1150 rockster trike. What to do

[chasbmw]

I am purchasing a Grinnall Trike based on a rockster. I m moving to a trike following a stroke in 2024, which resulted in an air ambulance evac from Turkey. Made a reasonable recovery, but proper bikes might not be in my life.
The rockster is very low mileage 18k and has not been used much in the last 10 years judging by the MOT history. It will come with a dealer service, but as me and the dealer are 500 miles apart that not mean much. I’m taking it to a vintage bike event in Spain in the autumn, so want to ensure it’s reliable. Suggestions invited on what needs to be done to the bike and what spares carried, I’m thinking of getting fuel filters done+ all adjustments and to take spare relays with me. What else?
Thanks. Charles

 

[Steptoe]

How is Mark Grinnall .. used to supply him with K series engines for his trikes back in the late 80’s early 90’s

 

[chasbmw]

Mark is still around, not always answering queries! He is mainly making triumph R3 trikes and one based on a scout V twin, seriously expensive and R 3 trike is just too enormous for me. First time on a trike so hopefully it’ll work!

 

[The Other PaulG]

Please send a photo showing where the shaft meets the rear axle.

 

[dr nosh]

'Vintage bike event'

Bike or rider ?

You might feel a bit out of place with all the other real vintage machines.

 

[Gee-]

2 wheels or 3 wheels, just bring along a good breakdown recovery card in case, great fun and that combination looks great....happy triking.

 

[chasbmw]

'Vintage bike event'

Bike or rider ?

You might feel a bit out of place with all the other real vintage machines.

Bikes. They have a cutoff date, but have given me permission to attend. Most of the other riders are nearly vintage though

 

[chasbmw]

Please send a photo showing where the shaft meets the rear axle.

Will do so when I get it in a couple of weeks time

 

[Arsey]

That looks great in that colour combo .

 

[fizzer]

there was a nice sand colored trike bmw r1150 based,it was in ultimate moto in boldon sunderland ,a real nice job,i carnt see it on there website now but maybe worth a phone call

 

[The Other PaulG]

Will do so when I get it in a couple of weeks time

Cool. Thats probably the only area where its maintenance requirements or frailties would be any different from other oil heads.

 

[chasbmw]

Please send a photo showing where the shaft meets the rear axle.

Paul, it’s a prop shaft attached to a diff, IRS suspension.

 

[Riceburner]

Paul, it’s a prop shaft attached to a diff, IRS suspension.

Can I recommend some ACF-50?


Oh - and who forgot to take the head guards off?

In all seriousness - look like a nice job, although I still don't "get" trikes (or sidecars for that matter). Yes it keeps you feeling like you're on a bike when the body can't to that properly any more, I "get" that part.....
I just don't get the whole "all the disadvantages of both car and bike, and none of the advantages of either" aspect to 3-wheelers.


Incidentally - what's the cable in the first photo for? Is it a parking brake? (if so, where's the control handle for that?)

 

[OnHellas]

Can I recommend some ACF-50?


Oh - and who forgot to take the head guards off?

In all seriousness - look like a nice job, although I still don't "get" trikes (or sidecars for that matter). Yes it keeps you feeling like you're on a bike when the body can't to that properly any more, I "get" that part.....
I just don't get the whole "all the disadvantages of both car and bike, and none of the advantages of either" aspect to 3-wheelers.


Incidentally - what's the cable in the first photo for? Is it a parking brake? (if so, where's the control handle for that?)

I never get the whole stating the bleedin’ obvious either re 3 wheelers. It doesn’t stop it though.

 

[Riceburner]

I never get the whole stating the bleedin’ obvious either re 3 wheelers. It doesn’t stop it though.

All good topics bear repeated discussions.

 

[chasbmw]

I’ve only covered 50 miles so far, it’s a bit like a sidecar, nearly binned it in the first 10 yards….. You definitely have to steer it. Lots of bump steer, especially at sub 20 mph speeds. There is a lot of muscle memory that is going to have to be re learnt I reckon.

. I’ve never had a trike before, so I don’t know if its low speed behaviour is normal or not, the original manufacturer is based not far from me so might see if they will take a look. But in the UK at least it seems that people are switching to CanAms, with 2 wheels at the front.
Strokes are buggers so my advice to all of us is spend £20 on a blood pressure machine and keep an checking it, because from 60 on it can creep up on you and bite you hard.

 

[chasbmw]

Can I recommend some ACF-50?


Oh - and who forgot to take the head guards off?

In all seriousness - look like a nice job, although I still don't "get" trikes (or sidecars for that matter). Yes it keeps you feeling like you're on a bike when the body can't to that properly any more, I "get" that part.....
I just don't get the whole "all the disadvantages of both car and bike, and none of the advantages of either" aspect to 3-wheelers.


Incidentally - what's the cable in the first photo for? Is it a parking brake? (if so, where's the control handle for that?)

It’s a parking brake… you have to get off the bike to operate it.

 

[The Other PaulG]

.. the original manufacturer is based not far from me so might see if they will take a look.

I think then, in line with your initial question, I'd also ask them about the diff and half shaft maintenance requirements. For the rest of the bike, it's an oilhead so when considering what to look out for, known frailties*, service etc I'd simply treat it as such.

* I hesitate to use the word frailties when it comes to airheads!

Running rough? Check the throttle cable seats, and if not that, the hall sensor.

Funny chassis? That'll be the rear ring bearing.

That's all you need to know.

 

[chasbmw]

It’s running OK. Nobody wants to service a trike, so it’s going to be down to me.
Pan is: all oils and filters, Plugs and check tappets, new fuel filter and replace internal fuel pipes, PO has replaced fuel quick disconnects with metal ones. Clutch bleed and fluid replacement. front brakes have had a Caliper unstick and fluid. from the petrol cap I can see lots of surface rust. What would be the best product to treat it. Don’t want to use sealant.?
Anything else