Getting a CSC Trike Kit for my 2006 GL1800 - what options do I really Need?

[WingMan71]

Planning to get my 2006 Gold Wing triked soon. Plan to get the CSC Cobra XL kit. Like the looks of it and particularly like the extra trunk storage space in the new XL version.

Worked through the price list/options form today and am wondering about a few optional items.

1. Do I really need the performance disc brake upgrade for $235.00, or are the standard disc brakes fine?

2. Do you really need a parking brake on a trike? Options are single caliper $425.00, dual caliper $625.00. Yike$$!

Ground effects kit is nice but out of my budget, plus I actually like the looks of the bike better without it.

Plan on getting the new Passsenger Comfort ARB (Anti Roll Bar) $150.00, to keep the wife happy on the back.

Will definitely get the PowerTrak front rake kit $895.00. (We'll be riding in the Smokey Mountains a lot.)

Thanks for any advice.

***

[trike lady]

One of the important ones is the auxiliary fuel cell or tank.

[paws]

One of the important ones is the auxiliary fuel cell or tank.

I have always wished my GL1800 trike had an auxiliary fuel tank...every time the gas gauge hits the 1/2 mark. The trike kit DOES put a drag on the gas mileage.

[rhino 2]

Planning to get my 2006 Gold Wing triked soon. Plan to get the CSC Cobra XL kit. Like the looks of it and particularly like the extra trunk storage space in the new XL version.

Worked through the price list/options form today and am wondering about a few optional items.

1. Do I really need the performance disc brake upgrade for $235.00, or are the standard disc brakes fine?

2. Do you really need a parking brake on a trike? Options are single caliper $425.00, dual caliper $625.00. Yike$$!

Ground effects kit is nice but out of my budget, plus I actually like the looks of the bike better without it.

Plan on getting the new Passsenger Comfort ARB (Anti Roll Bar) $150.00, to keep the wife happy on the back.

Will definitely get the PowerTrak front rake kit $895.00. (We'll be riding in the Smokey Mountains a lot.)

Thanks for any advice.

***

Better brakes are always better....Do it.....

Parking brake.....The first time the Trike rolls away from you, You'll wish you had it..

How the conversion Trikes can be sold With Out a park brake is beyond me...All factory Trike are required by law to have them...IE; Harley' Can-Am' Polaris' Vanderhall....etc.....

[tfdeputydawg]

I need to take a break about the time I need gas with the OEM tank of 6gal! I get 30 to 35mpg. That's usually 180 to 200 miles on a tank. No need for the aux. tank, IMHO.

What I would add is some type(your choice) of paint chip protection to all forward facing surfaces of the conversion, I prefer LineX but, there are others available.

I don't have a parking brake and use first gear to hold the trike when parked. Have never seen the need for a parking brake.

As for the ground effects, if they are weight bearing, they are a great addition for foot/leg comfort! I removed the foot pegs and rest my feet on the ground effects. Much more comfortable and space to move feet forward and back. Added a Kury heel rest to the brake side to put my heel on while using the rear brake pedal. They also add some protection from road debri hitting the rear fenders.

[coolpoolken]

I also highly recommend the aux. fuel tank. I have it on mine and it really increases your range and the comfort of not having to look for gas staions all the time. I also had the upgrade to the brakes done. My reasoning was that it would help as I pull a small Alumia traliler when we are touring.Love the extra comforts!!

[Jimer]

One of the important ones is the auxiliary fuel cell or tank.

I concur with Trike Lady, the Aux tank is an important option.

The Aux tank was my #2 must have option right after Power-trak, but I wanted to do an in-stock turnkey trike rather than having it built. I could not find one single 2018-19 GL1800/CSC with an Aux tank in-stock anywhere in the U.S.



Besides the obvious “not getting stranded” reasons; an Aux tank will keep your two wheel friends from cussing at you every 100ish miles!

As to disc brakes, they were a must have for me; remember, the trike is heavier and has a lot more room for storage which makes it much, much heavier.

