Solid Axle or Independent Suspension

[clousecom]

I am thinking about an outrigger style trike conversion, leaning toward Voyager, but after further research I might consider Lehman. I do not know whether to go with the solid axle or independent suspension. My brother-in-law has a Tri Glide, probably around 2012 model year. He says he has a solid axle and loves it. Opinions? TIA

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Test ride both and then you decide.

My choice was the Hannigan with IRS. Smoothest of all I tested:clapping:

 

[Keystone]

Do you want a Corvette or a Cadillac? In the simplest of terms that is what the difference will be.

 

[Bush Hog]

I just converted my 2009 Harley FLHTCU to three wheels. I choose the Champion IRS kit which I am extremely pleased with. In my opinion, the ride is way better than the Triglides that I have test ridden. My wife who often rides two-up with me is also please with the comfort level. Since Champion bought Lehman a few years ago, I believe the Champion and Lehman IRS kits are the same.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

+1 on riding both ... this is as subjective as what oil do you use (OMG ... can't believe I said that ).

 

[Burnerboy]

I chose Roadsmith IRS.Never looked back....

Ronnie

 

[Douglas44]

IRS or HD style straight rear end for comfort ?

New guy , doing my research before I pull the trigger on three wheels.

I would like some clarity over which type is preferred, IRS / or solid axle .

Pro's and con's of each ??

Thank you in advance for answers.

 

[clousecom]

CSC

We decided on a California Side Car IRS. On order, not converted yet. Going on recommendations and own observations. Lengthened wheel base for a better ride and larger storage capacity than the others, plus 5 year warranty. Due to IRS and lengthened wheel base supposed to be a better ride for passenger, and my sister who rides behind her husband on a TriGlide she supports this. Even though they like theirs, they are comparing to a 2 wheeler, not to other conversions. Also, in our area, we had better luck with CSC as far as finding a local installer. A big decision was seeing some other conversions this guy had done. Anticipating a quality job.

 

[paws]

I have owned both solid and independent. I liked them both.

As driver I thought the solid was fine, handled very well but....never carried a passenger.

Currently, as driver of the independent I think the ride and handling is fine....but again, I never carry a passenger.

From various people I have spoken with over the years it seems the passenger often prefers the independent suspension...but then there are those who have no complaints...

Best give both a good try before you decide.

 

[Douglas44]

Stunningly beautiful

I have owned both solid and independent. I liked them both.

As driver I thought the solid was fine, handled very well but....never carried a passenger.

Currently, as driver of the independent I think the ride and handling is fine....but again, I never carry a passenger.

From various people I have spoken with over the years it seems the passenger often prefers the independent suspension...but then there are those who have no complaints...

Best give both a good try before you decide.

That's the problem, trying them both .

I can probably arrange a test ride on the HD at one of the local dealers if they have one available.

I rode a friends Goldwing trike several years ago , but he is in Fl. and I'm in NC . No idea where I could find a GW trike to test to see if I like it better.

I suppose I could show up at a trike rally , beg and plead , and maybe some kind soul would let me ride theirs.

 

[trike lady]

You can find trike shops in your area by contacting the major manufacturers of conversions and they'll direct you to someone local. Some shops have demo units for you to take a test ride.

 

[Douglas44]

You can find trike shops in your area by contacting the major manufacturers of conversions and they'll direct you to someone local. Some shops have demo units for you to take a test ride.

Thanks, I know someone who works at the local Honda shop.

It just dawned on me that

they had a Goldwing trike available for sale a few weeks ago . I'll call my contact and see what I might arrange.

Then I'll do the same with a local HD dealer and see if I can test or rent one.

By then I'll be so confused, and have so many questions, but from the activity on this forum I bet I can get them all answered.

 

[Gideon]

Do you want a Corvette or a Cadillac? In the simplest of terms that is what the difference will be.

Very good reply.

I have the Corvette!

 

[Douglas44]

I have the Corvette mind set ( actually it's a Porsche mind set)

But my tired old bones have me thinking that a Cadillac is more my style ,

( I'm driving a 2010 Lexus RX350 at the moment)

I like the idea of the Goldwing for all that it can haul , enclosed fairing , and it seems like they run forever with normal low maintenance costs. Almost no heat off the engine. But depending on which kit you buy . You are at the mercy of the skill of the installer . It's not a factory design .

I like the more stripped down"hot rod look "of the Freewheeler , lot's of heat off the motor, my experience with HD's

is that HD really means Hundred Dollar ,and they seem to be more maintenance intensive .

All though the HD is specifically designed by engineers who ,

I am sure are way smarter than me.