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Post by texomaev on Jan 13, 2013 6:14:09 GMT -5
Just got my new "DF300TKB" home. Now looking forward to working on tweaking it into a safe/fun ride. Anyone with the same Trike, or similar who can shed some light on the alignment of the front end, or other safety/handling issues please post. I have started a photo set of this Trike on my Flickr account, and will consistently add photos/video as time goes by: www.flickr.com/photos/mbarkley/sets/72157632501957931/Thanks in advance. |
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Post by texomaev on Jan 13, 2013 14:55:35 GMT -5
How does one go, adjusting the carb on these things (first how do you even get to the carb, as I can't even see the engine)? It's 32F outside, the trike will start and idle, but dies when you give it any throttle at all.
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Post by spandi on Jan 13, 2013 15:00:38 GMT -5
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Post by texomaev on Jan 13, 2013 17:17:04 GMT -5
Thanks so much - That is an outstanding procedure. Learned a lot from reading it. Now to get started on my own PDI. I was told the shop manager did the PDI already, but I've already found loose bolts, cables, etc. You want it done right, do it yourself, I guess....  |
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Post by texomaev on Jan 14, 2013 0:10:08 GMT -5
Initial inspection, it looks like either the rear tire or wheel is out-of-round. Is there a franchise that does tire truing, shaving, etc ? I will attempt to get a video of the wheel turning when it warms up a bit outside.
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Post by texomaev on Jan 14, 2013 0:42:16 GMT -5
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Post by amac1680 on Jan 14, 2013 7:31:12 GMT -5
Front end Toe-in. Until you get that right the thing will be a bit unpredictable at any speed.
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new2scootn
Junior Dawg
This trike you fly!!!
Posts: 9
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Post by new2scootn on Jan 19, 2013 8:46:02 GMT -5
Glad you're doing your own PDI--you NEVER want to rely on the dealers PDI on one of these things. I have the same RT and the first thing I did when I got her was strip her down naked. I would highly recommend you do the same... about the only way you can properly see/get to everything is to get all those body panels off. Not fun but saved me a lot of potential nightmares. Lets you see how things work and where certain components are too. By the way, just looking at your pics I would check those front brakes lines to make sure they're not rubbin' on the front wheels on full lock turns(and full tilt both ways). Those spring protectors on them wont save them from that. As for wheel alignment I'm still messin' with that. Originally I thought that a perfectly parallel set up would be the best since this thing tilts. Now I'm not so sure. I get a vibration/oscillation at times that's usually brought on by hard braking(no the rotors aren't warped). I think it's because the front end "squats" on hard braking and changes the alignment geometry(probably forces a little toe out), so I'm gonna try tweakin' a little toe in into the mix. It's winter and nasty here in Pa(and I've got the flu) so it's gonna be a little while before I can find some motivation! Good luck with yours!
Oh yeah, almost forgot. You might wanna check with your dealer or with Sunny to see if yours was built with the new style "improved" motor mount with upgraded bushings as this is apparently a weak link and could lead to well let's just say trouble.(A friend with a 2011 model on another forum had his fail while riding and almost didn't make it back to tell the tale. Mine is a 2012 model but still has the old style-I've removed it to check and mine's ok at this time but I'm gonna fight for the upgraded part(if wasn't a Chinese trike this would be a recall).
