V-Star 1100 Classic, but now what?

[smilinjohn]

Hello!

I've been hanging around TrikeTalk for a bit over a year, ever since I tracked down a fella in my home town, riding a Honda GL1800 triked, that he purchased with one of our member's help......I said to the guy, "I want one of those". Later, triking a Honda Helix, with a TowPac kit, that I've been riding ever since.

I had lots of fun with my 4-wheeled scoot, except has been pretty loney riding alone. Having later learned that my 244cc did not qualify for membership in the local motorcycle club, that I have wished to join.

I recently purchased a 2002 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic that I'm planning to trike. I'm attracted to the MTC Voyager standard kit, since the cost is somewhat low at $5,000 out-the-door.

What other 3-wheel kits should be under my consideration for my "new to me" Yamaha? Thanks.

[Nana]

Congratulations on the new bike, John.

A Voyager kit is a good option, but I would encourage you to consider something like a Frankenstein kit or a Yelvington Trike kit before you make that decision. They would give you a true 3-wheel trike rather than 4. You should be able to install a rake kit which will make your steering much easier and smoother. And because they don't have all the fiberglass body, they are significantly less than the other true trike kits on the market. You may want to do some research on the web and call to get specific questions answered by them. Yelvington is a sponsor here, so you can simply click on their link over on the right side of the screen here.

I don't know if Yelvington sells directly to the customer, but I do know Frankenstein does. Some of our members who are equipped to do so have appreciated that option as they could install the kit themselves and saved $$$ there too. However, I know our sponsors do everything they can to work with our members, so I would encourage you to at least check with them and compare.

Keep us updated on your decisions.....looks like you are going to have a fun winter, no matter which way you decide to go!

[Bones158]

Congratulations on your V star. Great ride, I had one for years before buying the Venture. Try TriWing, they also sell kets for the 1100.

Honda Gold Wing & Yamaha Venture, Tour Deluxe and V-Star 1100 Trike Conversions - Tri-Wing Industries Corporation

[Deacon Don]

V Star 1100 is a great bike I did over 40,000 on one, and its still running. Check out Yelvengton Trikes,,they look real kool... Good luck with the trike.. Don

[smilinjohn]

Deac, thank you for your friendship offered.....I accept.

Nana and Deac, I looked at Yelvington and Trigg. The next that I will investigate is CSC and Frankenstein Kits.

Bones, I did check out Tri-Wing.....I like the Sportster, best......Thanks.

John

[smilinjohn]

Hello!

I checked out Frankenstein, but found out they don't have a kit for my V-Star 1100.

After looking at MTC Voyager and researching some more, I think Voyager is a bit too primitive, with its parallel-leaf spring suspension (below) that takes up valuable ground clearances. People generally either love the Voyager or hate it......not very many recommending owners (I found), that I wish to take a $5,000 out-the-door chance on.

With that said, I have come to appreciate Tow Pac's "Mini Trike, with 8" rim trailer tire" on my 1998 Honda Helix CN250 (244cc). Tow Pac, also has a heavier-duty "Insta Trike kit" for my Star 1100. The neat part of both Tow Pac kits is their independent rubber-torsion suspension, that I've grown so fond of with my scoot. The heavier-duty Insta Trike has an optional 12" aluminum mag-style rim, supporting tires with tread width of no more than 3.5" to 4", from their photos, which from the rear appears sort of funny looking compared to many trike rear tire widths. Total price = <$4,600 out-the-door.

I don't have need to make up my mind until later this winter, so I'm still open to suggestions. I think my $$ range tops-out at about $5,500. Yet, I might go for a slightly used kit and realize that expands my options,some.

John

[Marc H]

I believe both Cass County Choppers and Yelvington trikes were working on kits for the 1100 when I checked with them a year ago.Said they should have something in the near future so i'd say they would have something by now.That would give you more of a true trike than the tow pac.I would think the price would be comparable to the tow pac or cheaper.

