TriWing Industries

[grumpy]

Does anyone else have TriWing Industries conversion? I am pretty sure there is at least one other on here. I would be interested in hearing about your experience with them. I purchased the TriWing for several reasons: 1) Build. Only two manufacturers I could find would sell directly to the end user & I wanted to build it myself. 2) Looks. I think it has good lines that mesh well with the Valkyrie Interstate 3) Trunk capacity. Had the larger of the two under consideration. 4) Gearing. TriWing agreed to supply a 2:73 gear ratio, which, together with the 215 65R 15 Altimax RTs, lowered my RPM by approximately 300 across the board in 5th gear.

The fiberglass portion of the kit was very well finished and needed only light scuffing prior to painting. Even the underside was gel coated, which saved quite a bit of blood and pain during the install. The cut out for the seat was a bit large and required some "trim".

The fitting of the driveshaft was complex and problematic, but not impossible. Installation/removal requires the rear end to be disconnected from the swing arm. There really must be a better way to build it and Jim (one of the owners) & I have discussed some options. I don't know if they will implement any of them.

The unit has 21,000 mile on it now. The pinion nut on the differential was either not properly torqued or was previously used, and came loose after 450 miles, effectively destroying the ring & pinon set. TriWing shipped me a replacement rear end at no cost. I also had a u-joint (theirs, not the Honda one) fail and an axle seal. While they paid for the parts, I think this indicates some lack of quality control on their part.

Overall, I am still happy with the unit. If I were to do it again I would probably buy the TriWing again because of the flexibility of gearing and tire/wheel choices. This was the only company making a conversion for the Valkyrie who offered any choices in this area. I would also incorporate the drive shaft mods into the unit before installation. Having said that I would also have it installed by one of their installers, so any warranty labor would also be covered. Stan

[Nana]

Hi grumpy, Off the top of my head I can think of one member who has a triwing kit: triwinggirl. But there may be others. She is on here once a week or so and will hopefully see your post, but you may want to drop her a PM and ask her some specific questions about her trike.

[Papa Zook]

Stan-
I built one TriWing.....my first and last one. You guys know I am an advocate for and protective of the manufacturers and stand up for almost every one of them. I think that most do an outstanding job, however I feel there is too much fabrication and modification work required on the TriWing kits to justify a recommendation. In terms of quality, fit and finish, ease of installation and price, they just don't hold a candle to the other kits.....JMHO

[Dragon Keeper]

Stan/grumpy:

Have a RSMV/Tri-Wing trike here in Florida. Installed in Apr '07. Have put 40,000 miles on it with only minor (?) problems. Keep breaking/losing the bolts that tie the kit to the shaft housing for the drive shaft (under the left side) Gone to grade 9 bolts, with loctite and lock washers..Here's hoping. Also, u-joint bolts never seems to stay tight. Next step there is drill and install cotter keys. Had three (3) blow outs of the air shocks, always at least a 1000 miles from home. But Air-Lift has sent me new ones in 48 hours and not problems from them. Last set they shipped were twice the original size, 9,000 miles and no problems. Fit and finish? Not bad, but then I had it done and had no major complaints.

Would I get another Tri-Wing? Probably not, Getting old and the stiff ride does get to me on the long 500 mile days. AND since I may not be able to obtain a new Venture going to another donor bike will allow me to have a broader choice of kits. But using the RSMV I still run with the H.D.s (4th is good to 90) and will never see how far 5th will take me. Fuel consumption can be a problem. The 5.8 gals doesn't always last as stated, sometimes I run hard and get 25 MPG..easy riding it's 32. Next kit...aux fuel tank! Never had any other problems with the kit...except those I created by trying to be clever. And a few items (trailer hitch support bracket) I've upgraded to be stronger, but then at times I apply aircraft rules and find things a bit soft. Bob D.

[Carbon_One]

Grump I too went the Tri-Wing route for much of the same reason you did. My bike is a Yamaha Venture so like you there were only two companies making conversion kits, Tri-Wing and Hannigan. Hannigan was a strictly dealer install which would of cost me between $4 & 6,000 extra. Being a retired mechanic I hated to pay for labor I could do on my own. I also agree with you about the drive shaft mods needed done. I think Tri-Wing should provide a completed drive shaft assembly so you won't have to be going to a machinist in your local area.

As to Bazooka's statement it does require certain mechanical skills and probably not for your average shade tree wrench. Still I wouldn't give it a second thought if doing one again. I did some things a bit different fitting the body over Tri-Wings instructions. The main thing was keeping a 1/2" gap around the bikes fenders, fender rails, framing, etc. I also added in some sheet metal panels to cover a couple gaps on the frame.

They have been using the basic axle set up for 20 + years now and really need to upgrade the suspension system & brakes. I changed out the drum brakes for a disc brake set up off a Ford car. Much better stopping ability now.
Larry

[Papa Zook]

To be fair I should expand on my original post...The fiberglass work was good and its a good looking design. The rear framework was adequate, but quiet a bit lighter built than the factory kits I am used to doing...maybe this is not a critical thing since its just supporting a 50LB chunk of fiberglass...The exhaust adapter kit that came in our conversion consisted of a piece of Auto Zone style exhaust flex tubing that we threw in the trash. We fabbed up our own exhaust extensions. This was a kit I did probably 5 years ago so they may build a different/better conversion now.

The TriWing can make for a nice machine, but as CarbonOne said, you better be an above average wrench to do the install because its not a simple bolt together product like the Champions and Roadsmiths. Hope I didnt offend anyone with my appraisal.

