Which is the smoothest riding trike?

[Calgary]

Everything I know about trikes, I've read on this forum - thanx to each of you contributors for your knowledgable input.

Because of their auxillary fuel tank and my preference for long runs between fills, I've narrowed my area of interest to the CSC, Hannigan and Roadsmith. If I understand things correctly, these units share other common features such as being longer and wider than most, which should translate into a smoother ride.

But does that sacrifice control, manoeuvrability, safety?

I'd love to hear from you folks with your past and present experiences.

[Mr Orange]

Did you consider the Can Am Spyder? I installed a custom 5gal aux tank into the front trunk on mine so now I have 11gal of usable gas which gives me a nice range between fill ups. This was my first trike and I find it very comfortable for long days in the saddle. I've done several IBA Saddle Sore runs and one Bun Burner with no ill effects. I find it to be very stable in bad weather. On two wheels I was never a knee dragger type but I find myself really pushing it through the twisties now when I do ride them although I'm still primarily an Interstate traveller. I'll admit that my Spyder is far from stock but I don't have anymore invested in it than the cost of one of those trikes you listed. Good luck in your search.


On a side note I was up in your area back in 94 when I participated in the first Alberta 2000 ran out of Edmonton. Beautiful country up there! I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

[Calgary]

Thanx Mr. Orange for your input and suggestion. You've done a neat job of installing your aux. fuel tank.

I've tried to learn as much as I could about the Spider and I must admit it hasn't captured my imagination. I've been riding Goldwings since 1982 and I love them - just can't see myself riding anything else.

Yes, western Canada has a lot of all-season charm but I'm not a snow person so head south when it starts to cool down. It certainly is a great place to ride m/c in the summer though. Mountains, lakes, rivers and lots of trees has always been pretty appealing to me.

[John Luciano]

I am riding a DFT. my wife says it is the smoothest rear seat so far. Roadsmith would be another good choice from what I have heard. I have not tried a Champion with the new IR . Ride as many as you can ... With your corider. .. Only your tush can tell which is smoother. Everyone will say they have the smoothest. After all thay plunked down $$$$$$$ to buy it . They would not have if they didn't think so.

[ladyff1481]

I could tell you how smooth the ride is on both of my Roadsmith Trikes. Only you can determine which Trike has the smoothest ride and if you have a passenger it will be important what their opinion is as well. My suggestion would be to demo as many as you can, then decide. The best place would be to get to a motorcycle rally where several manufacturers may be at.

[Rick Kay]

I am very pleased with my CSC sonversion. The longer wheelbase, raked trees, IRS and improved braking add greater safety and maneuverability, in my opinion. The fit and finish are fabulous, and I love the look of the kit.

Good luck with your decision. You've come to the right place for good answers to your questions. The knowledge of the folks on TT is beyond compare.

[Bill Reber]

Ride is subjective to the road traveled. If your intensions are back roads with lot of tar snakes and pot holes and patches go IRS If the roads you ride are better save the money and go solid even in repair solid is less costly to repair (car parts vrs custom kit parts) I have rode both IRS and solid for my money the solid is better JMHO.

[MarciaG]

I love my CSC. Smooth and vibration free were imperatives! I have not been disappointed! Maneuverability is outstanding. 6 degree rake. Roomy trunk. IRS. Aux fuel tank. All of the bells and whistles.

MarciaG

[Copasetic]

I am very pleased with my CSC sonversion. The longer wheelbase, raked trees, IRS and improved braking add greater safety and maneuverability, in my opinion. The fit and finish are fabulous, and I love the look of the kit.

Good luck with your decision. You've come to the right place for good answers to your questions. The knowledge of the folks on TT is beyond compare.

I second everything Rick said.

[Calgary]

Thanx for your comments folks - very much appreciated.

