2006 Motortrike vtx1800 is my next ride....

[Volkemon]

WOW. Like Holy Flurkin Schmidt WOW.

Dry braking with the race tire is what i wanted. Mrs V said it was easily twice the stopping force, and I was being cautious testing with a passenger.

I warned her, it was a declared test, but she was still squished to the 'cant breathe' point and I still had not locked the tires. :clapping:

WORTH*EVERY*PENNY

First fill up since running out of gas, 3.32 gallons did 101 miles. 33mpg

GLEE ON THREE!!!

 

[Volkemon]

About them sticky tires..............

In one of the 'acceleration tests' ..last one actually.... I thought it was starting to pull right. New feeling.

Mrs V was on back, and we had to stop for groceries anyway. Took it easy on the way home, but could sense a 'accelerate and crab to the right' feeling, not so much the other way on deceleration.

Might have found the vibration problem..

This is the right hand ladder bar mounting to the axle. The nut you see in the lower center is the upper link.

You can readily see where the weld failed on the vertical member. Also on the horizontal weld coming 'towards' the camera, you can see the displacement from the weld. Both are separated, and to my eyes look like 'old damage'.



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This is fresh. :cxtv: WHOA. Tough getting a picture, the top nut is on the top link, and the jamnut for the bottom link is visible. That's fresh metal in that tear. :xzqxz:

Axle is coming out, getting stripped and cleaned, inspected and rewelded.



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This is a top view of the two broken welds. Good view of the displacement of the vertical weld.

You can see evidence of rust, and I bet this happened before I owned the trike. Just got worse with my 'testing'. Glad i found it here in the garage.

You can see the tear on the horizontal member, that corner area does tie into the axle weldment.



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Dinner time, and get plans together. I am gonna know a LOT more about this trike soon. :clapping:

 

[CrystalPistol]

Glad you found the cracks & tearing at home. I expect the trike will be heavier when it goes back together. I like E7014 myself.

I like those tires, been "looking" some myself.

I never did & still don't believe that disc are better brakes … or that drums are somehow inferior brakes, true, they are heavier but by golly, they work.

Happy New Years!

 

[Volkemon]

Glad you found the cracks & tearing at home. I expect the trike will be heavier when it goes back together. I like E7014 myself.

I like those tires, been "looking" some myself.

I never did & still don't believe that disc are better brakes … or that drums are somehow inferior brakes, true, they are heavier but by golly, they work.

Happy New Years!

A happy new year to you and yours also!

I do love the 7014 rod too. Most forgiving stick I ever use. But pretty sure I will rip it all apart and MIG it.

Not to mention anneal the welds when I am through. I have yet to get the pieces out to see, but looking at the top cracks, they look 'old'. I am betting that the fabricator was in a hurry, and things went down hot and quick. Enough locked in stress to be close to cracking. And then it did, who's to say from what. Or when, but judging from the rust I feel safe in saying it predates my purchase.

But that tear on the bottom with the fresh gray steel... thats all mine.

And I am hoping the driveline vibration has been the other broken ones flexing all this time. Be nice to have that solved when it goes back together.

The two top welds are about impossible to see from the bottom, and I didnt really do a 'check it for ticks' close inspection... lucky it wasnt worse. The only way I can see them clearly now is after removing the top piece between the fender and seat. I can see them somewhat from the front of the right rear wheel, but you sorta have to be looking for them.

Disc vs drum... good thoughts. I would be hard pressed to say which is heavier, the rotor, its mount and caliper might easily be more weight than the drum and backing plate ass'y. Never weighed them. I was sorta surprised there was less than 2 pounds difference in the tires weights.

As far as 'better'...well for better performance in heavy use and nearing the 'extreme' limits, disc. The drum will have fluid boiling in the cylinder before a caliper gets to that temperature. Not to mention drum expansion can lead to a very strange feeling pedal. But on a trike, I would be hard pressed to get them that hot. I hope. :xzqxz:

But drums sure keep things cleaner. And they are whats on there. So keeping them for now.

Been reflecting on how it did NOT turn into a disaster with the ladder bar mount completely off. I think the air bag in back, and the coil spring on the front of the axle helped a lot in keeping things centered. Good design. :good: Possibly saved our lives. That, and the fact I backed off instantly when I felt it start to crab. Mrs V knew something was wrong, but I am pretty good at hiding my 'OH SH*T' feelings. Never let them see you sweat, right?