[Carbon_One]

Zook no offence here. Your're just stating facts as per your experince doing one. When I did my conversion in 07 they didn't provide anything for exhaust. I just fabricated my own by welding straight and curved sections together to get what I needed done.
Larry

[grumpy]

Bazooka, Carbon One, The exhaust extensin on mine was a single piece adapter, drilled/tapped to use the OEM bolts that attached the tip to the muffler. Worked just fine.

My biggest complaint is the driveshaft set up. In order to remove the OEM u-joint at the transmission end, removal being necessary to properly grease the splines, the diff has to be disconnected from the swing arm, necessitating the removal of the fiberglass, including the OEM tour box. A serious undertaking. In the original configuation (2 wheels) the splines of that u joint are supposed to be greased every 8K miles. No way I want to do that 3 times a year! I have an extra driveshaft & adapter that I hope to have splined instead of welded (if I can find a shop capable of that work, and a second job to pay for it) which should allow the removal/service to be done without a total dis assembly.

Carbon, what model, year Ford? I have been thinking about that same mod. Stan

[Carbon_One]

I have an extra driveshaft & adapter that I hope to have splined instead of welded (if I can find a shop capable of that work, and a second job to pay for it) which should allow the removal/service to be done without a total dis assembly.
Carbon, what model, year Ford? I have been thinking about that same mod. Stan

I picked up an extra drive shaft as well & intend to do the same thing you're doing there. Like you say it's a royal pain to remove the differential thou in my st up I don't have to remove the body but have to work under it all.

As to the disc brake set up I just went to a junk yard and looked at all the Ford cars that had matching axle bolt patterns, I think I ended up with a 98 Ford Crown Victoria. Could be wrong on the year but have it wrote down somewhere.The backing plate holes were a very close match except for one and had to be elongenated a bit. Wheel studs had to be changed as well, both for length and fitment for the rotor holes.

Hope this helps you, Larry

[Jonesy]

I too put a triwing kit on my venture, all that carbon one said is true. not a easy off, bolt on setup but with a little thinking before you jump right in to it, it'll fit. I haven't had to touch mine except to tighted the body mounting points. bit stiff of a ride. I would do it again.

[John Luciano]

Jones that was a Triwing set up you brought to NETT rally . VERY nice . I wish I had checked it out better. Speaking of the NETT rally we are planning to try it again this year any thoughts?Don't forget anyone is welcome

[triwinggirl]

Never heard of TriWing industries, do they make trike conversions.



Hey wait a minute that my handle, user name, nickname. :Monster:

I think maybe i have an infringement case here :Monster:



:Popcorn: :Popcorn:

[Solow]

Hey Grumpy
I am in the middle of a Triwing conversion right now. I see there is going to be a small space around the seat and you said you put some trim around it. What type of trim did you use and do you have any pictures to give me an idea what I may have to do to my trike conversion.

[delcolli]

Howdy - I have a Tri-Wing kit on my 91 Goldwing GL1500 (converted this past winter). Looks great. Need to install rake kit and progressive springs to help eliminate front end shake. Ride is very harsh. Have monroe air shocks and will have to try something else. I've varied the pressure from zero upwards and doesn't change the ride.

Anyone have any ideas on this? Have nice picture of bike if anyone interested.

Chips

[Lucky]

delcolli
Don't know about ruff ride not much of a wrench myself,but ZOOK has good prices on rake kits.Good luck and RIDE SAFE

[delcolli]

Thanks for the reply Lucky. Have received reply from Zook about rake but don't feel I'm qualified to install new triple tree. Will have to see if I can find someone closer to home that can supply and install. I think the harsh ride is magnifying the front end shake. We go south for the winters and I have found a company in California so might trailer trike and have everything attended to down there. Thanks again

[trikerAL]

Not a straight forward bolt on,and being across the pond was a pain, but Darlene resolved problem and sent part within a week..

[RTL1330]

Howdy - I have a Tri-Wing kit on my 91 Goldwing GL1500 (converted this past winter). Looks great. Need to install rake kit and progressive springs to help eliminate front end shake. Ride is very harsh. Have munroe air shocks and will have to try something else. I've varied the pressure from zero upwards and doesn't change the ride.
Anyone have any ideas on this? Have nice picture of bike if anyone interested.

Chips

Hi chips. I have a 2001 Valkyrie Interstate in Campbell River. The Black Dragon was terrible at first 3 months so I called Side Effects in Kamloops BC and got their Steerite 61/2 deg rake kit, progressive front springs ans 20 wt fork oil sent down. I has CMS Honda install it all and now like power steering. The 2 wheelers Try To catch me in the twisties now. I run std air pressure in front and 24 psi in rear 235/15 radials. Call me or drop up some time for coffee.

Terry

[TechOps]

I have a triwing kit also, converting an XVS1100 custom. I found the ride harsh at first, but found that dropping the rear pressure to 15psi on the rear wheels improved the handling and comfort greatly. Also dropping pressure on the front tyre seems to have stopped the chopping on the tyre. I will be installing a 6 degree raked tree, extended forks and progressive springs from Pacific Coast Star in the new year.

I must say that I had nothing but good relations with Darlene from Tri-wing over the whole period of purchase (I'm in Australia), and yes, it is not a conversion to be approached lightly.

[BLAQUEHAWQUE]

Have done two Tri Wings (02 Venture & 84 Venture for wife) with no problems. The nice thing about this kit is that you can be inventive and do it your own way. For instance, the trunk insert is now part of the body. Keeps out dust and rain now. Building a 99 Venture for my buddy right now. Would build another for myself (If they bring out the 1700cc Venture).