I realize everyone has their own preference, but can anyone give me a list of the pros and cons of the Motortrike kit verses the California Side Car?
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I realize everyone has their own preference, but can anyone give me a list of the pros and cons of the Motortrike kit verses the California Side Car?
First of if you are talking Goldwing 1500 CSC and Motortrike are both straight rear ended. If you are thinking 1800 Goldwing then the CSC is IND rear and Motortrike is still straight.
I have had my Motortrike on my "97" wing for 3 years....no problems..of course you never know. I still think no matter what kind you get, it's all in the dealer who installs it. If it's not put together right... it's Never going to be right. MY 2 cents....RED BARON
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>RED BARON</strong>
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<div class="message">I have had my Motortrike on my "97" wing for 3 years....no problems..of course you never know. I still think no matter what kind you get, it's all in the dealer who installs it. If it's not put together right... it's Never going to be right. MY 2 cents....RED BARON</div>
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</div>The Red Baron said it all, "I still think no matter what kind you get, it's all in the dealer who installs it. If it's not put together right... it's Never going to be right."<br />
Beyond his advice, everything else boils down to specific features. What is best for you may not be for me. Several years ago The GWRRA company magazine carried this: <br />
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<a href="http://www.wingworldmag.com/archives/may2004/magazine/article/TrikePhenomenon1.html" target="_blank">The GL1800 Trike Phenomenon—Platform Plus Power!</a><br />
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Most of the information is still relatively current.
M/T, CSC, Champion, Roadsmith, Hannigan...They're all good. If you study and read up on each one, there are little differences in all of them that each will promote for its kit. I think the biggest difference is looks. I prefer a solid type rear (simple). Each one of us has likes and dislikes and has to make the choice of what's important. My M/T has the on-board air system, which I like, and I have the aqua-shields which you can stand on to get on or off the trike. These are minor issues.<br />
It's been said many times that anew trike buyer should try and test ride as many dfferent types as they can and decide what suits them best. Good luck on your choice.<br />
Also, let me say, Welcome Aboard to our little family....<img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />
Thank you for the many replies to my question.<br />
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My first trike was a "99" -1500 GW with a Motortrike kit. I loved it, but I put quite a strain on the electrical system by adding more light "blings" than it could handle. I traded that trike for an "04" - 1800 GW with an MT kit. (that was the one that did not survive the encounter with the truck).<br />
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I did test ride several trikes before deciding on the MT conversion, but that was in 1999. I test rode a CSC yesterday and it handled great. But that was in a parking lot. Backroads, highways, parking lot - :rolleyes: - three different creatures.<br />
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So I guess my main concern is how well the CSC will withstand where I want to ride. If I decide to return to the Artic Circle, north of Fairbanks, or once again endure the numerous "pot holes" of Newfoundland, or just take the easy "Pig trail" in Arkansas; would the CSC do as well as the MT? <br />
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As you can see, I know what an MT will do, I am hoping to find someone who has ridden both the MT and the CSC extensively, and get their feedback on the differences of the two kits. <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />
Angel, I have never ridden a MT, but both the Lehman and Tri-King had straight axles. The Roadsmith and the CSC have independent rears. The RS rides like fine woven silk compared to the Lehmans 600 count cotton and the Tri-King's cordaroy. The two reason I did not choose the MT (btw- I love their styling) is the offset drive shaft and the straight axle.
Garland
I have ridden the Motortrike also the Champion and I ride a DFT ( Ind Rear )<br />
scoring 1 thu 10 10 being best I rate the MT a 6 , the Champion an 8 and my DFT a 10. Co rider agrees on that. the bumps are harder on the pass on the 2 straight axle . On the other hand the rear being stiffer the bikes with straight axle seems to hold the curves better. None have raked trees. I do think the easy of turning with the Ind rear is easier. this is all MHO of course
As far as dependability goes, for what it's worth, my 97 Valkyrie had the Motor Trike conversion installed back in 99 by the original owner. He never had any issues with it and since I've owned it, I've been all over the trike from top to bottom. All I've done to the trike unit is upgrade the the tail lights to their LED units along with some minor re-taping of the trailer hitch harness. Everything is still in perfect working order.
I completely agree regarding the competency of the installer. My point here is that the Motor Trike evidently does stand up after years of service.
i have a question ??? what highway do you take to get from arkansas pig trail to newfoundland..thats one heck of a ride?
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>cra-ze-trikeman</strong>
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<div class="message">i have a question ??? what highway do you take to get from arkansas pig trail to newfoundland..thats one heck of a ride?</div>
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</div>Cra-ze, I don't know the entire route, but I betcha it goes through Atlanta. <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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Garland
Doesn't everything go thru Atlanta
A wise traveller once told me 'If ya wanna go to hell, ya gotta go thru Altanta'
Ya think it's time to rename this thread?
[QUOTE=ultraboy;10635]A wise traveller once told me 'If ya wanna go to hell, ya gotta go thru Altanta'[/QUOTE]
Best way to go south is by way of Louisiana...Thats the best way to avoid Atlanta..I lived there for a lot of years:)