For those who wonder why I am still shaking a bit after finding this, watch this video to ~20 seconds.

Note the rear axle behavior in the Dart. Now imagine that happening with a trike... :shock: Might hurt.

Ripping things apart tonight, will be taking many pictures! :wave4:

 

[Warlock]

A happy new year to you and yours also!

I do love the 7014 rod too. Most forgiving stick I ever use. But pretty sure I will rip it all apart and MIG it.

Not to mention anneal the welds when I am through. I have yet to get the pieces out to see, but looking at the top cracks, they look 'old'. I am betting that the fabricator was in a hurry, and things went down hot and quick. Enough locked in stress to be close to cracking. And then it did, who's to say from what. Or when, but judging from the rust I feel safe in saying it predates my purchase.

But that tear on the bottom with the fresh gray steel... thats all mine.

And I am hoping the driveline vibration has been the other broken ones flexing all this time. Be nice to have that solved when it goes back together.

The two top welds are about impossible to see from the bottom, and I didnt really do a 'check it for ticks' close inspection... lucky it wasnt worse. The only way I can see them clearly now is after removing the top piece between the fender and seat. I can see them somewhat from the front of the right rear wheel, but you sorta have to be looking for them.

Disc vs drum... good thoughts. I would be hard pressed to say which is heavier, the rotor, its mount and caliper might easily be more weight than the drum and backing plate ass'y. Never weighed them. I was sorta surprised there was less than 2 pounds difference in the tires weights.

As far as 'better'...well for better performance in heavy use and nearing the 'extreme' limits, disc. The drum will have fluid boiling in the cylinder before a caliper gets to that temperature. Not to mention drum expansion can lead to a very strange feeling pedal. But on a trike, I would be hard pressed to get them that hot. I hope. :xzqxz:

But drums sure keep things cleaner. And they are whats on there. So keeping them for now.

Been reflecting on how it did NOT turn into a disaster with the ladder bar mount completely off. I think the air bag in back, and the coil spring on the front of the axle helped a lot in keeping things centered. Good design. :good: Possibly saved our lives. That, and the fact I backed off instantly when I felt it start to crab. Mrs V knew something was wrong, but I am pretty good at hiding my 'OH SH*T' feelings. Never let them see you sweat, right?

For those who wonder why I am still shaking a bit after finding this, watch this video to ~20 seconds.

Note the rear axle behavior in the Dart. Now imagine that happening with a trike... :shock: Might hurt.

Ripping things apart tonight, will be taking many pictures! :wave4:

I have the same trike kit on my 97 Honda Valkyrie. No vibrations on mine, but will get a flashlight and inspection mirror and take a good look at my rear end also. Hoping it isn't a problem waiting to happen. Glad you are taking some pictures of the repair.

David

 

[Volkemon]

Repair of the rear axle is on this thread... Along with some of the exhaust work I am doing while it is off... :clapping:

https://www.triketalk.com/forum/thr...R-amp-R-Fix-Broken-Welds-for-Ladder-Bar-Mount

I am starting new threads for specific tasks to make searching for them easier for those that need the info. Will be back here with the 'minor' changes.

 

[Volkemon]

Mocked up the VTX1800C exhaust. I LOVE the look. Will trim the chrome near the axle.

I like it is a 2-1 system. Fits tighter and better. Still want dual outlets.

The muffler is not in there, the pipe ends in the middle of the transition cone.



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This is the stock muffler. I cut 2 tabs that held the chrome on.



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I need the section on the left, and have gutted it.



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The clamp on the chrome cover fits around the pipe. You can see the rub mark from that little square pad. It will make a very good front mount. It is roughly aligned front to back with the (hidden) pipe it goes on.



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Fits like factory. This piece will be the transition between the dual tips and the stock system. You can see the end of the canister, the chrome will go further.

I want it to cover well enough that you can be on your belly and not see the end. :clapping:



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This is the current system, without front chrome covers. Not put together well, and crooked. Tips uneven.



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This is a mockup to help visualize what I have to build. Will redesign the mounts too...rough workmanship shines out.. :blush:



Should be fun.

Toying around with using the stock taper cut end on a single exhaust too... Might give a cool look.

But with all the bad axle news I needed something shiny to play with, STAT.

 

[CrystalPistol]

This is a mockup to help visualize what I have to build. Will redesign the mounts too...rough workmanship shines out.. :blush:

View attachment 81305

Should be fun.

