'08 Yamaha V Star 1100 Trike build

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Cool nice progress

+1

[Marc H]

Lookin good!!!!!

[BladeDreams]

Okay, MUCH progress!
Started Mocking up the body, mounting and fitting.



Started to run into an issue - Of where the exhaust would mount, exit - Or even Look.

So, we stopped, mounted up the Exhaust and - Test ride - First ONE!!!!

^^ Had, an ongoing issue with the brake lines - the 2psi residual valve, fittings, hose kept leaking....
Ended up having to just run all one piece new braided line right to the master cylinder.

That Cobra Drag Star shotgun pipes not only look good
But sound AMAZING! - Have to go to my build video 18 at about 29 seconds in to hear it.

Using the Flex pipe - as too much movement between the bike frame and the IRS to use solid pipe.
Doesnt look as bad as I thought it would - and most of it will be covered by the body, then crome heat shields...

Closer look at the "studs" I added to the air filter.
As the Hyper charger I was wanting, would cause more issue then what it was worth..
Had to dress it up...just a little.

Back to the body now that we have the exhaust figured out.

^ 1st cut, yes, still need to round out the corners - and lots of trimming to go -

All leveled up, looks right.

Will need to wait till next weekend to get it out side, to have more room to walk around it. Make sure everthing is exactly where it needs to be.
Then I can make the Final trimmings. and Drill the mounting holes.

[BladeDreams]

Some more pics - realized I didn't show the tank, seats and fender on it.




As I said, I did go for a "test" ride. I went before I started trimming the body, right after I mounted the exhaust.

1st thing...It's a Yamaha V Star 1100 - So not a "heavy" bike to start with.
I had been told about, and looked into getting a triple tree as was told it would be difficult to steer as too heavy.

Okay, I said...and did NOT get the 5 degree raked triple trees.
"PHFFFT! it's easy to turn." I said.

Okay....after ridding it...I was wrong! LOL
But, not for the reasons Iwas told - Or should say "Incorrect way" of describing the issue.

It's not that it's "heavy", it's that the rear wheels are so close to the front wheel - geometry - that the rear wheels want to go straight.
The front wheel, being so close to them, is over powered, and "forced" to go straight.
You can fight it, and turn - One could even become "used" to this, and "live" with it...

I'm, going to still wait - get the body painted and re learn how to ride again
Then go from there - but after my first 20 minute ride, I think I agree with needing the raked tree's.

2nd - {damn, I'm long winded...} - I had full plans and intentions to re jet the carbs....
Until I started it the first time, rode it...again, youd have to watch the build 18 youtube video, at about 28 seconds;
to "hear" why i dont think I will be making any changes to those carbs.

It starts better, runs better, SOUNDS amazing!
Granted, I have not really rode it yet....so that may change, but for now - I'm NOT messing with what is working so good.

I'll get the lights mounted on and add those pic's before I send it out for paint.
Otherwise, next will be the pics when I pck it up just before mounting it on, then after pics.

All in all....I really, really am glad I decided to do this build!
I was cautious at first - lot of cash to just send to someone up front, and hope - they complete the deal.
Then to get it, and find sooo many "issues" that I was very much taken aback by it.
But, in the end...I would do so again.

Just...next time I'll know that these companies overcharge a lot! and argue them down.
Maybe I just got a "bad one"...I dont know, but all the things I had to fix, re powder coat - I shouldnt have had to.
It should have been ready to "bolt on" as soon as I received it. [not talking about adjustments, and shipping "dings"].
Mac, at American Trike was decent enough to listen to me "vent" my feelings when I first received the axle...
and still, provide the help and send the needed replacement parts to make it "work".

So, YES, I would still very much recommend them!

Just remember the sign at your favorite fast food burger place...You are NOT going to get exactly what you see in the picture
But, you still get what you ordered...

[Marc H]

Looks great.Glad you like it so far.Carbs should need no jetting unless you something with the intake.Pods and cams are popular but I only did pods on mine and was happy with the bike.At least on the dyno I don't think the hypercharger does much for that bike due to the size of the inlet hose.

[BladeDreams]

Looks great.Glad you like it so far.Carbs should need no jetting unless you something with the intake.Pods and cams are popular but I only did pods on mine and was happy with the bike.At least on the dyno I don't think the hypercharger does much for that bike due to the size of the inlet hose.

Cobra even said I would need their stage 1 kit - ...I'd disagree, for now at least.

Pods and Cams....I looked at those, watched a few videos on....don think I need to go that far - at least not right now -

The Hypercharger - No, doesnt add anything but looks, and a headache from everything I have read and seen...Would sure look good with red LED's inside the butterflys though -

I did figure out the mounting for the front Brackets for the Body - As soon as I get the time to "do it" - I'll post pics up.

