New to me trike with questions

[Warlock]

Hi my name is David and just bought a 92 Goldwing with 32,000 miles on it. Been riding a 1800 and sold it. Bad knees. My first question is air pressure. Forgot to mention it is a Motortrike coupe model. What is a good pressure to start with. I'm around 210 lbs and pressure for two up. She's around my weight. Now next question, while looking at the rear end the left side is about 3/4" lower than the right side. Is there a adjustment to level it back up? I also noticed that the shocks are at the lowest setting. Any help is appreciated. I'm chief mechanic offshore, but have never fooled with a trike.
Thanks, David

[mhgoldwing]

Since it's been 12 hours with no replies I would suggest you contact Motortrike directly for answers to your questions. I 'm sure they can help you quickly.

[Gold Rush]

Hi my name is David and just bought a 92 Goldwing with 32,000 miles on it. Been riding a 1800 and sold it. Bad knees. My first question is air pressure. Forgot to mention it is a Motortrike coupe model. What is a good pressure to start with. I'm around 210 lbs and pressure for two up. She's around my weight. Now next question, while looking at the rear end the left side is about 3/4" lower than the right side. Is there a adjustment to level it back up? I also noticed that the shocks are at the lowest setting. Any help is appreciated. I'm chief mechanic offshore, but have never fooled with a trike. Thanks, David

Good Morning David. WELCOME TO TRIKE TALK!

I don't have GL1500 experience but the solid axle conversion on an 1800 must be very similar.

Here is a link to a service manual that might interest you. http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threa...r+Trike+manual

The body should set square (obviously) so you may need to adjust or add shims.

I believe the shock absorber springs are a bit light. I'd move them up one step to start and if that isn't enough one more. I have a friend that runs 32 pounds in his air bags. There again, play with that. It will vary with individuals and conditions.

Hope that helps!!

[wiredgeorge]

Most folks run about 40 PSI in the front tire and 20 PSI in the rear. Motortrike may have more specific recommendations.

[Trikindan]

David, Welcome to TrikeTalk from Lexington, SC.

I have a 1998 GL1500 MotorTrike. My left side is 1/4" - 1/2" lower and when I had it checked by a MT dealer/builder he told me not to worry about it. Mine is really unnoticeable in ride and appearance. The important thing is the alignment Left to right. If it is really noticeable or a problem for you, as Goldrush said, you can go under the Trike and shim the body.


As far as air pressure, you need to play with it to find the "Sweet" Spot for you on your Trike. I do have my shocks set at the second notch up, and run 35 - 37 PSI solo and 40 - 42 PSI 2 up. The lower the AP the softer the ride but it does affect handling in curves and roads with a steep crown. Also wind and blowby from other vehicle's can be felt more with lower pressures. When we were in the Blue ridge mountains with the TT gang in September, we road a lot of tight twisties on the Tail of the Dragon. I increased my pressure to 50 PSI and the Trike felt like it was on rails, really handled well. The ride was a bit stiff, but a small price to pay for the increased handling.

Just play with it and you will find what works for you.

I might add, rear tire pressure has a major affect on the ride and handling. Rears should be from 18 PSI to 24 PSI. and front tire is recommended at 41 PSI.

POST SOME PICTURES OF YOUR RIDE !!!!

[Warlock]

David, Welcome to TrikeTalk from Lexington, SC.

I have a 1998 GL1500 MotorTrike. My left side is 1/4" - 1/2" lower and when I had it checked by a MT dealer/builder he told me not to worry about it. Mine is really unnoticeable in ride and appearance. The important thing is the alignment Left to right. If it is really noticeable or a problem for you, as Goldrush said, you can go under the Trike and shim the body.


As far as air pressure, you need to play with it to find the "Sweet" Spot for you on your Trike. I do have my shocks set at the second notch up, and run 35 - 37 PSI solo and 40 - 42 PSI 2 up. The lower the AP the softer the ride but it does affect handling in curves and roads with a steep crown. Also wind and blowby from other vehicle's can be felt more with lower pressures. When we were in the Blue ridge mountains with the TT gang in September, we road a lot of tight twisties on the Tail of the Dragon. I increased my pressure to 50 PSI and the Trike felt like it was on rails, really handled well. The ride was a bit stiff, but a small price to pay for the increased handling.

Just play with it and you will find what works for you.

I might add, rear tire pressure has a major affect on the ride and handling. Rears should be from 18 PSI to 24 PSI. and front tire is recommended at 41 PSI.

POST SOME PICTURES OF YOUR RIDE !!!!

