Opinions on the Triwing conversion

[wiredgeorge]

Know that Hannigan is a 1st rate conversion but don't have the funds for a new trike so am looking at a Triwing conversion. How does it compare in reliability and quality to the major brands such as CSC, Roadsmith, Hannigan, etc. The one I am looking at has extended forks and rake to aid steering. If you have a Triwing conversion, would really love to hear from you. I know EVERYONE thinks their particular brand is best... just looking for some honest opinions.

[Pegasus1300]

Tired of the Spyder already? My experience with Triwing is that they are a solid axle conversion and I didn't want another solid axle. What are you looking to convert?

[wiredgeorge]

Found an RSV for a reasonable price... I am not a fan of solid axles either. Thinking about a Venture conversion... anybody have the urge to own a Spyder RT?

[Keystone]

I know EVERYONE thinks their particular brand is best... just looking for some honest opinions

The overwhelming majority of conversion kit companies make a solid product. Finding a great installer is another thing. Many of the horror stories I've heard and read over the years had little if anything to do with the company making the kit.

On the right hand side of the page there is links to some of our sponsors. Any of them that make a kit to fit your bike will have a great quality product. Keep in mind that not all kit companies make a kit to fit every bike there is.

Solid vs IRS? Another FordChevyDodge question. I prefer a solid rear. Others prefer an IRS. To each their own. I've had the opportunity to ride both on 1,000 +mile trips.

[Jonesy]

I've done my 05 venture with a triwing kit in '10, happy with it. having a problem with the airbags it has for shocks, one bag flopped on its side and leaked . got replacements but they have leaked too.

[wiredgeorge]

I've done my 05 venture with a triwing kit in '10, happy with it. having a problem with the airbags it has for shocks, one bag flopped on its side and leaked . got replacements but they have leaked too.

Thanks all. I have been a member here for several years and know a bit about the different manufacturers; just didn't know about Triwing... Did some research and there was one older thread that shed a lot of light on this company. I think I will go back to looking.... Hannigan perhaps. I have always had a soft spot for Ventures as I have owned several Goldwings and the Venture was more comfy for me and had enough power to keep me happy. The Hannigan kit would need to have the aux gas tank due the smallish tank on the Venture (for a trike). I had about 10 gallons on my last conversion (Roadsmith) and that aux tank comes in handy in the rural areas.

[steamer]

There are only 2 conversions kits for the RSV, Hannagan and Triwing. There was someone up in Wisconsin that made a kit. Just a small mom and pop outfit, don't know if they are still doing them or not.

[Big Juice]

I've got the CSC Vantage conversion on my StratoLiner and I love it. It has the ISS, that I think it's a plus and the raked front. Makes it handle very well for a trike (by my opinion). My conversion was done by Mitchell Motorsports in Kyle, TX, and I am pleased with their quality service and work.

[Marc H]

I believe Carbon one had one that got wrecked that he had for awhile.He could probably give you alot of info.

[wiredgeorge]

I've got the CSC Vantage conversion on my StratoLiner and I love it. It has the ISS, that I think it's a plus and the raked front. Makes it handle very well for a trike (by my opinion). My conversion was done by Mitchell Motorsports in Kyle, TX, and I am pleased with their quality service and work.

The site owner would be my first choice as an installer. Randy does good work and has been doing it a long time. He is over in Conroe. I have been debating havng an RSV converted but the Hannigan kit is pricey and I have limited funds. It has been my experience that a used trike where someone else has already taken the hit on the kit/install is a more affordable option. You can get a later model (mid 2000s) and low mileage RSV fairly inexpensively. I will probably look at Goldwing based options as well.

I like my Can-Am Spyder RT.... fine machine but it isn't in the class of a premium Japanese touring bike at this point as far as overall build quality and comfort go.

[Ragtop69gs]

I have talked to Carbon One many times about his Triwing/RSV his comments to me were that the ride was stiff and that he felt every bump. During the many rides we did together I have seen him lift a rear tire many times while going around corners. Not so easy to do on a Hannigan.

As for the kit it's self, it held up real well when he got broadsided in the right rear wheel by a novice cage driver. From what I could see, the kit frame didn't fail at any welds or attachment points.

