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Thread: Motor Trike Air Suspension Air Bag Replacement

  1. #1
    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Default Motor Trike Air Suspension Air Bag Replacement

    My 05 GW MT (I am assuming Adventure conversion) has leaking Air Bags (per the good old soapy water testing) They are on thier last legs.

    Has anyone replaced thier own bags? If so, what replacement bag did you use (Manf and part number)? And how difficult is it to replace in my own garage?

    MT has told me I must order the replacement bags thru a authorized dealer (of which I have no probelm doing at $70 each), but the dealer wants to charge me over $300 -$1000 for the install. And its about an hour's drive up to the dealer just to pick up the bags.

    I would just rather do it myself

    Thanks for any help

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    1250+ Posts cavie's Avatar
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    Don't you just love "Proprietary protection". Go to a good independent garage and see if he can identify them. Chances are they are from an auto. Not made just for the trike. No money in doing that. Most all SA conversions Brakes, rotors, rear ends and suspentions are adapted from car parts.
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    Ridin' three and free. Ain't never goin' back
    2003 1800 Gold Wing Trike w/Roadsmith kit. Northeast Region Trike Riders on F B.

  3. #3
    2500+ Posts Gold Rush's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    My 05 GW MT (I am assuming Adventure conversion) has leaking Air Bags (per the good old soapy water testing) They are on thier last legs

    Has anyone replaced thier own bags? If so, what replacement bag did you use (Manf and part number)? And how difficult is it to replace in my own garage?

    MT has told me I must order the replacement bags thru a authorized dealer (of which I have no probelm doing at $70 each), but the dealer wants to charge me over $300 -$1000 for the install. And its about an hour's drive up to the dealer just to pick up the bags.

    I would just rather do it myself


    Thanks for any help
    You don't say if your conversion is solid axle or independent suspension. That is important information.

    When my '06 was converted in '11 one of the air bags leaked (the Adventure install manual calls them air springs). My installer replaced them both in about 30 minutes while I watched.

    I'd be calling around to different installers. One of them will be happy to order the "air springs" and send them to you.

    As I recall what caused my leak had something to do with the top bolt twisting. My installer sprayed a little soapy water on them before assembly. Also, they come deflated. Make sure you do not add air until they are in place.

    Hope that helps.
    Jerry "Gold Rush" (aka: "SPOOK") San Angelo, TX
    2015 GL1800/Roadsmith HTS1800
    TOI - IBA #23804 (SS1K & BB1.5K)
    I'm like an old race horse..... I can still run the race -- Just ache more at the finish line and need more rest between outings.

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Mine has the solid axle

    My air bags (air springs) are leaking at the bottom

    The more that I look at the service Manuals for the Adventure and the Sypder versions, Im thinking this is the Spyder 2+2 version

    But I will check around town

  5. #5
    2500+ Posts Gold Rush's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    Mine has the solid axle

    My air bags (air springs) are leaking at the bottom


    But I will check around town
    OK. That is not an Adventure conversion. Sorry I can't tell you which conversion you do have. I know there is a serial number stamped in the top of the solid axle differential housing just above the input shaft but that won't tell me a thing. Get that number then call MotorTrike again. They can tell you what you have and then you can talk replacement parts with a dealer/installer that is willing to work with you.
    Jerry "Gold Rush" (aka: "SPOOK") San Angelo, TX
    2015 GL1800/Roadsmith HTS1800
    TOI - IBA #23804 (SS1K & BB1.5K)
    I'm like an old race horse..... I can still run the race -- Just ache more at the finish line and need more rest between outings.

  6. #6
    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    The more that I look at the service Manuals for the Adventure and the Sypder versions, Im thinking this is the Spyder 2+2 version

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    350+ Posts 3W-lonerider's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    The more that I look at the service Manuals for the Adventure and the Sypder versions, Im thinking this is the Spyder 2+2 version
    i agree with your mechanics assesment on the shock mounting.

    thing of it is. when you put enough air pressure in the bags to compensate for potholes and such. when you hit a frost heave the seat will drive your spine straight up threw your neck. not enough pressure and you hit a dip it feels like the whole backend is going to be rippped off. there is no happy medium.

    my original airbags got weather cracked and started leaking. contacted motortrike and found that the new airbags, the ends are plastic. so i found a set online from a company in florida that i bought a set from. now these airbags are twice the size as the ones motortrike uses. the original airbags i had to keep at least 35 to 40 psi in them to at least get a half desent ride.

