What do you like about your Roadsmith Trike?

[Rex Slye]

What's under the hood so to speak is my first interest. I acquired an '09 Wing with the Roadsmith kit. I had previously read and heard the Roadsmith was good but never had any experience with one until I got the '09 with 21k miles on it. First off, from what I know about it so far is, the thing is virtually bulletproof especially the drive shaft. The features they have to offer is great and the ride options are also. Most of the parts they use can be bought at automotive stores (a HUGE plus). I've found they are a no hassle Company and any info you might want is downloadable from their site.

I have had occasion to have to ask for info on the phone and have talked to Taylor a few times and one other tech and from my experience they are one of the most customer oriented Companies I've ever ran into for a long time. Information for customers seems not to be "top secret" there and that is very admirable. There isn't anything about my Roadsmith or the Company employees I've talked with so far that I don't like period. The handling, especially in the twisties, with the 5 1/2 degree rake is superb. I hate to get off the thing after long (250 mile plus) local rides. Can't wait to saddle up again. This kit, IMO, with my experience so far is absolutely TOP notch. I'd wouldn't hesitate to buy another one in a second.

 

[Solidbob]

My pride and joy is a 2003' GL1800 w/ 2011 Roadsmith kit. The adventure began in 2009 really as we had been riding 2 up since 1965 off & on. First we started our search like most others do reading Forums, Mfgr. info and whatever is out there back in 2009. After lots of research we had narrowed down our selections by August 2010 to our top two selections, Hannigan & Roadsmith so as we planned our Sturgis trip we included visits to both manufacturers displays while there. I tried calling the Hannigan folks (sales lady) and most were already gone so they said to just show up and I'd be taken care of. I then called Roadsmith and spoke to Doug Lindholm who was very helpful with info to were they would be located, he was leaving the next day so I said we'd see him there.

So the day prior to opening day we left and drove straight to 100 miles short of Sturgis. Next morning we drove into Sturgis electing to try Hannigan first, guess so did everyone else. They were packed and only had (4) working display units with two in their trailer for repairs which seemed strange. We tried to get a time to do a test ride, that wasn't going to happen / booked til the end of the week / tried to get some info from people returning from test rides (seemed to be limited to the area downtown) as not many good reviews from people of our on age range, not many complaints just so so reviews as folks couldn't go to the highway as they were told having only 4 units they needed them to return ASAP!!

We did look very closely at their body off GL1800 unit to see details along with taking a few pictures and we were off to Roadsmith. Once at Roadsmith which was also very busy but had plenty of people we were greeted by Doug Lindholm himself, he asked if we had a few minutes as he wanted to show us around and ask some questions. They had a HT1800 kit Body Off on display and immediately jumped out some differences / Heavier Drive Shaft, Heavier Sway Bar, Coil Over Adjustable Progressive Shocks, Adjustable Suspension using stock rear shock adjuster, and it looked like heavier Plates and mounting areas. Doug walked us through the kit asking also how we rode, how many miles, type of use the kit would get, etc.

Then he took us out to the front line of trikes all lined up out front showing us different options that were available and how and where they mounted. Loaded us up with lots of literature and walked us back to our car behind the trailer where parked next to the car was a GL1800 all loaded up and with a Full Tank... asked if we needed helmets / nope we brought them. Gave us a walk thru of how things worked on the Honda saying take it easy the first few miles / don't lean in corners / and take it for a ride as long as you need to.. WoW!! Wipe the smile off my face!! We rode the demo for nearly 100 miles to Spearfish coming back on the highway at 70 with the other bikers.

We did finally get to ride a Hannigan at a dealer in Central Texas the next week.. but it rode nothing like the Roadsmith... so we had our decision made and we asked for quotes from our top two dealers for both kits with the options we decided on.

Now what did we pick:
HT1800 w/Independent Rear Suspension
Heavy Duty True Track Stabilizer Performance Sway Bar w/ Stock Honda Adjustable Pre-Load
2:93-1 Ford Rear End w/ 2" Shaft Driven Differential
Large VW Disc Brakes & HD CV Axles & CV Joints
Chrome Alloy Wheel Upgrade All 3
Carpeted Trunk included
1 1/4" Reciever Hitch included
5 Gallon Auxiliary Fuel Tank
Roadsmith 5 deg Steering Rake
Roadsmith Wing Guard Floorboards
Chrome Nerf Bar Bumper
Roadsmith Custom Trike Cover
Then we added a set of Mud Flaps and (2) Courtesy Light one for trunk and the other for the tour box along with various Baker Wings.

Next on the list was rebuilding our stock bike seat for Trike Comfort by Tom Simmons in Fayetteville, Ark.

We did pull an Aspen Ambassador Camper for about 6 months but just didn't use it enough so we sold it, now we just pull our little cargo trailer.

