How interchangable are frames from the '80s big Honda trikes?

[bobotech]

I am talking about the 185/200 series models, the Big Reds, the 200m, the 185, etc. Not the 200x or the 250r.

I have a 1982 185 that I wonder if I could replace the frame with one from a 1985 200M?

And at minimum, are parts like the rear axles interchangeable?

[atctim]

you can pretty much swap motors from any of the hardtails (except shaft drive 84 Big Red). However - plastics won't fit if you are looking to swap plastics off your 185s. Rear ends are pretty specific per machine. In other words - no other machine will be a direct swap over without some kind of modifications - except of coarse another 185S frame. They made them from 81 - 83.

[EarlyBronocGuy]

you can pretty much swap motors from any of the hardtails (except shaft drive 84 Big Red). However - plastics won't fit if you are looking to swap plastics off your 185s. Rear ends are pretty specific per machine. In other words - no other machine will be a direct swap over without some kind of modifications - except of coarse another 185S frame. They made them from 81 - 83.

Yep, the engine cradle (center part of the frame) on most of them are very similiar in size, shape, and mounting holes, it's things like headset length, gas tank rear mounting, and seat/rear plastics mounting that are different. The trikes with electric start (200m, etc), have a dimple in the front down tube to clear the starter.

[bobotech]

Well the thing is that my 185 has zero usable plastics and a slightly abused frame. That was why I was thinking of using the 200M frame instead.

What about front fork interchange? Can pretty much all the hard tail forks swap around?

[dickieg89]

Doesn't the M have a battery box? Would that get in the way of any of the other stuff?

[AutoXer]

use a 200x frame and gain suspension