About to buy a Trike and have a few questions for your experienced pros

[daf62757]

Howdy everybody. I am about to purchase my trike and have a question. No, not the Harley or Goldwing question, I know I am going to get the Goldwing, but a question about the size of the storage compartment.

I have been looking at what is out there in the market and have noticed that the size of the rear varies greatly depending on the conversion kit. Some kits make the tour pack look small because the rear attachment is so large. Some look proportional and then the reverse, the tour pack looks large in comparison to storage compartment.

So what should I be looking for? Is there one conversion kit that is larger and longer (for better ride characteristics I presume)?

Also, I ride with Rolling Thunder and need a CB. I already have a portable but would be looking to add the Honda CB kit that would allow for using a CB through the bike's audio system. What does that cost and does a dealer have to do it or can a grease monkey do it?

Thanks for any responses!

Dave Franklin

[Gunner45]

Cant speak to the different conversions, we have a Motor Trike and love it. It is one of the shorter ones and the trunk is smaller, but we normally pull a trailer when traveling. On the CB, you can buy them on e-bay and other places that are basically a plug and play setup. You will also have to install the antenna, but that should be an easy job for any wrench.

[daf62757]

Cant speak to the different conversions, we have a Motor Trike and love it. It is one of the shorter ones and the trunk is smaller, but we normally pull a trailer when traveling. On the CB, you can buy them on e-bay and other places that are basically a plug and play setup. You will also have to install the antenna, but that should be an easy job for any wrench.

I am seriously considering a Motor Trike and the size of the trunk has me a bit spoofed. I probably will buy a trailer for when I ride with my wife. She loves to carry a couple cases of Diet Mountain Dew and I would need a trailer for her DMD addiction!

Thanks for you speedy response!

[wiredgeorge]

We have had both Champion and Roadsmith conversions and the size of the trunks are similar. The door on the RS was a bit bigger but the storage was about the same. Many of the conversion manufacturers list the square feet of the trunk. I would test ride various conversion types before making my decsion.

As far as the CB, I have had CBs on my GL1500 conversion (factory) and Royal Star Venture and never used either. You might look for a conversion that already has a CB installed as I doubt it would be cheap to add a CB. A "kit" for a GL1800 costs a bit over $600 on eBay and the antenna another $100. How much to install? Best to call a dealer on that.

As an alternative, if you have bluetooth headphones in your helmet, J&M makes a universal bluetooth CB for bikes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/J-M-40-CHANN...5SjNqO&vxp=mtr

[Gold Rush]

Howdy everybody. I am about to purchase my trike and have a question. No, not the Harley or Goldwing question, I know I am going to get the Goldwing, but a question about the size of the storage compartment.

I have been looking at what is out there in the market and have noticed that the size of the rear varies greatly depending on the conversion kit. Some kits make the tour pack look small because the rear attachment is so large. Some look proportional and then the reverse, the tour pack looks large in comparison to storage compartment.

So what should I be looking for? Is there one conversion kit that is larger and longer (for better ride characteristics I presume)?

Also, I ride with Rolling Thunder and need a CB. I already have a portable but would be looking to add the Honda CB kit that would allow for using a CB through the bike's audio system. What does that cost and does a dealer have to do it or can a grease monkey do it?

Thanks for any responses!

Dave Franklin

Howdy Dave. I'd suggest you do some looking at actually trikes to see what trunk will work for you. I rode a Motor Trike Adventure conversion on my '06 GL1800 for years. The trunk on that kit is actually larger then the one on my 2015 with the Roadsmith HTS conversion but I have plenty of room to carry everything I did on the '06.

As mentioned before EBay is a good source for the CB and antenna. Make sure you purchase the one for the year model group your bike is. 2012 and newer are different then '01 through '10.

Enjoy the buying experience. There are many options to consider so take your time and do your homework.

[daf62757]

I am curious about the usefulness of running boards. I can visualize that in rain, the might possibly keep the water from coming up on your feet, but thatl might not even be a problem for trikes without them.

Are running boards all that helpful? It appears that the ones without them a slightly less in price.

[Gold Rush]

I am curious about the usefulness of running boards. I can visualize that in rain, the might possibly keep the water from coming up on your feet, but thatl might not even be a problem for trikes without them.

Are running boards all that helpful? It appears that the ones without them a slightly less in price.

