3 wheels back to 2.

[Rich1833]

I have put about 1000 miles on my 2005 HD Electra Glide Classic with a champion trike conversion. The first thing I say is I really like the motorcycle part. I have never had a motorcycle with a fairing and storage but now that I do I really like it. I'm just no sold on the trike. I miss leaning in the turns and the width is something I'm not to happy with (we like to ride in a tight group). Everyone that rides behind me says the tires kick up a lot of rocks. So I've been thinking about converting it back into a 2 wheeler. Has anyone ever done it before?


How it looks now.




Maybe something like this on the rear end.





The parts I think I need are...
swingarm=
Kickstand=
rim=
tire=
brakes=
fender= http://www.jpcycles.com/product/161-976
saddlebags= http://www.jpcycles.com/product/831-450
saddlebag lids= http://www.jpcycles.com/product/362-787 and http://www.jpcycles.com/product/711-681 and http://www.jpcycles.com/product/830-0036
brackets= http://www.jpcycles.com/product/840-295 and http://www.jpcycles.com/product/831-912



All said and done I think I would have near $5000.00 to switch it over. I would then have to find a buy for the trike part.

[cavie]

Say ain't so!!! ride in the back and you won't be kickin' up rocks on others.

[FRR]

Going from 3 to 2 is indeed rare on this site.

[roadking2]

If you decide to do it, I've got a really good swing arm off a 2000 roadking I'll sell you cheap. I'm pretty sure it will fit. I've also got a spoked wheel, brake and caliper, and a kick stand. They are all in great shape and I can provide pics if you like.

[2blackbelts]

It look like you are considering a "Bad Dad" rear fender conversion kit.

I've got 3 wheels and also a couple sets of 2 wheelers, so I can switch back and forth. I love my Indian on the road, but honestly, the trike seems to be less work and not as critical to ride. Plus the wife like 3 wheels better.

Try to get both and just switch off as you feel it.

Bike Fest started at the Lake today and already thousands of bikes. Lots of trikes.

[pcombe]

I have put about 1000 miles on my 2005 HD Electra Glide Classic with a champion trike conversion. The first thing I say is I really like the motorcycle part. I have never had a motorcycle with a fairing and storage but now that I do I really like it. I'm just no sold on the trike. I miss leaning in the turns and the width is something I'm not to happy with (we like to ride in a tight group). Everyone that rides behind me says the tires kick up a lot of rocks. So I've been thinking about converting it back into a 2 wheeler. Has anyone ever done it before?


How it looks now.




Maybe something like this on the rear end.





The parts I think I need are...
swingarm=
Kickstand=
rim=
tire=
brakes=
fender= http://www.jpcycles.com/product/161-976
saddlebags= http://www.jpcycles.com/product/831-450
saddlebag lids= http://www.jpcycles.com/product/362-787 and http://www.jpcycles.com/product/711-681 and http://www.jpcycles.com/product/830-0036
brackets= http://www.jpcycles.com/product/840-295 and http://www.jpcycles.com/product/831-912



All said and done I think I would have near $5000.00 to switch it over. I would then have to find a buy for the trike part.

sell the trike and buy a different bike.

You would have to replace the raked triple tree to get the same stock handling.
are the side covers interchangeable?

The parts to build the trike were around $9,000.00 if it was a straight axle kit?

You wont get that much out of the trike parts, why would anyone pay that?

Sell the trike as a trike and chances are you will come out ahead of the game?

Their are loads of low mileage Harley bikes out there, probably in the color you want. It's just as much trouble to convert it back as it was converting it to begin with, why go through that again?

[FuzzyWuzHe]

sell the trike and buy a different bike.

You would have to replace the raked triple tree to get the same stock handling.
are the side covers interchangeable?

The parts to build the trike were around $9,000.00 if it was a straight axle kit?

You wont get that much out of the trike parts, why would anyone pay that?

Sell the trike as a trike and chances are you will come out ahead of the game?

Their are loads of low mileage Harley bikes out there, probably in the color you want. It's just as much trouble to convert it back as it was converting it to begin with, why go through that again?

+1

[clint44]

+2

[sparky1597]

I would sell your trike, or, if funds are available, buy another 2 wheeler.
Going back to 2 wheels.(no room for 2 toys, post photo and say my goodbyes when i get the new toy home). I think my problems with the Harley TriGlide is the solid axle. I am fit to be tied trying to get around the potholes, and other things in the road. Hitting all the above, shook my teeth, I think it also contributed to more back problems. The heat has been unbearable for rider and passenger.(she liked the 2 wheeler in that area). The heat would just collect around her lower leg. Co-Pilot and I could only get an hour in the saddle before we were looking for a place to take a break off the trike. Spent a few dollars in trying to make it comfy in the above areas, to very little success.

