kamik333
08-08-2006, 02:20 AM
Hi guys, my first post here and happy to say that I found a cherry '83 ATC185s. After spending a couple of weeks in Alaska over the last 2 summers, I realized what these 3-wheelers are capable of. Since returning, I've been searching for a nice Honda but kept striking out. I finally placed a Wanted ad and got a few calls. The first few were people with basket cases and did not need any more projects in my garage so I passed. The ad had almost run it's course when I got a call from a lady who said she had an '83 ATC185s. She said it was in good condition and wanted a couple of hundred for it. I was thinking it was gonna be another beat-up 3-wheeler and almost did not go to take a look. Besides, idealy, I wanted a 3-wheeler with reverse... I kept thinking that the minute I gave in and settled for an ATC that was "OK", I would probably find the perfect 3-wheeler. But after much thought, I decided to at least go take a look, after all, I did not have to buy it and it was only 30 minutes away. I got my bro to take me in his truck and took the ramps, just in case. We pulled into her drive and I could not believe my eyes. That could not be the 3-wheeler!!! It was totally cherry, All the plastics was shiny with only one small crack. The tires looked almost new with tons of meat still on the knobs (barely rounded edges) and the seat had no tears. And the tank was actually shiny with no dents or rust. That had to be her ride and the one that she was selling was out back in the bush.
I jumped out of the truck and the lady said, "well, what do you think?" I did not know what to say because it WAS the one she was selling. After a moment, I asked if I could take it for a ride and it started up 2nd pull. Ran smooth, quiet and no smoke! Snicked it into first, hit the gas and it was off to the races. It ran great! Brakes worked great too. After a couple a laps, I stopped paid the lady and loaded her up before I woke up from this dream...
As we pulled out from her drive, I looked at my bro and we both said with big grins, what a score! It was not exactly what I was looking for but it sure was a beauty! Still, I sure wish it had reverse gear...
Anyway, I spent last Sunday servicing her. Overall, it was not in real need but adjusted/lubed the chain, changed the oil, checked the plug and finally pulled the air filter. This is where I need your help. I was puzzled but what I found inside the airbox. The foam filter was there but it was not clamped to the flange and when I grabbed it, I found that it had no frame inside the foam filter. In fact, I found a hole in the end of the filter. I think the frame used to have a stud that stuck out of that hole so it was sucking unfiltered air into that hole and also if the filter ever got clogged, it would have collapsed from the vacuum. Fourtunately, from the looks of the inside of the airbox, this baby had not seen a lot of dusty conditions. Can anyone direct me to somewhere that I could see what that air filter frame would look like or where I could find one? Also, have you heard of nerf bars for this ATC? Thanks for the help...
I jumped out of the truck and the lady said, "well, what do you think?" I did not know what to say because it WAS the one she was selling. After a moment, I asked if I could take it for a ride and it started up 2nd pull. Ran smooth, quiet and no smoke! Snicked it into first, hit the gas and it was off to the races. It ran great! Brakes worked great too. After a couple a laps, I stopped paid the lady and loaded her up before I woke up from this dream...
As we pulled out from her drive, I looked at my bro and we both said with big grins, what a score! It was not exactly what I was looking for but it sure was a beauty! Still, I sure wish it had reverse gear...
Anyway, I spent last Sunday servicing her. Overall, it was not in real need but adjusted/lubed the chain, changed the oil, checked the plug and finally pulled the air filter. This is where I need your help. I was puzzled but what I found inside the airbox. The foam filter was there but it was not clamped to the flange and when I grabbed it, I found that it had no frame inside the foam filter. In fact, I found a hole in the end of the filter. I think the frame used to have a stud that stuck out of that hole so it was sucking unfiltered air into that hole and also if the filter ever got clogged, it would have collapsed from the vacuum. Fourtunately, from the looks of the inside of the airbox, this baby had not seen a lot of dusty conditions. Can anyone direct me to somewhere that I could see what that air filter frame would look like or where I could find one? Also, have you heard of nerf bars for this ATC? Thanks for the help...