Ducati Monster Forum

Which Monster would be able to handle the increased weight of being triked and still be fun to ride?

I'm motivated by this 'Tricati':  http://www.duccutters.com/GaryTompkins-Tricati.tpl (http://www.duccutters.com/GaryTompkins-Tricati.tpl)


More info before yall totally hang me from my toes and send me hate mail...

I'm back in the market again.  Several months ago I was in the market and ended up going the practical route and purchased an SV650.  Two weekends ago I totaled it in an accident that also left me with a couple broken bones in my shoulder.  Needless to say in my healing time I've got a lot on my mind for shopping around but also getting things straight in my head.  My confidence did take a hit in this first wreck (2700ml under my belt).  The upside is I actually feel some relief to have a clean slate.  For full disclosure sake, I ride with only one arm.  My left arm is paralyzed from an accident 11 years ago (lucky it was the one I broke this time around)   [cheeky]  Considering that our riding here in TX isn't twisty as in Japan, being on two-wheels here doesn't ensure the fulfillment of feeling the lean.  I think that "argument" is the only one that opens my mind up for a trike.  Other than that, I still want to be on two wheels.  I'm no quitter, which is what I feel like even considering a trike.   :-\


I do want another Duc in the house again. 

How would you like your death sentence.... chair, injection,  ;D   
Seriously though, I admire your persistence. I think it would cost quite a bit to trike a Duc, but you would have one seriously unique ride.
Does this float your fancy? I saw one parked after a long ride, and was really impressed. I think the newer ones had power steering? Decent cargo room. The only draw back I saw was it has alot of fail safe built in. If you lift the inner wheel in a turn, throttle cuts back, etc... Takes some of the fun out of it, but safety margin goes up. How about painting it Ducati red and powder coat the rims white? Throw a ducati decal on the tank, and your good to go! [wine]
http://www.luxist.com/2007/03/07/bombardier-spyder-roadster/ (http://www.luxist.com/2007/03/07/bombardier-spyder-roadster/)

+1 on a pre-triked bike.  I trust an engineered solution more than a re-engineered one.  Also 106 HP is nothing to sneeze at.
However, if you do convert a bike, I double-dog dare you to do a single-sided swingarm  ;D

Way to stick with it, and I hope you find something that fits for you... [thumbsup]

wow that's call passion... so how did you pull clutch on your sv?

Given your physical condition I think a trike is worth considering. I did a quick search online & came up with the site below. Might be better?

http://www.trikealternative.com/ (http://www.trikealternative.com/)

How about a side car?

Look at Urals with sidecars (Storm Cycles in Grande Prairie is the Texas Ural Dealer).

Look at the T-Rex and the Can-Am Spyder as well.

There is also the GG Quadsters.

Just some cool alternatives I thought I'd throw out. I was all ready to make fun of you for wanting a trike, then I read the bottom paragraph, good idea including that because otherwise people might think you were just some schmo who wanted a trike for trike's sake.

Thanks for not mobbing me right away  ;)


Honestly the idea of a trike didn't seem attractive at first.  I don't like and don't want a gigantic, chromy Lazyboy on wheels.  I think my personality and tastes are more sporty.  I do prefer the sport standard bikes to anything else.  (My first bike was a Japan spec 2001 VTR250; SV was 2nd)

My husband did suggest the trike idea which I think is why I fought it.  "NO!  I will not!"...(just because you suggested it!)  lol  He does keep bringing up the Can Am; I think its butt-ugly and I don't want to be seen on one  :-[   In an practical retort, it is very expensive for what would be a toy.  If DH is willing to spend big bucks on an item I don't want, maybe he'd spend big bucks on an acceptable option I would want.

In an effort to honestly consider my options and be fair, if I didn't like the Can Am, what would I consider instead?  Well, a triked bike that I wanted.  I've seen that Tricati before on a disabled riders forum.  It was cool then, but I didn't realize until I looked at it again that I could enjoy a unique ride like that.  It fulfills the reasonable argument of a trike, and it gets me on a Ducati like I've wanted for l-o-n-g time.  I think I'd be rightly excited about riding that everywhere.  And by myself.  To this day I don't ride alone for safety sake (always with DH).  Contrary to the motorcycling spirit, I'm not truly independent, unlike the rest of me off the bike.  

