Less than 200 miles new-to-me GL1800 Lehman conversion

[TonkaBanana]

No clue how to get an avatar, but you can at least see my new-to-me ride! I've been riding around San Diego County since 1986, most recently on a 2010 Can Am Spyder RT. After 51,000 miles we got a good opportunity to pick up the beauty in the picture.

It's a very early conversion as there are some one off choices: Goldwing adjustable shock is still in place, but doesn't adjust; two additional car shocks are mounted in the rear; about every 7 or so years, the drive shaft drops out the bottom - this last fix a Valkerie beefed up drive shaft was used! Because of all the super shock support, the weight load to shock ratio makes my new baby drive like an empty dump truck!!!

I'm looking to find out more from other Lehman conversion trikers and how their package was installed.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Unfortunately the short wheel base, straight axle conversions are not the smoothest riding!

What PSI are you using in the rear tires?

 

[Fearless]

Welcome to the forum

Welcome from Pennsylvania I'm sure there are members here willing to help you sort out the issues with the ride. Remember it's a machine and an be changed for the better. Good luck in your Modifications.:Coffee: Fred

 

[Marc H]

Welcome from Tn. :wave4:

 

[rhino 2]

Welcome from New Jersey.....:wave4:

I had a Yellow Spyder....Felt like everyone could see me coming and going...:laugh:

 

[TonkaBanana]

DeputyDawg, great question, I need to find out the answer to that! I only figured out how to put gas in it two weeks ago... :cxtv: My one saving grace is that my husband has been riding GW's for 25 years.

 

[desertclassic]

Welcome from New Mexico. Jim

 

[Lucky]

Welcome glad you joined us. The fun has just begun. RIDE SAFE

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Welcome to the Gang from Western Colorado.

 

[Papa Zook]

View attachment 48480 No clue how to get an avatar, but you can at least see my new-to-me ride! I've been riding around San Diego County since 1986, most recently on a 2010 Can Am Spyder RT. After 51,000 miles we got a good opportunity to pick up the beauty in the picture.

It's a very early conversion as there are some one off choices: Goldwing adjustable shock is still in place, but doesn't adjust; two additional car shocks are mounted in the rear; about every 7 or so years, the drive shaft drops out the bottom - this last fix a Valkerie beefed up drive shaft was used! Because of all the super shock support, the weight load to shock ratio makes my new baby drive like an empty dump truck!!!

I'm looking to find out more from other Lehman conversion trikers and how their package was installed.

What pressure are you running in your rear tires?

Rear tire air pressure has the single biggest affect on ride, more so than anything. I just 5 minutes ago got a call from a fellow complaining about his new to him GL1500 Lehman trike riding rough. When I asked what the air pressure was in his rear tires, he said 41 lbs. I told him to drop the pressure to 20 lbs, take a ride and call me back.

He also sad it was very hard to steer and had discovered that it had never had a rake kit installed. Its no wonder the previous owner wanted to get rid of it....must have been a tank to drive. He ordered a rake from me so that will cure the hard to steer part.

 

[mwebster]

Welcome from W.V.:wave4:

 

[paws]

We had a Lehman Monarch II straight axle conversion on a 2008 GL1800, installed by the dealer when it was new.

Before the rake kit was installed it was a handful and tiresome to steer.

As to ride and handling it was great after the rake kit was put on.

Our other trike is a 2008 GL1800 with a 2010 MotorTrike independent suspension.

Comparing the 2 is difficult as we were both drivers - not passengers.

Some people say the backseat ride is harsh on a solid axle....don't know....never rode back there....the luggage never complained.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Welcome to Trike Talk

Looks good in Yellow

 

[Cainam]

Welcome to Trike Talk from Southeastern Tennessee!!!

 

[consitter]

Nice trike!

Welcome to Trike Talk from eastern Kentucky!