If you have questions please PM me and I'll try to answer....

ThumbUp pepper

 

[Danimal]

Wife and I started out with at 2000 Goldwing Bike and she was never comfortable. So in March of 2013, we order our new 2012 Goldwing with the 2012 HT1800 Roadsmith Trike kit. I didn't know if I would miss the feel of riding a bike but I haven't. It has changed the way my wife has viewed motorcycle riding and now we are always talking and planning the next ride together.

We looked and test drove another brand. Heck, I didn't know any difference. I figured they were all about the same. We really liked the look of that other brand trike. Actually had it in my mind we were going to buy that brand when we went to the dealer to order it. Once at the dealer, they strongly suggested that we test drive each brand before we decide. He set each one up to the same settings the best he could.

So we did and went down a side road that was not smooth and you felt every inch of road imperfection. You know, the highway that is like a washboard. We then got on the Roadsmith and went down the same road. As we were driving, I was amazed and commenting to my wife how smooth this bike was over the others. My wife says, "I think you just made you mind up haven't you?" To us, the ride felt like riding in a luxury car over a sports car the feels every bump. We decided we really didn't want to take long rides feeling every bump in the road yet this trike handled extremely well. Decision made, ordered the Roadsmith and we love it.

I've owned sports cars in my life that people found interesting but nothing like the attention I get on this Roadsmith. People of all ages want to know what it is. The HD folks that talk to me really like orange and black color. I'd say 50% of the time when I fill up with gas, someone comes up to me and asks us about our trike.

The one thing I wish I would of added was the additional small trunk area that was available. Not sure why I didn't get this when we ordered it is beyond me. I believe this area would of been perfect for those items that you need but don't want in your way of your trunk space (tools, rain gear, etc).

I added the lighted mud flaps plus put reflector tape behind the Roadsmith emblem on the trunk. What more can I say. I think my Roadsmith Trike is just AWWSUM.

 

[JerryD]

We purchased our 2004 GL1800 in 2005. Due to hip and knee problems had White Bear Lake Trike Shop install the Roadsmith Conversion in spring 2012. Used 2012 to get comfortable riding a Trike. July 2013 left Coon Valley,WI headed for Indy in the worst thunderstorm I have ever in 38 years of riding been in. The Trike handled great even in pre-tornado water and hail deluge. Love this Trike. The tornado missed us. Smooth comfortable 3 plus hours between stops for my wife and I, no problem. 37 Mi. per gal. for the trip running 70 most of the time, two riders, loaded trunk with a tagalong Kit, using my saddle bags mounted in the trailer hitch fully loaded. The aux gas tank was a plus and glad I sprung for it. We only stopped when we wanted to. The Wing guards were great in the storm. Steering rake kit helps with stability and steering. This is just so comfortable to sit back set the cruzzze and let the miles roll by. The heavy duty Sway bar holds the trike flat in the corners and I have never been left behind by the two wheelers in the Kickapoo River bottoms. Trike sticks tight to the road.

I have not ridden other trikes so can't compare them but I have really enjoyed mine and would do it all over again given the need to do it again. The guys at White Bear Trike shop were great. I had the Centramatic wheel balancers installed and there was a Minor clearance issue which they conferred with Honda and corrected. I had no appointment just stopped to ask them about it and when I left it was solved with thanks from them for pointing it out. Other questions answered immediately with a simple phone call. Great people!

As for price I say you get what you pay for. Trikes are expensive but for me and my knees and hips a God Send. I thought the two wheeler was comfortable but the Trike has an added comfort that you need to experience to understand. It took me about three thousand miles to really get it but now I would not go back to two wheels. I never dreamed I would say this but it is true. Try it you will like it! JerryD.

 

[lgjhn]

We have an 06 Wing/13 RS conversion. We had it done this past August. I wasn't real crazy about doing it to start with, but it was the only way my wife would be able to ride anymore. We like the style, the ride, the storage space, extra fuel tank, etc. However, I'm probably one of the very few responding on here that's had a major issue with the RS conversion, but let me say right up front that the issue was handled quickly by our conversion dealer.

The only downside to it all was another 1300-mile weekend roundtrip to the shop and back to get it taken care of. I've gotten where I'm now used to driving it and have gotten where I'm pretty confident with the handling. At first, I outright hated the thing and felt I had spent $14+K to destroy my perfectly good Goldwing. I almost sold it. We now have a few hundred miles on it and it has become our long distance touring machine and it fills that role perfectly. Since fixing the issue, I've bought a new 2014 red Yamaha FJR to fill the daily 2-wheel needs in my life with the trike handling the 2-up and LD touring needs.