The more I think about it, the more the idea grows on me to the point of the verge of excitement to get such a project on the road.  If I've done my homework right I *believe* the rear of the Tricati is actually a kit from a company in the UK http://www.netupandgo.com/hankschopshop/kits.html (http://www.netupandgo.com/hankschopshop/kits.html)    At over $5k USD it isn't cheap.  


Re sidecar:  Still in consideration.  My concerns between a trike and sidecar are 'how do they drive compared to each other'.  Since it is me with one arm, "which of the two would be easier to manage at all speeds?" is the only real question I have.  I think sidecars are neat.  Again not wanting a big boat of a rig but I think they are attractive when pretty utilitarian like Ural rigs.  Cool.  Ever been a Ducati sidecar setup???


Re controls:  To ride my bikes I move the controls to the right side.  Front brake over clutch.  The hydraulic clutch of the Ducati does add difficulty to the conversion.  I've seen Durbahn's cable clutch conversion kit.  Even if that isn't what I go with, it has been established that it can be rigged mechanically for cable actuation.


I certainly don't do thing the easy way, do I?  

Easy way:  Trike a Hondamatic
Hard way:  My plans

 [evil]

Re: sidecar = http://www.duccutters.com/Unknown-Sidecar.tpl (http://www.duccutters.com/Unknown-Sidecar.tpl)

 [moto]

I wouldn't bother converting the clutch to cable - the fact that is hydraulic should give you more/easier options for line routing and master cylinder location.  Might need to find a right hand master cylinder that is compatible with the slave.

Couple other Duc conversions:
(http://www.zarcone.it/public/Image/ducati/ducati_monster_quad_01.jpg)

(http://www.duccutters.com/Unknown750Quad/Originals/750Quad-03.jpg)

I thought the outrigger option would provide the fun of leaning with the added safety you're looking for?

The Can-Am spiders are a good option, much more stable than a trike, I'd go Can-Am over trike if I had the option.

I had a customer approach me awhile back to take one of these front suspension / steering systems and work with the vendor (@1hr from myself) to integrate into a S2R800 Monster.  Nothing became of it though due to the economy and his job layoff...

Kneeslider article --> http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/11/20/tilting-v-max-trike-by-tilting-motor-works/ (http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/11/20/tilting-v-max-trike-by-tilting-motor-works/)

Tilting Motor Works --> http://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/ (http://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/)

That seems like a cool option.

Wow, some neat options for sure!  I would have liked to see videos of that tilting front end in normal everyday city stuff.  In and out of parking lots, neighborhood, traffic and general 'living with it' sort of videos.

Part of what makes riding more difficult for me is those uneven intersections, slow crawls in traffic, off-camber parking...I think all those little stresses that are bigger to shorter riders.  What is often suggested as a fix is to lean off the bike or the tiptoeing is easier with more riding experience doesn't work for me.  Reason is because I only have one point of contact on the handle bars which places me in a more precarious position.  It also increases the need for both my feet to be planted on the ground.  I think part of the 'relief' going to the trike is that those types of situations wouldn't require a second thought compared to two wheels.  In a way I don't want to admit those situations are troublesome and stressful but I am poised to leap at the chance of not having those worries so I can just enjoy going into unknown areas.  

I've briefly considered riding track only on two wheels so I can get that fulfillment.  I don't know anything about getting started doing anything related to track riding.  

I still want to be out on the road piloting my own machine which bring me to the trike.


The Can Am is still ugly  [cheeky]   I think there's one at the shop down the road for sale right now.  I saw it on Ebay.  I'm "suppose to" go down and take a look at it to satisfy the Spousal Unit.  Maybe this weekend...  



So, back to my still unanswered original question, anyone have an idea of which size Monster would handle the weight of a trike?  I'll dig ad see what kind of weight would be added but I thought at a minimum an 800cc would be minimum.  Needs to run on the highway.


