1985 tecate vs the 1986-1987

[westbenchmancav]

Some of you may or may not know how rare the kawasaki tecate is in Canada. Well i have an opportunity to buy a 1985 tecate, but I MUCH more prefer the look of the 86-87 tecate. So the
question i have is this. If i buy this 85 and wish to modify it into a cloned 86-87 with new gas tank, split radiator, and front wheel disk. is this at all possible??? thoughts, advice,, concerns from all
you 3 wheeling motorhead's would be appreciated.

[just ben]

anything is possible but the frames are completly different and would be no easy feat. you would be better off finding an 86/87

[TecateDan]

I like my 85 better anayways but Ben is right about the conversion

[fabiodriven]

Don't even try it. We had a guy on here who tried that not long ago and the thing looked like hell. They're two totally different machines. Buy the 85 and embrace it. I've owned both and the 85 is better anyways.

Just for future reference, you should have started this thread in Trikesylvania.

[Blown 331]

The 85 Should already have a disc on front, if it doesn't then its likely to be an 84. I've got an 85, the looks will grow on you. lol. Just stick with the 85 as is and maybe keep an eye out for an 86/87 a few years down the road- might take that long to even find one!

Out of curiosity why are people saying the 85 is better than an 86?

[TecateDan]

the 85 is just such a simple Trike its awesome and the big wheel in the front Def grows on u and it really stands out. nothing against the 86+ just love my 85

[fabiodriven]

I simply prefer the looks of the A1/A2 over the B1/B2 for starters. Also, the simplicity of the first-gen motor is a huge factor in which motor is better. Not only that, but I absolutely hated wrenching on my 86. It just seemed a lot harder to work on. Throw in the fact that I never, ever was beat by a second-gen Tecate on my 85 and I'm sold on the first-gen. The power valve in the second-gen is just added complexity and weight (however little weight it adds). It does nothing for top-end pull on that motor and they gum up most times and don't even work. Not to mention there are a lot of parts on that power valve that wear out and can not be serviced.

Gimme a first-gen any day. I personally think the drum brake on the 84 adds charm to an already charming and odd trike.

[westbenchmancav]

just got in from a hard ass work day, cracked a beer and reading your posts. I'm not sure if there is a drum on front brake, going to look at it tomorrow. So two different frames eh? . I guess from what i've read the 85 is a kick ass machine vs the 86-87? Obviously i'm willing to add it to my collection, as kawasaki is missing from my line up of 3 wheelers. Anymore thoughts or concerns appreciated.
I was supposed to start this in trikesylvania? sorry I'm still a rookie on this site.