Toying around with using the stock taper cut end on a single exhaust too... Might give a cool look.

But with all the bad axle news I needed something shiny to play with, STAT.

It's an exhaust system, they are allowed to be rough around the edges. I thought you were doing something different. I actually liked the thought of a single large tip but not gutted, but duals are good. The test is if it doesn't crack in use.

Video? I had a '69 Dart Swinger 340 4spd, 3.91 rear in early '70s, ran a best 13.01 quarter once on G60-14 recaps that hooked fair, I sure hated to see that one loose a rear (in video, it's a '68), but the price you sometimes pay to play stupid. Seen cars loose front U-joints and pole vault too.

Buddy of mine had a VTX 1800 & when he rode it on group rides, he rode it at the rear, but I don't think he had any baffles? Loud, but not as bad as that Valkyrie with 6 straights. He is some "hard of hearing".

 

[Volkemon]

It's an exhaust system, they are allowed to be rough around the edges. I thought you were doing something different. I actually liked the thought of a single large tip but not gutted, but duals are good. The test is if it doesn't crack in use.

Buddy of mine had a VTX 1800 & when he rode it on group rides, he rode it at the rear, but I don't think he had any baffles? Loud, but not as bad as that Valkyrie with 6 straights. He is some "hard of hearing".

Yeah, rough around the edges is one thing, but uneven tip height AND uneven 'stickout' looks like crap. Cracking during use isnt a 'test' in my book, good design and construction should eliminate all but abuse damage. I hope it is clear that the pic above is just shot at a good angle for 'seeing' a concept. Nothing is actually built, you can see the plastic clamp the transition piece is balanced on.

The 'ungutted' stock muffler would not work, it would occupy the same space as the rear axle. Well, unless the same 'test' standard was in effect for the rear axle, and the welds cracked and the rear axle fell off. PLENTY of muffler room then.

It will be quiet, I am a "Walk softly and carry a big stick" guy. Let those with tiny sticks go deaf. :laugh: I do want a rich mellow tone though. I really like the sound of the duals I have now. They are just long, so need more piping.

I am also leaning towards a big single tip. And I think it would be a boss touch to use the 'stock' chrome tip. Have it coming out at a 'down to the right' angle. Be very different. I may mock that up and get a pic.

 

[Volkemon]

OK, twin tips won. Mrs V has a point.....well... two of them, its coooool outside

She has not seen these. Hope its a surprise.

Got the last 2 of 3 available. I know she will like them.





DB arrestors before, and new muffler as high pass filter... be a good deep lovin' sound.

 

[CrystalPistol]

She'll like them a lot I think. Glad you got 2 of last 3 left. Good exhaust tip size, location, exposure is like the dot (.) to the eye (i) or the cross (-) to a tee (t). Completion.

Much like two points are … well … you know!

Like, "if you don't look back as you walk away, then you bought the wrong one".

 

[Volkemon]

Exhaust tips came in, so did flex pipe. So I mocked up the trike to give Mrs V a look, and a lift in spirits.



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She really needed one, as this is the 'state of the trike' as I type. Valve adjustment today, then assembly begins.

One of the BEST tips i found was to wrap the handlebars with towels. Using the bareass chopper site for a lot of helpful 'how to' articles.

https://tech.bareasschoppers.com/engine/valve-adjustment-vtx-1800/ The menu on the left has LOTS of helpful stuff.



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Found wires in poor shape going to the throttle body. Hard to say WTF cut into them, whether it was a pocketknife for 'diagnostic connection' :xzqxz: or poor handling? Going to solder/heatshrink, then carefully inspect as i reassemble. Going to clean up the ground(s), and check EVERY wire. There has been some a**hats 'working' on this bike.

 

[Volkemon]

Woooohoooo!

Got my official Honda service manual in the mail. About 1000 pages of 'everything-you-want-to-know' about 02-07 VTX1800's.

B+W wiring diagrams, but SO nice to have info.

Should there be other VTX1800 owners in here that need info I can scan and upload a section for you. Knowledge is POWER. :clapping:

 

[Volkemon]

YEAH Baby!

Aside from some delays, getting back to work on the trike.

Here is a shot of the exhaust in development.

I wanted to use the 1800C exhaust I got REALLY cheap on craigslist, but it is not compatible with the 1800N brake setup. :annoyed: I have the 'came with it' ""Cobra?"" header pipes and coverings. Then I have a Factory VTX1800C(? Pretty sure...) exhaust chrome on the collector and big outlet pipe. The outlet pipe is not trimmed to length, will have to be. This is a mockup before I got the axle housing back.