 

[larryh0841]

I have a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate/Roadsmith. After riding it for about six years and, hardly riding my two wheeled motorcycles at all, I have just taken delivery on a new Roadsmith kit for my 2000 Valkyrie Interstate. One of the major reasons I like the Roadsmith is that they allow you assemble it yourself. Other reasons are the extended wheelbase, simplified and proven independent suspension, beautiful flowing lines that match up perfectly with my Valkyries, and the fact that all of the moving parts are available from NAPA stores.

They provide a list of all the parts and the correct NAPA number for each in case any parts should ever fail after the three year warranty has expired. If you should experience a failure, which is highly unlikely, you are not setting waiting for custom made parts to be shipped from the factory. When I decided to convert my second Valkyrie I did not consider anything other than a Roadsmith. The only thing better than having a Roadsmith trike is having two. Plus, the customer service is outstanding and, most importantly, my wife absolutely loves the Valkyrie Interstate/Roadsmith trikes. I don't think I could get her on anything else.

Larry

 

[Bohdan]

Well, being die hard Goldwing owners, we currently have 6 Goldwings between my wife and I. Trying to convince my wife of riding for over 20 years she finally succumbed to getting a bike. In a reality it was a Yamaha V-Star to begin with since it had the "bling-bling". Shortly thereafter, we decided to get a new Goldwing form myself since mine was a 93. She found a custom painted 2013 GW in Arkansas. We both liked the color and further discussion with the sales person, went to "Hey we have a matching Roadsmith trike too". Guess where that lead us? Yep, we bought two wings.

She loves the trike. Handles well and looks cool. She is on a mission to get a spoiler similar to the Hannigan spoiler. Naturally, Roadsmith lacks a wee bit in their options. Off to something custom. I think it is doable. We shall see... said the blind man!!

 

[bikerbillone]

Well, being die hard Goldwing owners, we currently have 6 Goldwings between my wife and I. Trying to convince my wife of riding for over 20 years she finally succumbed to getting a bike. In a reality it was a Yamaha V-Star to begin with since it had the "bling-bling". Shortly thereafter, we decided to get a new Goldwing form myself since mine was a 93. She found a custom painted 2013 GW in Arkansas. We both liked the color and further discussion with the sales person, went to "Hey we have a matching Roadsmith trike too". Guess where that lead us? Yep, we bought two wings.

She loves the trike. Handles well and looks cool. She is on a mission to get a spoiler similar to the Hannigan spoiler. Naturally, Roadsmith lacks a wee bit in their options. Off to something custom. I think it is doable. We shall see... said the blind man!!

Right on and kudos. Like this post.

 

[rmrc51]

Well, being die hard Goldwing owners, we currently have 6 Goldwings between my wife and I. Trying to convince my wife of riding for over 20 years she finally succumbed to getting a bike. In a reality it was a Yamaha V-Star to begin with since it had the "bling-bling". Shortly thereafter, we decided to get a new Goldwing form myself since mine was a 93. She found a custom painted 2013 GW in Arkansas. We both liked the color and further discussion with the sales person, went to "Hey we have a matching Roadsmith trike too". Guess where that lead us? Yep, we bought two wings.

She loves the trike. Handles well and looks cool. She is on a mission to get a spoiler similar to the Hannigan spoiler. Naturally, Roadsmith lacks a wee bit in their options. Off to something custom. I think it is doable. We shall see... said the blind man!!

I also wanted some kind of spoiler on the main trunk of my Roadsmith. I just happen to see a photo of a trike that Tony, (Tony's Trikes) had for sale. I called him and he said that this was what he was using as he couldn't find any wing that was a reasonable price. It's the same wing that is used on the top trunk of the Goldwing. Here's two photos of mine;

 

[bikerbillone]

Rich, like the flowers on the trunk, and the key lock cover. nice touch. Where did you buy the key lock cover?

 

[rmrc51]

Rich, like the flowers on the trunk, and the key lock cover. nice touch. Where did you buy the key lock cover?

Those Blue Roses are for my wife, Mary Ellen. There's a sentimental story behind the Blue Rose for my better half!

They keylock cover was already on the trike when I bought it. I think WingStuff has it. Check this link;

http://wingstuff.com/products/2880-r...?from_search=1

 

[bikerbillone]

Thanks Rich. Mary Ellen, had a GF once named Mary Ellen. Good info on the emblem much appreciated.

 

[ladyff1481]

I got my 1st Roadsmith in 2009 when we converted my 2007 Sportster. My local motorcycle mechanic built it for me and I was thrilled with the end result. Never had any problem other than breaking the reverse motor accidentally but that was covered under warranty and my mechanic was really pleased with the support Roadsmith gave him during the build as he had never built a Roadsmith before. So in 2011 when we were at The Trike Shop they had my 2011 HD Ultra Classic Limited Trike on the showroom floor and the rest is history.