    The new airbags, i keep 15 lb. in the for just me and 20 lb. in them when the wife is on. first time the wife rode with these new airbags i went on a road that we were on before that is extremely rough. before she would be all tensed up waiting for the potholes and heaves. after we got threw the rough part she asked me when they fixed the road.. i told her they did'nt. thats the difference between the old and new airbags.

    One thing i did do was drop a size in tire width. because the new bags are only 1/2 inch away from the tires. You would not believe the ride difference. like going from a pinto to a lincoln.

    here is a link to the bags I bought. you can use the fittings out of the old bags or buy new. same with the airline. you should be able to replace both bags in an hour.
    I bolted the top in place then pulled the bottom of the bag down and bolted the bottom in place.



    800lb Sleeve Air Spring - 1/8" Port Air Bag

    now they claim this airbag is 6 inches collapsed and 10 inches extended.

    when i put mine on i only had to pull the airbag down 1 inch to get the bottom bolt in. and theres still sleeve up in the bag. so i'm thinking more like 13 extended. but these new bags are awesome.

  8. #8
    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Thank you so much for the link.

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    60+ Posts Wayne Harmsen's Avatar
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    I installed the same air bags that Lonerider suggested to you on our 1500 Motor Trike.

    Same results, much better ride, also found that 20 pounds of pressure two up is about right..

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Ordered the Air Springs this morning from Airbagit in AZ (Same bags as the above link - only half the price)

    http://www.airbagit.com/v/vspfiles/p...rBags_PAGE.htm

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    350+ Posts 3W-lonerider's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    Ordered the Air Springs this morning from Airbagit in AZ (Same bags as the above link - only half the price)
    for half the price I'm thinking the end caps might be plastic instead of metal.

    if that is the case be very careful of the length of bolt you stick in the bottom.

    because if you break threw the lower cap into the air chamber you'll never get it to seal.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Wayne Harmsen View Post
    I installed the same air bags that Lonerider suggested to you on our 1500 Motor Trike.
    Same results, much better ride, also found that 20 pounds of pressure two up is about right..
    Hi, I'm new to the forum and new to trikes. A week ago I brought home a 97 GL1500 Motor Trike. I've ridden Wings for some years, coming from an 03 1800. I have a question for you, not knowing much about the MT (or any other for that matter)...how difficult is it to replace the air bags? Did you access them just by removing the rear wheels? Did you have to go down a tire size like another poster mentioned?

    Thanks for any help!

    Joe

  13. #13
    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    I cant tell you yet on how to install them, but should be pretty straight forward. Pull your rear wheels off and there they are.

    Ill be doing mine tonight or over the weekend

  14. #14
    350+ Posts 3W-lonerider's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JoeB27 View Post
    Hi, I'm new to the forum and new to trikes. A week ago I brought home a 97 GL1500 Motor Trike. I've ridden Wings for some years, coming from an 03 1800. I have a question for you, not knowing much about the MT (or any other for that matter)...how difficult is it to replace the air bags? Did you access them just by removing the rear wheels? Did you have to go down a tire size like another poster mentioned?

    Thanks for any help!

    Joe
    just remove the rear wheels and the air bags are easily assessable.
    as far as tire size. I didn't have to. because there was about a 1/2 between the tire and the airbag and I rode it for a couple of weeks without the tire rubbing the bag. but I was due to get new tires anyway so just to give it alittle more clearance I decided to go down 1 size in width. to give it about an 1 inch of clearance.

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Wow, that was such an easy job to do. Took me about 30-40 minutes. One bolt on the bottom and a nut on top.

    The old Air Shocks were completely worn out. Cracked rubber at the bottom, they were really on their last legs.

