TG vs. Conversion

[zwerlpe]

Have a pristine (33000 mi.) 1996 Electraglide I can convert with a Motortrike ISR kit for $16k complete versus buying a new TG on the street for $30k plus my Electraglide. I'm leaning towards the conversion and adding a Stage 1 kit.
Whaddya think?

 

[RdKnB]

Just me but I would do the conversion

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

If go with the trike kit for the 1996 Electraglide and the motor is stock, I would suggest adding a Andrews EV27 cam to the Stage 1 kit. It will give your engine a boost in power. The Andrews EV27 cam good torque cam.

 

[Shriner Jim]

I've actually been both ways. My first was a converted UC using a Roadsmith conversion. It was pretty good but I like my 12 TG. Sounds like you are considering the cost and from that viewpoint, your best bet would be the conversion. You will be somewhat underpowered and you will need a reverse. Reverse gear alone will run a couple of grand. Decisions, decisions. Good luck.

 

[Drpepper]

I did a conversion 04 UC with a frankenstein trikekit,because of the money.so far so good.

 

[americanbadass]

16 K sounds steep to me, unless it includes ez steer, floorboards and reverse, and cam. If you like your current bike convert it. Remember that 30K will go up dramatically once you start ad HP and goodies!:Shrug::xszpv:

 

[Gorilla]

+1 to americanbadass. Price seems high to me also. What does it include? I like the conversion because you know what you have in the current bike. The new trike would be nice but the deal you quote is a bad one. 30k AND your bike!!!!! IMO Good Luck

 

[trikermutha]

I did a conversion on my 96 ultra and by the time you are done you will spend alot to get it the way you want it,triple trees,cables,handlbars,reverse gear .Stock engine is ok but I would give the engine a boost.
I would rather buy a trike already done than start from scratch..Maybe by a good used trike already done with all the upgrades to it done..

 

[saab9k]

Have a pristine (33000 mi.) 1996 Electraglide I can convert with a Motortrike ISR kit for $16k complete versus buying a new TG on the street for $30k plus my Electraglide. I'm leaning towards the conversion and adding a Stage 1 kit.
Whaddya think?

$16K,
That is total i have in my 2007 yamaha roadstar 1700 a year ago with 3000 miles on clock.

 

[AZTriGlide]

I also looked at triking out my 05 Road King. At the end, I went ahead and traded it in for a 12 TG. For me this ended of being the best decision. Good luck!

 

[zeman 1]

Just my $0.02 -
I would go with a conversion - independent rear suspension, warranty on conversion, bike that you like and know history of, etc. Motortrike and others (Champion, DFT, etc) make great conversions that are equal to or better than a Triglide, IMHO

 

[Rick Kay]

I am on the fence on this one. Generally I am a fan of conversions, because you get the trike exactly as YOU want it, and as has been said, you know the bike and its history and its reliabililty. My concern, is the power of the Evo motor. I don't believe it has the power and torque to perform adequately as a trike. In fact, I would go further than the Stage 1 with the EV27 cam...consider more cubic inches and perhaps some compression increase to motivate the trike.

 

[GARYD]

A couple years ago I started thinking of multiple wheels(didn't really need them but didn't know if I would have the money when I did need them - I had the money now).
I had just finished paying off my 2010 Ultra Limited. I stopped in my dealer on the way home from work to "just look" at a TG. Well, I ended up trading for the 2012 TG.
It was my Limited plus $15k. I am so pleased with the deal. I'm set now for the rest of my riding days with no worries about what I'm going to do when the time comes that I can't ride a 2 wheeler. Plus like some have said about warrantees and correct trike set up etc.
I would not want to convert a 17 year old bike. Personally I would buy a new bike instead. To me anything over 15 years old is time to retire it - car - bike - wife etc.
At my age(69), I want something that will still be somewhat reliable up to the time I can't ride anymore. I even have a 7 year warrantee just in case. pepper

All I have to worry about is being able to afford the gas prices. :Shrug:

$30K plus your bike sounds like they're not giving you anything for your bike. You might as well keep it. I wish I had the opportunity to have kept my 2 wheeler.
Take your time and weigh the pros and cons and then make up your own mind - it's you that will have to live with it.

 

[JJTRIKER]

Well i went the conversion 16k route with my roadglide and i have to tell you if i had to do it again i would have went with the tri glide.
first reason its cheaper, warrenty from one company, it already is set up with the 30tooth gear, and you cand stage it when it comes in and still maintain warrenty. dealing with 2 companys over warrenty issues is a pain in tha @#$ and as you know when you are on the road and something happens and you go to a unknown dealer they will rat you out to mother harley and then you are screwed.

Just my nickles worth

 

[rap47]

New Tri Glide for sure, BUT not from that dealer. He is holding a gun to your head. Shop around, you can do a lot better! Was going to trike my 2010 Ultra, but in the end I traded it for a new Tri glide. Very happy with it!

 

[zeman 1]

Have a pristine (33000 mi.) 1996 Electraglide I can convert with a Motortrike ISR kit for $16k complete versus buying a new TG on the street for $30k plus my Electraglide. I'm leaning towards the conversion and adding a Stage 1 kit.
Whaddya think?

Let us know what you decide

 

[Bill Reber]

I would sell the 96 then buy the TG you'll find a newer better ride right off the show room floor.

 

[Biker-Dave]

Did you look for a used tri-glide? I had an '06 Ultra, and a Buell Ulysses. Got whacked on the Buell and lost the left leg. Looked into triking out my "06 but I had over 70,000 miles on it. Found a very clean '01 Ultra with 9,000 miles. Got the bike and an escapade trailer for less then the conversion cost. That was 18 months and 25,000 miles ago. Other then the crap shifter I had on it, no major trouble. BTW I'm two exits down from you off of I-95, I'm not far from Danials. You ever want to meet up and chat, let me know. Ride Safe.

 

[ray4ausa]

As the owner of a 1995 FLHTC / Motor Trike (straight axle) Trog kit with 112,300 miles total and 40,000 miles on her WITH the trike kit, AND 80 ci engine I find I have enough power to do anything I want. I did install a SE heavy duty clutch and I would put her up against any STOCK trike out there. I did my kit in 08 and do not have easy steer and I find it to do what ever I want with no problems other than a bad air bag one time. We are doing the CSC Volusia IRS kit on the wife's 07 FXST and with all the bells and whistles (other than the shock air upgrade we will spend right at 16 grand. thats with easy steer, electric reverse, paint upgrade, wheel upgrade, brake upgrade and other stuff. Getting it done at CSC in Virginia through Bikes and Trikes. I find Motor Trike to be a very good kit but we want an IRS kit for her bike and CSC , Champion, and Road Smith were the best kits that are made for her softail. We will need to upgrade the clutch and possibly a clutch Wiz kit for her small hands. I did the conversion once, second time a charm , I hope.

 

[eagle1]

frankenstein kit is $4.500.00 -$7,500.00 depending on what options you want.
here loclabike shop (dealer) wants $500.00 for installation. great option.