We had a Champion conversion added to our 2009 GL1800 in January of 2018. As I am sure most new owners are aware, getting used to a trike after being on two wheels is a real experience, but after a couple of weeks I felt pretty comfortable. However I was still getting used to what I considered a bit of 'wandering', especially in wind. And the most distressing thing was the fact that it was lower in the front than it was as a bike. We have a toyhauler trailer, and since being triked we had to get the front of the trailer well up in the air to keep from dragging the engine on the lip of the ramp. But mostly I noticed that my bright lights at night did not project as far down the road as I was used to.
I finally went on-line to see if there weren't some sort of fork extensions available, and my search brought up a thread that referenced Cut N Shoot Customs and the fork extensions. I read that this kit has a 5 degree rake, (I thought it was 6, but whatever) and of course that will set the front a bit lower. I decided to get the 2" extensions and contacted him to see if I could get them from his shop, since I am only about 90 miles away. Met Papa Zook, (turns out the thread I found was from this forum), visited a bit, got advice on fork oil and headed on back home. I completely removed the forks, discovered it already had 1" extensions so I am glad I got the 2" ones. Since I had them off, I replaced the fork oil, added the extensions, added a new front tire and headed on out for a road test. Completely different trike. Straight and steady on the road, smooth (as much as the roads around here will allow) and I am thrilled beyond belief. Whether it was one, or a combination of all 3, doesn't matter. My headlights are where they should be, and I am willing to 'put up' with the fact that my front tire says 'Harley Davidson' on the sidewall (long story).
My thanks to Papa Zook for the extensions, and the fork oil advice, and the conversation, and the chance to join this forum.
Mr. Bill from Snook, Texas
I finally went on-line to see if there weren't some sort of fork extensions available, and my search brought up a thread that referenced Cut N Shoot Customs and the fork extensions. I read that this kit has a 5 degree rake, (I thought it was 6, but whatever) and of course that will set the front a bit lower. I decided to get the 2" extensions and contacted him to see if I could get them from his shop, since I am only about 90 miles away. Met Papa Zook, (turns out the thread I found was from this forum), visited a bit, got advice on fork oil and headed on back home. I completely removed the forks, discovered it already had 1" extensions so I am glad I got the 2" ones. Since I had them off, I replaced the fork oil, added the extensions, added a new front tire and headed on out for a road test. Completely different trike. Straight and steady on the road, smooth (as much as the roads around here will allow) and I am thrilled beyond belief. Whether it was one, or a combination of all 3, doesn't matter. My headlights are where they should be, and I am willing to 'put up' with the fact that my front tire says 'Harley Davidson' on the sidewall (long story).
My thanks to Papa Zook for the extensions, and the fork oil advice, and the conversation, and the chance to join this forum.
Mr. Bill from Snook, Texas
