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General| Brand | Motor Trike |
|---|---|
| Model | GL1800 SPYDER / 2+2 |
| Category | Motorcycle |
| Language | English |
Guidelines for qualified professional technicians regarding service procedures and potential risks.
Emphasis on proper service and maintenance for customer safety and Trike reliability.
Manual intended for professionals; advises user discretion for unfamiliar tasks and potential hazards.
General safety practices including reading instructions, eye protection, protective wear, and vehicle support.
Warnings about carbon monoxide, hot parts, and moving parts when the engine is running.
Precautions for gasoline vapors, hydrogen gases, flammable solvents, and ignition sources.
Explanation of manual navigation using tabs, bookmarks, and thumbnails for easy access.
Explanation of DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION signal words and their associated meanings.
Explanation of NOTICE messages designed to prevent damage to the vehicle or other property.
Procedure for adjusting rear drum brakes using a brake spoon to achieve proper wheel drag.
Guidelines for greasing universal joints, tightening jam nuts, and protecting Heim joints.
Recommended tire pressures for general riding and long interstate trips.
Recommended air bag pressure settings for various load conditions and passenger configurations.
Specified torque value for Roadhawk billet aluminum wheel lug nuts.
Identifying drive shaft misalignment based on vibration patterns at low speeds.
Schedule for greasing the driveshaft spline to ensure proper lubrication.
Advice on removing fender bras when wet to prevent paint damage and ensure longevity.
Procedure to fix a Trike leaning to one side caused by a bind in the ladder bars.
Importance of using medium grade Loc-Tite on jam nuts for preventative maintenance.
Overview of the Motor Trike patented Ladder Bar suspension system and its components.
Role of separator and diagonal bars in ladder bar adjustment and suspension coupling.
General description and location of Heim joint adjustments for proper vehicle leveling.
Procedure to check if ladder bars are binding or out of adjustment by rocking them.
Steps to loosen and adjust jam nuts, noting left-hand threads and potential difficulties.
Suggested use of Flare Wrenches or Flare Crowfoot Nut Wrenches for jam nut adjustment.
Procedure for removing ladder bars if nuts are difficult to break free or shoulders are rounded.
Method for fixing rounded nut shoulders to properly fit a 12mm wrench.
Steps to adjust ladder bars for free rocking movement using a turnbuckle effect.
Final checks for free movement after adjusting ladder bars and tightening jam nuts.
Checking and tightening rear ladder bar bolts and greasing the rear U Joint.
Overview of the Motor Trike fiberglass body manufacturing process and quality.
Identifying and addressing misaligned body panels and inconsistent gaps.
Ensuring proper clearance between passenger floorboards and fenders.
Procedure to adjust floorboard clearance by adding washers at frame mounts.
Noteworthy placement and quantity of washers during installation and adjustment.
Using cardboard as a temporary spacer for adjusting floorboard-to-fender clearance.
Procedure for trimming floorboard mounting tabs if adjustment is insufficient.
Finishing trimmed floorboard mounting tabs for a smooth, flush fit.
Adjustment procedure for setting the weather seal tightness on 'T' Handle trunk latches.
Overview of the mounting and hinge system for the Standard Spyder trunk door.
Procedure to align the trunk door for equal gaps on all sides.
Fine-tuning door centering using cardboard spacers and tightening corner bolts.
Adjusting latch catches to align properly with the locking mechanism.
Procedure for adjusting the height of latch catches within the locking mechanism.
Description of independent locking mechanism operation and interconnecting rod adjustment.
Adjusting connecting rods to ensure simultaneous release of both trunk door locks.
Overview of the mounting and hinge system differences for the Spyder 2+2 trunk door.
Details on the hinges and latches used in the Spyder 2+2 trunk door assembly.
Reference to the 'Centering the Door' section for aligning the Spyder 2+2 trunk door.
Steps for centering the latch catches on the Spyder 2+2 trunk door.
Procedure to check and adjust the weather seal tightness of the rear door.
Steps to correct Trike leaning by adjusting ladder bars and measuring from tail light.
Optional loosening of the diagonal bar to facilitate easier leveling adjustments.
Loosening jam nut and bolt to adjust the ladder bar for proper Trike leveling.
Detailed steps for adjusting Heim joints, including potential difficulties and tool usage.
Securing adjusted ladder bar bolts and jam nuts with Loc-Tite after leveling.
Ensuring the diagonal bar has no tension after completing leveling adjustments.
Using a diagonal adjustable bar with Heim joints to center the rear end for improved tracking.
Using a tape measure to check wheel well measurements for rear end centering.
Procedure for removing the Trike seat to gain access to the adjustable bar.
Identifying the location of the adjustable bar used for rear end centering.
Procedure for adjusting jam/lock nuts on the rear end's adjustable bar.
