blaster for 84 tecate should I?

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Dont the 84 tecates have the fat front tire, and the radiator on the triple trees? I dont really like the way they look, can the front end be converted to an 86/87 or should I just wait and see if I can find a later year tecate or tri-z that someone wants to trade me?

[Yamaha_Rules69]

Yeah, the 84/85's have the fat front tire, and the radiator mounted above the forks. I own an 84 tecate, and let me tell you, it is one hell of a ride. They are so fast, and there is nothing else like them. It is pretty hard to find a good deal on the later model tecate's, but if you could find one over the 84/85, I would go for it. Otherwise, like you said, you can always convert the front end and have the skinny tire. Either way, it is an awsome machine in my opinion. -D

[Tri-Z Pilot]

How is the handling, does it have a powervalve, is it a top end machine?

[350Xccelerator]

theres some guy on here that wants to trade a sick atc250r for a blaster, check in the classifieds.

[Jeb]

How is the handling, does it have a powervalve, is it a top end machine?

Mine handled great. It had a +2 swingarm, a wider axle, and low profile rear tires. IN MY OPINION, it was a much better handler than my Tri-Z with the same type of rear-end (+2 swingarm, hub spacers, & lo-pro tires). In stock condition I feel the 84/85s are a little short in the swingarm area and a little narrow. If it has the stock 22" rears the first mod I would make is to chunk the tires and replace with a set of flatter profile 20" rears, even if I had to switch to 8" rims(requires hub change on 85).

84/85 KXTs do not have powervalves.

Yes, 84/85 motor is a top end motor.

[Tri-Z Pilot]

What about the front end, I dont think that fat tire would do as good as the skinny ones, although I could be wrong. I like the way the 86/87 gas tanks look, you know with those sweet lookin radiator scoops, can you put them on the 84/85? Is the power of the 84/85 more straight forward like a kick in the nuts since it does not have a powervalve?

[Jeb]

The fat tire does it's job very well in my opinion. I've heard people complain about fork flex because of the smallish 84/85 forks.

Most peoples problems with 84/85 front end is the simply the LOOKS of the front tire. Put 20s or 18s on the rear and it really improves the looks. I've also read on here of guys using Mojave front rims for a skinnier, taller tire. That will only work on the 85 due to front wheel bolt pattern. Dont know what would work on the 84. I've never tried it. I always appreciated the front for what it was and never had a problem with its function. Like I said before, smaller rear tires give it a much sportier appearance.

You can do anything to these trikes for the right amount of time and money. But you can't just switch over the gas tank and shrouds from an 86 in a simple bolt on swap. Also 86 Tecate shrouds may look cool, but they really stick out too far and can be damaged fairly easily. especially if they are flapping around loosely, not attached to a radiator. Plus there would be issues with exhaust pipe and seat. 84/85 Tecates have a nice big gas tank for long rides. 86 KXT gas tank is on the smallish side. I'd say if you just have to have a taller, narrower front tire the best thing I've seen is to just swap a whole 86 front end and then mount the radiator to the 86 triples.

As far as the "kick in the nuts" goes, the 84/85 Tecate engines are really similar to the 83/84 KX250. These first generation liquid cooled KX engines are the text book definition of the "light switch" powerbands of the early-mid 80s. They always been known as "expert" level engines, right off the showroom floor.

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Thanks a lot jeb.

[mrman550]

I have a 85 Tecate and i really like it alot of power and very fast. i like the way it looks its unique and i have the only one around here -D

[Tri-Z Pilot]

maybe not for long I live in centre county. LOL!

[ange]

well, for one Trikes are cooler than golfcarts.... but thats kinda besides the point.

If you are trading your '01 blaster, for the '84 tecate you might want to consider the $$$ value of the blaster vs. the T3.

The '84 had better be in damn near mint condition to trade straight accross. I recently picked up a VG condition '84 for $550. I'm sure a blaster sells for much more.

But, the T3 will smoke that old blaster anyday, esp. w/ the little fine tuning that Jeb has talked about. Add an extended swinger (I have one for sale ;) ) and some 8" rims w/ some 18" tires and thing will be smoking. The 8" rims from the other Kawi trikes (KLT 110, 200 etc) have the same bolt pattern as the '84 T3. They are 8x8 (the same as 250r's) which give you much better tire choices.

I'd say go for it, the Tecates are a freaking blast!