    Biggest thing was having the right sized tools. The Top nut, if I remember was 1 1/8. The bottom bolt was 3/4. The actually air line fittings went right in, just make sure to wrap some thread tape around them and double check to see they are holding pressure with the soapy water trick.

    Ride is now great, wife noticed it right away.

    Thanks for everyone's help on this

  16. #16
    350+ Posts 3W-lonerider's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    Wow, that was such an easy job to do. Took me about 30-40 minutes. One bolt on the bottom and a nut on top.

    The old Air Shocks were completely worn out. Cracked rubber at the bottom, they were really on their last legs.

    Biggest thing was having the right sized tools. The Top nut, if I remember was 1 1/8. The bottom bolt was 3/4. The actually air line fittings went right in, just make sure to wrap some thread tape around them and double check to see they are holding pressure with the soapy water trick.

    Ride is now great, wife noticed it right away.

    Thanks for everyone's help on this
    glad you are now enjoying the ride. just keep in mind the air pressure will make a huge difference whether one up or 2 up. I run 17 psi with the wife and I on and have to drop it to 13 with just me.

    if I left it at 17 it would bounce me all over the place.
    take her on a road you know very well that isn't in the best of shape then see the grin on her face when ya stop.

    so was each end metal or plastic?

    if they are metal I'd like to order another set just to keep on hand. you never know.

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Im still running my pressures at little higher, but will gradually work then down. Very satisfied with 25 2 Up. Did about 100 miles on Saturday adn she was very comforatable at the 25 psi. Im just so glad that I have not had to touch the pressure button during the entire time since the new install.

    Weather should be good Wednesday on, and I will be riding to work by myself, will try to see how your lower pressures feel

    Both ends are metal.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    Im still running my pressures at little higher, but will gradually work then down. Very satisfied with 25 2 Up. Did about 100 miles on Saturday adn she was very comforatable at the 25 psi. Im just so glad that I have not had to touch the pressure button during the entire time since the new install.

    Weather should be good Wednesday on, and I will be riding to work by myself, will try to see how your lower pressures feel
    Sounds very good, thanks for the report. Can you give an answer to 3W-lonerider's question about the end caps? Plastic or metal?
    I'll likely be installing a set very soon as well based on all the good reports.

    Joe

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    600+ Posts keepinon's Avatar
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    Question for Lonerider and/or bassfisher:

    Did your old airbags look the same as the new ones? (minus the cracks & such... LOL)

    When looking at both airbag sites, the 800# bag appears the same as the ones on my Valkyrie/MT Coup.

    The wife says the ride is a little harsh for her, so if these help, it would be a small price to pay.

    TIA
    Dennis

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Both ends were metal. Had to chase the bottom bolt threads a couple times to get rid of some of the casting residue, but that was easy, just took my time .

    The bags do look different from the MT bags (the new ones look more like a full cylinder), but still do the same job. I did not have an issue with tire clearance.

    It was great that the air line elbows threaded right in.

    Like I said before, it was a very easy job to do, and I saved a bundle doing it myself.

  21. #21
    350+ Posts bayoudave's Avatar
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    Default Mine are on the way

    I ordered a set from Airbagit yesterday. Hope to get them in by first of next week and get them put on.

    Can't wait to see the difference. Wife complains that the ride is a little too rough.

    I will post when I get results.
    2002 Goldwing Motortrike Spider - 2007 PiggyBacker Trailer - 2009 Time Out Deluxe Camper - 2005 Desert Fox 17SV Toy Hauler --- CMA, PGR --- SaddleSore 1000/Bun Burner 1500

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Well, I screwed up on my airbags - had a hole rubbed on the side of one of the new ones that I installed (I suspect that it was from the raised letters on the tire - previous owner had them installed with the raised letters on the inside of the tire). Now, I'll have to order two new ones (the other old one will now become a spare) its cheaper to order two than just one because of the shipping.

    As there is no room to increase the distance from the tire, I will have the raised letters moved to the outside of the rim. I will also make a a protective sleeve (sheet alum.) around the new bags.