Adjusting the bar to center the rear end and checking for body movement.
Performing final checks for free movement of the adjusting bar and reassembling the seat.
Overview of Aqua Shields, their mounting points, and step support adjustment.
Checking tightness of Aqua Shield bolts and fiberglass body to frame bolts.
Description of Air Ride Suspension, air bags, and Progressive coil-over shocks.
Method for detecting and repairing air system leaks using soapy water.
Warnings regarding working on elevated vehicles and using compressed air.
Procedure for increasing system pressure and checking air lines for leaks without a compressor.
Steps to gain access to air compressor, solenoid switch, and air lines for inspection.
Identification of air compressor, air hose manifolds, and main air hose with photos.
Function of the low pressure solenoid switch and troubleshooting electrical connections.
Location of the low pressure solenoid switch under the Trike seat.
Procedure to remove trim pieces to access air pressure gauge and compressor controls.
Checking air line connections for leaks at manifold, release valve, and pressure gauge.
Instructions for correctly replacing faring trim pieces after system checks.
Note on availability of digital control system information and troubleshooting advice.
Procedure for adjusting shock coil tension using a shock tool or pliers.
Adjusting shock tension based on rider preference for personal comfort and riding style.
Safety warnings regarding asbestos, cleaning, and special notes on axle types.
List of specific parts for the 7.5 Ford Rearend used in the Trike with drum brakes.
Steps for safely raising and supporting the Trike using jack stands before brake work.
Instructions for cleaning brake shoe assemblies and inspecting the wheel cylinder.
Procedure to contract brake shoes using the self-adjusting lever and star-wheel.
Diagram showing the placement of various components within the drum brake assembly.
Steps to disconnect the pivot hook from the adjusting lever and wind the star-wheel.
Steps to remove the automatic adjuster spring and the adjusting lever.
Using a brake tool to remove shoe-to-anchor springs and unhook the cable anchor.
Disconnecting the primary and secondary return springs, adjuster cable, and anchor plate.
Method for removing shoe hold-down springs using specialized pliers.
Detailed steps for removing hold-down springs and their retainers.
Pulling shoe bottoms apart to remove the adjuster screw assembly.
Removing the parking brake strut, if it is installed on the brake system.
Removing the secondary shoe hold-down and cable spring.
Disconnecting the parking brake cable from its lever by pulling it from the slot.
Applying lubricant to specific points on the backing plate where brake shoes contact.
Detailed steps for reassembling brake shoes, including lever, springs, and anchor plate installation.
Installing adjusting lever, spring, and cable guide, seating shoes, and checking adjuster action.
Correct installation of return spring and adjuster, and proper routing of the adjuster cable.
View of the rear drum brake shoes fully assembled to the backing plate.
Troubleshooting steps for ensuring the automatic adjusting mechanism functions properly.
Reference to figures for performing brake shoe adjustments.
Procedure for adjusting rear brakes using a specialized brake shoe adjustment gauge.
Method for adjusting rear brakes when the adjustment gauge is not available.
Procedure for manual adjustment of drum brakes, noting self-adjuster limitations.
Steps for adjusting rear brakes while the wheels are installed on the Trike.
Safety warnings regarding asbestos, cleaning, and proper support for wheel cylinder work.
Note clarifying that photos show 5-lug axle, while Trike uses 4-lug axle.
Overview of the steps for removing and installing wheel cylinders.
Detailed steps for removing wheel cylinders from the brake backing plates.
Guide for overhauling wheel cylinders, recommending replacement over overhaul.
Description of components typically found in a wheel cylinder rebuild kit.
Steps for removing outer boots, pistons, seals, and springs from the wheel cylinder.
Washing the wheel cylinder and metal parts in denatured alcohol or brake fluid.
Warning against using mineral-based solvents that can damage rubber components.
Inspecting pistons for scratches and replacing them if necessary.
Lubricating the cylinder bore and seals using clean brake fluid.
Positioning the spring assembly and installing inner seals and pistons correctly.
Installing the spring and cup seals into the wheel cylinder bore.
Lightly lubricating and installing pistons into the wheel cylinder.
Installing the boots over the wheel cylinder ends.
Inserting new boots into the counter-bores by hand without lubrication.
Installing the wheel cylinder onto the backing plate, requiring system bleeding.
Important information before starting bleeding, including fluid type and two-person requirement.
Step-by-step guide for bleeding the left wheel cylinder, including tool use and assistant instructions.
Checking the fluid in the waste line for air bubbles to ensure proper bleeding.
Testing brake pedal feel, inspecting for leaks, and replacing rubber caps.
Instructions specific to disc brake pad inspection and replacement for newer models.
Safety warnings regarding asbestos, cleaning, and proper support for brake work.
Explanation of disc brake assembly components and their operational function.