Here it is without 'her knickers' on. The collector and big exhaust removed, and the ring cut from from the original 1800C muffler exposed. The factory clamp on the 5" dress/outlet pipe fits just right on this, and it will be welded to be a secure mount. :clapping:



Got clearance to fiberglass and track rod. I am going to wrap the exhaust, so heat will be controlled.



Body removed, axle on.



This is gonna be cool. :good:

 

[Volkemon]

The new lithium battery feels light enough to be fake. Over twice the cranking amps. May have to upgrade cabling.

Got 100' of titanium exhaust wrap, made from lava. Cool stuff. (Needed 150' total by the time it was over.) Got the tool and 100 stainless ties.

Very cool looking, and should retain a lot of it after burn in.

Had to fabricate the rear exhaust mounting plate before welding the mounting ring. Worked out well.

Welded up the mounting ring for the 'collector' pipe.

Transition piece mounted... collector down below.

Mockup complete. Gonna look good. Now to rip it all off the trike AGAIN and wrap it. mg:

 

[Volkemon]

OOOooOOOOOOH yeah. This is nice wrap. Took this after going through the first roll, had to order another 50'

VERY pliable. Best wrap I have ever used. This is a close up of the 'H' section. There are 3 layers, and it has minimal/no (!) wrinkles. Will minimize problems getting the chrome on...

FINALLY wrapped.

I used ~35 feet to do the tailpipes. Looks 'greener' to me. Started on one, go to the top and wrap, then down to end on the other.

I am HOPING that this is the last time I install the exhaust. Looks great.

Now about the rust on the back of the chrome... the factory stuff was minimal, the cobra has a lot of fluff.

EVERYBODY scuffed, rubbed with ospho, and painted. Gonna let it dry. Should last another 20 years.

 

[Volkemon]

First I have to assemble the rear mount. 6 clamps to the plate, 4 holding the dress covers. NO rattles. :clapping: I had to notch one of the covers to clear the ring gear bulge on the diffy cover. Should really have the visual effect that I plumbed the exhaust through the axle.

Mounted and solid. Now to install the front covers...

Like this. With the wheel off, you can see the rear pipes. When its back 'on three' it will be tough seeing the ends of the covers. Perfect.

We got our new tag/licence plate.

Devoting all the time I can to this. Missing some PRIME riding weather here. Have to finish welding the rear axle housing :annoyed: where Motortrike missed. :nonono: Then put it together! :yahoo:

I have to update my signature too!

 

[Volkemon]

Well hey.... must have been having fun, cause time FLEW by. Out on medical leave until Oct 4, and just up and about now for a couple weeks. :yahoo:

Spent the last week cleaning off the trike and assembling. :jumpy:

Whoever set up the rear axle before had NO idea WTF they were doing. :Joker3: Now that the axle is where it should be, square and solid... it rides SO much better. I understand how to set up a 3 wheeler with ladder bars now.

First version of the exhaust was WAY too loud.. now with quad baffles and the DB inserts, it is a very mellow sound. Very cool.

Either having the pinion angle correct, axle setback correct or not having the axle flex cause of broken welds... or a combination of all... the vibration in the driveline is gone. :clap:

Few test rides have shown no issues... about to load Mrs V on the back and take a jaunt. First time for her after the near-disaster of the last ride. but she is on good spirits and anxious to enjoy the ride again. :clapping:

Yes, the side covers are missing. I want to be able to check things for a few rides. There is a fire extinguisher strapped to the back now for the trip too. JIC.

Wish us luck!!

 

[Volkemon]

YeeeeeeeHAW! It rides great. Any/all vibration is the 'character' of the V-twin.

Even got to rain check it... we got DUMPED on. The rain/race tires were in their element. Even through some deeper puddles, it was stable at speed while imitating a motorboat. Mrs V commented on how stable it felt. :clapping:

I now have a bit of cleaning and polishing to do... again.. But I am SO f'n glad to be back on three. Was getting into that 'will it ever ride again' blues... over it. :good:

Gotta make up some floor board mounting brackets next. I did find out that the rear footpegs were installed wrong - side to side. Swapped them over, and boy do they fit better. Now to cut them up for new floorboards. :wink:

GLEE ON THREEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Changed the name of the thread for ya ... ... figured it's safe now