    Overall I was very satisified with the new air shocks.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    Well, I screwed up on my airbags - had a hole rubbed on the side of one of the new ones that I installed (I suspect that it was from the raised letters on the tire - previous owner had them installed with the raised letters on the inside of the tire). Now, I'll have to order two new ones (the other old one will now become a spare) its cheaper to order two than just one because of the shipping.

    As there is no room to increase the distance from the tire, I will have the raised letters moved to the outside of the rim. I will also make a a protective sleeve (sheet alum.) around the new bags.

    Overall I was very satisified with the new air shocks.
    if your tires are close to needing replaced you could go down a width. like from a 215 to a 205 or from a 225 to a 215.
    or you could always grind those raised letters down with a file. I'd check and see if you have the same clearance on both sides if not your rear may be slightly off center. and that can be adjusted with the centering rod in behind the trunk.

    when I first had mine built it was way off center by about an inch. I had to center it then shift the body to match it then. which isn't as hard as it sounds.

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    350+ Posts bayoudave's Avatar
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    I got the new airbags and will finally get to install them today. Since my last post I had to have foot surgery and am just now able to walk enough to get to the shop to do the install and ride (took my first ride yesterday since April). I Can't wait to see the difference. I will post this afternoon when the job is finished and I have had a few miles on it.
    2002 Goldwing Motortrike Spider - 2007 PiggyBacker Trailer - 2009 Time Out Deluxe Camper - 2005 Desert Fox 17SV Toy Hauler --- CMA, PGR --- SaddleSore 1000/Bun Burner 1500

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    Quote Originally Posted by bayoudave View Post
    I got the new airbags and will finally get to install them today. Since my last post I had to have foot surgery and am just now able to walk enough to get to the shop to do the install and ride (took my first ride yesterday since April). I Can't wait to see the difference. I will post this afternoon when the job is finished and I have had a few miles on it.
    We stand ready and waiting!!!!
    Rake...
    Never had it....
    Never will...

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    Ok, got the new air bags put on. A lot easier than I expected. Remove the wheels, unhook the air line one bolt on the bottom and one nut on the top. Biggest problem was the nut on the top. The nut has rounded shoulders (not sure why anyone would make a nut like that) so my socket kept slipping. Not that tight so I got on it with a pair of pliers and turned the whole air bag with my hand and removed them both. Put the new bags on and hooked up the air and then replace the wheels. Made a big difference in the ride.

    I had a small leak before the change (I had hopes that it was a bag) but it is still there so I will order new line and fittings and replace them and stop the leaks. Oh, I ordered a set of air bags and they never came (never got an email conformation or shipping notice and they never charged my account so I figured something happened to the order) so I called and ordered over the phone.

    They sent them right on.

    A couple of days later I was moving my trailer and saw a box on the fender. Opened it up and it was a set of air bags.

    Seems they were shipped with no indication from the company. Not sure why the UPS guy would leave a box on a trailer instead of putting it on the porch like usual. So, now I have an extra set. Don't know what I will do with them but I have them. I guess they will go on the shelf with the rest of the bike stuff I don't know what I will ever do with. Anyway, if you haven't changed air bags you need to do it. Easy change that will make a world of difference in the way your trike rides.
    2002 Goldwing Motortrike Spider - 2007 PiggyBacker Trailer - 2009 Time Out Deluxe Camper - 2005 Desert Fox 17SV Toy Hauler --- CMA, PGR --- SaddleSore 1000/Bun Burner 1500

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Well, the good and bad news Air bags are working great, but I have carved up the inside sidewalls of my rear tires, so now have to go buy some new rears. Im running a 235/60R15. What would the next tire size down be to stop the rubbing/carving up? Luckly, I/m still able to ride my 07 VTX1300 (just two wheels) lol


    Thanks

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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    Well, the good and bad news Air bags are working great, but I have carved up the inside sidewalls of my rear tires, so now have to go buy some new rears. Im running a 235/60R15. What would the next tire size down be to stop the rubbing/carving up? Luckly, I/m still able to ride my 07 VTX1300 (just two wheels) lol Thanks
    You could go to a 215/65/R15. That would give you a tire about 3/4 inch narrower..
    Jerry "Gold Rush" (aka: "SPOOK") San Angelo, TX
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    I'm like an old race horse..... I can still run the race -- Just ache more at the finish line and need more rest between outings.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bayoudave View Post
    A couple of days later I was moving my trailer and saw a box on the fender. Opened it up and it was a set of air bags.

