Trike reliability

[rustyrail]

I am considering having a trike made of my 2001 FLHR using a Champion kit. Can anyone tell me what to expect for mechanical reliability, and overall utility of this match up ? What can I expect for lifespan all things considered ? What have your experiences been with aftermarket trikes ? A new Harley trike goes for 33K how would the one I'm considering compare ? Thanks for any guidance as I'm on a tight budget.

[bongobobny]

Well, in general the trike is going to be as reliable as the original motorcycle was minus a little performance which is lost lugging around the extra weight. As far as the mechanics of the trike kit, the rear differential is usually going to be beefier than the original differential. The rear braking system is going to be dependant in large with what kind of master cylinder they use, the stock one or a beefier one. Not really familiar with that particular setup, just wanted to give you an overall view of trikes...

[skuuter]

Most All of the Major Trike Manufacturers have worked out extremely reliable Products in the last several years including Champion (the kit You're considering)....click on the Trike Companies Ads here on TRIKE TALK.com, and look at All of the New Offerings available now.....

[pops.anderson]

I just had my '03 FLHR converted this spring. No problems. The 88ci handles the extra weight very well, even on some long, steep hills. With the 5 speed, there was no need to change out sprockets as with the 6 speed 'cause the gear ratio is good. The only thing I'm working with the shop that did the conversion on is a larger rear brake master cylinder. It's a bit spongy, although stops with no problem. I was looking at the Champion kit and didn't see any problems with it. The price was comparative with other kits. I did, however, go with the CSC, mostly for the looks. Price for the CSC and Champion kit here were within $100 of each other. You can PM me if you want more info on what I did with mine and costs. I have current pics posted.

Good luck. Ride Safe.

[Rick Kay]

Hey Pops! I love how you did the rear of your CSC! It looks suspiciously familiar!

Rustyrail, my conversion has been rock solid for the season and a half that I've been riding it. It's not due for anything other than inspections for 20,000 miles. I'd do the conversion all over again, I'm that satisfied with the results.

[pcombe]

I am really impressed with the Champion straight axle trike i built this winter out of my 1989 Tour Glide Ultra.
I of course raked the front end also. I saved a lot of money by getting the raked triple tree from Bazooka. ( there is a link at the right side of the page. talk to him before you make final plans ok?)

A word to the wise?
unless you are a painter just have champion do the job. I could not find anyone local to beat the price by enough to be worth messing with.

By the way the disk brakes are Volkswagon.
The tires are exactly the same as on the Tri-glide.

The axle is really well designed and you can use your own belt saving you money and hassle dealing with primary, clutch. Compensator etc.

My bike had so many miles and years on it that i changed my drive sprockets and installed a new belt.

The Champion straight axle kit is one of the most straightforward kits to install and in my opinion is the best looking!

If you want to see my conversion from bike to trike google- pcombe library/photobucket.

[msocko3]

I am considering having a trike made of my 2001 FLHR using a Champion kit. Can anyone tell me what to expect for mechanical reliability, and overall utility of this match up ? What can I expect for lifespan all things considered ? What have your experiences been with aftermarket trikes ? A new Harley trike goes for 33K how would the one I'm considering compare ? Thanks for any guidance as I'm on a tight budget.

You should be in good shape with your bike as a trike, it has more mechanical things going for it than the new ones. You have a much better crankshaft, you have the Timken left side ending bearing and IMO you have a great transmission and primary chain case gear ratio. The only thing that needs periodic inspection are the cam chain tensioners.

[Bullet]

I am considering having a trike made of my 2001 FLHR using a Champion kit. Can anyone tell me what to expect for mechanical reliability, and overall utility of this match up ? What can I expect for lifespan all things considered ? What have your experiences been with aftermarket trikes ? A new Harley trike goes for 33K how would the one I'm considering compare ? Thanks for any guidance as I'm on a tight budget.

If you read the HD forums there are many unhappy campers with the triglides. Maybe they have fixed some of those problems now. Best bet is probably with whatever after market trike kit you decide to go with. Please add 1500.00 dollars to your trike kit tab as having reverse gear, electric or mechanical will run you that much.

[msocko3]

If you read the HD forums there are many unhappy campers with the triglides. Maybe they have fixed some of those problems now. Best bet is probably with whatever after market trike kit you decide to go with. Please add 1500.00 dollars to your trike kit tab as having reverse gear, electric or mechanical will run you that much.

Reverse is a nice thing to have but selective parking will go a long way to not having to have it.

[Oldmsocko]

If you read the HD forums there are many unhappy campers with the triglides. Maybe they have fixed some of those problems now. Best bet is probably with whatever after market trike kit you decide to go with. Please add 1500.00 dollars to your trike kit tab as having reverse gear, electric or mechanical will run you that much.

If I had to do it again I would have saved the money for the reverse. I just selectively park even now with the reverse.

[beenthere]

Just my two cents.I use rev. less on three than two wheels.So easy to push back on three.(out of garage and etc.)