[Trikeguy44]

After I bought my wife a 2010 GL1800 Motor Trike, I was amazed at the smoother ride on her IRS Motor Trike vs. my 2005 GL1800 Lehman solid axle. I therefore just bought a 2010 GL1800 Motor Trike with IRS for myself and I have put my 2005 Lehman up for sale. Personally I believe that the Motor Trike is a very high quality conversion and I am very pleased with the ride quality. The 4-1/2 degree rake also makes steering inputs easier. The lack of an auxiliary tank does not bother me as I like to take a short break from riding about every two to three hours anyway.

[leo3wheel]

We love our RSV/Hannigan trike very much. Took rides to Key West and Arkansas last year, and it gave a great ride. The only annoying issue we had was the squealing of the original rear brakes. Hannigan made good and replaced our rear brakes with vented, stainless steel rotors. Replacement eliminated all squealing and improved braking. This upgrade is now standard. As for the size of our Hannigan trike, don't believe the Hannigan site. Took actual measurements and did a comparison with what Roadsmith advertises. This is what I found.<br />
<br />
HT1800 Roadsmith Trike<br />
<br />
Wheelbase 78&quot;<br />
Overall length 116&quot;<br />
Overall width 56&quot; at the body 58&quot; wide with Wing Guards<br />
<br />
RSV Hannigan Trike<br />
<br />
Wheelbase 80&quot;<br />
Overall length 118&quot;<br />
Overall width 61.5&quot;

[bigbob]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Calgary</strong>
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<div class="message">Thanx Mr. Orange for your input and suggestion. You've done a neat job of installing your aux. fuel tank.<br />
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I've tried to learn as much as I could about the Spider and I must admit it hasn't captured my imagination. I've been riding Goldwings since 1982 and I love them - just can't see myself riding anything else.<br />
<br />
Yes, western Canada has a lot of all-season charm but I'm not a snow person so head south when it starts to cool down. It certainly is a great place to ride m/c in the summer though. Mountains, lakes, rivers and lots of trees has always been pretty appealing to me.</div>

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</div>Stick with the GW,had a Spyder that has to be the worst POS I ever owned.I now own a Hannigan and just love it.

[americanbadass]

I think this subject is more about types of suspensions, wheelbase, and front end rake. Any of the big players that offer IRS, longer wheel base, and rake, are going to be the smoothest and very comparable. Regardless of motorcycle brand, HD, Honda, etc.

[leo3wheel]

According to Hannigan site, our trike has:

1. Independent Suspension, 2. Wide Track, 3. Low Center of Gravity,
4. Anti-sway Bar, 5. Rigid Chasis, 6. In-Line Driveshaft, 7. Six degree rake

[bikerbillone]

After much &quot;due dilligence&quot;, I opted for a Road Smith (2011) on my 2005 GW. So far I'm very pleased with the performance and quality. It's a long frame, the passenger not over the rear wheels, makes for a smoother ride. Seems I have ample room using compression bags for a week away, or more even, for me and my co-pilot. Some prefer a trailer, and they are convenient, but also have their negatives in my opinion. We get by without one. As a side note, I'm also trying a product, Ride On, in the tires for that extra 'insurance' on the dreaded flat tire, and auto balancing feature. I like what I read about it. Time will tell me.

[leo3wheel]

Even though the Hannigan is longer than the Roadsmith, it gives an illusion of being shorter because it is wider. When it comes to trailering the Hannigan, you find out how big it really is. Need to buy a 7' X 12&quot; cargo trailer.

[ladyff1481]

Welcome Bikerbillone to the Roadsmith family! You're going to love it!

[rhino 2]

Stick with the GW,had a Spyder that has to be the worst POS I ever owned.I now own a Hannigan and just love it.

I'll Second that, And I'll leave it at that!

[bikerbillone]

Well, since the word is out, my neighbor, I ride with sometime, traded his 06 for a Spyder, OMG, how he hated it from week one. He tried every way he could to like that machine to no avail. In the shop every weekend. He said they tried and fixed most of the trouble, but then it was something else, again and again. Said he couldn't take it anymore, traded it for a 2012 GW and said he had learned his lesson the hard way.