New & frustrating problem.

[John Schmidt]

The trunk on the trike has always sounded like it was a bit loose but I couldn't find the source of the noise...until I was doing some cleaning after two weeks on the road. The trike is an I/S conversion so the grab rails have two tabs that the trunk mount arms bolt onto. First I found the arm that attaches the trunk mount to the front tab attachment point was completely out/off that bolt. Thinking how could that happen...the rear mounting tab would still hold it in place. I shortly found out why...the rear tab was completely broken off, allowing the left side of the trunk mount & trunk to move forth and back at will with any bump or when the backrest was leaned against. The grab rail has to be removed in order to either weld it together or replace, a real problem since it's kinda buried in behind the fender. This is one job I'm not looking forward to since it involves unbolting a section of the trike framework from the bike frame. Stay tuned on this, the thought of it is enough to test your religion. I've never heard of that happening on any I/S trunk mount where it attaches to the grab rails. Does that make me a pioneer...or unlucky...or both!  

EDIT: Found a left side rail on Ebay for $57 and only 25 miles south of me. I sent a message to ask if it's ok to pick it up instead of paying $20 S&H.

[John Schmidt]

Finally got it off, a lovely way to spend an afternoon mostly because in the trike application it's mounted in such a way that it's bolted to a part of the trike frame. The only way to access the nuts on the backside is to lay on the floor and reach up from underneath. Took me close to 90 minutes to get it off. Once off, it became obvious that rear tab for the trunk mount had been welded on before and they did a lousy job. Hope to get the replacement Monday but going to try and needle my grandson into doing the floor work, I just don't bend that easy any longer.  Guess it will be a good time to do some housekeeping while parts are removed, not originally in the plans.

[Jims99]

Good luck putting it back together. The trike is looking great, I wish I made inzane to see it in person.

[John Schmidt]

Drove down and picked up the new/used grab rail, had to wait until later this afternoon due to heat...was over 90 in Green Bay today. Got it all back together then cleaned and treated the leathers with leather conditioner. Bertha needs a good bath but weather won't be cooperating for a few days. Job was a major PITA.