Thanks for the suggestions gentlemen

Not a Duc, but very sporty  [moto]

http://www.brudelitech.com/ (http://www.brudelitech.com/)

Like me, they're Norwegian. I could talk to them about a Ducati edition [bacon]

2 wheels in front, like the Can-Am, is a superior layout, less likely to tip/flip.

You have a PM.  :)

I'd like to point out that Can-Am and T-Rex, that Brudeli (wow!) and the Piaggio MP3 all do the "trike" in the correct way.

Two in front, one in back.

Doing it the other way is a good way to have an oopsie.

For laughs:
(http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/albums/PiaggioMP3/-9.jpg)

I love the T-Rex but it gets to be more like a car with a bike motor, it's still an open cockpit so it's kind of the same.
(http://www.campagnamotors.com/images/product/trex_14r/03.jpg)

That Brudeli was impressive.

Yeah it was, that was damn cool. :)

The first four wheeler was wicked!
+1 on two in the front one in the back.

Absolutely nothing wrong with triking 1 then 2.  People get into trouble when they ride both trikes & 2-wheelers.  Since this will be your only ride go for it!

Go for something powerful like S4RS because you'll loose a lot of power in translation.  It'll be interesting to see your suicide shifter setup because you'll likely relocate the clutch to your left foot.

Waiting for photos.  [popcorn]

You'll be waiting a while, this is merely the brainstorming stage  ;)  But when it goes, you can be certain photos will abound.

I won't drop the clutch to the foot.  I've learned to ride with it at the throttle.  If I would move anything it would be the front brake.  It would be an option to link the brakes and route it to the foot pedal like normal.  That setup would actually make for a good clean handlebar.  My concern would be having one closed system instead of two.  But I need to review trike brake options for say for certain.

I was just poured a cup of coffee and paused typing this reply.  The question popped into my head.  Is tipping over going to be a big concern in the 1-2 setup?  If so, at what speeds and situations are the most likely to put me into a tip over? 

The ol' Honda Three-Wheelers were notorious for this problem. Then again, they were offroading bikes.

When you turn while moving a quick pace, typically you lean into the turn on a motorcycle. In a car, you feel body-roll to the far side where inertia kept the body from staying with the wheels. Lots of pressure is put on the outside front wheel, and you'll even see the inside wheel come off the ground when people are pushing their cars quite hard.

In a 1-2 trike set up, there's no "outside" front wheel for the pressure to be placed on, thus the bike has the ability to 'topple'. That's why if you are into performance oriented riding, the only way to go is a 2-1 setup. You'll notice that's what all the snazzy go-fast three wheelers featured above have been, from the can-am, to the t-rex to the Brudeli (which looks super bad ass).

death trap = (http://www.coleauctionsinc.com/2006%20Auctions/2006%20July%2020/Honda%20250%203%20Wheeler.jpg)

Food for thought:

2-1: http://www.clevislauzon.qc.ca/Professeurs/Mecanique/ethierp/3-wheels/class3.htm (http://www.clevislauzon.qc.ca/Professeurs/Mecanique/ethierp/3-wheels/class3.htm)

1-2: http://www.clevislauzon.qc.ca/Professeurs/Mecanique/ethierp/3-wheels/class2.htm (http://www.clevislauzon.qc.ca/Professeurs/Mecanique/ethierp/3-wheels/class2.htm)

Insanely fun death trap.

fair enough.


Also check out the youtubes of the T-Rex and Can-Am before thinking "i don't want that", it looks like a boatload of fun to me:
T-Rex
Fifth Gear T-Rex (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38TFetQAe2o&fmt=18#normal)

Can-Am
2010 Can-Am Spyder RT Model Intro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7pZB-nRH00&fmt=18#normal)

GG Quad
GG Quad  "21st Century Motorcycle Evolution" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZT3-yJvUnA&fmt=18#normal)

Do this, except leave the normal foot pegs and the rear tire/drive set-up of the Monster to get a 2-1.  You're then just re-working the front end (the cheaper end) - removing the fork, wheel and brakes and adding a quad-style front end and two wheels.  You could likely find a cheap quad with a blown motor to donate parts.

