CAN A USED HONDA FAT CAT TR200 BE TRANSFORMED INTO A 3-WHEELER?

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DW FAN WRITES IN: “I was given a near-pristine 1987 Honda TR200 Fat Cat. It is a fun little fat-tired two-wheeler. I was just wondering if it could be converted to three wheels? Or, if that is not possible, what can you do to give it a bit more oomph in deep sand? Because, it really struggles with 200 pounds on it!” —Kristen Donnelly Chino, CA

OUR PRO ANSWER: I don’t want to burst your bubble, but you only consider the TR “fun” because you have never ridden a Yamaha BW200! It had a 5-speed manual transmission, more and softer suspension, and better handling. So, my advice is in this order: Dump the TR for a BW. You could swap the detuned TR motor for a 1986–’87 ATC200X. You will lose the electric starter but gain a manual-clutch, 6-speed transmission with better ratios and way more power with multiple paths to even more power. Add 1986 ATC350X triple clamps with 1983–’85 ATC200X forks for more travel (+4″) and better damping. Install a more rounded-profile front tire like a front Kenda K284 23.5×8×11 Max to lighten the steering. With the increased front height, you need to increase the length of the 12-inch rear shock to get more travel and better damping. A 13-inch shock would be a good place to start. Oh, and if there isn’t enough power for a two-wheeler, even if a three-wheel kit was made, it would be a dog! Have I scared you away yet? You asked, I answered!

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