My winter project... YZ450F 3-Wheeler

[Derrick Adams]

Here in Ohio 3-Wheeler MX is getting pretty popular. After racing all last season on my 85 250R, I got the chance to spend a little time on a LTR450. It didn't take long to realize I had to have that big, usable power curve of the 450 four stroke.

So I sold my R and got started on this new project.

I'm going to use a 1986 Yamaha Tri-Z frame for the build up:

A little history lesson for you young-uns. The Yamaha Tri-Z was the answer to Honda's 250R in the sport trike market. It came with a toned down YZ 250 engine and full suspension. It was a decent bike for the day, but had more than a few downfalls compared to the Legendary 250R.

The reason I went with the Tri-Z frame is, it simply has more room to fit the engine in, as well as my 6'4" frame really enjoys the extra room of the Yamaha chassis.

So follow along over the next month as I assemble this new age 3 wheeler to compete in todays MX world.


This is a 1985 Yamaha Tri-Zhttp://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/TOTM1.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

This is the frame I will be starting with. Really the only thing that will get used is the frame itself, and even it will have extensive modifications.

Some of the downfalls of the Tri-Z originally were the rear mount fuel tank (under the seat) and footpegs prone to bend beyond use.

Both of these issues will be adressed on the new build up. http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Z2.jpg

[flying dutchman]

i'm realy curious about this build
3 wheelers still are the cool stuff.
this thing will be one hell of a ride when its done

[Derrick Adams]

So it's pretty obvious to everyone that 20 year old suspension is by no means adequate any more. To address this issue the correct way took lots of discussion and thought.

For starters front forks for a 3 wheeler are unique in that they are the length of a modern 85cc dirtbike, but have to hold the weight of a full size adult and machine, without bottoming or flexing. Obviously you can't get springs for a 200lb rider for 85cc dirtbike forks, so those are out of the question.

What we decided on was to use modern YZ125 forks and modify them to shorten them to standard 3 wheeler length. This not only gives the correct length fork we need, but also the strength and spring choices needed to hold up on an MX bike.

This is a set of 96 YZ125 forks I picked up to modify first. The finished set will be off a newer model. For anyone that's ever thought of modifying forks, it is extremely difficult. Every part must be shortended the exact same length in order to have them work properly when finished. Very tedious work but well worth it.

These forks will also need custom made triple clamps to attach them to the frame.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Zforks.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

The rear suspension on the Tri-Z was plain crap from the start. Very similar in design to the Banshee (In fact alot of Banshee parts were borrowed from the Z originally).

I chose to ditch the whole set up. After doing alot of research I found that the 06-07 Honda 450R swingarm was practically a bolt on deal. So the plan is to add the swingarm (which is less than half the weight of the stock one) and rear suspension straight from the 450R.

I'll be adding an Elka Long Travel shock and linkage to this machine after the final fabrication is done to the frame.

I picked this swingarm up off ebay for a steal at $50!


http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Zswinger.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

I'm sure that some of you with 450R's know that the axles for these machines are still pretty pricey. What we found out thru investigation is that the 250R Axle Carrier and Axle will fit right in the 450R swingarm. The 250R carrrier is approximately 3/8" wider that the 450R which will work in my favor for chain alignment. A simple spacer will solve the issue after final placement.

With that said, I picked up this nice Lonestar axle and anti-fade nut off ebay for the project.

I will also be using the 250R rear brake caliper as it is a twin piston design, with a custom brake mount.


http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Zaxle.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

So there wasn't much debate over an engine when I looked into it. The bulletproof Yamaha 426F was my first choice. This also turned out to be a very difficult engine to locate for a reasonable price.

Luckily I stumbled on a fresh `04 YZ450F engine on ebay and was able to win it. This engine should provide all the power I need to stay out in front on the holeshot. Originally in a SuperMoto bike this engine has dyno'd at 54hp. More than double the hp of the original Tri-Z engine.


http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Zengine.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

The most critical thing on a 3 wheeler is tire selection. Unlike a quad, which is very stable in turns, 3 wheelers are not. As such, you must steer with the rear tires. A standard Holeshot tire on the rear of a 3 wheeler is not a good choice. You MUST be able to slide.

So with that said, your choices are limited. Thru-out the last couple years of racing MX on these things we've narrowed it down to 2 choices. Turf Tamers or Fast Trekkers.

I decided to go with the Fast Trekkers on this build because of the monster torque of the four stroke engine. The Fast Trekkers offer a 10" rim which leaves very little sidewall to flex. They should slide exceptionally well on this machine.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/ztires.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

For the front tire I wanted to get away from the big ballon 25" tire that came stock on the Tri-Z. Switching to a smaller diameter tire does two things for the chassis set-up.

1) It lowers the front of the bike, thus transferring weight to the front for a better balance.

