CSC vs MT IRS

[Mr. Clean]

New guy here. Thought I would ask about a hotly debated topic in a little different manor, since I haven't found the answers I'm looking for. Given the choice between a California Side Car Encore kit and a Motor Trike Condor kit for a 2018 Honda Goldwing (both being independent rear suspension kits), and ignoring aesthetics or ride quality or installation shop's competence for purposes of this evaluation, what design features are more desirable on each?

For example, the suspension system on the Motor Trike kit uses airbags. This is both good and bad. Good because it allows the rider to have nearly infinite adjustment of the suspension firmness during the ride. Bad because it adds another component to monitor, abandons the factory ride adjustment selector, and introduces another potential point of failure. As an aside, I have supplemental airbags in my Ram 3500 for towing heavy trailers and am intimately familiar with their benefits and longevity problems. In contrast, the California Side Car kit uses a coil-over gas shock to serve the same purpose. This is also both good and bad. Good because it is more reliable than an air system. Bad because adjustments for road conditions cannot be done on the fly. Also, the coil-over gas shock is attached to, and acts upon, both wheels at the same time, making it not a truly independent system. Which one is better?

I have so many other questions. Such as, which has better trunk latches? Which is more prone to squeaking due to vibration? CSC uses an automotive style suspension design while MT has a very unique design (looks like a go-cart). Which one does a better job for this application? Which is better going over speed bumps? Which one has better ground clearance? Which has more frequent or more expensive maintenance? Which rear brake caliper location is best for this application (CSC is at 12:00 position while MT is at 3:00 position when looking at the left side of the bike)? Which has easier to find replacement parts? Which kit integrates better with the Goldwing's existing systems, such as ABS, driving modes, etc.? I'm sure there are other things I just don't know to ask.

I've seen a number of threads where the patent responses are to "find the installer first, then pick the kit" or "go to a rally/local shop and test ride both" or "they're all good kits, just pick the one that looks best to you". I get it. I'm hoping to move beyond that and get to the finer details. If nothing else, please give your two cents as to which one you would pick and why.

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard geoff sorry no input

[trike lady]

I'm going to throw you another independent suspension conversion for the 2018 Goldwing and it's Hannigan, they use an inline driver shaft and long wheelbase IRS.

[tfdeputydawg]

I'm going to throw you another independent suspension conversion for the 2018 Goldwing and it's Hannigan, they use an inline driver shaft and long wheelbase IRS.

And one of the simplest smoothest IRS systems made.

[bikerbillone]

I ride the Road Smith with IRS, coil over shocks, a very fine machine with the longer wheel base. However, I've never been quite satisfied with the ride, like over speed bumps, irregular road ways. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably be on a Hannigan.

[Mr. Clean]

I've been digging into the Hannigan design and I'll have to admit, it is pulling ahead of the others as far as simpleness, features, and superior ride. A truly independent suspension design with progressive springs/shocks are nice. So is the fact that bumps in the road result in wheels traveling in a rearward arc instead of straight up and down. I'm not a fan of the visual style, but I could get accustomed to it. Besides, that wasn't a factor in this exercise. The extra fuel tank option is appealing for the simple fact that it allows more time to find a good rest stop. I'm also digging the 180 front end option. I had a big meaty front tire on my M109R also.

[alwrmcusn]

I've had the Hannigan on an '09 Royal Star Venture and currently riding an'08 GL1800 with a Motortrike Razor conversion.

Under the "fiberglass" I don't see any difference. Both rode very well, handled very well and were/are completely satisfactory.

They are both well made, well constructed designs. However you must always factor in the "Ford vs Chevy" comments.

Some will swear by this and some will swear by that and that is to be expected and it's ok.

I believe either conversion performed with care and proper attention to detail will be satisfactory.

But whatever fails, be it a shock, airbag, axle etc will usually garner the "See I told you so" comment.

I do note that my Motortrike Razor has more trunk space than the Hannigan, but the Hannigan factory always answered

the phone or replied to my email MUCH MUCH faster.

This is all just my two cents worth.