Now I know there are lots of guys on here that can give their thoughts on all the mechanical aspects of a Roadsmith Trike but as a woman with no technical knowledge all I can comment on is the basics. I know I love the way my trike handles. With my hand trauma the fact that my trike rides smooth makes for a comfortable & pain free ride for me. I love the way it looks & so do others because an awful lot of people stop to ask questions about my trike. But one of the best things is that in all the hundreds of Roadsmith Trikes that are sold, the people at Roadsmith have known and remembered the details of my Trikes. That's important to me especially if I should have an issue with it.

That simple detail makes me feel like the folks at Roadsmith are truly invested in the company and care about the Trikes they sell.

So how do I really feel about my Roadsmith? I love it!

 

[Roadsmith Trikes]

Thanks to everyone (so far) that took the time to share thoughts and experiences about their Roadsmith trike, and the people they've dealt with here at the company. For over 40 years, we have worked hard to build the very best trikes we can, while at the same time taking care of the people who buy them from us. That formula appears to be working and we hope to continue for at least another 40 years in the future. Thank you again for your support and enthusiasm, you make us proud to work for such a great company!

 

[bikerbillone]

Thank you RS for that fine response. When I went to the Daytona Trike Shop to get an aux tank replacement on my RS conversion, none other than Dick Lindholm himself came out and chatted for about thirty mins to give me a brief history of the RS development, and apologize for the aux tank failure. Not his fault, but just one of manufacturing flukes. How cool was that?

 

[dmccord]

We have an 08 Goldwing w/2012 Roadsmith kit. Have ridden it two seasons now with one trip to South Dakota, from s.e. Mo. and another trip to Myrtle Beach. Found every curvy road possible including Deals Gap. Had some Harley riders ask me how it was possible that i could take the curves so fast. Have had absolutely zero problems of any kind. Wife loves the smooth ride. I compare it to driving a sports car. This will probably last me until I can't ride anymore, but if I need another trike, it will definitely be a Roadsmith. Hi Bazooka, see ya at Eureka.

 

[Ringshank]

Trike Talk Readers
My Roadsmith trike is a 2011 Kit installed on a new 2010 Yellow GL1800 level I in March 2011 with 5 miles on the bike now we have about 18,000 miles on this great machine. Hoping to go West on long trip in two years from now so opted for all options extra tank, Accuride Sup., Boards, 5.5 Rake with heavy springs,.

This is our first Roadsmith but third trike with a total mileage logged about 50,000 miles and would say that we think that this is the best one in the market place today, the ride, the handling, the storage, and eye appeal is just unbelievable. There have been no problems with the trike and we would recommend Neosho Fiberglass for the install located in Neosho Mo. Now Niehaus Cycle Sales in Lilchfield Il. also has RS. kits and they are good to.

 

[Phill Griggs]

I went from 2 wheels to 3 wheels in October of 2010. I bought the 2005 GW with a Rodasmith kit on it with 63000 miles . IT now has 103678. Just love it!

 

[disabled rider]

2001 GL1800 with what used to be called a trike shop kit, now being called a Road Smith. Construction is super and the added five gallon tank is great for long trips(if your butt holds out).The bike was in illusion red and a very tricky color to match but they did it perfectly. Bought the trike in Rapid City SD this past fall while out there for a motorcycle trip with my wife who was riding a Suzuki at the time. Took her bike in for a new tire and left with the trike.

It only had 61K on a 12 y/o bike and had a chance to meet the previous owner right after purchasing the trike. We left it at the dealer to be detailed and went back the following day to pick it up only to discover the old owner was there to get it back as the Cam Am he traded for, did not suit his liking and he was demanding his old trike back, even tho he had made the trade 2 months earlier and had 2,600 miles on the Cam Am.

They did not want to trade back even and we did not want to give up this rare find. Rode it back 1,000+ miles to OK w/o any problems and its been running great. I own another brand of trike kit and each has it's good points. The only thing l wish they did was to put self opening hinges on the truck as it did require two hands to open it.

I switched out the OEM hinges for self opening chrome hinges.

 

[Hoghead]

Got mine about 15 months ago and can't say anything bad about the Roadsmith kit except the side covers don't fit as well as they should. That could be the installers fault. My advice to anyone that was looking for a Trike kit to go with the Roadsmith but check and double check the installer and then check again.

I wasn't at all satisfied with my installer but did get it fixed after taking it to another installer and he fixed it the way it should have been. The side covers still don't fit correct but he said he didn't know how they supposed to be as this was his first Roadsmith to work on. My paint is thin and has a lot of trash in the paint but at 10 Ft. it looks decent. Again, check your installer.....that is the main thing. Roadsmith makes a great kit. My Trike is a 2012 GL1800....