2012 Limited conversion

[Craig Haymaker]

Hi HD trikers. Not yet a trike owner (well I did own a Boss Hoss 57 Chevy trike for a short time), we are thinking about converting my Limited to a trike for my bride. This being said, there are a few trike kit manuf.s out there for sure, can I please ask for some guidence. Now I know that asking this is a lot like asking "which oil should I use", but for poops and giggles, lets just give this a try.

1. Suspension speaking, what is the most popular here and why. It appears that this is really the main diff. between manuf.s.
2. ABS integration, the TG doesn't have ABS, but I do, is it usefull to retain, who ?
3. For those with running boards (the ones below the OEM floor boards) is being able to put your weight on them important ?
4. Raked front trees (easy steer) and reverse are important, any input here ?
5. I know that style is in the eye of the beholder, but are there any other considerations that we should be aware of, please ?
6. And to save my most important question for last, ready - set - go: is the OEM jiffy side stand important to retain ? LOL, just kidding !
Thank you all for some wise direction here, Craig & Marlene

[trikermutha]

Just my thoughts you be better just buying the Tri Glide..By the time you put all that stuff on and time it will cost you more in the long run..

[Craig Haymaker]

If I did my rough math estimate correctly, I dont see it better to buy new. I have got lots of extras, 577's, all stainless cables, cattless and CFRS,tuner, chrome front end and lots more. Plus my color tequila sunrise/HD orange I want to keep. I own the bike and a trade in would kill me. So no, figure 17K for kit and install, I am ahead plus I will probably have a better design.
So can some people who don't own the HD TG trike, please be give some in put on CONVERSION KITS. Or have I gotten to the wrong Site here, where everyone ownes the TG ? Thanks for all replies.

[Lakeman]

I have a 2005 Ultra/Lehman and like it a lot, but don't think you can buy one yet. I don't have any experience with others.

[msocko3]

If I did my rough math estimate correctly, I dont see it better to buy new. I have got lots of extras, 577's, all stainless cables, cattless and CFRS,tuner, chrome front end and lots more. Plus my color tequila sunrise/HD orange I want to keep. I own the bike and a trade in would kill me. So no, figure 17K for kit and install, I am ahead plus I will probably have a better design.
So can some people who don't own the HD TG trike, please be give some in put on CONVERSION KITS. Or have I gotten to the wrong Site here, where everyone ownes the TG ? Thanks for all replies.

No you came to the right place, and I can understand why you want to keep what you have because thats an awesome color. One of your biggest decisions will be do you go straight axle or IRS. The times I spent looking at trike kit manufacturers I came up to me is my top 3. Hannigan, DFT & Motortrike are who had made the short list for me as trike kits, some of my decision is based on looks, some on how they construct the back half and the rest is what folks have had for experience with them.

I have to believe if you stick around there will be more folks who will jump in and lend some input.

[Nana]

Hi Craig. We've probably got more conversion HD trikes here than Triglides, although the TGs are increasing in number as time goes on!

As you said, your first choice is between solid and independent suspension. Both are great! It is entirely personal choice. I rode a Fat Boy with a Champion kit for six years. It had solid suspension and handled like a dream. I easily kept up with my hubby on his 2-wheel street glide on both the highways and in the twisties. Based on that personal experience, I would comfortably recommend Champion. I now have a V-rod with a Hannigan independent suspension conversion. And I love it too, still ride the twisties, and (with the V-rod power) still easily give Mike a run for his money! LOL!

My personal comparison of the two very different options:

• It is undoubtedly a little smoother ride than the solid axle, but not enough to make much difference in my personal comfort on the driver's seat. That said, I suspect a passenger would find it a HUGE difference -- so if you normally ride 2-up, you may want to consider that seriously.
• Although I have easily ridden the Hannigan conversion in the twisty roads of the Smoky Mountains, I'd say the shorter wheelbase, solid suspension Champion conversion might have a teensy edge over it in the tight curves. Again, not enough to make a strong difference for me.
• Final review... slight edge in smooth ride for the Hannigan, but slight edge in cornering for the Champion.