Wrench on it every month with tools and Loctite, because same and more items come loose. Paid for first service, at the stealer, and got short changed in oil levels, greasings, and checking nuts/bolts, and have the service department do the song and dance around it, saying customers don't want all the grease, and oil getting on the other parts.

Co-Pilot liked the security of the 3 wheeler-no chance of falling over. Ditto in a way.

[Trent]

I find it interesting that some Riders have some extreme issues with a Trike that other Riders have never experienced or are a complete non-issue. Rode 2 wheelers for many years, always tinkering and experimenting to improve the experience. Had a Trike for over 4 years now,, Always doing the same thing. But I would never consider going back to 2 wheels. If you are riding several thousand miles a year, and especially 2up, a Trike, no matter what brand, is the safest, most comfortable and greatest invention ever. Ya wanna bar or cafe hop?.. Then get a Sportster.

Heat? Very fixable. No power? Extremely fixable. Potholes? I easily manage to avoid them. Too big? Not that much more than a dressed out Ultra, but jeez, ya got a trunk to stuff a lotta travel crap into!. No "cool factor"? Who gives a sh*t about that? I ride for my own fun and enjoyment and smile & nod as I blow by 2 wheeled cool guys decked out in all their expensive HD embossed leather while wearing my jeans and work shirt. My walnut sized brain tells me not to take it too serious. Myself, I don't expect life or world changing miracles from having a magical 3 wheeled Trike. It is just not that complicated. It is just an overpriced toy / machine that ends up costing ya more than a decked out pickup truck, but is damn fun to ride with all the good and bad. You cant expect much more out of it than that.

[Rich1833]

It's just a thought I had. Nothing is set in stone yet. I see some advantages of a trike but also some for 2 wheels.*Mine has some heat but, its a air cooled motor. I do not think its a problem but maybe I'm wrong. It's not really noticeable when riding just when stopped. Also I don't believe anyone changed the triple tree on this bike It looks stock to me. I know I have said I wanted more power but even with an 88 its not that bad.*

[Texan]

Well, if you go 3 to 2 get ready for some new riding experiences.. Think some body mentioned the angle on the triple tree. Pushed a side car around for 3 years or so and decided to pull it off my Ultra. Degree on the triple tree game me some exciting moments on the road. Then there's the not putting my feet down for 3 years.....got real good at picking up my bike the 1st year back on 2. LoL!!!

You'd be better off, as so many have indicated, selling your trike and buying a new 2 wheeler. And start lifting weights. Ha!

8~\o

[Marc H]

By your pic I don't think its been raked which will make it more difficult to steer.As far as width look at where the end of your bars are in relation to the fenders and it won't look as wide to you.As far as the others they can get in front or live with it.

[retread83]

No, no, no!!!!! Don't ride a Sportster it's a girls bike[ and a bar hopper]. You HAVE to ride a BT so you can make snide remarks about Sportsters, Metric cruisers, sport bikes and anything else that isn't a BT.

[2blackbelts]

Me likem Sportsters

[clint44]

Trent,I agree with everything you said except one,,Trikes are the New Cool!

[Trent]

Trent,I agree with everything you said except one,,Trikes are the New Cool!

I am with ya there..

[retread83]

I agree, it doesn't appear to be raked. Looking at my Frankensporty you can see the rake. Something to consider, how long is that bagger style gonna be around. A personalized bike can be tough to sell down the road if you want to.

[dirtdobber]

If you did not keep the take off parts it could be rather costly. Have you considered keeping the trike and adding a 2 wheeler. That is what I ended up doing. I really understand your thoughts. I just fixed my super glide so I could ride it on 2 wheels. I miss being on 2 wheels at times. I kept the trike for trips and shopping and when I need to be on 3 wheels.
Just a thought

[Rich1833]

Have you considered keeping the trike and adding a 2 wheeler. That is what I ended up doing. I really understand your thoughts. I miss being on 2 wheels at times. I kept the trike for trips and shopping and when I need to be on 3 wheels.
Just a thought

I have thought about. I still had my 1970 Shovelhead but really like the reliability of the twin cam in the trike so I sold the Shovelhead and got a 2001 Softail Heritage. I'm going to try and sell the trike and just keep 2 wheels.



Bare Bones...




Two Up...



Tank Art...



...