2) It allows me to run more suspension travel in my front forks without sacrificing ride height to do it.

After digging around I found this Dunlop tire to fit the bill perfectly. At 22" tall it will drop the front considerably.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Zfronttire.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

The only other real difference in a quad and a trike is brakes. Obviously I only have 1 front brake to help slow the machine down.

To get the best brake on the bike I could I went with an old school 11" Douglas front rim and Honda 250R hub. This will give me the clearance to run the standard YZ125 rotor and caliper, which is alot bigger than the stock 3 wheeler front brake.

I picked this wheel, tire, and hub assembly up off ebay for $40.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Zfrontwheel.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

More updates to come as they happen. The engine will get set in the frame in 2 weeks. By then the custom triples and forks should be done.

[Sportrax10]

Very interesting project so far.

Ill be sure you check back for updates!!

[sandthrower]

Just what he said .

:eek2: Should be one going sin of a *****

[JoE4554]

this is gunna be one sweet project....ill be back for updates

[rustyATV]

This project makes me laugh...... in a good way. :D

It's sort of a "What if they made these today?" exercise.

I'm intrigued, and will check back later.



The only other real difference in a quad and a trike is brakes. Obviously I only have 1 front brake to help slow the machine down.

Would making a dual brake setup, such as today's sportbikes, be too difficult and/or to overpowering for the front tire?

[deathman53]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing, but with a atc250r frame, that will be custom made. You want to sell those forks? I am thinking of the same thing for the atc250r I am having made. Custom frame(hreatv), trx450r pegs, mastercylinder, brake pedal, removable subframe, he is eliminating alot of the tabs and bolt holes for the stuff I don't use(I have a cr ignition). The frame should be done pretty soon and expect to see me in Ohio to go racing with you guys, also. I go by the same name on 3ww also.

As for rustyATV's comment, I have a 400ex master cylinder, bradied brake line and newly rebuild caliper on mine, the slightest touch on the brakes and the bike nearly does a endo. There is more nuts than him out there, I'm one of them. Its hard to get me to ride my quads, for me to ride them, it needs to be a place that doesn't allow trikes

[Slinky]

i read some of your buildup over on 3wheeler world or something like that...gonna be an insane machine to ride! good luck!

[Derrick Adams]

My new rear fenders arrived today. Custom Yellow Maiers. These should really add a modern look to the bike and match all the other upgrades perfectly. I also picked up a new Black 250R front fender to go with it. I'm going after the 50th anniversary look. Yellow, Black, and White.



http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/zrearfenders.jpg

[RUTHLESS]

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS BEAST
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE IS PAID UP, LOL

[yamahamx14]

this thing sounds like its going to be insane :eek2:

[woodsracer144]

any more pics? im really wanna see thins thing in action!

[Derrick Adams]

This bike will see plenty of MX action this season. I'll keep updating this thread as the build progresses as well as post some action pics when I get some test and tune time on the local practice track.

This is not the only Hybrid we have in the works. We also have a Honda 350X with a transplanted 450R engine in the works. It's 90% completed. Fit like a GLOVE! I'll have him do a seperate thread on it later.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Jasonsride.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/jasonsride2.jpg

[northwest Texas]

I'd love to see the process on your 450X. Maybe I got rid of mine too soon.

I'm really interested in your Tri-Z hybrid. I have one all origional that I wouldn't do that to but it's very interesting. Maybe some time I'll find another one that might be a good donor.

I still love riding the old 3 wheelers but don't so much because they take a lot of work and I'm too much out of shape to spend much time on them.

[TampaBoy813]

man this is going to be a good post!!
keep the pics and info comming!!!

[yamahamx14]

Im just wondering, is the yamaha's four-speed tranny a problem in the hybrids?

[Derrick Adams]

I was wondering that too, but after thinking about it, I think it may actually be an advantage in the 3 wheeler. A broader gear ratio should tend to keep the front wheel down better. I'm adding a Rekluse clutch kit to this bike which, in combination with the 4 speed, I think will make it a much better racer all the way around.

[Tater049]

thats fricken awesome!

[NET450r350x]

Originally posted by Derrick Adams
This bike will see plenty of MX action this season. I'll keep updating this thread as the build progresses as well as post some action pics when I get some test and tune time on the local practice track.

This is not the only Hybrid we have in the works. We also have a Honda 350X with a transplanted 450R engine in the works. It's 90% completed. Fit like a GLOVE! I'll have him do a seperate thread on it later.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/Jasonsride.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/jasonsride2.jpg

I think i'm in love :eek:

[FreeStyle Digby]

That's going to be an awesome build when its finished :cool:
keep us posted on progress








F S D

[Derrick Adams]

We got some time to work on the bike yesterday. Here's some pictures of the frame with the engine and swingarm installed.

