How to Convert a 3 Wheeler Into a 4 Wheeler With a Conversion Kit
Before the development of four-wheel ATVs, Honda ruled the ATV market with its trademark red three-wheelers, introduced in 1970. However, safety issues arose as it became clear that three-wheel ATVs are inherently unstable at higher speeds, especially in the hands of inexperienced riders. As four-wheel ATV models hit the market around 1980 and increased in popularity, several manufacturers developed bolt-on front-end conversion kit assemblies that quickly transform a three-wheel ATV to a four-wheeler.
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Instructions
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1
Place a jack under the ATV skid plate and lift the front end of the vehicle off the ground.
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2
Disconnect the front fork assembly from the steering shaft with a wrench.
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3
Loosen, but do not remove, the retaining nuts on the bottom of the rear shock absorber assemblies with a wrench.
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4
Remove the two U-clamps, mounted just forward of the skid plate, from the frame with a wrench.
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5
Disconnect the retaining nuts securing the front section of the ATV frame to the chassis, and roll the front end of the ATV away from the frame.
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6
Inset the steering shaft of the new front end into the steering assembly and tighten the shaft in place with the wrench.
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Line the prong on the T-shaped rail at the rear of new front end up with the center retaining bolt hole -- adjacent to the skid plate -- on the chassis.
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8
Insert the threaded ends of the two U-clamps into the bolt holes on the mounting flanges on the T-rail and bolt the U-clamps to the chassis with the wrench.
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9
Tighten the retaining nuts on the bottom of the rear shock absorber assemblies with the wrench.
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10
Turn the handlebars left and right to check that the front wheels move freely. If the steering assembly does not turn easily, loosen the retaining nut on the bottom of the steering cowling, using a wrench, and rotate the washer a quarter-turn counterclockwise with a pair of pliers. Tighten the cowling nut with the wrench.
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Tips & Warnings
As three-wheeled ATV were phased out, conversion kits are no longer in production; however, you might be able to locate a kit through online auction and classified websites.
Research conversion kits before purchase to ensure the one you buy will perform safely; some earlier kits had design flaws that resulted in ATVs still being unstable, after conversion, at higher speeds.
References
- ATV.info: Facts and History About ATVs
- The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance; Mark Zimmerman
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
