Having built it, I don't like it!! GL1200 trike

[Tom_Charlton]

I thought I wanted to build a trike so I could keep riding longer. So I bought an S-10 front differential, built a frame around it to mount to the GL1200 frame and painted the trike body the same color as my 85 Interstate.

Yesterday, I removed the rear plastics and wheel from the 85 and mounted the trike rear end on the bike.

It's wider and uglier than my ex-girlfriend's butt. The right header pipe is pointing straight at the VW master cylinder, so a custom exhaust system is needed. I still need to mount rear lights to make it street legal.

I DON'T LIKE IT!! It didn't come out as planned and I don't want to do it over.

I'll leave it alone for a couple days and, if I still don't like it, separate the pieces and keep riding the bike.

 

[joedrum]

well at least ride enough to see if it works good ...be interesting to know

 

[Omega Man]

Bummer, maybe a little time will help. I can't tell from my phone but it looks great.

 

[dan filipi]

It doesn't look all that bad, MUCH better than I could do on the sheet metal that is for certain.

 

[slabghost]

Put the trunk on it and ride it. Bring home a case of beer. Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder ya know. I think you might need a little more beer. Regardless what you choose Don't trash your build. Trikes sell for 2-3x the cost of the bikes they modify.

 

[dan filipi]

I don't care what anybody thinks. You put a lot of work into building it and that alone is enough to be proud of, and you should be.

 

[slabghost]

I'd ride the wheels off of it.

 

[brianinpa]

That looks pretty good to me. I would consider replacing some of the flat sheet metal with some fiberglass to round out the corners and call it good.

 

[Dusterdude]

It is wide,you can narrow the housing and have the axles cut and regrooved for not a whole lot of money

 

[Ansimp]

It's a shame that it isn't what you wanted as it looks like a pretty good effort. My only problem with trikes is their extra width and it seems that using the stock S-10 front diff/axle yours is even wider. I am sure with some further perseverance you can come of with a plan to make it work to your satisfaction :yes:

 

[Dusterdude]

Just noticed s10,im guessing its a 4wd front diff assy?

 

[canuckxxxx]

Maybe try getting in touch with your ex-girlfriend...she sounds interesting :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

 

[slabghost]

Personally I like the look. I'd put some lights and pipes on and ride it.

 

[Tom_Charlton]

"Just noticed s10,im guessing its a 4wd front diff assy?"

You got it! 97 S10. I'm going to put an exhaust system on it today and see if that improves the looks.

 

[dan filipi]

Is there any problem running the gears in opposite direction from what it's been running all its life? Just curious.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

dan filipi » Sun Dec 27, 2015 1:47 pm[/url]":3ai4vovs]
I don't care what anybody thinks. You put a lot of work into building it and that alone is enough to be proud of, and you should be.

i agree with dan, put the trunk back on the break up the lines

 

[Tom_Charlton]

"]Is there any problem running the gears in opposite direction from what it's been running all its life? Just curious."

Haven't seen any problems yet. It's basically running in reverse, which the differential was designed to do. I'll post an update after a couple thousand miles (if it ever quits raining and Spring comes around.)

:builder: I had to cut the end of the right header pipe off at a slant and re-weld it back level to get the muffler down away from the VW master cylinder. I'm trying to use GL1100 mufflers with the cross pipe cut off and welded shut.

 

[joedrum]

hmmm ...i cant see it being a problem ....im curious to see how it turns with the discussions we been having lately on this subject ... opcorn:

 

[AApple]

dan filipi » Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:29 am[/url]":a8xlpu66]
Is there any problem running the gears in opposite direction from what it's been running all its life? Just curious.

There will eventually be a problem. I saw this thread yesterday, but dint have time to chime in with an opinion. Hypoid gears are designed/cut to run in one direction. The fact that they can run in the opposite direction for a short distance doesn't mean they will survive running "backwards" for extended periods. The curve of the gear teeth is there to make the gear(s) stronger under load...in one direction.
Being on a smaller vehicle, with admittedly much less torque/hp than the original S10, it might survive for a while, but I see trouble on the horizon.
Just my $.0002 :mrgreen:

 

[slabghost]

Fortunately that horizon can be a very long way off. If it were mine I'd run it a thousand miles or so then change the gear oil. Once the gears develop the new wear pattern they should last pretty well. Unless you double the hp and start drag racing.