Thanks for the info. You gave me what I was looking for. Will take some pictures and post in a few days.
Thanks , David

[kybigmac]

Hi my name is David and just bought a 92 Goldwing with 32,000 miles on it. Been riding a 1800 and sold it. Bad knees. My first question is air pressure. Forgot to mention it is a Motortrike coupe model. What is a good pressure to start with. I'm around 210 lbs and pressure for two up. She's around my weight. Now next question, while looking at the rear end the left side is about 3/4" lower than the right side. Is there a adjustment to level it back up? I also noticed that the shocks are at the lowest setting. Any help is appreciated. I'm chief mechanic offshore, but have never fooled with a trike.
Thanks, David

If you will look on Brand Specific Forums you will find a discussion about Motor Trike kits. I posted some questions and pictures about my kit ,L think the thread will answer some of your questions

[Warlock]

If you will look on Brand Specific Forums you will find a discussion about Motor Trike kits. I posted some questions and pictures about my kit ,L think the thread will answer some of your questions

Thanks, been reading a lot on it.
David

[CrystalPistol]

MTs with solid axles use a pair of "ladder bars" and a "third link" to locate the rear axle in relation to the frame. The levelness of the trike sitting on the ground is controlled by the two ladder bars which are mounted to a very sturdy and unyielding axle housing. The ladder bars have adjustable heim joints at each end and those are what you use to adjust the ladder bars to level the trike at both side and to square the axle to the bike / trike's frame and front wheel. The third link is a diagonal across the ladder bars, it adjusts the axle to left or right after the level is set.

Below is some maint tips I found long ago to help a buddy .... the link at bottom seems to work still. Even though your's is a 1500 ..... the manual will still aid you greatly in getting to know your MT and setting up the rear suspension.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE - FROM MOTOR TRIKE, INC

1. The brakes will need to be adjusted at the 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 mile points or until the brakes have seated. The drum brakes on the rear are equipped with self adjusters, but they will not work due to the light weight of the trike. The brakes will need to be adjusted with a brake spoon. The correct process is to lift the rear end in the air. Remove the rubber adjustment hole cover. It is rectangular in size and about 1" in width. Spin the wheel and adjust the brakes slowly until the wheel starts to drag. The wheel should be able to spin freely for 270 degrees. If the wheel was a clock, it would start at 12 and stop at 9 o’clock. Reinstall the rubber and repeat process on the other wheel.

2. Grease rear universal joint every 5,000 or when the oil is changed.

3. Inspect and tighten all jam nuts. Make sure a medium grade (BLUE) loctite is used.

4. Grease two swing arm pins on the shoulder where ladder bars rest every 24 months or every 15,000 miles. Also remove the front motorcycle U joint and repack splines, front and rear. Use high quality lithium grease.

5. Use a dry silicon spray to protect heim joint from wear. (3M makes this product and can be purchased at any auto supply store.)

6. Tire pressure for riding around town should be 18-24 lb. depending on geographic location and road conditions. Tire pressure for the front tire should be 42 lb.

7. You have a suspension that uses two coil over gas shocks and two air bags. The correct air pressure for the air bag is 20 lbs. with driver only. Two people would be 35 lbs and up. If you are pulling a trailer with two people, you would use 50 lbs and up.

8. Fender Bras: It is OK for your fender bras to get wet. However, you must remove them when you are finished riding for the day. If you leave wet fender bras on your trike, the paint underneath could blister and peel. Dry the fender bras and dry the body before reinstalling.

9. For a complete installation and Motor Trike GL-1800 maintenance manual click here:

http://www.junkmaster.com/kj5ix/MTServiceManual.pdf

[Warlock]

MTs with solid axles use a pair of "ladder bars" and a "third link" to locate the rear axle in relation to the frame. The levelness of the trike sitting on the ground is controlled by the two ladder bars which are mounted to a very sturdy and unyielding axle housing. The ladder bars have adjustable heim joints at each end and those are what you use to adjust the ladder bars to level the trike at both side and to square the axle to the bike / trike's frame and front wheel. The third link is a diagonal across the ladder bars, it adjusts the axle to left or right after the level is set. Below is some maint tips I found long ago to help a buddy .... the link at bottom seems to work still. Even though your's is a 1500 ..... the manual will still aid you greatly in getting to know your MT and setting up the rear suspension.

Thanks for the link. Got it downloads to my computer.
David

[Warlock]

Being a mechanic I look at all angles. So before turning any wrenches I read alot of info here. Tried the simple stuff first like running a higher pressure in it. I had noticed it would lose some air when it was around 25 lbs. I went up to 45 lbs yesterday and gauge hasn't moved any. Also the difference now from side to side is around 1/8". Not enough to fool with. I believe I was losing some air on the left bag and when I pumped it up it might have sealed around the fitting. Got some good people and info here.
thanks, David