Hannigan, CSC or Roadsmith???????

[Calgary]

Your input would be appreciated.

I'm in the process of researching kits for a 2012 Gl1800 and have not owned a trike before.

I ride with a small group of guys who all ride non-triked Gl1800's and traditionally we tend to do long trips travelling from fill to fill. So as not to introduce a change in riding pattern, I'm looking to get a trike with an auxillary fuel tank.

The Hannigan, CSC and Roadsmith are offered for installation in my area. All pros and cons for each would be most helpful.

Looking forward to your replies!

[rmrc51]

I can't comment on the CSC, but the Hannigan and Roadsmith have a longer wheelbase which puts the rear wheels behind your passenger also resulting in a more, overall, comfortable ride. The Hannigan is also a bit wider then the Roadsmith. Customer service for both units is excellent! I'd say you can't go wrong with either one. Folks who consider the Hannigan and Roadsmith usually wind up choosing the one that appeals to them regarding the style of the conversion.

[Copasetic]

The CSC is also long and wide. I have a Victory CSC and love it. All three use a different approach to independent suspension. People on these forums tend to love whichever of the three they own.
Is it the same installer? Most problems are from the installer, not the conversion kit.
Ride all three if you can. See which ones looks/style appeals to you most.If they aren't the same installer, which has the best reputation?
In the end, if you have a good installer, you'll be happy with any of these three.

[msocko3]

I like the way Hannigan captured the styling of the 2012 and later Gl1800, once I have some extra $$ I'll have my 2012 done with the Hannigan kit.

[americanbadass]

They are all great kits- I would look at pricing and pick one that you really dig the styling on. They all offer elongated wheelbase, and quality components.
I would lean toward the CSC, the engineering is state of the art IMO.
Bottom line, they are all comparable in quality-just pick a body style. Also, I would grill the installer you choose, as to which kit he likes and why.

[kwputt]

Calagary, we currently ride a 2006 GW CSC conversion and the ride is excellent. I'm also looking at a 2012 GW with a CSC viper conversion, just haven't been able to convince myself that we need a new one. The engineering improvements on this Viper kit are quite impressive. I was convinced that Roadsmith had the better kit until I crawled under the Viper kit a few weeks ago. The installer at our local Honda shop has over 20 years experience installing conversions. When I asked his opinion he said this Viper kit was the best he had ever installed. Good luck with your choice and enjoy your new ride.

[leo3wheel]

Not sure if a handbrake is required in your area. It is required in Ontario. Make sure your kit has all the features you want/need, such as handbrake, reverse, etc.

[robval87]

I have to agree with all the above statements, it's all about preference. I have a 2009 GW with a 2013 CSC Cobra XLpepper. The ride is outstanding, I have a 6degree rake and it's like having power steering. The engineer is outstanding, go to the CSC website and look over the kit. I did not have a chance to test drive a Hannigan, not one offered her close to me. I did drive the CSC and the Roadsmith, both performed very well. It came down to looks, performance and engineering. The rear end looks like it is straight out of a Indy Car. Well that's my 2 cent's worth, but I would do as other's told me test drive, test drive and then test drive. Then make your decision.

[ben721364]

I have owned both a Hannigan and a RoadSmith 1F/2R trike and agree with an earlier poster about these kits. Both are exceptionally well engineered, well executed, reliable and easy to service. Both use tried and proven automotive components (mostly) in the suspension and brakes meaning that most service parts are available virtually everywhere and at competitive prices. Both also have among the larger trunks.

You didn't ask but I will volunteer that I definitely recommend the auxiliary fuel tank. Both the H and the RS use a pump to transfer fuel to the main tank which makes refueling faster than on trikes that use gravity transfer arrangements.

I do not recommend floorboards. Having owned one trike with and another without and based on my experience and preferences I recommend against them. A good pair of motorcycle boots provide more weather protection (along with safety) for a lot less money. Floorboards also make service more tedious.

[A WINGER]

I selected Hannigan based on comnfort from the size. I personally like the floorboards, independent suspension, the aux fuel tank and the large lit spoiler on the rear for safety reasons as well as appearence. Your installer is the key to your satisfaction; make your choice based on his advice and your trust.
A

[MarciaG]

I really think they are all great choices. I love my 2012 with CSC Viper kit. Also have the 6 degree rake. It rides like a dream. As I have said many times before, the installer is key!!!