If you want a Hannigan, just be patient, the right deal will come along. I picked up our 08 at a great price.

[alwrmcusn]

My 2009 RSV Hannigan handles very well, very stable tracking/cornering. I notice that it looks wider (and a bit longer wheelbase) than other trikes, in particular the HD trikes. What is the width of the Tri Wing trike (RSV). It seems to me that the wider rear would be more stable.

[Dragon]

Good day
I currently own a 2008 tri wing with the easy steer kit, the body is good guilty and is an easy install.
but I found also as carbon one said you feel all the bumps and I have had the wheel come off the ground
a couple times.

good luck
Dragom

[Chippego]

I have the triwing on my 09 RSV. I run 30 to 35 # of air in the bags and find that comfy when riding with a passenger. Have had other trike owners like how much clearance it has compared to theirs.

[Carbon_One]

When I built my 05 RSV/Tri-Wing in 07 I did so due to limited funds available at the time. I put about 30-35k on it after the build up to when it was totaled the fall of "12". All of that was pretty much trouble free with just normal maintenance. It is a good kit for the price but does lack some of the more modern features one expects on newer machines. As noted by the others here you'll have a harsher ride with a solid axle system but adjusting the air bag pressure can make the ride tolerable. The 09/RSV-Hannigan I replaced it with is a Cadillac in comparison. Any specific questions on Tri-Wings or Hannigan conversions just ask and I'll be happy to help.

Larry

[Dragon]

Good Evening
I don't think anybody mentions that the triwing only comes with
solid axle and drum brakes. they handle ok but with all the weight
I would prefer discs, especially if you tow.

Thanks Dragon

[Carbon_One]

Good Evening

I don't think anybody mentions that the triwing only comes with

solid axle and drum brakes. they handle ok but with all the weight

I would prefer discs, especially if you tow.

Thanks Dragon

You're right about only a solid axle & drum brakes being offered. I had plans to adding a linked system for the axle hoping to smoothing out the ride. Getting "T" boned & totaled eliminated those plans.

I did convert the brakes from drums to discs after the first riding season. That was a much needed improvement for sure.

Larry

[Big Juice]

The site owner would be my first choice as an installer. Randy does good work and has been doing it a long time. He is over in Conroe.

Randy does great work! But he wasn't in Texas when I made the conversion. I got lucky and still got a good job done, plus Kyle, Tx it is close to Austin if I need help.

[BladeDreams]

I know, this is an old thread - but wanted to toss my two cents in the hat...

I spoke with Darlene and Jim via email for a conversion kit for my
V star 1100 - with shaft drive. they are one of 3 places I was able to find that will do a "kit".
They have NO pictures on their site of the shaft and where / how to cut it.
they would NOT tell me, send any pic of it.
I was told "Not to worry, they have been doing this for over 25 years".
when I last emailed, stating I feel it is reasonable to make a request for the pictures - if they expect me to just wire transfer $9,000.00 to them - and "Not worry"....I damn near fell out of my chair when she replied they will not do that.

So, I am currently waiting for American Trike - 2nd of three places that will do a shaft drive conversion Kit.

After all said and done, I am very much happier with this.
Tri wing cuts up an old ford rear end, solid with drums and sends it out.
you then cut your drive shaft weld it and "hope" it works.

American Trike, I sent my swing arm, my final drive to them, and they will make a custom CNC IRS / independent rear end conversion for my bike. for about $500 less. and they are here in the USA.

Now, I just sent my parts to them on 03/28/2016....so I don't have any other info as yet.
But I will be making a build thread for everything...

why is it so hard to find build threads, videos on trikes???
is there some secret that we are not to share???
Well, I will be breaking that LOL.
Have a youtube vid up already, of the start of the disassembly.

as I said...just my 2 cents worth.

[Craigatcsi]

I've done my 05 venture with a triwing kit in '10, happy with it. having a problem with the airbags it has for shocks, one bag flopped on its side and leaked . got replacements but they have leaked too.

I thought Hannigan was the only option for that model of Venture. I would really be interested to see picks of the Venture / Triwing Conversion.

craigr