07 Venture / Hannigan Trike options questions.

[Craigatcsi]

I am planning to Trike my 07 Venture after the first of the year. I am waffling on the Reverse option.

Is the Reverse sturdy enough to hold up to 'normal' usage for awhile? I am guessing that it is simply a seperate electric motor that ties in somehow.

I don't mind spending the money if it is quality.

Also, after looking at a few pics, it looks like with the running boards, you can't attach the highway pegs to the case guards. Is this the case? - I MUST have my highway pegs.

Craigr

[Veritas44]

It is very sturdy and quality-built from what those who have it say. You can check out Ventureriders.org under the Trike Section and several of them have posted their thoughts and experiences with that Reverse assembly. You can also PM Carbon One or Cougar. Both those Guys are long time Trikers with Hannigan RSV Trikes and were the first to get those from what I understand.

No issue with installing the Highway Pegs with Running Board option. I think it may limit the location of placement a little or require an adaptor or different mounting arm but have seen them on many Venture units with the Boards. You can ask the two Guys above about that too as they both have them.

Hope this helps.

[alwrmcusn]

Just my opinion: I have not found nearly enough reason to pay the big bucks to have reverse installed. Simply do not park nose first on a down hill slope. I can paddle walk my '09 Venture Hannigan around just about as easily as before the conversion.

[tfdeputydawg]

Just my opinion: I have not found nearly enough reason to pay the big bucks to have reverse installed. Simply do not park nose first on a down hill slope. I can paddle walk my '09 Venture Hannigan around just about as easily as before the conversion.

Do you have the foot fairings(running boards)??

[Carbon_One]

You can "dog paddle" the bike if needed IF on level ground. The trikes do roll very easily. I had the running boards installed at the time I converted the bike into a 3 wheeler. I found from experience with other riders it was awkward doing that with the running boards installed. So yes you can get by without the reverse but I'm really glad I purchased it at the same time I had Hannigan do my conversion a year ago on my 09. My previous Tri-Wing kit trike didn't have running boards or reverse and managed quite well for 5 years without them.

I was the first paying customer to buy the reverse system after Hannigan finished testing their proto types. While I generally am quite conscious about where & how I park there has been a few times when the reverse was handy. Bottom line is I would never have another trike without a reverse, especially if running board equipped. I love the running boards too cause you have a lot more freedom of movement for feet. Very handy on long trips to relieve leg cramping. They're also great to have when getting caught in rain cause the tires aren't throwing water forward onto your legs.

Both options are nice to have (& are of high quality) if you can afford their costs. Sure glad I have them on my trike anyhow. Best to get both when ordering the trike kit too. The reverse can be installed with the body on but it's much easier if done with it off. Cougar, I think did his install without pulling the body. Have to check with him to be sure thou.

No you don't lose the option of highway pegs. I use Kury's Magnum sets on my bike just like you would for a 2 wheeler.

Anything else about this just ask and I'll be happy to help.
Larry

[Craigatcsi]

Thanks for all of the info!

It looks like I will be going with the running boards as well as the reverse.

Now, I think I am down to Rims & Tires. - As a rule, I tend to purchase 'top of the line' or close to it. I would rather spend the money up front than play catch-up later because it usually costs more to wait. That being said, what kind of rims do I want? Meaning, what are the hubs from? I may not be purchasing these with the kit. At least I see no reason to. I want something that will look good with WWWs yet somewhat match my front Rim. I'm guessing that if I purchase them on my own that I would have a much larger collection to choose from. What about wheel / tire width? What about tire type, meaning Radials or ??

Craigr

[Veritas44]

To be absolutely 100% positive and accurate, call Hannigan.

[berngren]

I believe Hannigan went with the 16 rims on their new kits. You will have problems finding the WWW for 16 rims. I searched for the 16 rims when I found out that Hannigan was switching from the 15. Since I have the 15 rims and can't switch to the 16 - I'll be sticking with the WWW on my 09 Venture (Red and Black).

What you need to do is to obtain the exact size of the rims and wheels - and do some research to locate what you want. If you need assistance just send me a PM. You can check the pics in my album to get an idea how the WWW would appear on your new trike. If your bike is black - I recommend the WWW to contrast with the black. It would like nice with the blue too - but definitely with the black.

The trike tires will definitely be radials. As far as the front tire goes - when you need to change it - use a back tire with the front tire measurement. You will obtain better mileage and handling.

Anyway, whatever you decide - ensure it is what you want. Take your time and decide what you want. Ask a lot of questions because this will help you to make decisions. Once you are comfortable - then go forth to make your purchase.

As far as the reverse goes - you really don't need it - unless you are not strong enough to maneuver it. The running boards do make it a little difficult to maneuver at first - but I have master that now. The trick is to ensure you are not an obstacle to the back tires if you are pushing the bike forward.

The running boards are very nice to have - you can rest your feet on them - as well as assist you in mounting the trike. I do love and enjoy them.

Ensure that you purchase the auxiliary gas tank too. You'll find out that you are glad you purchased it. Especially if you are going to be on the open road a lot. Even if you don't use it much - at least you know you'll have 5 to 6 gallon in reserve - and you may not want to fill up every stop - because a lot of stops are at rest areas. It works for me. I hope this information helped you. One thing - your gas mileage will decrease at least 10 mpg when you convert your bike. Oh yes!!!! Don't forget the trailer hitch. If you are riding two up - you will definitely need it. (The lady will definitely use every bit of the space in the trailer if you purchase one. Smile!!!!) God Bless to whatever you decide.

