Sunny - Roadrunner 300 - DF300TKB : Various ? By texomaev (Read 13,388 times)

[texomaev]

Hello, I'm a newbie to these trike (tadpole) scooters for certain. I picked up a 2012 unit, that had an unfortunate accident during shipping. Nothing but some plastic panel damage, so I went for it.

1. 3ea of the panels have cracks, what is the best plastic to weld them back together with on the inside of the panel? Or is there a better means of repair?

2. Rear tire seems to be out of round, hoping it's the tire and not the rim itself. Is there a franchise (like say Discount Tire) that does tire truing/shaving on the vehicle itself?

3. Front end alignment, for highway speed stability/safety does one need to adjust the toe in , something like 1/4" ?

4. Can I run slick 50, or something like that in the engine to help extend it's life ?

5. Should I run some sort of fuel conditioner at all times? Or try to just run pure gasoline without alcohol in it?

PS: I found this parts list/illustration for the 300TKB, that might be helpful for others:

onlineshowroom.sunnymotor.com/parts_html/mc_d300tkb/mc_d300tkb_parts_list.html#f17

[texomaev]

My photo/video blog of this TRIKE is located at:

.flickr.com/photos/mbarkley/sets/72157632501957931/with/8374469348/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">.flickr.com/photos/mbarkley/sets/72157632501957931/with/8374469348/

I will constantly add to it as my adventure with the TRIKE advances, good or bad....

[alleyoop]

Jan 14, 2013 0:01:03 GMT -6 texomaev said:

Hello, I'm a newbie to these trike (tadpole) scooters for certain. I picked up a 2012 unit, that had an unfortunate accident during shipping. Nothing but some plastic panel damage, so I went for it.

1. 3ea of the panels have cracks, what is the best plastic to weld them back together with on the inside of the panel? Or is there a better means of repair?

2. Rear tire seems to be out of round, hoping it's the tire and not the rim itself. Is there a franchise (like say Discount Tire) that does tire truing/shaving on the vehicle itself?

3. Front end alignment, for highway speed stability/safety does one need to adjust the toe in , something like 1/4" ?

4. Can I run slick 50, or something like that in the engine to help extend it's life ?

5. Should I run some sort of fuel conditioner at all times? Or try to just run pure gasoline without alcohol in it?

PS: I found this parts list/illustration for the 300TKB, that might be helpful for others:

onlineshowroom.sunnymotor.com/parts_html/mc_d300tkb/mc_d300tkb_parts_list.html#f17

1. They do have plastic repair kits that work pretty good and your right from the inside of the panels.

2. To find if it is the rim or tire get a straight edge or something and put it on the center stand so you can turn the wheel by hand and put the straight edge even with the rim and spin it by hand that will tell you if it is the rim or tire.

But on a lot of them they put on really cheap 2nds or 3rds rated tires which are out of round and you will have to replace the tire with a good brand tire.

3. Yes just about all the REVERSE Trikes have a problem with the front end being out of alignment and some will not hold the alignment because they are really not made really rigid. So yes you will have to align the front or have someone do it.

4. No do not put in Slick 50 that is junk, it will foam up the crankcase. Just use good 10wx40 weight oil I use Castrol or Valvoline 10wx40 oil. If new change it out every 300miles or so and then after 1000 miles you can change it every 1000 miles also change out the TRANNY oil 80wx90 then change it every 2000 miles or so.

5. I use Seafoam with every gallon of gas, What I have is a 5 gallon gas can that I use just for the Trike and I put in 4 1/2 ounces into the 5 gallon can and then fill it with 4 1/2 gallons of 89 octane . But you can add 1 ounce of Seafoam per gallon maybe every other fill up.
Alleyoop

[texomaev]

Thanks, Alleyoop for that quick, and informative response. I think I've found the right forum to get up to speed on these trikes.

[alleyoop]

Found this for your panel repair.
Alleyoop
faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Another_man%27s_fairing_repair

P.S. just noticed you are a new member, WELCOME to the forum.

[amac1680]

It's all about the front end toe-in. I heard all kind of horror stories, even saw a few about these bikes. Once the front end is set up I find them to be very predictable rides.

I said predictable not simple. You need to adjust your riding style.

[texomaev]

It's been pretty cold the last couple of days, I went ahead and tuffed it out long enough to check the oil in the engine (cold). At 28F, it's the consistency of jelly if you were to stir/chop it up with a spoon in the jar. What's up with that? I will certainly be changing that out, before taking the bike out for any more joy rides.

[alleyoop]

WOW!! definitely change it but since it is thick start up the scoot and let it warm up THEN drain it otherwise the stuff will not come out.
Alleyoop

[terrilee]

Jan 14, 2013 1:34:49 GMT -6 texomaev said:

Thanks, Alleyoop for that quick, and informative response. I think I've found the right forum to get up to speed on these trikes.

didnt i tell you that ALLEY was the man!!!!
o btw i go by a different name that sent you here--lmsao

[texomaev]

Yes, Terrilee, Thank You so much for pointing me in the right direction. I picked up some material as suggested and can't wait to do some plastic welding, not to mention front end alignments. I might have a lot to do to this Trike to make it roadsafe, but in my mind that's part of the fun of this hobby. Making it better than factory. Can't really blame the assemblers over there, who most likely don't get paid squat, if anything.

[alleyoop]

Hey Tex,
If you get a chance and have the means take pictures of the welding and then you can post it on here. Others will have a good HOW-TO from your experience, on what to do and how and what not to do. And we will put it in the TECH SECTION for everyone to read and have a reference.

I will try and find how-to Align those Reverse Trikes, I know if you lift up the wheels there is PLAY they are only held on with ONE BOLT going through a Sleeve and many have found that at certain speeds the wheels start to isolate from side to side in other words a bad shimmy.
You may also want to get them balanced which would help some. Or you could try the balaneing Beads that you put down the stem.
Alleyoop
.bikebandit.com/counteract-tire-balancing-beads" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">.bikebandit.com/counteract-tire-balancing-beads

[texomaev]

I will certainly take as many photos as possible, I will take the front tires down to a tire shop, an see if they can balance them. I did discover one of the fender brackets was rubbing one of the front tires today while laying on the ground looking at the oil issue earlier. At that angle, it was easy to see it was rubbing. I will look into seeing what can be done to take up some of that axle play if possible. Maybe some custom brass sleeves, or better bearings........ It's getting FUN now.....

[alleyoop]

You got the idea, better sleeves and maybe also have them put in a Grease Nipple to keep them greased.
Alleyoop

[texomaev]

There are a few grease ports on the front end, of course not a drop of grease though...... I'll take some photos and post.

[texomaev]

Made a quick and easy Scooter Cover for the Trike. Could not wait for snail mail delivery. Here's a photo of it: .flickr.com/photos/mbarkley/8385253890/in/photostream" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">.flickr.com/photos/mbarkley/8385253890/in/photostream