.
He confirmed my suspicion that, yes, they use an RSD trans, and it drives only the right-hand wheel/axle. The left side is a dummy, just an idler. The sprotors do have a brake caliper on both the driven and the idlers, for even braking. Seems the dual chains are simply to provide a 'symetrical' rear 'look'.
So turning should be no problems, unlike the older trike ATV's that had a live axle.