Looking to buy 1995 GL1500 Trike

[Jester74]

Hello,

New to group and I am about to purchase a 1995 GL1500 trike. The guy says its a "California Customs" Trike, but from the Pictures and the research, it appears to be a Lehman conversion. Maybe someone can verify this with the pictures. It seems to be missing the one light lens on the left side in front of wheel, and i cannot find anywhere that sells lehman parts. if anyone could help that would be great. Also, the purchase price is $8500, it has 99000 on the clock but the engine was rebuilt at 77000 and he has paperwork. this seems to be a good deal for the trike but this being my first trike, i would like to have some input on that as well as what i should be looking for when i go to test it out.

Thanks for any help or guidance. I'm currently riding a 1989 GL1500.

 

[nucseal]

Hello,

New to group and I am about to purchase a 1995 GL1500 trike. The guy says its a "California Customs" Trike, but from the Pictures and the research, it appears to be a Lehman conversion. Maybe someone can verify this with the pictures. It seems to be missing the one light lens on the left side in front of wheel, and i cannot find anywhere that sells lehman parts. if anyone could help that would be great. Also, the purchase price is $8500, it has 99000 on the clock but the engine was rebuilt at 77000 and he has paperwork. this seems to be a good deal for the trike but this being my first trike, i would like to have some input on that as well as what i should be looking for when i go to test it out.

Thanks for any help or guidance. I'm currently riding a 1989 GL1500.

I personally would not buy this bike. Parts are extremely rare to non existent. There is not many, if anyone who has knowledge. The one person who had a lot of knowledge concerning the Lehman Kit has passed. I wish you luck. This is just my opinion.

 

[rhino 2]

I personally would not buy this bike. Parts are extremely rare to non existent. There is not many, if anyone who has knowledge. The one person who had a lot of knowledge concerning the Lehman Kit has passed. I wish you luck. This is just my opinion.

Plus..1…..Finding parts is going to be difficult to say the least…

 

[trike lady]

I agree on the parts being hard to find and in the picture of the back it looks like the tail lamp is not lit. You'd have to know what the rear axle is off of (Ford Pinto, Ranger/Mustang) to get repair parts for it. I'd keep looking and you'll find a nice one

 

[cScjhb]

I agree with Pat, Bob, & Val. Even if you want to stay with a 1500, I'd look for one with a kit that is still in production. That way you at least have a source for information about the trike. With this trike, you're on your own. My suggestion is to step up to an 1800 with a kit that is still in business. You will then have support for both the motorcycle and trike kit. 1500s are fine bikes. I owned one for many years. But the technology is out of date. It's getting harder and harder to get parts and/or finding a knowledgeable shop for maintenance or repairs. Good luck..... Jim

 

[Jester74]

I agree with Pat, Bob, & Val. Even if you want to stay with a 1500, I'd look for one with a kit that is still in production. That way you at least have a source for information about the trike. With this trike, you're on your own. My suggestion is to step up to an 1800 with a kit that is still in business. You will then have support for both the motorcycle and trike kit. 1500s are fine bikes. I owned one for many years. But the technology is out of date. It's getting harder and harder to get parts and/or finding a knowledgeable shop for maintenance or repairs. Good luck..... Jim

Well, I took everyone's advise and passed on that bike. I decided that i needed to also take the advice of moving up to a GL1800. Given my budgetary restraints and the high resale values of these trikes this proved to be a labor of love searching for one that would not break the bank. After sifting through countless Scams and unanswered emails and texts and messages, I found one. Its a 2006 GL1800 with what looks to be a champion trike conversion. Its got higher mileage for the price I don't believe i can complain. I'm going Saturday to look at it and most likely purchase it and ride her home. Selling price is $10000.00. it doesn't have a lot of bling per say, but its a blank slate for me to make my own as well. I am super excited.

Thank you all for the great advice and helping out a new guy to the forum and to trikes. It is very much appreciated.

 

[cScjhb]

Much better....

I think you will be much happier with this choice. The original Champion trike company quit making trikes a couple years ago. Their assets were purchased by D & D Discount Motorcycles in Tempe, AZ. D & D has formed a new company, Champion Trikes of Arizona. So, the brand lives on. D & D has been my Goldwing servicing dealer for many years. They are one of the very best trike conversion shops having done many hundreds of them. If you stumble into a problem, I know they will be able to help. You'll be able to find information about them online. Good luck..... Jim

 

[nucseal]

Good choice! Definitely be happier with the 1800. It is a solid engine.

 

[CrystalPistol]

I was gonna post some info, but suffice to say I never had issues fiinding GL1500 parts and I still think the Lehman was the sharpest looker. JMHO.