First Trike Ride

[Whopper Stopper]

The wife and I went to the Trike Shop in White Bear MN yesterday. I took a 1500 Wing trike for a ride and was blown away.

I am contemplating having them do my 1500 however the cost really cuts deep. When I had inquired I was told that the average person sticks about $12,000 - $15,000 into the conversion before they get it set up the way they wanted it. My quote was about $14,700 and that was pretty much standard recommendations on their part.



Can things like the Wing Guards be purchased and installed later, or is there a benefit to just getting it done? Looking at the accessories we are probably could easily put an additional $2000 into the trike on top of the original quote. Is the parking brake standard or an option? The sheet I was given lists as an option but on a couple of forums they mentioned it being standard.

Cool ain’t cheap, that’s for sure.

[SMSgt]

You're getting closer, that's good.
You can buy the Wing Guards whenever you would like. You can install them yourself, if you have the ability. I have them on my 06 GL1800 2012 RS conversion, I helped a friend install his Wing Guards on his. We did a better job on his than my installer did on mine.

Mine came with a park brake and I even use it from time to time but I don't use it for parking I use it when I do work that requires me to take the back wheels off because it holds the wheels when they are off the ground. I use 1st gear when I park it. The friend I was telling you about uses his park whenever he parks. I don't know if the park brake is or isn't an option but The Trike Shop could easily tell you.

Good luck and have fun.

[knob]

You are right, cool isn't cheap, but boy is it fun. Have you considered selling the bike you have now and buying a trike that's already been converted? Winter time usually brings some good bargains.

[Whopper Stopper]

You are right, cool isn't cheap, but boy is it fun. Have you considered selling the bike you have now and buying a trike that's already been converted? Winter time usually brings some good bargains.

Two years ago I put it on Craig’s List. I posted a bunch of pictures and put $7500 cash only firm. I received many responses telling me how crazy I was, some actually were pretty harsh.

In the end I had a guy from North Dakota that was set to make the trip. He said if it was as described he would pay my price, he said he was tired of looking at junk. I told my wife about it and she literally blew a cork. I had to call the guy back and tell him the deal was off and then get blasted by him because he had already made arraignments to come. So answering your question…..NO! I won't be selling lol

WS

[knob]

I understand, I just thought it might be an option.

[Whopper Stopper]

Your suggestion was much appreciated! I have been beating myself up ever since I started researching the trike option. I just know being it was decided that the bike will be staying in the family that I now have to figure out how I am going to ride it for the next 20 years.

Thanks again!

WS

[Ret1SG]

I had the same problems/thoughts when I wanted to trike my 1500. I was able to find a "03 1800 with 10,000 miles on it that had been triked since new. I bought it and sold my 1500 for $6500, that made my investment about the same as if I had triked the 1500, plus I got a newer, and larger trike, with less mileage.

[cavie]

Save your $$$ on parking brake and reverse. Unnecessary items. Have neither on my 05 VTX. You will learn where and how to park in no time. You may not be able to park next to your buddy's two wheeler but who cares??? Park in 1st gear. Small bungee cord on front brake lever if it helps you sleep at night.

[oldtimer1]

I found that a Velcro strip works like a charm on the front brake lever. Never stretches like a bungee.

[pcombe]

The wife and I went to the Trike Shop in White Bear MN yesterday. I took a 1500 Wing trike for a ride and was blown away.

I am contemplating having them do my 1500 however the cost really cuts deep. When I had inquired I was told that the average person sticks about $12,000 - $15,000 into the conversion before they get it set up the way they wanted it. My quote was about $14,700 and that was pretty much standard recommendations on their part.


Can things like the Wing Guards be purchased and installed later, or is there a benefit to just getting it done? Looking at the accessories we are probably could easily put an additional $2000 into the trike on top of the original quote. Is the parking brake standard or an option? The sheet I was given lists as an option but on a couple of forums they mentioned it being standard.

Cool ain’t cheap, that’s for sure.


WS

look at my recent post (anyone in Wyoming looking for an inexpensive trike?)
It would be just what your looking for and already set up.

[mhgoldwing]

Wing Guards can be added any time. Rub comes if you want them painted to match bike. If that's the case I would have them do it now. Personally, I love mine for the looks, protection and water management. Another option is have them painted later or, have them coated with bed liner to closely match paint and then never having to worry about rock chips and bug guts ruining your paint job. I did the liner job myself since my trike is black and it has worked out well.

Parking brake: is an option. If you're not in hilly country then probably don't need it. I got one because I live in the Arkansas twisties and haven't seen flat ground since I left Texas.

Whatever, you will love your RS. Very solid unit, handles and rides well.

[kybigmac]

Last yr.when I started thinking about a trike I talked to some dealers about triking my stratoliner and all the quotes I got were in the 15k range. I just couldn't pull the trigger on that so I kept watching classifieds on the internet and late in the season I made a offer on a 93 GW with a MT kit and bought it for 7500. So I have a trike and still have my stratoliner and several unspent dollars ! Not telling you how to spend your money but it worked out good for me

[knob]

That's what I discovered last fall also. I was fortunate to be able to keep the two wheeled 1500 and purchase the triked 1800. If need be I will sell the 1500. I'm not sure if the OP has a 1500 that has been passed down or is just sentimental but hey, if the wife says keep it then that's what you do. Converting your present bike is expensive but it's also a lot of fun. Roadsmith makes a great conversion by the way.