Time for Drive Shaft and U-Joints Replacement?
Looking for advice here from someone with similar experience. I have a previously owned 2003 GL1800 converted in 2009 to a Road Smith trike. Since I bought it I have added over 2,000 miles and it now has 28,000 miles. I've had no prior experience with a trike so ever since I bought it I have had some concerns if I'm getting the ride I should expect from a trike of this age and mileage.
The trike handles fine to me, but the ride seems a little noisy and a vibration in the handlebar sets in at about 65 mph to the degree that my fingers start to ting and go numb. I don't think the tires are out of balance. I keep thinking that my drive shaft and/or u-joints may need replacement. The spline has been lubed but there is some slop in the driveshaft when trying to turn it by hand.
My question is to those who have a trike of similar age and mileage, is it reasonable that the conditions I have described would be due to a faulty u-joint and/or drive shaft? How would I know if either one was needing replacement?
I am far enough away from a Road Smith installer that I am trying to prevent a service/repair trip for a look see if it would be unproductive or unnecessary. I'd be appreciative for any advice.