CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

for those of you that have M.B.S. (multiple bike syndrome) and have the "silver wing" models.
as our sponsors also have supplies for those bikes and they are popular with the "wing" crowd.

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ole496
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#31

Post by ole496 »

Wow, that is a really cool project bike! I don't think I've seen a police trike project yet on here so you have my full attention. By the way, kudos to the guy who rebuilt those carbs, they look amazing. How do you think he got them to shine like that, maybe soda blasting or vibratory tumbler?
1976 GL1000 "Double Nature" https://youtu.be/IK0YS2uuZtc
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#32

Post by scootsx2 »

Toehead wrote:Sounds good!

Have you checked/adjusted the cam chain tensioner yet?
No, I was just working on getting the engine running. I will get to the chain tensioner, valve adjustment and related stuff in due time. Tuneup work is premature at this point. There is a lot more to do just to get this machine safe and roadworthy.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

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Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#33

Post by scootsx2 »

ole496 wrote:... By the way, kudos to the guy who rebuilt those carbs, they look amazing. How do you think he got them to shine like that, maybe soda blasting or vibratory tumbler?
The carbs were rebuilt by Larry Cargill who wrote "Larry's Guide to Rebuilding the Keihin CX/GL Carburetors". I know he used an ultrasonic cleaner a lot but don't know how the metal was polished. He worked magic on these carbs.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#34

Post by ole496 »

Magic is right, they look awesome. I'll keep him in mind if I ever need something done.
1976 GL1000 "Double Nature" https://youtu.be/IK0YS2uuZtc
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. -Thomas Edison
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#35

Post by scootsx2 »

The brake caliper on this beast is horrendously corroded. I am in need of a complete rebuildable left front brake caliper for a 1982 CX500 C. If you have one available, please contact me.

Noel Moss
scootsx2 (at) ameripost.com
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#36

Post by sunnbobb »

can you post a pic, im thinking the caliper may be the same as a wing?
I found the end of the internet

---- Bradshaw Bikes custom polishing for your wing. Visit us on facebook!

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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#37

Post by scootsx2 »

sunnbobb wrote:can you post a pic, im thinking the caliper may be the same as a wing?
I found a used, rebuildable caliper at a motorcycle salvage yard across the state from me. It should arrive in a couple of days.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#38

Post by scootsx2 »

I drained the coolant, pulled the thermostat housing, crossover pipes and the radiator. The coolant had gritty crap in it, perhaps silicates that precipitated out of the antifreeze. Lots of sludge drained out of the radiator as well. The thermostat was frozen closed with accumulated crud. One of the O-rings where a crossover pipe connects to the right cylinder was pertrified - no kidding. One of the crossover tubes is literally fused into the thermostat housing and I am unable to get it out. So... a good used thermostat housing is on its way courtesy of Ebay.

The radiator... what can I say. When I finally managed to free up the drain fitting, I had to poke a wire up inside to get through all the sediment in the bottom of the radiator. I took the radiator to the same industrial radiator shop that worked magic on the fuel tank for a thorough cleaning. They called today to inform me that it leaked like a sieve after they boiled it out. Apparently the sediment and assorted crap trapped inside was plugging the leaks so I gave them the go ahead to recore the radiator. I figure that if I pick up a used radiator there is a reasonable chance that it will need work too and this way I end up with what is effectively a new radiator.

All this makes me worry about the water pump. I wasn't planning to pull the engine at this time but it may end up having to be done.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#39

Post by Toehead »

You can use Shep's method to replace the mechanical seal. I've have very good luck with it. No need to pull the motor unless you also want to do the chain tensioner and stator.
2012 Golf TDI, fast and frugal oil burner
1980 CX500C, All around road warrior (Sold)
1975 TS125 (Sold), old smoker
1977 naked GL1000, Highway cruiser
'81 GL1100 14,000 (reconditioned and sold)
'81 GL1100 50,000 miles (under construction)
2X 1981 CM400 beginner bike (sold)
1980 CB750C (sold)
1994 Virago 750 (Wifey's bike)
'76 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow (Megasquirted efi build) http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=59774
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#40

Post by scootsx2 »

Toehead wrote:You can use Shep's method to replace the mechanical seal. I've have very good luck with it. No need to pull the motor unless you also want to do the chain tensioner and stator.
What is Shep's method and where can I find documentation about it?
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#41

Post by Toehead »

Instead of pulling the motor to replace the mechanical seal, you replace the "guts" of the seal in the frame.