    Seems they were shipped with no indication from the company. Not sure why the UPS guy would leave a box on a trailer instead of putting it on the porch like usual.
    Only The Shadow knows what lurks in the minds of UPS men. I had been waiting for parts to arrive for what seemed like forever. Then one day, I happened to be out mowing and noticed there was a package by the door of an empty house next door and when I investigated, there was MY package all rain soaked with barely legible address label. Fortunately, contents were unharmed.
    "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits". Albert Einstein

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    Quote Originally Posted by Gold Rush View Post
    You could go to a 215/65/R15. That would give you a tire about 3/4 inch narrower..
    When you get those narrower tires its going to seem like a new vehicle
    Rake...
    Never had it....
    Never will...

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    Quote Originally Posted by cjmitch View Post
    When you get those narrower tires its going to seem like a new vehicle
    Does a narrow tire affect stability or handling in any negative manner?

    If a Trike rides better and handles better with a narrow tire, why doesn't the Manufactures put them on as Standard?

    Inquiring minds need to know.
    JUST ME ON THREE

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    2500+ Posts Gold Rush's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Trikindan View Post
    Does a narrow tire affect stability or handling in any negative manner?

    If a Trike rides better and handles better with a narrow tire, why doesn't the Manufactures put them on as Standard?

    Inquiring minds need to know.
    To be honest Dan I did not notice any difference in handling between the OEM and 215/65R15 tires.

    My '06 Motor Trike Adventure was fantastic in the twisties and on the interstate with both tires. The two reasons I did not go with Motor Trike with the 2015 was I wanted to have a little smoother ride and the design of Roadsmith's HTS 1800 kit is PERFECT for the GL1800 40th Anniversary two-tone paint scheme.
    Jerry "Gold Rush" (aka: "SPOOK") San Angelo, TX
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    TOI - IBA #23804 (SS1K & BB1.5K)
    I'm like an old race horse..... I can still run the race -- Just ache more at the finish line and need more rest between outings.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Trikindan View Post
    Does a narrow tire affect stability or handling in any negative manner?
    If a Trike rides better and handles better with a narrow tire, why doesn't the Manufactures put them on as Standard?
    they have.....
    MOST manufacturers HAVE switched to 215, or 205 tires.
    they did it quietly about a year ago.
    I walked around wing ding and quietly measured tires, and most I saw on Gl1800 conversions had switched

    I asked one of the manufacturers, and the reason he gave (without actually saying) was that the narrower tires stay on the ground better in water. Less hydroplaning, and better gas mileage.
    Rake...
    Never had it....
    Never will...

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    Quote Originally Posted by cjmitch View Post
    they have.....
    MOST manufacturers HAVE switched to 215, or 205 tires.
    they did it quietly about a year ago.
    I walked around wing ding and quietly measured tires, and most I saw on Gl1800 conversions had switched

    I asked one of the manufacturers, and the reason he gave (without actually saying) was that the narrower tires stay on the ground better in water. Less hydroplaning, and better gas mileage.
    That makes sense.
    JUST ME ON THREE

    1998 GW 1500 MotorTrike

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Update to my problem - I put new rubber on the Big Blue girl - 215/60-R15s So far, so good. Plenty of clearance. Ride is about the same. Being the cheap guy I am, i went to Wally World and got Douglas' for $58 each. Brought the tires and wheels in and got an oil change for my car at the same time. AS for gas milage, cant tell you yet. I figure two-three tanks of gas will tell me. My last set of tires had over 40K miles on them and still had lots of rubber - Im hoping that these wil lgo as far or farther. Now to play with the air pressure in them, currently they are running at 32 psi.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    Update to my problem - I put new rubber on the Big Blue girl - 215/60-R15s So far, so good. Plenty of clearance. Ride is about the same. Being the cheap guy I am, i went to Wally World and got Douglas' for $58 each. Brought the tires and wheels in and got an oil change for my car at the same time. AS for gas milage, cant tell you yet. I figure two-three tanks of gas will tell me. My last set of tires had over 40K miles on them and still had lots of rubber - Im hoping that these wil lgo as far or farther. Now to play with the air pressure in them, currently they are running at 32 psi.
    Did you really put 60 series tires back on or was that a typo? The 215/60-R15 has considerable smaller diameter then the OEM tire. The 215/65-R15 is very close to the original diameter. Will make a big difference in indicated speed and actual RPM at true speed..

