Who sells KITS???

[Shriner Jim]

I ride a 2008 Ultra Classic with an UC Sidecar. It's a nice rig but my wife wants me to go to a trike. I want to keep my Ultra (its the only one of many Harleys that I bought new) and convert it. I have been told that no one will sell me a kit directly, it must be sold and installed by a dealer.
Is there anything to this or am I just at the mercy of the system that feeds itself well.
I'm a pretty good old wrench. When younger and working, I was a mechanical engineer, I've been in semi-retirement for about 5 years now. It could be a challenge but some of us still like a challenge. As a matter of fact, I would probably trust my work more than some of the pros out there.
If you think I'm wrong, say so. Do you know of anyone who has bought his own conversion? Champion, Calif Sidecar, DFT, Lehman?

[FBTRIKE]

Hi Shriner Jim, unless things have changed, Champion sidecar sells complete kits that you can install yourself. If you have a lift, it will make the job a lot easier. It is not that hard, if you have basic mechanical skills and can follow directions. Sounds like you wouldn't have any problem doing it yourself. ( I did it :eek I'm sure others will chime in!

[Nana]

Hello Shriner Jim. FBTrike is correct.... Champion is one of the few companies who will sell to an individual, and a number of our members have installed their kits themselves with no problem. I would strongly urge you to also install the EZ steer rake kit right along with the trike kit, as it will make your steering MUCH more comfortable. There is at least one other that will sell to an individual, but I don't recall for sure who it is --- Roadsmith, maybe? I hope you keep us posted on your progress and include lots of pictures!

[Nauga Mok]

Nana's right about Roadsmith. SmokinJoe & I have both inatalled our kits -- his on a 'Wing & mine is on a '06 Ultra. Pretty straight forward install. The only really physical part on the belt drive units (like Harley) is snaking the frame through the belt, but a floor jack can take most of the strain out of that. Jacks/lifts are a must. The thing I like about the Roadsmith kit is NONE of the actual suspension is attached through the swing arm. It bolts directly to the bike frame. The touring class in my vintage supposedly had problems with the swingarm mounting causing instability at high speed, so with the swing arm out of the suspension system, I feel a lot more confident. There are several others who will let you do your own conversions: DFT, Mystery Design, & Frankenstein Trike are a few more, but they all use a modified swing arm. I'm an old Heavy Equipment mechanic, & to my eye, the Roadsmith had the best design of the parts that matter. Their body looks good too, but that's just "window dressing" -- the suspension parts are what matter. I also liked the look of CSC, but they're dealer install only. DFT & Mystery Design looked good too, but I didn't like their braking systems. Frankenstein is a rigid axel & I'd decided early on that I wanted IRS. Now -- there are a lot of guys here that LIKE DFT & Mystery Design & it's their choice. Maybe had I had the chance to test ride everything I might have chosen differently, but, you're a mechanical engineer -- look at the designs & see which is the simplest & strongest where it needs to be -- Roadsmith! It also has a 10" longer wheel base that helps the ride. Some people don't like the extra length because it does make it BIG. On my trip with it yesterday, I hit several turns at what felt too hot, but crank in a little throttle & NO problem, so it has the handeling as well. To my eye, the rear of the tourpak should be at least even with the rear of the trike & with Roadsmith the tourpak is well ahead of the trunk, which to my eye, looks better. BUT -- you have to decide what looks best to you.

NM

[John Luciano]

I think u said it all Mok : I have the DFT on a Wing . I love the trunk space. widest trunk I have seen . If I did it again and can afford it I would do another DFT . If not , then Champion IND or Roadsmith JMHO of course

[Nauga Mok]

Trunk space is something I didn't get into. John's right -- that DFT trunk on the "Corvett" body is a CAVE! However on the tradidional body, DFT's trunk there is tiny. Same with Mystery Design -- their Cobra styled body's trunk is like DFT's Covett styled body -- HUGE! 9.something cu ft on both. I'm a sucker for "traditional". Roadsmith trunks are more the norm at 4.5 cu ft -- about equal to 3 HD saddlebags but all together so you can cram a lot so stuff in back there.

NM

[ultraboy]

In addition to the one's mentioned above, US Trikes and American Trikes both sell kits to individuals. US Trikes is a solid rear, and American is independant suspension. Now your real research begins, which one? Just about everyone here likes his/hers the best, and you'll get opinions like those above. Look around at the choices available, and take your pick. There is also a very real possibility that you can get a Lehman or Motor Trike off ebay, or from a dealer who is stuck with one, and willing to sell it to you. The install should present no problems for you.