Part numbers for brake pads and discs specific to the new style system.
Steps to remove the lug nut cover and loosen lug nuts on the rear wheel.
Procedure for safely raising and supporting the Trike using jack stands.
Correct placement of jack stands on the axle housing for stability.
Steps required to remove the rear wheel from the Trike.
Steps to remove the brake caliper by unbolting it from the caliper bracket.
Lifting the caliper off the brake disc to allow access to the brake pads.
Inspecting the caliper for dust and examining brake pads for wear.
Recommended replacement interval for original disc brake pads based on mileage.
Cleaning the inside of the caliper, including cups and area, after pad removal.
Checking the rotor for smoothness, scoring, and deep grooves.
Placing new pads into the caliper, ensuring correct orientation and fit.
Pushing caliper pistons back to allow for easier caliper reinstallation.
Reinstalling caliper bolts and torquing them to the specified values.
Checking brake pedal firmness and verifying the rear brake reservoir fluid level.
Key information and warnings for preparing to bleed original disc brakes.
Requirement for two people and initial steps for bleeding original disc brake calipers.
Procedure for bleeding the anti-dive plunger located on the front fork.
Technique for bleeding the primary valve using slow, firm pumps.
Tips for successful brake bleeding, including caliper positioning and break-in period.
Instructions specific to disc brake pad inspection and replacement for new style systems.
Explanation of disc brake assembly components and their operational function.
Safety warnings regarding asbestos, cleaning, and proper support for brake work.
Part numbers for brake pads and discs specific to the new style system.
Steps to remove the lug nut cover and loosen lug nuts on the rear wheel.
Procedure for safely raising and supporting the Trike using jack stands.
Correct placement of jack stands on the axle housing for stability.
Steps required to remove the rear wheel from the Trike.
Steps to remove the brake caliper by unbolting it from the caliper bracket.
Lifting the caliper off the brake disc to allow access to the brake pads.
Inspecting the caliper for dust and examining brake pads for wear.
Cleaning the inside of the caliper, including cups and area, after pad removal.
Checking the rotor for smoothness, scoring, and deep grooves.
Placing new pads into the caliper, ensuring correct orientation and fit.
Pushing caliper pistons back to allow for easier caliper reinstallation.
Reinstalling caliper bolts and torquing them to the specified values.
Checking brake pedal firmness and verifying the rear brake reservoir fluid level.
Specific bleeding procedures applicable to new style brake calipers.
Adjusting the master cylinder pivot arm for proper brake pedal pressure.
Key information and warnings for preparing to bleed new style disc brakes.
Step-by-step guide for performing mass bleeding on new style brake calipers.
Performing pressure bleeding after mass bleeding for optimal brake performance.
Overview of the Ford 7.5 Rear Differential used in the Trike kits.
Information on warranty coverage and checking with Motor Trike® for repairs.
Exploded view of rear axle assembly components for part location reference.
General service notes including rim damage, brake disc contamination, and jack stand requirements.
Common causes of excessive noise in the rear axle assembly.
Common causes of oil leakage in the rear axle assembly.
List of specific parts for the 7.5 Ford Rearend used in the Motor Trike kit.
Steps to loosen lug nuts and safely support the Trike before axle work.
Steps to remove the wheel, brake caliper, and rotor or drum.
Cleaning dirt and draining lubricant from the axle housing area.
Procedure for removing the differential pinion shaft lock bolt and shaft.
Steps to remove the C-lock and withdraw the axle shaft from the housing.
Using tools to remove and replace the axle shaft oil seal.
Procedure for prying the axle housing cover away to allow fluid drainage.
Steps to access the differential unit after the axle housing cover is removed.
Steps to remove the wheel, brake caliper, and brake rotor from the rear axle.
Procedure for loosening the pinion shaft lock bolt.
Steps for pulling the pinion shaft out of the differential unit.
Pushing the axle shaft inward and removing the C-clip retainer.
Carefully pulling the axle shaft out of the axle housing.
Removing and replacing the axle shaft oil seal.
Lubricating and installing the new wheel bearing into the housing bore.
Installing a new axle seal using a proper installer tool.
Checking for and installing an axle shaft O-ring on the spline end.
Sliding the axle shaft into the housing, ensuring proper spline engagement.
Inserting the differential pinion shaft and tightening the lock bolt.
Cleaning the inside of the differential case and axle housing mating surfaces.
Installing the rear axle cover with a new gasket and sealant.
Refilling the rear axle housing with the proper type and amount of lubricant.
Installing the wheel, rotor, and caliper assembly.
Thanks to Motor Trike® staff, management, and forum members for their contributions.
Mentions Auto Zone DIY for parts information and thanks to proofreaders.
Author's firsthand knowledge and lack of employment with the kit manufacturer.
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