MarciaG

[Calgary]

Thanx to each of you for your information. It's very reassuring to hear from informed people who have done their research and made their selection.

I'll be continuing to catalogue information and will move ahead with my final selection when back in Canada in mid-April. So if all goes well, I could be riding a trike by mid-June.

Looking forward to receiving more input if you care to share your experience and your valuable time.

Calgary

[Bill Reber]

I like my Champion but I do see many more CSC kits on wings in my area , my dealer instals both Wife just liked the looks of the Champion better , the plus on the CSC is trunk size and a tad wider. But I truely can not tell one from the other on ride or handling. The champion may turn in a little quicker if any thing.

[zavy]

I just ordered a Roadsmith without the extra fuel tank. It is not as wide as the Hannigan thus easier to find a suitable smaller trailer. Also like the simplicity of the design without too many things to go wrong.

[saab9k]

I just ordered a Roadsmith without the extra fuel tank. It is not as wide as the Hannigan thus easier to find a suitable smaller trailer. Also like the simplicity of the design without too many things to go wrong.

sounds like a great move.

Congratulation

[hisst]

I just ordered a Roadsmith without the extra fuel tank. It is not as wide as the Hannigan thus easier to find a suitable smaller trailer. Also like the simplicity of the design without too many things to go wrong.

I would order the aux fuel tank....have used mine many times....hisst

[Herman]

Here is my opinion I installed a Roadsmith Kit on my 2009 Harley Ultra Classic which was the New Kit Body Roadsmith told me they were Developing Running Boards for my Kit a Year ago and they are still not available so beware when you order if you are like me and want Running Boards.

[Trikemaster77]

Trying to deceide on these 3 brands. Very hard to find test rides for any of them in New Jersey tristate area. Any recommendations experiences would be greatly appreciated .

[wiredgeorge]

Trying to deceide on these 3 brands. Very hard to find test rides for any of them in New Jersey tristate area. Any recommendations experiences would be greatly appreciated .

You dredged up such an old thread I don't think a lot of folks noticed. I have personally tried out Roadsmith IRS, Hannigan IRS, Champion solid axle, Motor Trike solid axle and Can-Am Spyder RT. I pretty much only ride a trike two-up and the missus MUST be comfortable. I have not ridden a CSC conversion as I have been put off by posts regarding drive shaft issues in the past. There is a CSC installer just a few miles from where I live but have stayed away for that reason. I am sure there are bunches of folks who have not had a single problem. The reason for the thread you got into was the aux gas tank. That is why Champion, Motor Trike and Can-Am weren't in the picture.

Since I have no first hand knowledge of CSC, only stuff I have heard on this board, I will let you do your own research regarding that conversion.

The Champion solid axle conversion is less expensive but I found it to be very very well made, ride great and handle great. No aux gas tank. The Can-Am... well I just sold one after owning it for 6 months so won't say anything much more than that. I test rode a Motor Trike solid axle conversion with no EZ Steer (rake) and it was like sitting on a jack hammer and was difficult to steer. My missus also hated it. That leaves Hannigan and Roadsmith. Don't beat yourself up. Either company makes top notch kits and they are a bit longer in the wheelbase than most putting the rear axle out from under the pillion which greatly improves passenger ride. Fit and finish on both are top notch as is customer support.

The main difference would be the installer in this case as either kit installed properly with the proper options would make you a happy camper. They are both also at the top of the price range. I would think that installers in the Jersey area have some demo units you could try... Look at cycletrader.com and there will be dealers in the area with trikes on the lot you could also test ride I suppose.
Good luck!

[Hannigan Motorsports]

Contact Jeff at Ace Motorworks in West Berlin, NJ.
They are Hannigan and Roadsmith Dealer/Installers with a stellar Reputation and proven track-record of excellent Service.
Their number is 856-809-9990.

Hope this helps in your search and please let us know if we can be of any further assistance or answer any questions or concerns you may have now or in the future.
We here at Hannigan thank you greatly for the opportunity to earn your business and your trust