Our first Trike trip

[moonstar]

We took our first trike trip this last weekend. All I can say is it is way more than I ever thought it would be....way more fun, way more relaxing...you name it....just more! I really would call it a life changing experience!

We live on the eastern edge of North Dakota and took a trip to the western side of the state, and met my sister (who has an 09 TriGlide) and her husband who drives a 2007 Triumph Rocket III. We stayed in Medora and drove through Theodore Roosevelt National Park and just rode, rode, and rode some more.

We put on 857 miles over the weekend. Our only issue was a fuse that kept blowing after the dealership installed a light bar below the windshield. The problem seems to be resolved after we replaced a 15 amp fuse with a 20 amp fuse.

When we got home yesterday I asked my husband if he was interested in riding some more last night and without hesitation he said yes!

I don't feel like I can adequately express what an awesome weekend it was and we can't wait to do it again. Our next big trip is a 10 day trip to Sturgis and the many points of interest in that area.

[Nana]

What a fantastic way to start your triking life ! And I assure you it will continue to get better and better! Thanks for sharing.

[Triker Mike]

Awesome I can't wait for our first RIDE . I,m still not quite ready to put my wife on the back & go:yes:

[1800 06 Champion Trike]

We love our trike and will never go back to a 2 wheeler.
We feel so much safer on it and can ride all day with out getting tired.
We just got back from a 1600 miles trip on Saturday and just had to go for a 100 mile ride yesterday.
Oh what fun they are.

[1852cc]

Moonstar

We will be up in your area, in a couple of weeks.
Live in Arizona, going to Yellowstone, Devils Tower, Sturgis, Mt. Rushmoore, Crazy Horse, all before we turn toward home.
This will our last trip on 2 wheels, will be having the 02 Ultra Triked shortly after we get home.
I really like the fact you are having such a great time.
Mike & Terry

[j3jim]

Great trip, moonstar. Reading all these replies about trips has me reaching for the maps......

j3jim

[ben721364]

We took our first trike trip this last weekend. All I can say is it is way more than I ever thought it would be....way more fun, way more relaxing...you name it....just more! I really would call it a life changing experience!

We live on the eastern edge of North Dakota and took a trip to the western side of the state, and met my sister (who has an 09 TriGlide) and her husband who drives a 2007 Triumph Rocket III. We stayed in Medora and drove through Theodore Roosevelt National Park and just rode, rode, and rode some more.

We put on 857 miles over the weekend. Our only issue was a fuse that kept blowing after the dealership installed a light bar below the windshield. The problem seems to be resolved after we replaced a 15 amp fuse with a 20 amp fuse.

When we got home yesterday I asked my husband if he was interested in riding some more last night and without hesitation he said yes!

I don't feel like I can adequately express what an awesome weekend it was and we can't wait to do it again. Our next big trip is a 10 day trip to Sturgis and the many points of interest in that area.

Sounds like a great weekend. I'm glad you are enjoying the trike.

Be sure to pack plenty of earplugs for the trip to Sturgis.

[Gorilla]

moonstar....RIGHT ON

[John Luciano]

When you get time check further into that issue of the light bar 20 amps is a lot of fuse unless you are talking driving light or the dealer tapped into your existing light , like the head light that was already taxing the 15 amp fuse. BTW not getting off the subject if you can imagine this, Triking gets better. ENJOY

[moonstar]

When you get time check further into that issue of the light bar 20 amps is a lot of fuse unless you are talking driving light or the dealer tapped into your existing light , like the head light that was already taxing the 15 amp fuse. BTW not getting off the subject if you can imagine this, Triking gets better. ENJOY

Thanks John....that is exactly how it must be wired in. When the fuse blew we didn't have head lights, the accessory driving lights, the light bar lights, or tail lights, which is why we went to the larger fuse. After blowing 2 15 amps the 20 is still giving us lights, so must have been the issue. Crazy!

[katfish16]

How great it is to hear U had such a good time.....
I agree with the others it will only get better, just wait for all the questions and all the comments on the trike. U will be grinning from ear to ear....
Enjoy yourself and ride safe....

[Gorilla]

moonstar

I would suggest that you take your bike to someone that knows wiring and have the lights redone. As you stated you believe they got wired to the headlight circuit which is all ready pulling close to 15 amps. Adding the extra lights blows the fuse. Well yes putting the 20 amp does keep the fuse from blowing, but you are putting the wire that runs from the fuse to the headlight under a lot of strain. That wire is most likely rated for 15 amps plus a little fudge factor. Now you are pulling probably 18+ through it. I bet the wire after the fuse is getting a little warm from the extra current going through it, because it is not rated for it. Yes it will work for now, but you are only asking for trouble in the future. As resistance builds in the wire as it ages it will get warmer until it fails. And where it fails at will determine the damage done by the failure. That's why they have a little fudge factor in wiring to accommodate the aging factor, but under the rated amps. I suggest a different circuit for the additional lights.

Ted

[John Luciano]

That was my thought . What you actually did now was made the wire the weak link ( the fuse so to speak ) so now if there is a short the fuse will not blow and the wire will get red hot burn the insulation and melt all the wire that's around it into a huge mess. Age yes but time also. Running the light bar for an hour may work, but running it for 3 or 4 on a 90 degree day may be a disaster. You didn't mention what kind of a light bar it is? Is it fog or driving or is it decorative LED's etc. We don't want to scare you but just thinking of your best interest.

[moonstar]

...

[moonstar]

Thanks John and Ted....the light bar is a decorative chrome one below the windshield (HD) with 4 LED lights in it. The mirrors were also added and light up as well...they are HD mirrors with the LED lights in as well. This probably goes without saying, but they do not have an accessory switch...they come on when the key is turned!

[Gorilla]

moonstar a good mechanic should have no trouble wiring all that stuff up the correct way. It's hard to advise on a web forum what to do, but it is not difficult for a person that knows what they are doing. Ted

[Juju]

Moonstar, that totally rocks! What a great intro to the triking life! We took our first trip in May, to NC for Trike Talk Rally 2. Despite the occasional rain shower, I can't remember when I've had a better time.

In case no one has mentioned it yet--
WE WANT PICTURES
WE WANT PICTURES
What do we want?
WE WANT PICTURES!

Ahem, OK, got that out of my system. Welcome aboard!

[moonstar]

Juju...I am working on pictures! LOL! I have to figure out how to decrease the size on them and haven't had the time to do that yet. Will work on it!

[Juju]

Yeah, Moonstar, don't mind me--just looking for some illustration for your great story! Whenever you get around to it!

[SpecialK]

what a great first experience and in a beautiful area. I can't wait to see the pics!

Many more wonderful rides in your future...

Stay safe and keep enjoying
Kay