I am not a mechanic, so cannot review them from that perspective, but I have the sense that the solid suspension has much less potential for something going wrong -- less moving parts and all that -- however, I do NOT have the sense that very many problems develop with either one.

Hannigan, Champion, Motortrike, Roadsmith, CSC, and DFT all have excellent track records, and I believe you'd be fine with any one of them. I do know that Roadsmith and Hannigan are several inches longer and wider than kits from Champion and Motortrike. I think CSC is somewhere in-between, but it would be easy enough to research that if it makes a difference to you.

Good luck in your decision! and please keep us posted.

[TattooZ]

Hi HD trikers. Not yet a trike owner (well I did own a Boss Hoss 57 Chevy trike for a short time), we are thinking about converting my Limited to a trike for my bride. This being said, there are a few trike kit manuf.s out there for sure, can I please ask for some guidence. Now I know that asking this is a lot like asking "which oil should I use", but for poops and giggles, lets just give this a try.

1. Suspension speaking, what is the most popular here and why. It appears that this is really the main diff. between manuf.s.
2. ABS integration, the TG doesn't have ABS, but I do, is it usefull to retain, who ?
3. For those with running boards (the ones below the OEM floor boards) is being able to put your weight on them important ?
4. Raked front trees (easy steer) and reverse are important, any input here ?
5. I know that style is in the eye of the beholder, but are there any other considerations that we should be aware of, please ?
6. And to save my most important question for last, ready - set - go: is the OEM jiffy side stand important to retain ? LOL, just kidding !
Thank you all for some wise direction here, Craig & Marlene

I think the really important thing to consider is: who is going to do the conversion? What kind of service can you get from them? IF I were going to do it locally I'd have the Honda dealer do a CSC on my Ultra. If I didn't care just wanted a great conversion I would go to the Hannigan factory and have them do the conversion. There are a lot of extras too I'd consider an additional gas tank and a reverse mechanism of some sort.

Independent suspension is more complex and more expensive to repair. Solid suspension gives a slightly rougher ride but seems to corner better.

I know CSC conversions can retain the ABS i know there are others, just not off the top of my head.

Some conversions do not handle weight on the running boards (CSC I think) others do Like the Hannigan. Is it important? Only you can determine that.

If you don't rake your front end the steering will be VERY difficult. The front end won't track right. As far as reverse is concerned ... I wouldn't be without one PERIOD.

I can't answer the last 2 questions.


HTH

[trikermutha]

Opinions vary...And everyone has a different riding style..Go ride some conversions and you will have a better idea what is best for you..

Between the purchase of the bike,the kit,the mods,raking,time and labor etc..Your totals could get up there...

Good Luck on your adventure..

[ladyff1481]

Craig, take a look at my pictures of my 2011 Limited Roadsmith Trike so you can see what the Roadsmith looks like. It has all the Limited's standard features, reverse and IRS, & Roadsmith has a 3 year warranty too. I am a repeat Roadsmith customer, very happy with their products.
But like everyone else suggests, go try the other brands. Each has their own particular look and features. If you're going to have a passenger make sure you both are comfortable with the ride.
Good Luck!

[Craig Haymaker]

NOW THIS IS THE FRIENDLY HELP I WAS ASKING FOR, AND THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR INPUT, I TRULY APPRECIATE IT.
Yes you are so right that we need to test ride some trikes. Nothing around here, but there may be some place in the Seattle or Portland areas !
And yes, the suspension is the hardest choice for me. I really like the "complexity" of the IRS, but like some say, with that comes more possible issues!!
Please keep any and all remarks and ideas coming, as no one knows "trikes" as much as those who ride them. Craig

[trikermutha]

I also have a DFT trike conversion and have no complaints with that setup..ALONG with the TRIGlide..

I like both bikes but I would go back to independant suspension anytime..

I have had no problems with the DFT trike conversion even after putting in a 120 CU engine..

