Trike Tutorial Videos

Trike Conversion Tutorial, for Santiago Chopper Specialty's trike conversion kits.

STEP 1. You must disconnect your battery.

STEP 2. Remove your back wheel and the swingarm, remember to keep your bearings for the application of the new swingarm.

STEP 3. Take out the primary to be able to change the front pulley for a sprocket (chain application only). For belt applications remove the belt. If you have any Softail 2000 & up you do not need to remove the belt.

The belt needs to be 1 1/8". The chain will need to be a 530 O-Ring chain with 120 links.

STEP 4. Install the new swingarm on the frame using the bearings from the old swingarm.

STEP 5. (NOTE: Santiago Chopper Specialties Powder Coats all swingarms before installation, if you wish for Santiago Chopper to Powder Coat your swingarm in black please contact us 813-671-9097. This procedure usually costs $250.00)

Start to install the trike axle onto the swingarm. Make sure you line up the belt or chain with trike axle and the front pulley.

BE SURE TO RESPECT THE CLEARENCE OF THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF YOU REAR AXLE HOUSING!

STEP 6. When you are finally sure that everything is perfectly aligned grind away the paint, and then weld the two blocks on the opposite sides of the bolts. Make sure not to weld over the bolt holes. (NOTE: Welding both the top and the bottom will make the block more secure, but is not required.)

 

STEP 7. Remove the trike axle and swingarm and have it painted.

STEP 8. Reinstall the swingarm and the rear trike axle for final assembly steps.

STEP 9. Install the brake lines, adding a brake T so that you can run the brake line to both wheels. After you install the brake line bleed them out. ( You can purchase the whole brake kit from our online shop by clicking here)

STEP 10. Install your wheels. Make sure to use lock tight on all of your studs and nut. ( Studs and nuts can be purchased from our online store by clicking here.)

STEP 11. It is now time to install your fenders. You will need two angled brackets. These brackets can be easily made by either bending steel or welding steel. The depth of the bracket should be 1/4". The height should be 7". The width of the bracket varies depending on the size of the rims and tires. The bracket should be on an 80° angle.

One side of the bracket will be bolted onto the fender, and the bottom of the bracket will be bolted on the block. Make sure you align the bracket holes, and then you can tap the block.

STEP 12. Finishing touches (IE: Grinding the welds, painting touch ups.....)

STEP 13. Have Fun;)