I've done it on 2 bikes and I am 2 for 2 for it working. I've never had a leak.

I did screw up the replacement seal the first time, so if they are cheap enough you might want to order 2.

http://www.pdsrecording.site90.com/cxgl500/Mseal.html
2012 Golf TDI, fast and frugal oil burner
1980 CX500C, All around road warrior (Sold)
1975 TS125 (Sold), old smoker
1977 naked GL1000, Highway cruiser
'81 GL1100 14,000 (reconditioned and sold)
'81 GL1100 50,000 miles (under construction)
2X 1981 CM400 beginner bike (sold)
1980 CB750C (sold)
1994 Virago 750 (Wifey's bike)
'76 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow (Megasquirted efi build) http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=59774
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#42

Post by scootsx2 »

Thanks for the info.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#43

Post by scootsx2 »

I got the trike up on jack stands so I can pull the wheels and fork tubes and work on the brakes. Then spent the afternoon thoroughly flushing out the water passages with a garden hose opened up wide. Even though I had previously drained the cooling system (I finally found the drain screw on the right cylinder), there was a surprisingly large amount of sediment and assorted crap that still flushed out. Based on the water flow, I am 99.9% sure all the water passages, including the water pump housing, are open and clear. The replacement thermostat housing arrived to replace the corroded original, as did all the water connection O-rings and a NOS radiator cap. The old cap was a corroded horror show. I expect the radiator to be back from the shop in a couple of weeks. In the meantime I will pull the fork tubes and take them to a local shop for new seals and whatever else they may require. The front brake disk will go off to TrueDisk in Michigan for grinding and drilling. Still waiting for the rebuildable front caliper to arrive from the salvage yard.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#44

Post by scootsx2 »

The thermostat housing has been reinstalled with new o-rings and a new thermostat. Just waiting on the radiator to come back from being rebuilt.
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I pulled the front wheel and fork tubes. I was surprised at how easily the fork tubes came out of the triple tree. It's about the only place I didn't encounter corrosion. On the downside however, when the fork tubes were fully extended I spotted some tiny pits on the surface of the inner fork tubes. I will take them over to the shop at Donelson Cycles to be rebuilt. I don't know if the inner fork tubes are salvageable or if new tubes will need to be sourced from Frank's Forks http://franksforks.com/

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1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
User avatar
scootsx2
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Re: CX500 / Trident Police Trike Rebuild

#45

Post by scootsx2 »

It turns out that the inner fork tubes are crap due to corrosion from lousy storage by the PO. New fork tubes are being sourced from Forking by Frank up in the Chicago area.

I removed the front brake rotor last night and after cleaning it up I'll send it off to TrueDisk for grinding and drilling. The rotor's retaining bolts were severely corroded but I have already obtained replacement bolts for reassembly. While the rotor is out being worked on, I'll replace the front wheel bearings. The front wheel itself looks to be in pretty good condition and it doesn't exhibit any wobble when spun on its axle.

Let all these corrosion issues I have encountered be a lesson that bikes need to be stored properly.
1975 GL1000 Sidecar Outfit
1982 CX500-based Trident ex-Police Trike
2001 GL1800 MotorTrike
2006 Vespa LX150
1956 Francis-Barnett Falcon 74
195x Solex 1700
196x Solex 2200

St. Louis, MO

The dude abides.

Brothers of the Third Wheel - Gateway Chapter http://www.btw-trikers.org
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club http://www.vjmc.org
Francis-Barnett Owners Club http://www.francis-barnett.co.uk/
Antique Motorcycle Club of America http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/
Vintage Motor Cycle Club http://www.vmcc.net
British Motorcycle Charitable Trust http://www.bmct.org/
VeloSolex Club UK http://www.velosolexclubuk.com/
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