Trike Search

[dbruce56]

Tomorrow the wife and I are going to look at the first in our search for our first trike. It's an '02 Goldwing with a Lehman conversion. What type of things should I be looking for? TIA

[tfdeputydawg]

I would suggest you test an IRS unit w/a longer wheel base prior to deciding on a short WB straight axle unit!
Also a rake kit is almost a must on a trike.

[Lucky]

Good Luck! One thing to think about is as far as I know we don't have a Lehman dealer close to us. Maybe you won't need one.

[dirtdobber]

Tony's trikes in Hazel Green, AL would probably do one for you. He has cut his operating hours to the public but will call you back rather quickly.

[dawingrider]

Some things to consider noting but some will require good research to determine whether it meets your needs/wants.

Does it have:
- Solid axle or independent suspension
- Parking brake
- Rake kit
- Cracks in the body
- Ease of serviceability

And of course the typical items like tires, brakes and overall condition.

Good Luck!

[DWATC]

Hopefully you've already done this step. What I did was go to each manufacture's website and compare prices. It's hard to get apples to apples but you can figure what works for you pretty easily. That helped to narrow my search a bit (not a lot but I knew what the ballpark costs were). Then I rode each one I was interested in and talked to many people about each. After that I just picked the one I liked riding the best and went with it. BTW I changed my mind from a Roadsmith to a Hannigan on the last two rides. I would still buy a Roadsmith but the Hannigan was just a bit better "fit" for both the wife and I. JMHO

[Calgary]

dbruce56

From your opening note, I see that you were planning to look at an '02 model trike, so you'll have to accept the fact that there have been many enhancements in the trike world in the past dozen years.

Given that you're looking at a used trike suggests you have already determined the amount of money you have to spend. As others before have suggested there are some core elements you'll wish to watch for - a physically well maintained trike will likely reflect the care the previous owner has given to the mechanical components. There's only a hand full of manufacturers produce a trike with an Auxillary fuel tank, so if you're a long distance rider, you may want to check that out.

If I understand it correctly, all manufacturers offer independent suspension and a few still offer fixed suspension but a dozen years ago fixed suspension was pretty common. Trike length and width varies considerably - personally I prefer a bigger footprint.

Personal preferences and $$$ will ultimately bring you to the right choice for you! In the meantime, there's a host of helpful riders here who will gladly help with any questions you will have!

Best Wishes with your search!

[dogman513]

I have a 02 Wing,25k miles, with 05 Lehman Monnarch II. Really no complaints, but for better ride 2up with gear, will be installing Lehmans aftermarket heavy duty shock first of spring. Ride Safe!

[pcombe]

The key to any used trike purchase is the opinion of a professional mechanic and also one that knows something about trikes.

If you don't know what to look for I suggest you make the sale contingent on a professional opinion?

I have had friends purchase a trike and shortly after find that someone has had it apart that didn't know what they were doing, I.E. back end out of alignment and ruining the drive shaft, bolts not torqued, Wheels not torqued, neck bearings to loose or to tight. electrical system compromised. seals leaking etc..

One guy who bought a nice looking trike for his wife and the back end bolts were never tightened after someone worked on it and the whole thing shifted and threw her into the ditch pulling the mounting bolts clear out of the drive housing, and took me a long time, new parts and a good welder to repair it. thank goodness she was going slow!
See if you can get the model number of the kit (perhaps stamped into the axle or on a tag on the body) and Google it to see if it has a good reputation?
After running a search on the kit my friend had on that particular trike I discovered it was a left over model and had a lousy reputation, from a questionable manufacturer.
At least the one your looking at has a good company name to begin with.
There are also folks on this forum that would have info on it.

Suggestion: download the service specs from the manufacturer so you can look under it and maybe spot something wrong?
Keep in mind that a trike is only as good as the integrity of the person having built it to begin with. See if you can get that info? If the trike has changed hands to many times I would question why?

That being said an 02 gold wing will probably make you a nice trike, Newer technology isn't all it's cracked up to be in some cases, just something else to go wrong. The simpler the better in my book. My ride is 25 yrs. old and allot simpler to work on.