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/album.php?albumid=821

[Cougar]

Craigr , it motor that runs the reverse is a Heavy Duty Chevy starter I have a feeling
it would be a very long time before it dies out. I did do the reverse option with the body
still on the trike and Larry's AUX tank installed. I to for a long time didn't think I needed the
reverse and like other say you can do with out it. but now after having it for 6 months I LOVE IT pepper
I never have to worry what angle or spot to park or also not worry so much on my gravel driveway. IT ROCKS!

I also removed the resistors that Hannigan sell with the reverse kit and now I have MO POWER on the reverse.
I really like it like that also. In the place of the 2 resistors I put a 2nd battery in that spot. all is well with that
set up still.

Like John says feel free to contact me anytime !
And that goes for anybody else as well. I have tons of photos for the install of the reverse. I think Hanniagn
is using some of them now.

Good Luck !

Jeff

[Craigatcsi]

What are the resistors for? - Why would they install them if not needed?

Why would you need a 2nd battery?

[Cougar]

What are the resistors for? - Why would they install them if not needed?

Why would you need a 2nd battery?

The resistors are to slow the reverse speed down, Hannigan uses them most likely
for your safety, I am not really sure if they even use them anymore, I found by
removing them I have a longer power run at one time when I use the reverse.

The two resistors make the reverse very very slow. the two battery's are in place just to have
extra on board watts/amps... just something I am playing around with. not need for the reverse
it does seem to help the voltage drop when the reverse is use, climbs back very fast for me.

I also added them for all my heated gear that I am still waiting for . It will draw about
160 watts by them self's, I also added a high output stator and the newer Mosfett R/R

Again , not doing these mods will not effect anything if you chose to add a reverse, I think Hannigan did a great job and the design of there new product, very well made.

Another note is that I did just fine with out the reverse for 5 years. now as I get older and the reverse is installed life just got a little bit more easy :-)

I am to first one that Hannigan sold the kit to with out going through a dealer to have it installed.
I also helps the guys re-write some of there instructions and I hope they are using them now , RIGHT JOHN !!! LOL

Jeff

[alwrmcusn]

No, I do not have the running boards installed. I considered them and $$$ unconsidered them.
JFI if I had the money I'd have both reverse and running boards

[Craigatcsi]

The comment above about the gravel driveway has really had me thinking. I know from experience that pushing anything where there is gravel, especially when that gravel is on top of concrete, can be frustrating.

I had pretty much decided to go ahead with the reverse once I read that it isn't 'fragile', but the gravel comment has sold it!

Honestly, I was afraid that the reverse was going to be the starter on the bike, which I would not have gone for. - Isn't the reverse for a 2-wheel Goldwing actually the bike's starter?

[Veritas44]

On the GL, Yes it is.
Will back you up AND put you to sleep

[Cougar]

And the reverse on the RSV will WAKE YOU UP

[Veritas44]

It definitely is "spirited"
Like a good Steed should be.

[Pegasus1300]

I didn't see you mention this in your original post,but it has been brought up by a couple of others. The gas mileage on a trike is a lot lower then with only 2 wheels. The venture seems especially sensitive to this so I would seriously consider getting and installing the aux tank at the time you make the conversion.

[Craigatcsi]

The Gas mileage thing kinda has me worried. We typically got 35ish and worse with my 2-wheel version. If we take the previously mentioned 10mpg off once it's triked, that is some HORRIBLE Gas mileage!

I wonder what the mileage is on the 1800 GW Hannigan Triked.

Then again, I also worry about my Venture Trike being a 'Pig' as far as power goes. Will it be tough to pass? Will pulling my Bushtec Trailer make that even worse?

I really don't feel old enough for a GW Yet AND I LOVE the look of the Venture with the Hannigan Kit. BUT...... Gas mileage & Power MAY just turn my head.

This is getting soooo confusing.

craigr

[Veritas44]

From what Venture Trike Owners have said, you can expect @27-29 mpg as a Trike worse case. Pulling a Trailer may cost you another 2 mpg.
The Venture has a Quad-Four/V-Four Engine design which although produces plenty of HP (@98) and TQ (@89) with only its 1300 cc it LOVES the Fuel.
If MPG is a concern-get the Aux Tank (either Hannigan or Carbon One). You can figure worse case pulling your Trailer you will be stopping for fuel every 125 miles (6gal @ 25mpg = 150 max range) to be safe when operating at highway speeds in average terrain.

The GL18 will average about 37 post-Triking. The GL18 has @ 115 HP and @ 123 TQ.

Careful on switching, the Ergonomics and "feel" of the two are Night & Day different. The GL is a true Tourer and the Venture is a large Cruiser. If you are accustomed to and like the "feel" of the Venture, it is highly possible the GL will not suit you to the same extent. Nothing For or Against either Bike don't take me wrong. They are truly Apples & Oranges.

If you like your Venture and the ONLY thing you would change is adding a third wheel,,,,, Stick with It and add the Aux Tank and Reverse to the Conversion.
Besides, IF you trade the Venture (or sell outright) and get a GL18 it is likely you will end up eating the same amount of money in the process that the Tank and Reverse Options would cost.

Just food for thought-as if you didn't already have enough huh?

[tfdeputydawg]

My Wing/Hannigan has been as high as 39mpg, during warm weather on a trip of mostly I-state. 2-up, running no more than 75mph. It has been as low as 27mpg, during very cold weather. 1-up, short runs w/some at funeral procession speed.
As a 2 wheeler, tops was 49mpg, lowest was 32mpg.