Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

[Big_Blue]

Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

I've seen it repeated over and over that the most important consideration in choosing a trike kit is the installer. "Be sure to get a good installer" seems to be the mantra.

I'd like to know why everyone feels this way. I'd like to do my own conversion. I read the Roadsmith installation instructions and didn't see anything too difficult. What am I missing? Why do so many people feel an experienced installer is so important?

What are the dangers, or what are the most common problems with a DIY conversion?

 

[saab9k]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

It is not difficult, I would contact the manufacturer first to check their atitude about it.

One or 2 manufactorer is not very easy if they ship wrong parts or defective parts.

It would be nice if we had a thread for all the not dealer installed units, regardless of brand.
Will suggest that, will be exelent as a learning tool.

Some of the factory installers do have issues, not all, but more than a few.

 

[Stephen]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

I picked the best installer I could find, me. You have to understand that a lot of these people are totally un-mechanical types. They have a need for someone who is mechanically inclined. And then there are those types of people who think their mechanically inclined but take NO pride in their work. Those are the type of people who just might get you killed. That is why you'll see people discussing good installers. They want someone who is good (excellent is a better word) and takes pride in their work. I did my roadsmith and found it to be a very straight forward install. I say go for it if your mechanically inclined, it'll save you maybe three or four thousand dollars doing it yourself.

 

[saab9k]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

yes, that is why i installed mine myself too. Do have a shop, do more difficult jobs than a trike kit.

Here is a pic of a insurance total i did last year.

Was hit hard in left rear.

Forgot to paint the ubolts on left ham.

Bought it at 12% of value.

 

[Gorilla]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

Big Blue, most do not do their own conversions. Conversions are not rocket science, but if the installer doesn't care or just sloppy then you can have problems. Alignment is one important step. Some conversion companies do not sell to DIY installers. If the conversion you want is one of them then you need to find a good installer that will build it like they would for themselves. I choose a Champion conversion because it would sell direct to me and I did the install. I am very happy with my conversion.

 

[saab9k]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

I've seen a lot written about this subject. I want to build my owm to but the one I want won't let me. Does anyone know why there are bad installers anyway? Who's fault is that?

They are not educated and just want a paycheck doing a little as possible.

Just don't care.

 

[Frank Castle]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

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Amen and +1 to that saab9k & Wolfmike ThumbUp

Who's fault is a Bad Installer.... The Bad Installer (Shyster) of course!!

It's not Smith & Wessons fault when some idiot isn't a responsible citizen or Dodge's fault when a Dealer's Service department botches a job due to ineptitude or purposeful quick butcher job by a knucklehead to pad their pockets. Only Oprah or a complete idiot would make that case. Same goes for trike installers/dealers. Now, it is the responsibility of the Manufacturer to cut-off and cease all dealings with such a nefarious individual or business once their misdeeds are exposed.This does indeed occur when warranted and necessary. Many of the "tenured" trike community know of one or two such demons and their subsequent exorcisms I am sure.

By far the vast majority of Dealers & Installers are Class Acts and A+ by the numbers at their craft.

There are some Rats & Scoundrels out there but the light of truth and their own crimes always catch up with them and root them out from under the dung-heaps for all to see. This and other REPUTABLE & UNBIASED forums are the best places to vet the trike community and "Learn Before Ya' Burned". However, Forums are like Dealers/Installers-Gotta be careful. You wouldn't go to a Forum owned and operated by Bernie Madoff to make sure he isn't a Con-Man and actually knows and successfully practices his profession would you???? NOPE. Think about it,,, That's just stupid.

There are Cons & Butchers out there Globally Operating as Dealers and Distributors. Likewise for trike manufacturers. Stick with the ones with a proven history and a reputation. Placing your bets on unproven pie-in-the-sky promises and pitches may be enticing (aren't all Cons good at that?) but is for the foolish and the damned.

Rather put my pension on the roulette greens and let 'er fly. Much better odds.

Caveat Emptor my friends. Caveat Indeed. Sometimes the -Star" :Angel: is truly a "Load- :Joker3: Of what I think you can figure out for yourselves.

 

[Frank Castle]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

Speaking of Shysters,,,,,

Found this on www.LoadScamTrikes.CON

Simply chunk down $2100 hard-earned cash and you too can reserve your very own pipe-dream. Be the first of only 100 lucky Simpletons to be taken down the old fairy-tale highway of sorrow and regret. Any takers? Who will be the inaugural member of this pitifully juvenile and laughable Hall of Shame.... WHO WANTS TO BUY MY BRIDGE

As an old ad campaign (for an actual real proven company and product I might ad) said: "Where's The Beef?" :Shrug:

All any intelligent and sane individual can see and question is THE BULL.

