BrianDye's 1983 Honda ATC185s

[BrianDye]

Whats crack-a-lackin?
Picked this ride up on Craigslist the other night, for 300$

It ran great, started right up, drove perfectly, til the guy left, I got stranded 2 miles away from home in 10 degree windy weather. It wouldnt stay running for more than a minute, then would take 5-10 minutes to start again. Figured it out finally that the choke was stuck closed, even though the lever was down. Now shes running great again, popping wheelies like nothing

This is my first 3 wheeler, and first time driving one, its quite an experience I must say. Ive had a 4 wheeler, dirtbike, pitbike, and a moped before, ALL by Honda, and they were ALL great rides.

The thing runs great, but cosmetically has seen better days, so now im giving it a makeover LOL. So far ive only stripped the decals off the gas tank, but ive also taken the taillight and headlight off.

Lighting wise....WOW this thing needs help. I couldnt see to save my life the night I got stranded, the headlight was more of a reflector to the other traffic lol. I plan on LEDs in the taillight, and an offroad "KC" style HID light, its a 4" offroading light with an HID bulb in it, with the ballast and all that built in, so you just wire up the + and the ground, and your good to go, plus its less wattage than the stock 45 watt bulb in my headlight. It will look a whole lot better too haha.

I plan on using this thread to post updates, and ask any questions I might have....

1st question, is the taillight just a running light, or a 2 way brake light? (Previous owner cut the wires to have a brighter headlight)

Pics of it when I got it (Like 3 nights ago lol)





Anyone know a cheap place to order new plastics from? I need the back, mines all riveted up from being cracked, and looks HELLA ugly lol

[leviblue]

thats not bad for $300 I've seen worse. the rivit job doesn't look to bad ether. forks look alittle tweeked and those TP's will last forever. keep the old plastics for the woods

[MonroeMike]

The tail light is just a running light.

[harryredtrike]

welcome new dude.your machine looks good.keep the trikes alive.heres my 185s

[BrianDye]

thats not bad for $300 I've seen worse. the rivit job doesn't look to bad ether. forks look alittle tweeked and those TP's will last forever. keep the old plastics for the woods

Whats a TP? But yea I might be sticking with the plastics I got, the cheapest I saw on eBay even used was over 160$

[MudBug]

he means your Trail Pro tires. <<< nice 185s!

[sandpuppi101]

Well it look's like you have a nice solid machine that look's too be pretty much all complete to start on as a nice project if your gonna go that way with it.These are a couple 185S 's that i've had the pleasure of owning over the past few year's.The '83 pictured is like your's but I put about every Hondaline accessory that I could get my hand's on ,on the machine.Even though it was a 185S it now sit's in a personal collection which I was glad too hear,so just because it was'nt a race or workhorse trike some people even desire to have this boring machine in there stock.What's your intentions with it,are ya gonna fix it up and ride it or what.By the way nice machine for the price.

[keister]

That's a nice score for $300.
You might want to ask around on here before putting LED type lights on your machine. I have tried this before with little success.
For a headlight, i recommed www.dratv.com. It isn't stock, but it is brand new. Bolt it on - plug and play. About $45 shipped, I think.
Just reconnect your wires and probably replace the bulb in the tail light - you will be good to go.
I wouldn't stress too much about the plastics. I say clean it up, make sure it is mechanically sound (bearings, sprocket, chain) and ride it silly!
Good luck with whatever you decide, and welcome to the site...

[BrianDye]

Thanks for all the compliments guys....I was reading on that mratv's site, the atc runs off 6v? Not 12v? Damn that puts a damper on things haha

[Getmoresoon]

Looks good! Fun little machines.

[BrianDye]

Heck yes they are lol...I need more sandpaper! And less "NEED-TO-RIDE" so I can take it apart and get work done lol.

I worked on it for about an hour last night sanding various small parts, finished taking the decals off the tank, cleaned the air filter, took the tailight and headlight off, rear plastics off....then come home today to throw the plastics back on and ride for a half hour until I was numb lmao

[BrianDye]

Well I finally got a "real" ride in today on the trails....I cant believe that this thing went right over downed trees....had to be over a foot and a half of tree on one of em haha.

I had my buddy drive right next to me in his explorer...the top speed on this thing is barely 41 Theres gotta be some perf. mods or something....are there any bigger engines that would bolt on? I NEED SPEED! Also would like reverse lol that things a to pull or push

[TheRealFatShady]

For reverse (I have a 185s and 200s and want to have at least one with reverse) I'd consider a TRX200SX quad (fourtrax) motor. Chain driven, has a manual clutch, pullstart, elec. start, and reverse.

I need a second wiring harness for it, but I'm sure I will get mine up and running with reverse and elec. start soon.

[BrianDye]

That sounds pretty cool....do you have a thread on your build or anything? Im very interested I would give anything for electric start...I hate pull cords And at almost 200$ to replace....I pull LIGHTLY lol

[tulsamike3434]

Here is mine!