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Which Trike Kit
To everyone riding Goldwing Trikes, which do you think is the best trike conversion out there ? Been looking at the Goldwing trikes and don't know much about any of them. Give me the good, bad and the ugly of them all. Thanks !
And what about the starting Honda GoldWing ? I see they make a couple of different models.
hardheaded
"Starting Gold Wing"? New or used? GL 1500 or 1800? GL-1500s have 1500cc 6 cylinder HO (horizontal opposed or boxer style) engines with two carburetors and steel frames, made from 1988-2000. GL-1800s have 1800cc 6 cylinder HO with fuel injection and aluminum frames, made from 2001 to present day. There are features included on some models that aren't on others.
There are 1000, 1100, & 1200cc model GLs made from 1975-1987, all 4 cylinder horizontal opposed or boxer style (HO) engines with 4 carburetors but I am guessing you aren't interested in them much.
"Best Trike"? Some will claim it's Hannigan or Motor Trike or California Side Car or Champion or something else but I say it's Lehman, but some will also tell you that I'm biased. Mine was triked in 1998 when it was but a young bike, and it's still in tiptop shape with no problems. Easy to service. You can't get this kit any longer either unless you buy used. It's a solid axle conversion with a stiff swing arm for flat cornering. Rear axle is a Ford 6.75 like on Pintos & Mustang IIs of days gone by, the rear brakes are simple time tested (& proven) Ford 9" drum brakes. The front is all 1997 Honda GL1500SE with aftermarket additions.
That's my story.
I don't feel comfortable pointing out the uglies of trikes of other manufacture here, too many friends watching.
Make Courtesy Your "Code of the Road" too!
The best way to do this is to test ride as many as you can and go with your heart.
It's like asking which oil you like ... (Sorry Jack) ... you're gonna get so many different opinions it's gonna overwhelm you ...
I was thinking of a new 16 or newer Goldwing and having a kit installed or doing it myself. Just don't know what kit to go with if i were to do this. I do like the idea of a auto trans in the newer bikes. What about prices on some of these kits ? The solid axle seems like it would be bullet proof too.
hardheaded
Take Fuzzy's advice and test ride as many different ones as you can to help make your decision.Originally Posted by headheaded
"I don't need a map. I still have a road in front of me!"
I'm going to 3rd Fuzzy's advice.
Probably 10 years ago (when we did direct retail installs) we had a customer come in with his HD to be converted. Once it was done he came back a few times with "problems"; what he thought were problems were completely normal & how our kit is designed. He HATED the trike & ended up selling it... He didn't like the suspension flex ours had (which also means a bit of outward lean in corners).
He went with our kit because all of his buddies at the time told him our "design was the best" so he took their word.. The type of ride this individual was after was a Lehman style (which he bought & was thrilled with).
To tie this together, just because it's what EVERYONE around you swears by doesn't mean it's right for you!!!! Take your time, do research online, check rally schedules & test ride every one you can find (do recommend test riding same size class motorcycle though).
You may well find your preferences are a polar opposite from those you happen to talk to & end up going with something completely left field because it "works for you" best.
That is really a tough question to answer. I have had two Motor Trikes and loved both of them. Pretty much trouble free. The first one was solid axle. The second was independent suspension. It rode much better than any trike I've ever tried. Rode it for over 100,000 miles with few problems. The trike I have now is a Lehman Monarch II and so far it's been a nice rig for me. It is solid axle and doesn't ride as well over rough road but for what I do anymore it's fine. If I were to take the long trips I used to take all over this great country, I'd go back to the Motor Trike Adventure. Just my experience so take it for what it's worth.
Yes take Fuzzy's advice. I currently ride a Roadsmith and love it. When you do decide, make sure you have a reputable installer. They can make a big difference. I had my Roadsmith installed at the factory and have not had any problems at all with it sense it was installed in 2015.The best way to do this is to test ride as many as you can and go with your heart.
It's like asking which oil you like ... (Sorry Jack) ... you're gonna get so many different opinions it's gonna overwhelm you ...
Do you have a 2 wheeler now? As posted before, ride as many as you can and decide for yourself. I'm currently on an Endeavor reverse triked 2010 goldwing and I love it. Had it 23 months and have 26,000 miles on it.
I have a Tri-Glide right now, but that Honda really looks inviting. The problem i have test riding anything is i lost my left leg 4 years ago and can't shift them. I have a hand shifter on the tri-glide. Never knew there was so many different trike kits out there.
hardheaded
Here's an idea for ya, models for Harleys and Goldwings. http://www.pingelonline.com/electric...-2001-2013.asp
I looked at every shifter out there. I've talked to many people who say the Pingle lasts about 15,000 miles. One person said he keeps a rebuildt spare and just swaps them out when one goes bad. Another guy i talked to said he never could get his to shift correctly. Good up shifts but the downshifts were not always there. Sounded like a pita. I think a Honda trike would be very reliable.
hardheaded
I have a roadsmith (G/Wing) so far so good... second season riding it!
Ronnie
Hello Kevin
+1 on ride and look at as many trike kit as you can, if you ask 5 people witch is the best you my get 5 different answers. I ride a 2000 gl1500se with a champion kit, with over 100,000 on the clock. I like the looks and the big lower trunk. but as for witch kit to get ? I have only road my champion
If you can afford it go with a 2018 or newer Goldwing DCT. It's automatic so you don't need to use your left leg to shift.
Excellent suggestion!!
Ronnie
2018+ Goldwing DCT
9nI agree. Take a look at the 2018+ Goldwing DCT. If you have trouble using the left leg for shifting it is a great way to go. I have one and love it. I’ve got the Roadsmith Kit on mine and I’m very satisfied. I’ll admit this is my first trike, but it has kept me riding and I never imagined I would like riding 3 wheels as much as I do. The nice thing about the DCT is you have the option to run in automatic mode and you can easily override the downshift or up shift with ease using the paddle shifters. Or if you prefer manual mode you can do all the shifting with the paddle shifters. I don’t know much about the other trike kits but I love my Roadsmith.
2018 Goldwing Tour DCT w/Roadsmith Trike Kit
I will look into this for sure. I have a place not real far from me that deals in alot of trikes too. I believe it's called Niehause cycles. I'll go anywhere for a better deal though. Thanks !
hardheaded
Before triking out the DCT GW model, go over to the gl1800riders forum and check out those problem areas. The DCT is a whole new world for GWs. Jus sayin....
Don’t be scared. I have one that has been triked and absolutely love it. Put about 8,000 miles on it this year. I am a member of the gl1800riders board. Most problems reported about the DCT are more related to a learning curve of how the DCT works. Very few actual problems. And I have seen absolutely no problems related to a DCT being triked. It makes for a fantastic ride.
2018 Goldwing Tour DCT w/Roadsmith Trike Kit
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