Tow-Pac insta trike tips and tricks

[jmk865]

Just picked up a 1994 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 with a Tow-Pac insta trike already installed. I am new to triking, after 56 years of two wheeling it.
Bike is in excellant shape, with 19,000 original miles on it. I am trying to learn to ride it properly and would appreciate any suggestions anyone has.
Our local side streets are "crowned" tar and chips, highways and main roads are flat and either concrete or black top. So far the crowned side roads seem to be the most challenging.

[rivercityjack]

I had an older Honda GoldWing with a Tow Pac 12" wheel setup. I purchased it installed on the Honda and found it difficult to handle sometimes with the road and the wind.
After looking at it for a time I decided to remove the fenders so I could see what was happening to the suspension when I was riding it slow around a parking lot and over bumps and while sharp turning. I moved the bracketing and adjustments so the the wheels on the kit were exactly even with the straight line of the rear wheel on the bike, and then added about an 1/8" of toe in to the front of the wheel on the Toe Pac and as close as I could to straight up and down when the bike was parked on the level. Also check the alignment of the bike axels front to rear to make sure the bike is lined up first and then set up the TowPac. Adjust the down pressure on the tires last. It worked wonders as to riding after that. Almost no different than a regular motorcycle except no lean on the turns. TowPac has a really nice Service Dept. that is very helpful also.
Hope this helps. Jack

[jmk865]

Thanks !

[ridgetill]

I purchased the Tow-Pac Instatrike for our 2006 HD Ultra Classic in Oct 2011. My wife does not feel comfortable riding two wheels anymore behind me, so we looked at various possibilities. We purchased the TP because it allows me to ride two wheels when I go alone and four wheels when my wife rides with me. I can put the TP on in 15 minutes and take it off in 10. We take it along to Arizona or Florida with us in the winter time and ride then. We live in Iowa so no riding from Nov through March usually. It is much cheaper than a trike or conversion and still allows me to ride two wheels.

[jmk865]

I've only had this bike two days; and haven't had much of a chance to try and learn how to ride it safely. Right now it's so **** hot I don't want to subject myself or the bike to overheating, so I'm waiting for a little cool down before trying it again. What I'd really like is a large empty parking lot; but don't have one in the area; so will have to make do with side roads. I'm really hoping this all works out well and this old guy can continue riding. I did find out I'll have to get a longer shift peg. Due to a foot problem; the peg is way too short for me to get to it.

[dadztoy]

I just picked up an Insta-Trike kit for my 2009 Gold Wing... I have ridden it a total of about 100 miles now and am pretty well satisfied with it... Steering effort can be high at times but for the most part, it is a pretty decent ride... Interesting comments by river city jack - I may look into his adjustments a bit further...

I bought it for those times when the wife and I are on a trip and loaded heavy - just a little more peace of mind as this 67 year old body isn't as strong as it used to be... I'm in the process of getting it painted to match my silver bike - then it will look a whole lot better than the basic black it is supplied in...

Les

[Mick]

I've only had this bike two days; and haven't had much of a chance to try and learn how to ride it safely. Right now it's so **** hot I don't want to subject myself or the bike to overheating, so I'm waiting for a little cool down before trying it again. What I'd really like is a large empty parking lot; but don't have one in the area; so will have to make do with side roads. I'm really hoping this all works out well and this old guy can continue riding. I did find out I'll have to get a longer shift peg. Due to a foot problem; the peg is way too short for me to get to it.

I wonder if this would workout for your shifter?
Ilium Works 10-300 Shift Lever Extension - BMW Motorcycle Shifter Extender : Amazon.com : Automotive

[jmk865]

That shifter extender might just do the trick. Thanks for telling me about it.
Did venture over to our local high school parking lot since it was deserted on a Sunday morning. Rode around for a while, doing right and left turns, figure 8's etc. Bike rides amazingly well on a flat paved surface. From what I have experienced so far and read on this site; crowned, tar and chip side roads are not the best learning place. As soon as I get the shifter where I want it, I do have several well paved rural highways that are low traffic roads; so will be able to start getting some decent mileage in the saddle.
Thanks again.

[jmk865]

Shifter problem resolved with an extension and also raised it a bit. Things well within my reach now. Ventured out to some rural highways and the bike runs, and handles extremely well and is very comfortable. Been trying to find a rig like this for two years or more and it appears I have gotten really lucky to find this one. Thanks for all the advice everyone.

[jmk865]

I am also curious as to how much clearance people have between the rear motorcycle tire and the cross piece at the rear of the trike kit. Mine is approx. 1/2". It doesn't appear to be adjustable; but nothing's rubbing so I am hoping this is correct. I tried e-mailing Tow-Pac; but they say it depends on what rear tire is on the bike and this clearance can vary(makes sense). I asked them if an owners manual was available since there wasn't one with the trike' and they said to call to order one ($15), and I plan to do that. I have around 600 miles on the trike so far and am enjoying it greatly; in no small part due to picking up a lot of tips from people on this forum.