Maybe test ride trikes that individuals are selling not only dealers??

[427dave]

I went through the same process a year and a half ago. I had a 2010 Ultra Limited with 20,000 miles that I really liked. I played with converting it to a trike and also trading it for a Triglide. I figured both ways. and it ended up being less money to trade for the 2011 Triglide. About the only thing I miss a little is the ABS brakes but you get use to not having them. I got a good trade on my Limited. The good thing was I got a full two year factory warranty on the trike. Also the Triglide is all Harley made. Have fun weighting all the choices.

[americanbadass]

A lot depends on whether you are having the kit installed or doing a DIY? Biggest decision is suspension or solid axel(which has suspension-just not independant). Everyone has their opinions of the kits, based on what they have read or have. I would stick with the big guns-Champion, MT, Hannigan, Roadsmith, and CSC makes killer kits. A couple of grand seperates most of the big players, as they are priced relatively close to each other. Check out the new Champion IRS kit -priced well and is great.

[Rick Kay]

I really like my CSC Daytona conversion, and am very happy with it. I like the looks because the back end is clean - no handles or hinges on the trunk door - and has a "hot rod" vibe compared to the other, boxier conversions. The one thing I did not like about the CSC conversion were the tail lights, which I changed out to '38 Ford LED tail lights.

Get the rake kit. You'll be sorry if you don't. It makes a big difference on the handling.

Get reverse. I have installed the Champion mechanical reverse, versus the CSC electrical unit.

I don't have running boards on mine and cannot comment...I wanted a cleaner, lighter look to the trike and did not order them.

In hindsight, I'm still happy with my decision to trike my '06 FLHTI vs trading on a new Tri Glide. My trike doesn't look like anything out there, and it is set up to my liking for less money than a bone stock Tri Glide.

All in my opinion.

[Craig Haymaker]

Again thanks for your input. I talked to my HD dealer (and I don't think that they are a "certified" trike conversion dealer) about the HD extended warrenty I now have. They said that each issue is looked at, and if it could not be proven to have been caused by the trike addition, it would be covered. Now I realize that there is warrenty from the trike manuf. also, but what is your experiences with the HD warrenty, once triked ?
also, if my local dealer "were not" factory certified to install any kits, should I go else where ? I was kind of thinking "keeping my $ with them type of thought ! Again thanks Craig

[trikermutha]

well I can tell you that my dad took in his converted 2 wheeler and the MOCO denied the claim on the spot once the rep seen the bike..

Like most say some will warranty the bike some wont depends on the situation..

Good Luckk

[Craig Haymaker]

Trikermutha, yes what you say about how your dad was turned down, I believe. I will be digging deeper and asking other dealers the same question. On your DFT trike, is it the smoothie of FL touring version ? Thanks. Craig

[Gorilla]

I have a 07 Champion conversion. A little over 3 years and 40k miles. My Champion is straight axle. Just got back from a 7500 mile trip from Florida to Montana and back. My wife has here own trike so I do not have a passenger. The ride was just great. I love my conversion. If I were in your position I would figure on your warrantee not being honored if you convert. Also HD does not have certified dealers for conversions. They as a company do not sell conversions. There are dealers that do conversions but that has nothing to due with HD. The question becomes how important is a Warrantee to you? If very important then TRI-Glide is the answer. If not then the conversions are to be considered.

[trikermutha]

Trikermutha, yes what you say about how your dad was turned down, I believe. I will be digging deeper and asking other dealers the same question. On your DFT trike, is it the smoothie of FL touring version ? Thanks. Craig

I got the smoothie..Nice deep trunk on it too...Call DFT they are reall great to deal with ask for Leon he is the owner..

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

I thought I would share how happy I am with my Motortrike Trog kit I had installed. The on board air compressor for the air ride suspension gives a great ride. The trunk on the MT can hold as much as the 2 stock saddle bags. I also ordered the trailer hitch receiver to use for either towing my small cargo trailer or to use for my cargo rack I had custom made.