I built mine myself so had complete control of quality. if your handy with a wrench you may want to consider that option?
If you have a nice bike now consider converting it having someone with a good reputation do it for you?
There are those who can steer you in that direction here also.
You can purchase a kit and raked triple trees right through this forum with a discount on parts just for being a member of trike talk.
That's what I did! with no negative experiences.

[dawingrider]

Tomorrow the wife and I are going to look at the first in our search for our first trike. It's an '02 Goldwing with a Lehman conversion. What type of things should I be looking for? TIA

So, were you able to look at the trike?

[dbruce56]

First off, thanks for the responses. I will take these things into consideration when I look at the trile. Unfortunately, did not get to look at it today as the lady that owns it was called in to work earlier this afternoon. We rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Did find out that she has owned the bike since it was new. I forgot to ask when she had it triked. Even tho I'm a mechanic by trade, I'm bringing a friend of mine with me that is familiar with trikes.

[dawingrider]

First off, thanks for the responses. I will take these things into consideration when I look at the trile. Unfortunately, did not get to look at it today as the lady that owns it was called in to work earlier this afternoon. We rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Did find out that she has owned the bike since it was new. I forgot to ask when she had it triked. Even tho I'm a mechanic by trade, I'm bringing a friend of mine with me that is familiar with trikes.

Her priorities are skewed!

[Lucky]

Let us know how it works out. Sure would like to know you and your friends name. We know a bunch of trike and bike folks in this area. Good Luck

[dbruce56]

Got to go look at the trike yesterday. It's a real good looking piece of machinery. Unfortunately, was not able to ride or even hear it run as the battery was dead and didn't charge up enough in the time I was there.
On a more positive note, it has just over 27K mileage, one owner, lady ridden (she's the only one that has ridden it), she has all reciepts for all maintenace/add-ons from new. Only visible leak is actually seepage on the rear diff cover. Comes with a paint matching BushTec Quantum GT trailer.

[rmrc51]

If you happen to plan on doing any visiting in Virginia, I'll be selling my trike due to health issues. I haven't listed her yet mainly due to the holiday season and plan to advertise her in the spring. You can see a picture of the trike in my signature. She's fully loaded and in excellent condition. If you're interested (or if you know of anyone else who's also looking), I can send you all of the particulars and detailed photos. There are many great trikes out there and this forum is a great place to start your search!

[Lucky]

WOW be hard to miss that! GOOD LUCK

[dbruce56]

rmrc51,,,that would give me a good reason to venture up to MD to see my sister. If you could send me info on your trike, I would appreciate it. This one is only the first in my search for the right trike for us. Can't have too many options and going out of my area is possible for the right one.

Lucky,,,,this one is definitely an eye catcher. The friend that was my 2d set of eyes on this one is Don Anderson. He rides with the Southern Cruisers.

[rmrc51]

rmrc51,,,that would give me a good reason to venture up to MD to see my sister. If you could send me info on your trike, I would appreciate it. This one is only the first in my search for the right trike for us. Can't have too many options and going out of my area is possible for the right one. Lucky,,,,this one is definitely an eye catcher. The friend that was my 2d set of eyes on this one is Don Anderson. He rides with the Southern Cruisers.

I just sent you a PM.

[dbruce56]

rmrc51,,,, got the info & pictures of your trike. Really nice piece. Well priced,, just a bit above where we want to be right now.

Lucky,,, wish I had known beforehand that you were riding in the parade in Columbus Sat. Would have made arrangements to meet & have that cup. There's always next time.

Did get to ride the trike Friday. Rode real nice. After not riding anything for over 25 years, was suprised at being able to be fully comfortable from the git-go. Will have to get used to getting properly placed on the road to compensate for the crown but, should come with more miles. Everything worked as it should. No unusual noises, rattles, etc. Had smile for hours afterwards. This may be the one we get. Hopefully we can get together on price. Would like to get her down a little bit. We'll just have to see.

[Thomas L]

I wouldn't be too concerned about the Lehman part. As those are pretty straight forward. I would be more concerned about the 'Bike' part of it. And like buying any used bike - the same old checks apply - milage, service records, condition etc. etc.