[pastence]

Attachment 6598

Or you can build your own

[vwmaniac]

Attachment 6598

Or you can build your own

Do you have any build pics that you can share.????

[pastence]

Hello!

I checked out Frankenstein, but found out they don't have a kit for my V-Star 1100.

After looking at MTC Voyager and researching some more, I think Voyager is a bit too primitive, with its parallel-leaf spring suspension (below) that takes up valuable ground clearances. People generally either love the Voyager or hate it......not very many recommending owners (I found), that I wish to take a $5,000 out-the-door chance on.

With that said, I have come to appreciate Tow Pac's "Mini Trike, with 8" rim trailer tire" on my 1998 Honda Helix CN250 (244cc). Tow Pac, also has a heavier-duty "Insta Trike kit" for my Star 1100. The neat part of both Tow Pac kits is their independent rubber-torsion suspension, that I've grown so fond of with my scoot. The heavier-duty Insta Trike has an optional 12" aluminum mag-style rim, supporting tires with tread width of no more than 3.5" to 4", from their photos, which from the rear appears sort of funny looking compared to many trike rear tire widths. Total price = <$4,600 out-the-door.

I don't have need to make up my mind until later this winter, so I'm still open to suggestions. I think my $$ range tops-out at about $5,500. Yet, I do not want a kit that has been previously used and realize that limits my options.

John

Attachment 6599

this was the first set up i built for my wife to see if she realy wanted a trike . all bolt on I still have it if interested pm me

[pastence]

here are a few of the trike build

Attachment 6600 Attachment 6601 Attachment 6602 Attachment 6603 have more for those interested

[hdruss]

SMILINGJOHN - I rode a Voyager Kit on various bikes for ten years and it took me all over this country. I must admit that my TG rides and handles a lot better. But the Voyager got me through those years when I was researching the type of trike I wanted to own. I know that there are used voyager kits out there that people like me would part with at a substantial discount. Could be a $2,000 investment vs $10,000 to $15,000 for a full trike conversion.
Russ Crider

[pastence]

Attachment 6666


Hi John well here it is in the crate there is room for one fender. the exact size is 49X45X12 inches and with one fender it is 250 Lbs, or 235 Lbs with out.each fender is 15 Lbs,

[pastence]

Attachment 6676Attachment 6677


Hi John, well I was able to fit both fenders inside the crate and have beefed it up and all is sealed . total weight is 265 lbs. so still class 70

[Deacon Don]

Hurry up will u we want to see the trike... I just cal,t wate...

[smilinjohn]

Hurry up will u; we want to see the trike... I just cal,t wate...

Don, I won't forget to keep this thread updated, as I progress with the new configuration, when I get it home.

Steps to completion:

1) Sandblast to clean off paint and inspect welds for stress cracks, etc.;

2) Blacksmith to re-weld, as required....don't want any surprises;

3) De-grease, prime and paint;

4) Order wheels / tires;

5) Mount the "stabilizer wheel' / tire' device" and adjust per instructions;

6) Dream-up a "beauty-skin", fabricate and install over "stabilizer skeleton"
I'll ask board for ideas;

Donations are encouraged (hover mouse over icon).....PM me, I'll send instructions.

John

[smilinjohn]

Don, I won't forget to keep this thread updated, as I progress with the new configuration, when I get it home.

Steps to completion:

1) Sandblast to clean off paint and inspect welds for stress cracks, etc.;

2) Blacksmith to re-weld, as required....don't want any surprises;

3) De-grease, prime and paint;

4) Order wheels / tires;

5) Mount the "stabilizer wheel' / tire' device" and adjust per instructions;

6) Dream-up a "beauty-skin", fabricate and install over "stabilizer skeleton"
I'll ask board for ideas;

Donations are encouraged (hover mouse over icon).....PM me, I'll send instructions.

John

Okay, gang, got her home all the way from the west coast area.....'pastence' did a great job boxin 'er up.