Building trike V6 w 350 Auto, all suggestions welcome

[Thee Mule]

Blending a 91 HD ultra glide, V6 odd fire & 350 auto out of a 76 Buick and S10 limited slip/open rear end.

Engine and transmission rebuild completed.



Concerning the front axle loading, I took the MAX GAWG: for bike and front end 475 lbs, got the % of load on front axle. then I calculated the dry weight of bike by that same % got front dry factory axle load 257 lbs, Using a construction crane formula to calculate counter weight in order not to overload stock front forks and axle bolt due to weight increase of engine & trans.



End results is with fuel tank, radiator, battery I need to add some 500 lbs ballast to keep factory loading on front end. { please chime in if I'm off on my thoughts or math}

After reading a few threads C/G {center gravity} concerns have come to light, my build plans is driver riding behind engine above bell-housing of transmission, with passenger two up bike style.

What are your thoughts and concerns? road handling? down hill cornering roll threat?

thank you for all and any help.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Welcome to the Gang from Western Colorado. Lots of builders here and they will be lots of help. We love build threads here and are expecting lots of pictures.

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard Garden sounds like a fun project. Keep posting

[Thee Mule]

welcome aboard Garden sounds like a fun project. Keep posting

will do, got some bracing to put in- then engine n tranny fit check and mount next.

[LarryA]

Had to look twice, thought it was three mule!.....must be a story here! Anyhow, i think your on the right track, similar to aircraft weight and balance calculations. Moving front wheel farther away from the engine/trans will help control front end weight. If you havn't , balance the eng/trans on a block of wood to get exact distance for the center of gravity of both. your front wheel and tire,must be rated for 600#??.....the harley fork for 400??? check out leading link front ends if you need more strength and stability. There are a lot of trikes out there with big V8's close to the forks I would agree counterweights would work.....be nice if it could be fuel/batteries/ luggage etc. good to see another build under way! Larry

[Thee Mule]

Had to look twice, thought it was three mule!.....must be a story here! Anyhow, i think your on the right track, similar to aircraft weight and balance calculations. Moving front wheel farther away from the engine/trans will help control front end weight. If you havn't , balance the eng/trans on a block of wood to get exact distance for the center of gravity of both. your front wheel and tire,must be rated for 600#??.....the harley fork for 400??? check out leading link front ends if you need more strength and stability. There are a lot of trikes out there with big V8's close to the forks I would agree counterweights would work.....be nice if it could be fuel/batteries/ luggage etc. good to see another build under way! Larry

The 475 lbs was HD lable on frame upright as max loading on front end.

I'll check out the threads on forks..