Running Boards (ground effects)

[tis]

I'm leaning toward the Champion trike kit for my 2004 Harley Ultra, does anyone have any pro's or cons about installing the running boards. I know this would be for appearance only as there not weight bearing. Just was looking for a little feedback on this if anyone installed them. Also I noticed alot of the Champion trikes don't have bumpers installed? Any help appreciated..

[Gorilla]

tis,<br />
<br />
I have a Champion kit on my Road Glide (see my album for pictures). I do not have reverse installed. It really rolls back very easy out of the garage, and I think before I park. So I feel it is not necessary to have a reverse, more of a luxury item for $1000 to $2000 dollars plus installation. With that statement: I would think that running boards would be in the way the few times that you might want to scoot your trike back while sitting in the saddle. There is not much room down there for leg movement without floorboards and unless you have a wide leg stretch to out beyond the floorboards, then being able to push back from the saddle would be hindered. Now if you are having reverse installed this is not an issue. Your deciding factor becomes cosmetic only to your personal taste.<br />
<br />
As far as the bumpers go: I have never seen a Champion with them. They are strictly cosmetic anyway so I would see no reason you could not make some that would bolt to the body or onto the sub frame and body. I personally like the non-bumper look better.

<br />
<br />
Ted

[Trikerjim]

tis, The running boards (Aqua-Shields) are up to you. My Motor-Trike has them but they are load-bearing. My wife is only 5'-1" and she uses them to climb on and off the trike. If you do get them, be aware that they are VERY low to the ground and will scrape on speed-bumps, larger rocks ect..

[tis]

Thanks Ted & Jim for your input, people from Champion said that there not that wide as to restrict backing up if you don't have reverse. I just thought they gave a more finished look. I know it'll come down to personal preference so I want to find out as much as I can before I order. Talking to people on this site is really helpful, it's to bad everyone is spread so far around the Country, and that includes those of you across the Pond!!!!!!!

[03clyde]

They give a finished look to the trike and the running lights add to your visibility.

[RED BARON]

I have running boards on my MT....and if you don't have short legs they are just fine. I really like them when I get caught in the rain...I try not to but it will happen sooner or later. They do set the trike off I think but if $$ is a issue there are other things you can spend it on. I think the "easy steer" if you are in the hill country would be more important.<img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />

[ben721364]

My first trike did not have running boards and I was disappointed. My current trike does have them and I would not buy/install them again. My boots give me all the rain protection my feet/legs need and I find them inconvenient. They make service more difficult as well as mounting, dismounting and backing up without using reverse. Mine is a Roadsmith and it is, as far as I know, the only kit that doesn't reduce ground clearance, which is another negative with some kits.

[john]

tis i odered a champion trike on my wing and did not get the running boards. but a friend of my did have them put on his wing and they do look good. they are delvering my trike tomorrow and i will ride for awhile to make up my mind if i want them or not. i am getting the light bar on the back in april and maybe the running boards later.

[ben721364]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>john</strong>
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<div class="message">tis i odered a champion trike on my wing and did not get the running boards. but a friend of my did have them put on his wing and they do look good. they are delvering my trike tomorrow and i will ride for awhile to make up my mind if i want them or not. i am getting the light bar on the back in april and maybe the running boards later.</div>

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</div>My intent was not to steer someone against running boards but rather to share my experience and opinion based solely on my personal experience both with and without them. I too think they are attractive. I do not however, think that they are necessary and indeed think they detract [in a small way] from a functional standpoint. I would rather spend the $1200 to $1400 on electronic do dads, good protective clothing and even motel rooms while traveling.

[BlueTrinity]

ben,

No offense intended, but here's my:2cents:.

I've got 'em and love 'em. No problems with functionality whatsoever. I can even get the jack under them just fine.

Looks? No comparison in my opinion.

No reverse? With short legs, that could indeed be problematic.

Are they necessary? Heck no....but then, that has nothing to do with it. If necessity were a criteria, I wouldn't have the airbrushed fairing, the custom painted trailer, the multitude of chrome do-dads; in fact, I guess I wouldn't be riding the trike.

In the end, it's just like every thing else, including the brand of trike you ride, it's a matter of personal choice.

Do I get change?

Dave

[ben721364]

ben,

No offense intended, but here's my:2cents:.

I've got 'em and love 'em. No problems with functionality whatsoever. I can even get the jack under them just fine.

Looks? No comparison in my opinion.

No reverse? With short legs, that could indeed be problematic.

Are they necessary? Heck no....but then, that has nothing to do with it. If necessity were a criteria, I wouldn't have the airbrushed fairing, the custom painted trailer, the multitude of chrome do-dads; in fact, I guess I wouldn't be riding the trike.

In the end, it's just like every thing else, including the brand of trike you ride, it's a matter of personal choice.

Do I get change?

Dave

Dave,
I wholeheartedly agree with you.
Ben

[1800 06 Champion Trike]

We have them on our champion and love them.
They finish off the trike and keep dirt and stones off the fenders