350X forks turned around...

[Derrick Adams]

I've often wondered why the 350x is the only trike with the axle in front of the forks. It seems odd and looks odd too. I think if I owned one, the first thing I would do is spin those around.
Anyone else ever think of this? Everytime I look at one, I just think it looks so odd. I mean the front tire seems way set out compared to the front of the fender, just proportionally not right.

[toyota200x]

I have seen 350x forks that are turned around and it makes the forks look bent. They look to close to the frame.

[Red Rider]

The 350X isn't alone with leading axle forks, take a closer look at a Tecate sometime.

[350x'inNY]

Only problem with turning the forks around, is the brake calipar becomes "leading" then... the brake line also would need to be shortened/rerouted. Again, really no advantage to flipping the forks around. It shortans the "length" a bit too


Bruce

[Lonewolf]

The last thing my stock 350x needs is to move the center of gravity back further. It would essentially make the front weigh less. I only weigh 150 and the first 3 gears are wheelie mode if I don't go easy on the throttle.

[JohnR.]

You can put an 85/86 250R front on like I did. That moves the axle around.:D

[Bigbore]

350X triples do not have rake built into them like the other Honda’s. The leading axle lengthens the wheelbase. If you turn the forks around you'll shorten the wheelbase by 2", making the already to light front end even lighter.

[DeePa]

also, the 200m had a leading axle setup

[atctim]

also, the 200m had a leading axle setup

And the ATC200
and the ATC200E
and the ATC200ES

[CoeShow]

BigBore was correct with his statement that the 350X has no rake built into the triple clamps like the 250R and 200X. In essence what the rake in the triple clamps provides is more straight line stability during hi speed. The down side is heavier low speed turning.

The trailing axle then allows similar trail as a system like the 350X has. In fact if I remeber correctly, the 350X and the 250R have nearly the same trail. The fork tubes on the 350X are in the same plane as the steering stem, but it has a leading axle like most motorcycles.

I used a 350X front end on my ATC250R for flat track and TT racing with excellent handling improvement. It allowed the trike to steer MUCH better than the stock system and probably more like the Kawasaki's, though I never rode a Tecate so I have no comparison data.

Good luck and ride safely

PS. DONT turn your ATC350X forks around to replicate the ATC200X or 250R arrangement. You will end up with a very ill handling wheeler, and the brake hose will likely be very difficult to route as well !!