You could put motorcycle front tires on it instead (maybe?) and keep the inside rotor on each to make it more like the Piaggio and Brudeli.

Thanks ato.  I remember the fun traps...err, death traps  ;D

What I was thinking about is that since I won't be in those twisties anymore simply due to our current geographical location, if the roadways are enough that 2-1 is not necessary and the 1-2 setup would suffice.  Simply due to not having those performance oriented conditions to ride.  

As I thought I mentioned previously, I'm considering the trike simply because one of the arguments I find logical is that we aren't doing twisty riding.  The style up here is more of a traveling style.  If there were twisties, I'd still be staunchly opposed to trike.  I'd accept the risks for the rewards of two wheels.  But since we're not, I'm willing to consider a trike.

With that in mind, what sort of other conditions on the road would put a 1-2 in danger?  I would imagine certainly evasive maneuvers would be a higher risk.  What else should I consider that I'm not seeing now?


For the Spyder, I still have to go look at it.  My DH said he wanted me at the least to go look at it before making a decision.  Doesn't mean I have to like it.  We'll see.  

 :)

Just to throw into the mix....

I definitely prefer the "tadpole" configuration.  I've owned a Tri-Magnum scratch built 3 wheeled vehicle that used two wheels up front, and it was a kick to drive.  As mentioned above, any kind of performance riding would be best with two wheels up front. 

That said....  My dad has been building trikes for years, two wheels in the back.  He now has a small custom Harley shop in Anchorage, AK and is a dealer for a few trike conversion kit manufacturers for those bikes.  Some guys even convert their bikes to trikes for the winter, stud the tires, and ride on ice and snow, then back to two wheels for summer.  There are also plenty of conversions you see running around for Goldwings, etc.  They can be stable for cruising/touring type riding.  Just don't expect to go around corners very fast.  They are not going to topple over just riding around, but will need some extra care, and you can't push them with sporty riding.  Wheelies would be fun though!  [thumbsup]

You *really* want the 2-1 setup if you're going for a 3 wheeler as people mentioned already.

As far as 1-2 being ok for straight roads, I'd suggest that in an emergency situation, you'd definitely want the 2-1 configuration as emergency braking and swerving in traffic could result in issues given the inherent instability in the 1-3 config.

I'd be happy if no one ever made a 1-3 trike again. ;)

can i kill you? [coffee]

Fun with sidecars:
http://anunciautos.com.br/blog/2009/09/side-cars-para-motos-todos-modelos-imaginaveis-e-inimaginaveis/ (http://anunciautos.com.br/blog/2009/09/side-cars-para-motos-todos-modelos-imaginaveis-e-inimaginaveis/)

 :)

Shorts,

FWIW, I was talking with a gal riding a Can-Am one day at our gas/coffee stop. She said the steering effort was VERY high on it. Worse at slower speeds obviously but effort filled all the time. She liked it a lot cuz she wasn't confident on a bike for various reasons but stated the steering was a bummer for her. I would see this translating to all platforms similar to the Can-Am. I would highly suggest a test ride if you think about going down that road (pun intended  ;D)...

YMMV...

lol  Thanks guys.


I'm PMing a couple Can Am riders to get their perspective on it.  I've received one reply so far.  She loved it.  She did state it rode like 4wheeler, and it was smooth and fun.  Also her entry into being on the road in traffic as she's now moved to a bike.  She didn't own it long because it was in the shop a lot and the dealer support was poor.  I know bugs are almost given in an new model making a debut.  Something to bear in mind but not harp on.

I'm familiar with riding 4wheelers and I can see how the low speed/no speed sort of maneuvering can take a bit more effort.  Dad taught me the key to get easy turning is to have the machine moving even just a little bit.  Every time  try otherwise, especially one-armed, there's a difference.