There will be some frame reconstruction to get everything perfect, but it basically fell right into place.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/tri-z%20build/Zassembly6.jpg

[spanky101]

haha this project is proboly one the oddest and coolest projects ever. Thumbs up to you

[400exrider707]

I think your going to find using that 250R carrier and axle more of a headache then a help. How are you going to get the carrier to mount into the swingarm being wider than the stocker? Are you planning on machining it down?

[Derrick Adams]

Yeah, we're just turning it down to be flush with the swingarm.

[ride_red_95]

this thang is gonna be sweet..your a member at www.threewheelerworldforums.com aren't you?

[Derrick Adams]

Yeah, I sure am! "Trike Fest" bound!!

[ride_red_95]

Originally posted by Derrick Adams
Yeah, I sure am! "Trike Fest" bound!!

i would like to go this year but i don't know if i can make it

[Derrick Adams]

I just secured the last of the misc. hardware I needed to assemble the bike. I hope to get the engine and swingarm hard mounted in the next couple weeks.

I still have some small items to purchase such as chain, air filter etc. and I still need to get the Rekluse clutch kit bought.

[rustyATV]

Now who's going to do a Tecate-3 like this, so there'll be one of each?

[yamahamx14]

Originally posted by rustyATV
Now who's going to do a Tecate-3 like this, so there'll be one of each?

good idea... why dont you do it. :D

[Derrick Adams]

Hmmm. It wouldn't suprise me to see one come up here soon. We already know where theres one sitting, just waiting!

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/t3pics046.jpg

[2muchquad]

What tracks are you going to ride at?I have never seen a 3 wheeler at Holeshot,big game ,dirt world or any ofthe local mx tracks in these parts.I had a 200x back in the day but i couldnt imagine doing mx on a trike,you have bigger gonads than me:D good luck to ya'

[Derrick Adams]

Slow going right now, but here's a short update. We have the lower motor mount finished, the tank roughly fit, and the swinger mods completed.

So as of right now the upper frame rail has to be fabricated, top shock mount, lower shock link and all the gussets made and the frame will be completed. (lots to do!)

The inverted forks are at the machine shop being modified and should be done by next week.

Should have a roller within a few weeks.


http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/tri-z%20build/D_sZrtside.jpg

[JIMFROMTEXCO]

i thought a 350xin 3wheeler form was a mean machine.... i could not imagine this!!!! i cant wait to see this done! ive got a 350x roller im thinking about putting sumthing in or selling..

[rustyATV]

This thread almost makes me wish I was born a yankee, so I'd get to see these trikes run around when they're done.

[Derrick Adams]

There's still plenty of room on the starting gate!

Anyhow, here's a little more progress from yesterday. The tank mount is now finished and the swinger is mounted as well.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/yz450swingerpivot.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/yz450reartnkmnt.jpg

[flying dutchman]

it would be nice if you could keep thet stock tri-z gas tank.
that is the piece that gave a tri-z stability imho
since it was under the seat it lowered the point of gravity.
but i see that it would be hasle to get hoses up to the stock place of the airfilter

[Derrick Adams]

Originally posted by flying dutchman
it would be nice if you could keep thet stock tri-z gas tank.
that is the piece that gave a tri-z stability imho
since it was under the seat it lowered the point of gravity.
but i see that it would be hasle to get hoses up to the stock place of the airfilter


Not to mention there really is no room for suspension with the tank back there. We had to totally fabricate all new mounts, in the exact locations as the 450R frame, which fell right where the tank mounted.

The new tank worked out well and at 1.5 gallons full I don't think it will throw off the weigth too much. Besides.... I need the weight in the front!


http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/yz450ztoptankon.jpg

[Derrick Adams]

Well... It's a roller. Getting alot closer to ridable now. You can start to see how wicked it's really going to be.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/yz450mod.jpg

[woodsracer144]

holy wide rear end!

[trict_out]

holy balls man, you have fun ridin that thing. no way,i know it would bite me in the ***:ermm:

[Derrick Adams]

Well, I dropped off my plastics today to have the graphics and number plates designed. Hopefully when I get them back they will look just like the 50th anniversary graphics.

I also ordered some Galfer wave rotors for it today.

I should be test riding it in 2 weeks!

[SRH]

there two things im curious about, that swingarm seems quite a bit longer then the stock tri z swingarm, i know from expirience on mx track with my 200x longer swingarm, wider axle = harder to turn, and the 200 is a toy compared to the yzf but it also robbed alot of power, fought itself in turns

ive been wanting to build a trike like this for awhile, i can pretty much ride a 200x to its limit on a mx track and just wonder what if i had something as capable as my yfz, i just love the way trikes ride, i have triz frame laying around and i have inverted forks but i wanna know the cost and what was involved , the triple clamps are what im most curious about what are yours being made out of? what about the steering stem, most dirtbikes use a much longer steering stem, is it possible to press out the tri z stem? and the shortening of the forks, whats involved in that? and are those blaster plastics or warrior or raptor?