[DblTrbl]

Looking GREAT!! I have an 1100 I just bought...now you got me thinking..lol

Trust me on doing the rake kit on the front....YOU WANT IT!! If you like to ride the twisted roads, you will want it.

I had a loaner trike while mine was being built. It was a Stratoliner with California Side Car trike kit and NO rake kit...I took a day trip doing back roads here in NH and VT....I almost didn't make it home my neck hurt so bad. It took 3 trips to the chiropractor before I could move my neck.

My Venture with Hannigan trike kit has the Steer Lite.....it's like power steering...I can ride 500+ miles and not have an issue.

Just my 2 cents

[dickdb]

I've been following your progress closely. My 2002 1100 made it to American Trike on May 18. They are doing the complete conversion for me. I used to wrench on my Harleys years ago but wouldn't even think about doing what you're doing. My mechanical skills today are nil. Can't wait to see your finished trike.

[BladeDreams]

Looking GREAT!! I have an 1100 I just bought...now you got me thinking..lol

Trust me on doing the rake kit on the front....YOU WANT IT!! If you like to ride the twisted roads, you will want it.

I had a loaner trike while mine was being built. It was a Stratoliner with California Side Car trike kit and NO rake kit...I took a day trip doing back roads here in NH and VT....I almost didn't make it home my neck hurt so bad. It took 3 trips to the chiropractor before I could move my neck.

My Venture with Hannigan trike kit has the Steer Lite.....it's like power steering...I can ride 500+ miles and not have an issue.

Just my 2 cents

I'm "almost" thinking the same. Just need to get it to the point I can actually ride it - not just around the block a few times.

Only thing holding me back from just getting the Raked tree's - besides the cost...
Is none of the stock items I currently have will fit on any triple tree's I have seen.
The Headlight with a "few modification's"...everything else will need to be mounted different or at least new fabbed mounts made. Turn signals and the windshield, front brake lines, side chrome....not huge things, just want to "finish" up the trike part first then go from there.

I've been following your progress closely. My 2002 1100 made it to American Trike on May 18. They are doing the complete conversion for me. I used to wrench on my Harleys years ago but wouldn't even think about doing what you're doing. My mechanical skills today are nil. Can't wait to see your finished trike.

It would be Great to see your trike when you get it back
and, How long it takes them. Are you working With Mac? Or Sam?

Im at the "details" stage right now, cleaning up here and there, trimming body, lights -

Then off to paint. Made the mistake on last project sent to paint to soon - then found a few things to correct - then painted again. lol - live and learn.

[Marc H]

Just a thought here but there was a way to put a Harley front end on a Vstar.Don't know if its still out there for purchase or if the info is out there but it might be just as cheap to buy a used front end and get trees from Zook.I know SS Custom Cycles used to have them so you might check with Shane. http://www.sscustomcycle.com/product...star1100.shtml

[stacebg]

It's not that it's "heavy", it's that the rear wheels are so close to the front wheel - geometry - that the rear wheels want to go straight.
The front wheel, being so close to them, is over powered, and "forced" to go straight.
You can fight it, and turn - One could even become "used" to this, and "live" with it...

actually because of the trail it wants to go straight... even if the wheel base was twics or 3 times as long it would be the same....

you wont be sorry if you get the raked tree

[dickdb]

I have been reading posts about the raked triple trees and am thinking I may want to go that route. However, my budget may dictate otherwise. I don't know anything about this company, but did find these: http://www.pacificcoaststar.com/pcs/..._front_end.htm
Has anyone dealt with this company?

[Marc H]

Problem with that type if i'm following right is you can't use the factory windshield,turn signals,or headlight.My vstar time was spent on a forum where few had luck with them and so they had a bad name but like all venders you will always find good and bad.

[dickdb]

American Trike is doing my conversion and they don't seem to offer a raked front end. Any suggestions for a reliable manufacturer?

[Marc H]

The only things I can think of is either what was suggested in post#30 ,using aftermarket lights and windshield and going with a tree like you asked about or and this may be a long shot but there was a company in Canada? that used to modify your trees I think it was side effects or something like that.They used to be big into it but I know they cut way back if not quit.

[BladeDreams]

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/...-rake-1100.htm

Check these Tree's out - they are 6 degree's
No 'extensions needed".
made for the "custom", so need after market mounts for turn signal and windshield

[dickdb]

Have you decided whether or not to go with the raked trees?

[BladeDreams]

Have you decided whether or not to go with the raked trees?

Its been slow with work and life.
Still need to get out to paint, then all the inspections and stuff - so not rode other then the one time - so far.

I think with how fast I found that to be an 'issue', I will be going with the raked tree's - the ones listed with the solid top cap above most likely.
No idea why such a small amount od steel or even the polished aluminum are so expensive...

probably as 'we' don't have much choices or options...