Planned build in central Cali

[XLerate]

Hi folks!

Just a note to say hi & chat about a build in progress. I'm a diesel nut & drive an old '67 Dodge Town Wagon truck I converted to Cummins 4BT - NV4500 5 spd in 2WD. Conversion about 5 years old, been driving the truck for 34 years.

Also have the subject of build: '96 Kawasaki KZ1000P-15, a 'cop bike' same as was seen in television series CHIPS. In very good shape except some engine stuff, parts are way too expensive to bother with it. Plus, it ain't diesel so it ain't [fill in the blank]!

I got hurt & have balance problems etc. so I'm going to convert bike to trike. Scratched out a design for IRS, chain drive rear, simple & efficient. Planning on fabbing up a large fiberglass & aluminum box on back, like the old 'Meter Maid' police traffic bikes we used to see here, those were Harley 45's. Also make it high enough to add a low padded backrest for extra support on long trips. Plenty of room for camp gear too! Also a fuel tank in front of box, maybe 5 gallon or more, plus auto type battery.

Figuring on using the Daihatsu 3 cylinder turbo diesel now sold by Briggs & Stratton. I can get one new for $2,500 delivered, hard to beat and a pretty reliable engine from what I've seen. These also used in Kawasaki Mule ATV's. Using modified Suzuki GS550-E engine made into a 6 speed gearbox. Once built the 'gearbox' can mount sort of upright, front facing up, to take minimum space, all chain drive. Self contained clutch plus auxiliary starter.

So that's my story & I'm sticking to it! I'll surely post for much advice as time goes on, starting with my 'gearbox' question that went up tonite. Thanks for a nice website that's a great resource for sick minds wanting to do strange stuff with stinky diesels & old bikes!

XLerate

[coachgeo]

sounds great. look forward to more info on your tranny configuration

[XLerate]

Thanks for the welcome, Coach!

Just some further info, knowing guys on this board are from all over this spinning world: the old Harley 'Meter Maid' bikes I mentioned were called Harley Davidson ServiCar. My plan is for a slightly wider box on back. I always like the funky looks of them, just too cool & retro:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/servicar/

And the current bike I have is about the same as the ones at link:

http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Kawasaki ... otorcycles

Frame will probably get stretched a good bit. Hopefully it will be a good cruising & trip bike with the diesel rattling its merry heart.

Thanks!
XL

[coachgeo]

being Devils advocate here, no offense meant.

Go find a Diesel zero turn mower or tractor to sit on and ride around slowly. Experiment with it... especially when your tired. Reason say that is about your balance...... not aware of the reasons why yours has diminished.... just check out to see if being in a state of vibration from a diesel powered rig be it bike or trike might make it even worse (sensory overload?)

Besides that... sounds like a great project.

[XLerate]

Thanks again Coach!

No offense at all, that's good advice, thanks!!

My 'hurt' was a real bad toxic chemical exposure, did serious damage pretty much from head to toe, always something new. Occasionally, only every now & then thank God, my balance goes goofy. But ya know, that's all it takes with a bike, no second chances... Already had one nasty bike wreck 40+ years ago, that's enough for me hah!

Vibration I'm okay. My regular ride is a Cummins 4BTA powered Dodge truck that has serious vibration coninually, more than it ought to matter of fact. Motor mounts were old hard rubber pieces from a 360 I had laying around, same with trans mounts on the NV4500. Anyway, that doesn't seem to affect me. Also I need a trike layout to carry gear, plus need to carry oxy bottles just in case, takes up some room.

I use a little Honda ATC110 3 wheeler I built to get around the hills here, works fine, haven't fell off yet anyway ha! Closest town is over a couple of mountains, quite a ways away. Trike would be great for grocery runs, plus planning to use it for touring so lots of room for gear. Finally, I've always liked those old Harley police trikes, and this Kawi is a Police model bike, so...?

Thanks,
XL

ps: All you guys please listen up! Though mine was an industrial chemical 'Accident' > > > PLEASE: ALWAYS READ THE 'MSDS' OR HAZARD INFO WHEN USING CHEMICALS & SOLVENTS!! All it takes is one mistake & your whole life can be suddenly changed, or dramatically ended in a flash...
Thanks