Champion trike on a 2012 Cross Country

[Dirtydan]

So I'm beginning my build with a Champion, Thanks Papa Zook, trike kit on a 2012 Victory Cross country. I have a question regarding the rake. I am using a 23" wheel for the front so I'll be using a rake setup for a 26". That should give me my easy steer. I have two possible ways to go. I own both of these already so these are my 2 options.

A Kewl Metal set of 40 degree raked trees (designed for a 26), or a Vic Baggers trees and frame setup. The Vic Baggers setup uses trees for a 21/23 that are 6.5 over stock but also adds the upper frame which rakes it out an additional 4.5 degrees and stretches it 1.5". I'm pretty confident on the rake side but just wondering what, if any, effect the stretch may have. Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

[Papa Zook]

So I'm beginning my build with a Champion, Thanks Papa Zook, trike kit on a 2012 Victory Cross country. I have a question regarding the rake. I am using a 23" wheel for the front so I'll be using a rake setup for a 26". That should give me my easy steer. I have two possible ways to go. I own both of these already so these are my 2 options.

A Kewl Metal set of 40 degree raked trees (designed for a 26), or a Vic Baggers trees and frame setup. The Vic Baggers setup uses trees for a 21/23 that are 6.5 over stock but also adds the upper frame which rakes it out an additional 4.5 degrees and stretches it 1.5". I'm pretty confident on the rake side but just wondering what, if any, effect the stretch may have. Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

Thanks for ordering your Champion kit from me Dan. If I were you, I think since you already own the Kew Metal trees I would try those and test it before you cut the frame for the Vic set.

[Dirtydan]

No frame cutting whatsoever. Vic Baggers produces a complete upper frame replacement. Vic frames are multi piece and bolted together. Part of the stretch opens up the air filters for better direct breathing. i believe there are somewhere in the range of 5-7Hp gains.

I'd like to start posting up some pics but my pictures seem to be too large.

[Papa Zook]

Ok.....didn't know it was a whole upper frame replacement. Load your pics to photobucket.com to resize them down to a maximum of 800px wide.

[Dirtydan]

Just beginning with tear down.

[Dirtydan]

Anyone near Phoenix that wants to hang out sometime and turn a few wrenches I'll buy the beer.
Thanks
Dan

[Papa Zook]

Anyone near Phoenix that wants to hang out sometime and turn a few wrenches I'll buy the beer.
Thanks
Dan

Man thats going to be one killer trike! I'd come help you on it in a heartbeat if you weren't so far.

[Gorilla]

Have fun with the build. It will be very nice.

[Dirtydan]

Well got the body off and frame disassembled to install the kit.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Oh boy ... oh boy ... I just love a build thread.

[Dirtydan]

So I think I've answered my own initial question in the thread. Which was do I use the stretched frame or not. After bumping around on this site and reading a lot of threads the answer seems to yes, use the stretch. Seems like the trikes that are a little longer such as the Wings are more stable and handle a little better. Anything to the contrary I'm open to opinions and suggestions.

[KWSchin]

After seeing your pics, I'm even MORE excited about getting our Champion kit for our '09 Voyager. The parts look so "Purdy!"

How's the build turning out?

Shin

[Dirtydan]

Going slow. 15k on the doner bike so things fight to come apart. And then a couple specialized tools but I'll get there.

[Dirtydan]

So as I'm going along with this I'm finding that Champions instructions are really not very detailed especially when it comes to the brakes. After reviewing Lehmans instruction they are much better. Either way I lose ABS. SO instead of using their work around I'm pulling all the abs stuff and running standard brakes. Kind of pointless to keep all those lines for the front and run the abs module when abs will be non functional.

[Blueline]

Looks like you have a great build going on there and developing your own how to manual as you go along. Looking forward to the completed project.

[Dirtydan]

A few updates. Pulled all the ABS brake stuff off. Pulled the swingarm finally with help from a friend and now things are going together.

[Blueline]

Was the donor bike tuned at all? What exhaust can you use on the new setup. The build is coming along nicely. The end result is going to be worth all the knuckle busting.

[Dirtydan]

I have a feeling the the bike was tuned. The evidence would be that it has upgraded pipes, the timing cover was only hand tight and there is velcro on the module under the left side cover which would lead me to believe it had a timing wheel and a PCV.

[Dirtydan]

Well I got everything bolted up today. What a pain when you only have two hands. Now I just need to figure out how to get the belt on the damn pulley.

[Sunman]

Even with the Victory paint it is hard to match. I had a white 2012 Cross Country Tour and bought the Victory touch up paint for rock chips. Did not match well at all.

Sunman