Oh, the truck just picked up my SV.  I'm not sure what I'm feeling about it, a mix of thoughts though.  Part of me says 'what a waste'.  Another is a bit relieved, like after you go to funeral and things are 'ok'.  A tiny voice still questions if I should be doing this (motorcycles).  Another says 'let's go look at bikes!'  <sigh>  Still got to work the bugs out.  All in good time I hope.

2-1 has far better stopping ability as well.

The Brudeli-style is the way to go in my opinion.

It will give the lean experience of true 2-wheel riding while giving the security of the 3rd wheel.

Excellent point. And, as others have pointed out, the emergency situation is the one to prepare for rather than the long straight road situation.  In that case the 2-1 is a better idea by far and in the straight road situation they're a wash. 

Braking hard and steering away from an obstacle and hard fast curves are where the 1-2 fails miserably.

Also turning period on down hills, it just rolls over crushing whoever was riding it. At least, that's pretty much why you can't buy an offroad (or even on-road) one anymore, and would have to build it yourself.

I just ran to the post office and I ended swinging by the dealership.  Had a used S2R 1000.  Not the one I was expecting to see, they had just sold the 800.  But I climbed around on it no less.

That added nothing relevant to the  conversation.  Just wanted to say I sat on it and liked it as soon as I stood it up off the stand.  [thumbsup]



I like the Brudeli design better than the Can Am.  And not particularly for the lean capability, but that it is not as bulky as the Can Am seems to be.  

Now I'm probably asking a really dumb question, especially to you engineers (I'm a jock, BS Health and Fitness  ;D) but how does the Brudeli stay upright when it's stopped but still retains he ability to lean?  

Without looking at it closely, I would assume its done by the springing.

My guess is there's a locking pin feature, much like a steering lock.

i took a close look at the front suspension. there are 3 springs up front i think. 2 for the independent suspension and one to center the lean

I'd be up for a sporty 2-1 front end.  I like how that quad in the earlier pics stands. It just looks nimble and uncluttered.  Doesn't look big and heavy.

I just realized I'm basing things off looks and I didn't think I was this shallow.  :-\  

Agreed, even with no twisties sometimes to have to react quickly and veer the cycle out of the way. I you veer a 1-2 out of the way it will pitch you directly into what you are trying to avoid. The 2-1 is simply a more stable platform, thus safer. And yes the ol Honda 3 wheelers were a ball. I wouldn't want to ride one on the street at 60mph though.

What?!!! Not on a Ducati Monster forum... say it ain't so!!!  [laugh]

That's why you really ought to give the can-am a fair shake, its pretty neat.

There's a video of a GG Quadster at Deal's Gap on Youtube that looks really slick. I genuinely think that I would like to have one of those in the stable along with the rest, boys and their toys and all that.

My work shares a parking lot with a moto dealership. They sell Can-Ams there. They are pretty sweet and sound nasty with an aftermarket exhaust, and seem to move pretty well too.

 ;D




ato, I want to have my cake and eat it too I guess.  I want to be on a machine I want to be on.

As I've stated several times already. I have to go look at the Can Am.  Doesn't stop me from asking questions and brainstorming over any and all options.

Re: the get up and go of the Spyder, That's what I've seen as well.

With the GG, they have one that's got a BMW boxer engine in it I believe.

Hey Shorts! Good to see you over here on the Monster forum. I don't get over to the disabled riders forum very often since it has been blocked by the Internet filters at work....

Don't go the trike route! Get a Mana or the new for 2010 Mana GT with 1/2 fairing, headlight fairing, and optional pannier! No mods necessary for the clutch.  [thumbsup]

If you must go with a trike, the traditional trikes with one wheel in front and two in the rear will be OK in your area, but in the mountain twisties they are no fun. I've spoke with several owners with the Harley converted trikes and the Boss Hoss models, and they say that the front can get pushed even with the wheel turned....and it is not a good feeling. We have a buddy who recently got a Can-Am Spyder and her really likes it. He mainly got it because he's quite large and both of his knees are shot.

For some interesting one-armed riders....

