Freewheeler "Chopper" Project

[Free Bird]

Man, I haven't checked on your progress in a few months. That bike is SICK! Glad that you got it finished and are getting some seat time brother. Fantastic job!

Thanks. I have started a new one....it has its foundations in a 2000 Twin Cam Springer Softail....an oldie but a goodie. As I tear into it I will post progress in the "Harley Conversion" forum

Here is the traditional crappy photoshop of it... My Zero Trike

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Thanks. I have started a new one....it has its foundations in a 2000 Twin Cam Springer Softail....an oldie but a goodie. As I tear into it I will post progress in the "Harley Conversion" forum

Here is the traditional crappy photoshop of it... My Zero Trike

Not so crappy ... hoping you get the springer on this one ...

[haute pursuit]

Well.... I had my first operational design issue. Since I put the fenders on I have not been above 65 MPH (just realized that when this event occurred) as I have been riding the quieter blacktop two lane roads and not the super slab.

I was driving the bike to the saddle shop on a freeway and within a mile or two broke free of rush hour congestion and opened her up. When I hit 70 the fenders started a hard oscillation banging into and off of the tire. The sound scared the hell out of me at first as I thought the calipers had come loose or???? Then I saw it. The LH fender was trying to flap like a wing. I pulled over and inspected things. No breaks, cracks etc.... So I pulled off at the next exit. No problems. Got back on the highway and cranked it up. 50 MPH NP, 60 ..same... 65...same... 70? BANG BANG BANG....

So, It appears as if airflow and/or nodal vibrations (harmonics) in the structural elements have an issue at speeds above 70.

Good News - I can pull the fenders off and keep riding

Bad news - Engineering a modification/repair likely means a re-paint for the fenders (Damn)

One of my theories is the gap between the tire and fender (~0.250") is too tight and the fender is lifting off the tire. Think about how those tires shed water from the tread pattern... air is a fluid too... so at speed they could be creating an air flow that lifts the fender. The solution for that fix could be swapping the MT 29x18 R15 tires for 28x12 R15 tires. That would give me 0.500" vs 0.250 clearance and perhaps provide an exit for the airflow. I lose width but save the paint.

It is just a theory though

The other fix would be to increase the stiffness of support structure by moving from 1/2" to 1" round bar in the fender frame. Essentially rebuilding the fender. I would also have to thicken the bracket and beef up the attach points as I would move that bending load someplace else by stiffening the uprights. But I could also add the clearance of the smaller tire at the same time and retain the tire width I like ...

So gotta make a choice

First thing is to remove the fenders.... I will be able to think better when I am riding

Just an fyi if you haven't already fixed this... I had to go with 1" flat bar on my trike fenders to solve the same problem. I get a little vibration at idle, but no problems at speed. We went with a welded grid pattern to make sure it worked the first time. You may not need as much support as I did though. Good luck!

[Free Bird]

Not so crappy ... hoping you get the springer on this one ...

Thanks! It has the springer on it already... it is a 2000 FXST Springer Softail. I am cutting the frame front and back. Putting a Zero Style Dragon Neck on the front @ ~41-45 degree rake (trail will determine) and a rigid x-frame in lieu of the softail swingarm to accept the Independent Rear Suspension axle in the back

[Jack Klarich]

Jeff, check that crank run out

[DK Custom Products]

Won at the KSHE (a St. Louis Rock Radio Station) annual bike show today. Hey Micheal! This one's for you!!! Get better man. (yes... the sign says 6-22... the event was postponed due to a fire at the original location and today was the re-scheduled event...)

Attachment 76911

Man, I've not been to this thread in a while.

CONGRATULATIONS! Good to read you're out enjoying the wind on your sweet ride!!!

Looking forward to your new build.

Kevin

[Free Bird]

Man, I've not been to this thread in a while.

CONGRATULATIONS! Good to read you're out enjoying the wind on your sweet ride!!!

Looking forward to your new build. Kevin

Thanks Kevin! There are several DK parts incorporated... Does this set-up look familiar? Works like a champ!

[DK Custom Products]

Thanks Kevin! There are several DK parts incorporated... Does this set-up look familiar? Works like a champ!

Yes! Very cool! Glad you're enjoying, and we are ALWAYS thrilled to see our parts on folks rides...especially Show Winning Rides!

Kevin

[JIMHALL_AZ]

Looks like a great project. The pictures with the tires next to the Red Freewheeler has a Backrest w/armrest. Where did you get it?

Thanks.

Jim

[rhino 2]

Looks like a great project. The pictures with the tires next to the Red Freewheeler has a Backrest w/armrest. Where did you get it?

Thanks.

Jim

Jim.............Welcome to Trike-Talk...................

[Free Bird]

Looks like a great project. The pictures with the tires next to the Red Freewheeler has a Backrest w/armrest. Where did you get it?

Jim, welcome to Trike Talk!!! This is a GREAT resource for info.

That is a Corbin backrest that I use when my wife rides. Here is a link to the site:

http://corbin.com/harley/triglide/hdfwdte.shtml

Part Number: HD-FLH-9-ARM

You have to click through the pictures to find it

[kwkride]

Yes... using same mounts as the OEM backrest. I have a Corbin one with armrests for longer rides and the sissy bar for around town. But they are both plug and play. I will post pics of it on the bike when it is back together.

When you ordered the Corbin backrest/armrest pad, did it come with hardware for mounting it to the sissy bar?

(I’ve emailed Corbin and asked, but they haven’t replied)

Thanks!