    235/60 (OEM) is 26.1" 215/60 is 25.16" 215/65 is 26"
    Jerry "Gold Rush" (aka: "SPOOK") San Angelo, TX
    2015 GL1800/Roadsmith HTS1800
    TOI - IBA #23804 (SS1K & BB1.5K)
    I'm like an old race horse..... I can still run the race -- Just ache more at the finish line and need more rest between outings.

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    30+ Posts bassfisher's Avatar
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    Yes, I put on 215/60-R15s. So far no bad points at all to see or feel on the ride. As far as a change in the indicated sped, I see no difference. My speedo and GPS are in synch. RPM is staying the same as before at speed. If anything, MPG is improving a little.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bassfisher View Post
    Yes, I put on 215/60-R15s. So far no bad points at all to see or feel on the ride. As far as a change in the indicated sped, I see no difference. My speedo and GPS are in synch. RPM is staying the same as before at speed. If anything, MPG is improving a little.
    Interesting.... Hey, if it is working for you and you are happy - all is good. Please let us know how things are in a couple months. I have a friend needing new air bags so that will be a winter project I'm sure..

    Ride Safe....
    Jerry "Gold Rush" (aka: "SPOOK") San Angelo, TX
    2015 GL1800/Roadsmith HTS1800
    TOI - IBA #23804 (SS1K & BB1.5K)
    I'm like an old race horse..... I can still run the race -- Just ache more at the finish line and need more rest between outings.

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    progress report on new air bags after over 10,000 miles on them. when i installed these new air bags i left the shock settings the way they were, on the middle setting. figuring they had to be there for support. a couple of weeks ago i got the idea why not let the bags do what they are supposed to do and let the shocks do what they were meant to do. which couldn’t happen with the old bags because i don't think the old bags were big enough to handle the varying road conditions.

    so a couple of weeks ago i set my shocks on the lowest setting.with the shocks at mid setting i was running 18 psi 2-up and 13 psi 1-up. now with the shocks on the lowest setting I’m running 22 psi 2-up and 15 psi 1 up. what a huge difference in ride. the bags are handling the road conditions while the shocks are only there to dampen the bumps and ridges.

    i'm very happy with the new set up.
    one thing i did find though and i think another member found it before me. is the new bags slightly rub the rear end housing. what i done to cure this was take a die grinder with a metal cutting bit and egg the mounting hole out 1/4 inch towards the rear of the trike. when i remounted the bag it no longer makes contact with the rear housing.

    i'm very satisfied with this set-up. and I’ll defiantly be keeping it this way. plus a couple of days ago i installed the new style drive shaft. heres my opinion on it. motortrike deffinatly nailed it on this one. for the last year everytime iv'e hit a hump in the road. especially on the interstate my back end would wiggle. i could never find anything loose as far as heim joints or locknuts.

    i did however find some play in the drive shaft where the shaft splines go into the front u-joint. replaced the drive shaft. no play whatsoever. everything feels tight in the rear end again and no more wiggle.

    i would've never thought the drive shaft woulda made it wiggle like it was. even shifting threw the gears seems so much smoother and different now since there is no more play in the drive shaft.

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    Finally a little more update on the new tires. I have run two tanks thru the bike (finally) Riding two up, I am now averaging 33 mpg. I know doesnt sound like a lot, but previously with the larger tires, I was getting 30 mpg riding two up.

    The reason it has taken me so long to finally run two tanks of fuel thru the trike is that I tend to ride my VTX1300 most of my riding days (little more nimble for city riding).

    So far very happy - keeping fingers crossed

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