First drift trike build

[NJtrikes]

Hi all. My son and I are looking to build a drift trike and need some guidance.

1. I have seen tons of pictures and articles about building but very few plans with dimensions or specifics on materials. if you have any to share please do!
2. any frame kits out there that are good? I found one on eBay that looks ok but with shipping it’s almost $400 and you still have to weld ( which I am OK doing)
3. Where are you sourcing parts for the front end? I am looking all over for fat tire forks., wheels and tires but cant find anything that is reasonable in cost.
4. source for the rear end/axle parts. I found BMI but would like to shop around a bit.

thanks in advance!

 

[Denny]

BMI, GoKart Supply, MFG Supply, AZUSA, Go Power Sports, The Jungle store (Amazon), the list goes on! Just look for a junk bike and build to suit you!

 

[Master Hack]

Junk Bicycles are a source of forks, and the neck thingy.
Build your own chassis if you have the ability. Some searching should turn up some plans/ideas. then take the ball and run.

 

[NJtrikes]

Thanks all. We are intending to fab the frame with Square/round tube and a welder. I have some learning to do on the welding front, but thats part of the fun!

Some follow up ?s...

Will a BMX sized wheel work or is it worth trying to find a Fat Tire (26x4)? The Fat Trie bikes are much harder to come by used.

For the axle bearings, any preference on Pillow Blocks or Bearing Hangers?

 

[Master Hack]

Will a BMX sized wheel work or is it worth trying to find a Fat Tire (26x4)? The Fat Trie bikes are much harder to come by used.

For the axle bearings, any preference on Pillow Blocks or Bearing Hangers?

Don’t know if l would waste the time and expense on fat tire stuff. I’ve seen plenty with regular bicycle parts.

its your design use whatever fits your needs, ease of fabrication, looks

 

[NJtrikes]

great...that makes things a lot easier!

 

[NJtrikes]

So I ordered the axlekit, wheels and tires but am having a hell of a time mounting the tires on the wheel. I tried and was not successful so took it to a tire shop and they are struggling as well. I watched a bunch a videos and the tires were so much softer. You can stand on the sidewall end the barely budge. Any ideas/tips??

these are the tires
SunF Go-Kart & Kart-Racer Slick Tire 11x7.10-5, 4-Ply, Smooth Tread, Tubeless https://a.co/d/1ZeYM5K

wheels:
5" Douglas Polished Aluminum Wheel
Width x Backspacing: 7.5'' x 3.5'' (DWT705-24)

 

[panchothedog]

You took it to the wrong tire shop. Not all of them have experience with the small rims. You have to ask 1st. I don't do my own, but the shop I go to does them in minuets.

 

[jae_roughneck]

Solar heat,lotsa lube. Go juice, air,and ignite...
I like to rig up to a blow gun so i can control the air easier.
If your tire shop dont know this,find a dirtier one. That seedy shop in the wrong side of town if ya know what i mean...

 

[NJtrikes]

Made some progress this weekend. Got the frame layed out. Lots of grinding and welding to do now. View attachment 143114

 

[Denny]

Just triangulate the area where the 4 points match. Looks good otherwise!

 

[Master Hack]

I'm trying to learn about drift trikes, the grandbrats want one. I've been looking at designs etc. So humor me with an answer to a stupid question:
I see some with foot pegs on the front axle as here. When yer sideways in a deep drift doesn't the wheel rub against which ever leg is on the inside of the turn? Seems to me with the azz end pitched out and the wheel turned to compensate the angle would create a interference point.
So what be the story?

 

[NJtrikes]

Honestly not sure. I have never rode one. I have seen videos of both and both seem to work ok. For this i figure if feet on the wheel pegs goes not work ill add the the bars off frame.

 

[Denny]

Like riding a big wheel! By Kenner!

 

[Master Hack]

if feet on the wheel pegs goes not work ill add the the bars off frame.

Ya have options. I've seen the pegs in both locations. I'm just over analzing and trying to learn.

 

[NJtrikes]

Got the trike done! Needs paint and some upgrades to the brakes and twist throttle but it flys. Got it up to 36mph but it will go faster, just not enough room with bag brakes. Here is a quick clip.

First run on the trike

youtube.com

 

[Denny]

Yay, you didn’t die. I’d call that a success.