Thinking about building a trike

very effective.

leon

Hi Bill,
Tom here. I started a post here about 2 weeks ago called 1980 Kawasaki KZ1000 Trike and you have been highly recommended as the one to talk to concerning this project. After reviewing your post here I can see why. Our Projects are similar in some respects, but quite different in others.
I must come clean as to the fact that I have not even ridden this bike as yet. My one attempt ended with me on the ground, thankfully not underneath it (it's one heavy bastard). Since then I have been attempting to change it into something I could ride. The handlebars help and I am working on trying to figure out how to raise the seat to a proper position. I am sure that before this project is through I will be paying a fortune for welding but most of that will come later, when installing the rear end.
Anyhow, I will be updating my post as progress is made and would more than appreciate any help, tips, or comments you may have.
I look forward to hearing from you.
One question about your Bike? Have you done any more on the back of your Trike?
These are a couple shots that I am thinking of combining for mine, in a much smaller version, of course. Let me know what you think.

Hi tparks9243,
Sorry about the WAY delayed response! I'm still recovering from a stem cell transplant I received in late June,

Wow! That's very nearly the same idea that I started with when I imagined what my trike might look like. I pictured a small wood stake side deck wrapping around the seat. As you can see that's not how it unfolded. One big limitation was that I tried to keep the overall length as close to stock as possible. I ended up with a wheel base that's just 3.5" longer than the bike was originally.
Still I'm not dissatisfied with the way it has unfolded.
I've now built some "SaddleBags" or probably better described as storage compartments for my trike. They're made from 1/4" birch plywood and will eventually be painted with sheet copper applied to the top curved surfaces. I just now ordered some flush mount LED stop/Tail lights.
Here are some pics:




What do you think?
Bill

Looks good. I'd seal them with resin.
Steve

Getting closer. Got the bags painted today. I've got some nice LED tail lights/turn signals that will mount on the back of the bags.

Bill

Looking good.
Steve