Yes, the running boards (go by many names depending on kit manufacturer) are costly. You either love or hate them. Personally, I'd not be without them. Here are the pros and cons from my perspective... Pros: Reduce turbulence on rider and passenger - protect rider and passenger from rain and road debris - if weight baring, give you a good first step for mounting/dismounting and also an alternate foot location while riding. Cons: Price (around $1500) - they hang down so will drag sometimes on speed bumps etc. - some people say they are HOT in the summer (personal opinion)....

OH, I forgot to mention about the CB. They are very easy to install if you know your way around a shop. From you OP I think you'd do just fine...

[mhgoldwing]

You didn't state how many trikes you have test driven. Don't let the trunk be the deciding factor because there are many ways to add storage; trailer, pac-it-rak, upper trunk rack, etc.

IMO, your focus should be on the trike kit that most suits your riding needs because that will determine your satisfaction with the unit, not the trunk size.

I chose Roadsmith for the long wheelbase which provides better ride. Also because RS uses a simple trailing arm suspension that works well and is easy to find parts for if needed.

I purchased the running boards for the reasons listed above and also because I think it greatly enhances the trike's appearance.

CB is easy to install. check out Bike MP3's unit.

[Solidbob]

Sent you a PM Dave....

[FRR]

If you want a good sized trunk, go with a CSC or a Hannigan. I believe you will find they have the biggest. And yes, size is important.

- - - Updated - - -

Also, go with the running boards. They add so much to the looks of the kit and also are very practical. They help to keep you dry, warm, and are comfortable. Besides, without the running boards a trike looks like a motorcycle with a pregnant rear end in MHO.

[Fireeater]

If I remember right, the Roadsmith and CSC differ by approx 1.5 cubic feet in trunk space (very insignificant in my mind). I forget which one is larger though, but the CSC kit had 2 cubby holes up high that were convenient to put some tools or rain gear, etc for quick access should they be needed, where as the Roadsmith does not.

I and a friend put my CB in my CSC trike. My Roadsmith already had it.

As for the runningboards, I had them on both. Love them. Helps in keeping the trash from the road fly up into your leg, plus rain water on the road, etc. After having them on both now, and riding for 5 years or so, I would feel naked without them on.

[jredman]

I have the Motor Trike Razor and the trunk is 9 cubic feet. I have the running boards as well and I really like them. They are functional and not just for looks, You can stand on them. Have braces all the way underneath. Also great to have running board lights and long as in the motor cowls. Best to be seen. All that said, space fills up fast with two up and riding gear. I pull a trailer on long trips.

[wiredgeorge]

Had running boards on my GL1500 Roadsmith conversion and the good news was that it is easier to get on and off as they are weight bearing and the other good news is that they keep road junk from coming up and hitting the fenders. We were able to ride on gravel and caliche roads we had never been on. The bad news was that you can't use floorboards on that conversion and I really like floorboards and heel/toe shifter,

The current conversion we own is a Champion and has no running boards but I do have floorboards. If you are interested in weather protection the absolute best is a Can Am Spyder RT with floorboards and a rear fender mud flap. You almost don't need a rain suit... much better than a Goldwing conversion of any sort.

[michaelnmississippi]

I have the Motor Trike Razor and the trunk is 9 cubic feet. I have the running boards as well and I really like them. They are functional and not just for looks, You can stand on them. Have braces all the way underneath. Also great to have running board lights and long as in the motor cowls. Best to be seen. All that said, space fills up fast with two up and riding gear. I pull a trailer on long trips.

I just got a CSC Cobra XL kit added to a 2003 1800 with ABS brakes for my wifes ride ... She liked the csc for the wide fenders and style.... she was riding a 1999 1500 with a 2006 CSC kit....Now what I don't like about this new KIT,, You cant use stock exhaust with CSC ! The replacement exhaust sounds mellow while at idle speed ,,, but resonates at highway speeds.... CSC does keep your ABS brake system ,,,, trunk door has 2 latches on it ,,,, the running boards are steady and will support your weight,, On her older trike without running boards,

we were in a hard rain ,,the rear tire would splash water forward bad enough to shove my feet forward off foot rest..... The new CSC Drive shaft is way offset .. it rides smooth but it just don't look durable.. The fit and function of the CSC looks great...but with the running boards on ,,,, Its a chore to remove the front lower cowl for fog light repair... I would suggest renting a Harley trike before you rule them out,,,,, I prefer the Tri glide ride and seat comfort over her Goldwing,,,, but hey GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY !!!!!!

[Haste Maker]

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