Jason Griffin, 2006 AMA Sportsman of the Year (p. 24) - http://motorcyclelifestylemagazine.com/images/magazine/Spring2008.pdf (http://motorcyclelifestylemagazine.com/images/magazine/Spring2008.pdf)

P.24 - http://usdesmo.com/leanings/Leanings_2006_3_Fall.pdf (http://usdesmo.com/leanings/Leanings_2006_3_Fall.pdf)

Hey Shorts,

I seem to be the only supportive one here on your dreams.  Reason is my cousin was a passenger in a car accident and has some similar physical challenges as a result.  He has been building and riding trikes since the '70's without incident.  The 1-2 ATV's were doomed by having a very narrow rear wheel base for the "sport" aspect of it.  Most rollovers occurred in a downhill turn.  I have firsthand experience with the legal aspects as I was once an expert witness in a fatal accident on a beach involving an ATV.

Street trikes are far more stable due to a much wider rear axle.  Keep the center of gravity low and you will have a decent machine that will yes have limitations.  Remember people die in Volvos too.

Regarding the brake setup IIRC one or more of my cousin's bikes didn't even have front brakes.  You carry a significant amount of weight and contact patch in the rear so the rear becomes your primary brake.

As far as the monster goes the Ducati frame (or lack thereof) is going to give you some challenges for the trike conversion.  But if you can figure how to maintain and extend the trellis frame throughout the project you'll have one  pregnant dogin trike!

I was also going to suggest the mana. It doesn't have a clutch.

Go ahead and toot your own horn, but I think most people here are quite supportive of Shorts riding, but were advocating a different set up for safety and performance reasons. You could make a 2-1 Ducati trike which would have your 'uniqueness' factor, as well as the safer handling and vastly superior braking.

Hi Desmo!  I was just looking at your avatar pic again on DRA.  I stopped in to say a few words and poke around.  Glad to see you.  I'll swing by the Aprilia/Triumph shop again (right next door to the one with the Can Am), they do have Manas there and might have that new one (swanky!).  I hadn't seen it yet.  I have sat on them before, both at that particular shop and in AU when we were on vacation in '08.  I was disappointed in what I found though.  The bike was neat, but for the market they said they were targeting (first time riders, shorter riders, ladies, us tripods), the size of the bike was on the big side.  It was a hefty sucker and was wide.  I was on tiptoes.  But, that said, I have pondered a triked Mana and hoped for Aprilia to address the above cons to the model.  I'm a fool for Vtwin as you might recall and you know I love Monsters.  I will go take a look at the '10 Mana GT  [thumbsup]

Rufkm, you addressed the width of the rear.  I was wondering if there was a general rule of thumb to calculate the length & width; basically the geometry that yields acceptable handling & riding characteristics.


Guys, let's not get into a scuffle over inputs.  I appreciate the suggestions and it's how projects get their legs.  I would ask though that we don't veer too far into a "what motorcycle can Shorts ride" thread.  I started riding in '06 and have taken MSF on my first motorcycle that I converted to twin levers then.


A couple variables have been on my mind when considering a 2-1 or 1-2.  For practical purposes, what kind of difficulty are faced between building each design?  Parts availability?  Maintenance expectations?  

Changing to 2-1 doesn't seem to be that trouble some, its some welding to be done to graft a 4 wheeler's front end to the bike, but that will give you the suspension, steering, etc etc

Mod it to use 3 spoke brembo wheels (the oem front wheels) and it'll look very trick

Here are some pics of one I saw a few years ago:
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1292/815035330_8e53ac0419.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1043/814150097_dc3f5b2924.jpg)
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1093/815031390_01b98172a6.jpg)

ato, that seems pretty smart.  Using an existing model sorts out parts availability and design.  Is the width of the front of a 2-1 of any concern?  Will a certain proportion be more advantageous for handling? 


MM, that thing is cool.  Street legal?

The wider you make it, the more stable it will be, but any quad front should be wide enough.  The yellow one above looks like a good width.

As to your maintainence question - most of the bike would still be a regular Monster.  The front should be simple to maintain - just regular brake, suspension and tire wear.
Someone should have suggested this two pages ago  ;)

What kind of braking proportions would I be facing with a 2-1?