[Derrick Adams]

The pictures give the illusion of a longer than stock swinger, but I can assure you it is exactly the same length of the stock Z swinger. The axle is +6 however.

The steering stem from the Tri-Z will be used in my new triples. My triples are being made from steel, however I could have went with aluminum just as easily. I went with steel mainly for cost savings and to add a little more weight to the front of the bike. (not like it really adds any I guess). We have aluminum triples on the 350X/450R conversion with the same inverts.

Shortening the forks is a very involved and complicated procedure. We found that the Kayabas are the best ones to start with for easiest modification.

Your looking at around $800 for a set of inverted forks and triples, ready to go on your bike. Much cheaper than a set of comparable front shocks for your sport quad.

The fenders are for a Banshee.

[Tecate]

Derrick, how does the 426 compare to the 450? Which is the more reliable motor?

[Derrick Adams]

I really have no idea. I've heard that both engines are practically bullet proof, but can't say for myself.

[85ATC250R]

Hell, good job man.
I've been banned from 3ww for a while, ill be back on Cinco de Mayo.

Looking great!

See ya at TF07

[Slinky]

from what i've heard with looking into building hybrids the 450 is a better motor than the 426. I've seen a lot of people complaining that the 426 is a very hard motor to start back up once its warmed up. They also need valve adjustments alot, but i think all the dirtbike motors are like that.

[400EXTRA]

Originally posted by trict_out
holy balls man, you have fun ridin that thing. no way,i know it would bite me in the ***:ermm:

yea that things gonna be a rocket

[Derrick Adams]

Thought I would do a quick update.

The radiators are mounted now. That was a pretty complicated procedure. We ended up using some CR125 units, that fit pretty nicely on the bike.

The inverted front forks are done now and we have the materials for the triples. With any luck those will be installed this weekend.

More updates to come as they happen.

[Caseys 300ex]

Looking good!:devil:

[twistedmorphine]

Originally posted by Tecate
Derrick, how does the 426 compare to the 450? Which is the more reliable motor?

I would say that the 450 is much better at racing, but the 426 will hold up longer
but it also depends on how you ride

[yamahamx14]

do you think that the CR125 radiators will provide enought cooling for that big motor because the four strokes run extremely hot as it is and with smaller radiators then what is supposed to be there i would think that the bike would overheat mor often.

[Derrick Adams]

I guess only time will tell. I don't anticipate it being an issue though. If it becomes a factor i'll have some thicker radiators built to accomodate it.

Here we're experimenting with shrouds.

[Derrick Adams]

Here's another. I think the CR125 shroud is going to be the next one to try. The XR50 is a little on the small side. The CR80 shroud is much closer.

I'm going to grab a set of 125 shrouds and see what trimming will get.

[4door5g]

this build is to cool

[Derrick Adams]

The forks and triples are getting closer to finished. Here's a shot of them mocked together. The forks have no springs in them, so NO they are not that short. We did shorten them approximately 4" from stock though.

The new steel triples have 3 degrees of rake built into them.

Watch for some pics of it rolling on inverts by Monday!

[Derrick Adams]

The front end is finally on. Starting to look like a trike now. Still a long ways to go, but all minor stuff from here.

What do you guys think? Look like something interesting to ride?!!

[Rootar]

sweetness

[katch26]

looks like its gonna rip! :cool:

[Derrick Adams]

I just picked up this 7 way adjustable steering stabilizer for the bike today. This should have been a standard item on a 3 wheeler anyhow, and should really help with rider fatigue.

that thing is insane nice build!!

[WHITE SEAT]

That is insane!

Checkout the Hybrid Riders (HybridRiders.co.nr) forums! Its a whole site and forum just for hybrids.

[twistedmorphine]

lookin good

[twistedmorphine]

Originally posted by WHITE SEAT
That is insane!

Checkout the Hybrid Riders (HybridRiders.co.nr) forums! Its a whole site and forum just for hybrids.

sweet site i checked it out

[Derrick Adams]

Well... this build is coming to an end. Down to graphics and minor tuning now. Stay tuned for a full photo shoot as well as a detailed ride report. Here's a sneak and a little info.

This thing is BAD ***! No it doesn't wheelie as bad as you think it would. But it will blister the tires instantly, in any gear!

More to come in the next couple days...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l34/Derrick_Adams/YTZ450.jpg

[yamahamx14]

wow that thing is absolutly sick. i like your choice in radiator shrouds, way to stick with the yamaha theme instead of those ones from the CR. absolutly amazing!!! :D :macho

[Slinky]

wow!....thats insane...cant wait for the ride report and some more pics!

[2 fast for you]

thats pretty cool

[korniev]

WOW is all I can say here