An aside if I may,,, What happened to all the boastful referrences to R***h Racing (the supposed Main-Player in the idyllic design, manufacture and technical training)?

Need a hint anyone,,, Call R***h Racing and ask their Lawyers. They can tell you exactly where and why.

pssst... It was a LIE* :AGGHH: Imagine that....

*legal action pending

 

[Missouri Charley]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

Speaking of Shysters,,,,,
Found this on www.LoadScamTrikes.CON
Simply chunk down $2100 hard-earned cash and you too can reserve your very own pipe-dream. Be the first of only 100 lucky Simpletons to be taken down the old fairy-tale highway of sorrow and regret. Any takers? Who will be the inaugural member of this pitifully juvenile and laughable Hall of Shame.... WHO WANTS TO BUY MY BRIDGE

As an old ad campaign (for an actual real proven company and product I might ad) said: "Where's The Beef?" :Shrug:
All any intelligent and sane individual can see and question is THE BULL.

An aside if I may,,, What happened to all the boastful referrences to R***h Racing (the supposed Main-Player in the idyllic design, manufacture and technical training)?
Need a hint anyone,,, Call R***h Racing and ask their Lawyers. They can tell you exactly where and why.
pssst... It was a LIE* :AGGHH: Imagine that....
*legal action pending

This is perfect Frank, all for a gypsy installer!!!!!!

 

[Jonesy]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

I did mine myself, used a Tri-wing setup. Not for the faint of heart. Over all it went fine, not a simple takeoff/ put on kind of thing. Biggest problem was the holes where a bolt went though to match up with a hole in frame were off a hair, had to ream out some of them.

Would do again if I had to. Does make me feel good to say I did it myself.

 

[Missouri Charley]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

I did mine myself, used a Tri-wing setup. Not for the faint of heart. Over all it went fine, not a simple takeoff/ put on kind of thing. Biggest problem was the holes where a bolt went though to match up with a hole in frame were off a hair, had to ream out some of them.

Would do again if I had to. Does make me feel good to say I did it myself.

It very rightly so should make you feel good!! Charley

 

[GARYD]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

I've seen it repeated over and over that the most important consideration in choosing a trike kit is the installer. "Be sure to get a good installer" seems to be the mantra.

I'd like to know why everyone feels this way. I'd like to do my own conversion. I read the Roadsmith installation instructions and didn't see anything too difficult. What am I missing? Why do so many people feel an experienced installer is so important?

What are the dangers, or what are the most common problems with a DIY conversion?

1. The owner doesn't have the tools

2. the owner doesn't have the room

3. The owner doesn't have the confidence to do it

4. The owner may think he'll screw something up and then it will cost him even more to get it fixed.

5.

Most importantly - the owner doesn't even know how to change their own oil.

 

[Chumbly]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

Why? In my case the company that I wanted a trike kit from wouldn't sell to me direct from the factory. I had to go through a dealer to purchase it and have it installed. I can understand that position as the parent company wants to set up and protect a dealer network. My feelings however are that if the parent company forces you to go through one on their network, then they are morally obligated to make sure their dealers are competent. If not, then either let a customer build his own or stand behind the product.

My experience was that I ended up having to make my trike good myself (after I'd shelled out a grand to have a dealer do it in the first place...again because the parent company wouldn't let me do it myself in the first place). Some may say I should have taken it back to the dealer. My reply to that is that it would have meant another 8 hour round trip...and I usually only let someone screw me over once...if he was competent then he'd of done it right in the first place. To make matters worse, when I tried to contact the parent company to get some information on how to proceed to "get it right", I was all but ignored (I know some of you have been there). It seems that the owner of the parent company (and I think you may of guessed by now who they are), is only interested in going to bike shows and selling more trikes, instead of staying home and running his company...IMHO.

Next time, if there ever is one, I'll buy from a good manufacturer who allows people to build there own...that way I can be guaranteed to get a good installer- me. You won't stand behind your costumer, then go the way of the Dodo bird like many before you. Owning and running a company is about customer support and satisfaction... and you can't be just hoping someone will take care of that for you.

As far as doing the job yourself, make sure you are capable first.... know how to check for squareness of the frame, etc., basically, be mechanically inclined and experienced. If not, better let someone else do it that is.

 

[Stephen]

Re: Why so much emphasis on finding a good installer. What about DIYs?

EXCELLENT post Chumbly!