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Post by danno711 on Jan 19, 2013 8:57:23 GMT -5
Can I ask you where you got your trailer? Did you build it yourself? You obviously customized it.  Thanks |
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Post by amac1680 on Jan 19, 2013 9:16:24 GMT -5
Can I ask you where you got your trailer? Did you build it yourself? You obviously customized it. Thanks That looks like a converted boat trailer to me. Great idea ! Be Big, AMAC |
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Post by spandi on Jan 19, 2013 9:34:07 GMT -5
Thanks so much - That is an outstanding procedure. Learned a lot from reading it. Now to get started on my own PDI. I was told the shop manager did the PDI already, but I've already found loose bolts, cables, etc. You want it done right, do it yourself, I guess.... Glad I could be of help. Doing your own PDI and not trusting in the spiel the dealer gives you is the only way to go. |
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Post by texomaev on Jan 19, 2013 21:37:56 GMT -5
Can I ask you where you got your trailer? Did you build it yourself? You obviously customized it. Thanks Yes, It is an old boat trailer, with the neck cut down, and merely a sheet of wafer board sealed for a temporary deck. It comes in handy, as it's very light, and my Prius has no problem pulling it. |
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Post by texomaev on Jan 19, 2013 21:39:36 GMT -5
Glad you're doing your own PDI--you NEVER want to rely on the dealers PDI on one of these things. I have the same RT and the first thing I did when I got her was strip her down naked. I would highly recommend you do the same... about the only way you can properly see/get to everything is to get all those body panels off. Not fun but saved me a lot of potential nightmares. Lets you see how things work and where certain components are too. By the way, just looking at your pics I would check those front brakes lines to make sure they're not rubbin' on the front wheels on full lock turns(and full tilt both ways). Those spring protectors on them wont save them from that. As for wheel alignment I'm still messin' with that. Originally I thought that a perfectly parallel set up would be the best since this thing tilts. Now I'm not so sure. I get a vibration/oscillation at times that's usually brought on by hard braking(no the rotors aren't warped). I think it's because the front end "squats" on hard braking and changes the alignment geometry(probably forces a little toe out), so I'm gonna try tweakin' a little toe in into the mix. It's winter and nasty here in Pa(and I've got the flu) so it's gonna be a little while before I can find some motivation! Good luck with yours! Oh yeah, almost forgot. You might wanna check with your dealer or with Sunny to see if yours was built with the new style "improved" motor mount with upgraded bushings as this is apparently a weak link and could lead to well let's just say trouble.(A friend with a 2011 model on another forum had his fail while riding and almost didn't make it back to tell the tale. Mine is a 2012 model but still has the old style-I've removed it to check and mine's ok at this time but I'm gonna fight for the upgraded part(if wasn't a Chinese trike this would be a recall). Get well soon, Thanks for the heads up on the engine mount, mine was made June 2012. |
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Post by texomaev on Jan 19, 2013 21:41:38 GMT -5
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Post by texomaev on Jan 20, 2013 16:28:30 GMT -5
I noticed the shocks were adjustable and at the lowest setting. I raised it up to the next highest, and wow what a difference that made along with lowering the tire pressure to 20psi. Rides much closer to a two wheeler now with regards to leaning into turns. 10 psi was to low, bounced a lot. 30 psi bounced a lot as well. 20 psi seems to be the sweet spot with the out of round tires on the front. I think once these are replaced, I won't have anymore issues with regards to driving at highway speed. Only other thing, I might look into is installing aftermarket steering dampeners just to make potholes not so scary.
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Post by sarge707 on Jan 20, 2013 22:07:38 GMT -5
God Be with You__ I had a 150 Sunny and it was a Death Trap? No I,m still alive BUT it was one thing after another?? Keep your hopes positive!! Maybe you will have better Luck??
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Post by texomaev on Feb 10, 2013 2:15:44 GMT -5
Installed steering dampers, and just yesterday, air shocks. The dampers took out a lot of the vibration in the steering, now hopefully I can adjust the stiffness of the air shocks to keep from having to lean from side to side so frequent in order to keep the trike upright, and lower the effects of crosswinds, yet still be able to lean into turns. Photos/videos at: www.flickr.com/photos/mbarkley/sets/72157632501957931/ |
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Post by texomaev on Feb 19, 2013 22:55:11 GMT -5
Getting the wheels aligned better and better, maxed out the air shocks, and with the steering dampers, was able to keep the Trike on the road with 40 mph cross wind gusts while running at 50 mph, which was the speed limit on the stretch of highway I was traveling at that time. Praying the rain dwindles out by this weekend, and warms up for more test/drive time. On another note, I changed the oil on the Trike with this nice, no fuss - no muss vacuum oil siphon: www.flickr.com/photos/mbarkley/8483599941/in/photostream |
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