UB

[Shriner Jim]

What a response! I have been a member of HD Forum for a long time, never a thorough response such as this. I just signed up for this forum today, boy you guys sure came to the rescue.
Yes, the choice has widened and I'll check out each of them. I do already have a Champion EZ Steer because of my sidecar, yep just like power steering. I guess I will have to get a different steering stabilizer. Mine presently goes from the lower clamp to the hack mount.
Thanks again for a great response. I'll be sure to keep you updated on my progress.
Jim

[ricle41]

Welcome to the forum, Jim. You are correct. I've been a member here for just about two months, and the amount on information available is mind boggeling!

Be sure you keep us up to date with your efforts, and this crowd loves pictures!

Dick

[1550vt]

U can certainly do it yourself and if you have any questions along the way....you have already discovered this Forum is loaded with people that will help you every step of the the way. The fun will begin once you get your hands on the kit you want, or can find. I wound up going out of state and found a Honda Dealer that would sell me a Lehman kit for a Harley Ultra.....imagine that. I do not necessarily recommend Lehman by any means. I have developed a rather strong dislike for those folks for lots of reasons. You will get better factory support from a company that will sell you a kit direct.

Good luck!

[Gorilla]

Welcome aboard Shriner Jim. I built my own HD 07 Road Glide with a Champion kit. I loved the project and am proud of my trike. Check my album I have construction pictures posted. There really are lots of choices.

[Shriner Jim]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>tmigala</strong>
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<div class="message">Welcome aboard Shriner Jim. I built my own HD 07 Road Glide with a Champion kit. I loved the project and am proud of my trike. Check my album I have construction pictures posted. There really are lots of choices.</div>

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</div>Thanks, I did. What a project! Nice outcome. I hope I can achieve the same. Still looking for the right kit.<img src="images/smilies/cool.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Cool" class="inlineimg" />

[Greydog]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Shriner Jim</strong>
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<div class="message">Thanks, I did. What a project! Nice outcome. I hope I can achieve the same. Still looking for the right kit.<img src="images/smilies/cool.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Cool" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Welcome aboard Jim!!! Check out <a href="http://www.championtrikes.com" target="_blank">Welcome to Champion Motorcycle Trike kits, Trike conversions, Hard Bags, Sidecars, Trailers, EZ-Steer, Reverse Gear</a>. As regards the steering stabilizer, you may find you don't need it as snugging down the "fall away" on the neck bearings might be all you need. Additionally, if you're considering the reverse gear you might want to wait to see if you really need it after riding the trike a while. A few folks here told me I probably didn't need it but I bought it anyway......I've used it one time just to make sure it worked...backing and parking the trike is a breeze....much easier than a two wheeler!!! I'm sure you'll be happy on three wheels regardless of your kit choice.

Had I known how much fun a trike would be I'd have converted a LONG time ago!!

[Papa Zook]

Welcome to the board Jim. I can sell you a new Champion kit for the same price that Champion does AND give you free shipping (costs $300-$500 from Champion) AND a installation manual with pictures AND a very detailed start to finish instructional CD video that shows every step of the disassemble and construction of your trike conversion. There is no way you can screw it up! I also provide free unlimited phone support. PM me if you're interested.
zook

[ultraboy]

Jim, If you are even considering the Champion, take Bazooka up on his offer! His shop has installed literally hundreds of Champion kits, and, as a sponsor of this forum, he will provide support to you beyond anything you can imagine! Seriously!


UB

[1550vt]

Ditto to that Jim!

Champion has actually helped me out with parts for mine when Lehman wouldn't. I have friends that ride the Champion kits and I think you would be very satisfied both with the kit and the support. My next conversion would be a Champion and I would opt for the disc brakes. If you plan do do your own work....stick with simplicity. I am not knocking anyone's ride but I have friends that have simply sold their trikes as opposed to the travel and down time associated with the more complicated models.

Just me...but I prefer to look under mine and see something that resembles a pick-up truck rear-end (over simplified of course) as opposed to something that resembles a Corvette!

[stacebg]

any interest in a flh allready converted with a 88 corvette rear?
12k and it yours
stace

[Gorilla]

Shriner Jim, I also support Bazooka. If you go Champion or even something else give him a call and see what he can do for you. I've spoke with him several times on the phone and plan on stopping at his shop around next Wednesday.<br />
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Stacebg post some pictures and a for sale listing in the for sale forum.

[2pates]

Another newby here thinking of doing my own kit installation. I have a 2007 HD Ultra Classic and am trying to decide on doing it myself or not and which kit to use & who to get it from. Any advice is appreciated.

[Nana]

Hi 2pates! Welcome aboard <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" /><br />
The posts right above you in this thread pretty much spell out a list of the companies that will sell a kit to an individual. All of them are good and it really comes down to a personal preference on fixed or independent suspension, etc. Ask questions, read the information from other owner/builders, and have a great time with it! Looking forward to getting better acquainted on here.