Yes, totally should have been suggested earlier (though I did say 'duh' when I read it).  Made a daunting challenge pretty frikken' reasonable  [clap]

(I don't expect my ideas to be easy but the ones that seem out there can be brought a little closer)


Growing legs already


Edit:  actually DCXCV did say it.  I totally missed it.  Someone squirt me with the spray bottle if I get out of hand again  [beer]

The braking system could be pretty much unchanged.
Using one caliper and rotor on each front wheel is pretty much the same as the 2 calipers and rotors on the front of a Monster.

Depending on what front tires and wheels are used will have some effect on it, as the caliper/rotor have to fit inside the wheel, and the tire may be a different diameter.

Not a huge deal at all to get it done right.

I was just about to ask about tire/wheel combos.  Having faced similar concerns when swapping rims/tires and lift kits on my trucks, I understand that entails.  Like you said not a big deal to get it done.


Would I be safe in considering a fully repaired & running salvage title bike?  Or would this come into play when insuring the trike?  I only ask because I've seen a few used one for sale.  Obviously a thorough exam would be necessary before deciding to take a salvage title bike home. 

Otherwise my course of action is to shop around like I normally would for a good bike, good price.

Yeah, it was plated, but in Italy.  ;)  Over there quads are allowed on the street.  But I suspect you could probably get it plated here, unlike a Yamaha dirt quad.

You guys have been a ton of help - thank you for humoring me on this.  Looks like I have a realistic project that would be incredible when complete.   [beer]


I've had my mind cloudy since the get off and this has lifted my spirits quite a bit.

Not sure what the rules are regarding salvage-title bikes in your state.

Assuming it's got registration when you buy it, I don't think the salvage title makes any difference.
I think it's standard procedure for some kind of official inspection when re-registering after a bike gets a salvage title.

AFAIK, you can't plate a quad in the US.
It's got 4 wheels, so as far as the DMV is concerned, it's a car.
But it lacks a few things to be legal as a car.
No FHE, so YMMV.....

There are a bunch of them in AZ, but we hardly have any rules at all... more of a state specific thing.  And if it's made out of a street legal motor I would think that gets you over some of the biggest hurdles.

+1, and haha

In CA you could technically register any trike/quad as an experimental motorcycle. It would be up to the refferee to determine if it is road worthy. No FHE with that, but I have dealt with the refferee with a kit car.

As stated previously, it all depends on your state's laws. I have heard that some states are much more forgiving than others for vehicles with salvage or certificate for destruction titles. You'll definitely want to check with your local DMV to find out. If they allow salvage titled bikes but require an inspection, you would probably be best off to leave the bike in stock form....

Modifying the bike into a trike or a quad will probably also differ by state. I believe some states go according to number of wheels and others will go strictly by the title. A Ducati is a motorcycle via its title, whether it has two wheels or 18. Some states do not have a different way to title a vehicle if you change its number of wheels, so......you may be able to get a Monster, transfer the title as you would anything else, modify it, and then go about your merry way without any issues. You may have to look into your state's operator licensing, though....

In South Carolina, they just recently added a new endorsement for trike rides because of the popularity of them. To my understanding, there is no "grandfathering" of the licensing, either. South Carolina recognizes trike (and motorcycles with side cars) to be different from motorcycles, so they have developed a new test for trike riders. If a person has ridden with a sidecar for 30 years on a motorcycle license, they need to get the trike endorsement or run the risk of a ticket.

If you want to do a front end conversion of a Monster, watch craigslist for an older quad ATV. I've seen several that were complete, but with a blown engine for a lower cost than it would take for you to get the parts you need off of eBay. Using an existing ATV front end will probably make a conversion a whole lot easier. The largest issue will be grafting the front subframe to the Monster's frame. Modifying the rear as a trike may not be too overly difficult, and you may be able to use to use the stock swingarm without any modification if you make adapters and other components.

Wish you luck with the potential project.

The whole thing sounds like a fun project to me, either way you decide to go.