As to a parking brake, personally I would not try to save money here; as previous poster said: “you wish you had it the first time it rolls”.

I disagree with you regarding the Ground Effects kit, but that's a personal decision.

Good luck with your build and be sure to let us know what you decide.

Jim

[CrystalPistol]

Don't know mileage of the 1800 trikes, but I've never come close to running out with 1500 based trike, I get down near 1/2 tank, I know to get gas before long, I count on 180 miles at least from a tank. 100-140 miles in, I'm OK for a stop … often, "Wife Unit" is ready too. No need for extra gas that I have ever seen, besides, there's probably 40-50 pounds (tank, fuel, hardware) I don't have to haul all the time.

If engine is off, 1st holds it well. If warming up or whatever (maybe wiping the dew off fenders after removing half cover at Park Vista motel while enjoying a last cup?) and you don't want it to roll but you want to get off for just a few minutes with engine running, a small wedge / chock / wood block under a tire helps, or a parking brake. I use a wedge of aluminum between front brake lever stop & housing, it hangs on ball chain. Takes two hands to insert after applying front brake, but a simple squeeze lets it drop. Rare to use, but it works, is cheap, serves my uses.

Ground effects I once considered, but I have a habit to use feet to push me backwards when level, and ground effects might hinder my servicing the trike, and some limit ground clearance. Besides, they are no longer made for mine. Some just love them, they can look great too, but I don't miss them either.

What is better about "performance disc brakes" and what is deficient about "standard disc brakes" I wonder? Asked for a friend … with a trike with drum brakes.

The ARB, are we talking about a rear suspension anti roll bar that ties the left & right wheels together … is it electrically adjustable while riding? If so, I say GOOD option on a IRS trike.

You already said going to get Power Trac, GOOD deal there too.

See you on the BRP then …. BeepBeep!

[BrokenBackJack]

CP,

If you ever make anymore of the aluminum brake holders we would sure buy one from you.

We have been using a velcro wrap but since my stroke that gets hard to apply some times.

Let me know if you do.

Thanks.

[CrystalPistol]

CP,

If you ever make anymore of the aluminum brake holders we would sure buy one from you.

We have been using a velcro wrap but since my stroke that gets hard to apply some times.

Let me know if you do.

Thanks.

Email a name & address or else I may forget. I may already have one, but if not, easy to make … but the danger is me forgetting (it has happened before).

tbear853 I'm at gmail … you know the .rest

[ol' school]

I got the brake upgrade on our trike. Better brakes are always worth it. And your on the right track, the rake kit is a must have!

[KYBubblehead]

I need to take a break about the time I need gas with the OEM tank of 6gal! I get 30 to 35mpg. That's usually 180 to 200 miles on a tank. No need for the aux. tank, IMHO.

What I would add is some type(your choice) of paint chip protection to all forward facing surfaces of the conversion, I prefer LineX but, there are others available.

I don't have a parking brake and use first gear to hold the trike when parked. Have never seen the need for a parking brake.

As for the ground effects, if they are weight bearing, they are a great addition for foot/leg comfort! I removed the foot pegs and rest my feet on the ground effects. Much more comfortable and space to move feet forward and back. Added a Kury heel rest to the brake side to put my heel on while using the rear brake pedal. They also add some protection from road debri hitting the rear fenders.

I agree with all of the above. I don't have an aux tank, and I sure am ready for a quick break at 1/2 tank. I don't have a parking brake either; just use 1st gear. My ground effects/floorboards are weight bearing and I use them a lot. I have a bra and bought covers for the fenders....cheaper than a re-paint. YRMV.

[WingMan71]

Well, I ordered the CSC trike kit and put a down payment on it.

The kit won't get delivered to my dealer/installer until late April. Really looking forward to picking it up about the first week of May.

Have a ride scheduled. Meeting up with some old riding buddies to ride the north Georgia, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina mountains for a week.

Can't wait!

[paws]

When she’s finished be sure to post pics!

[rhino 2]

Well, I ordered the CSC trike kit and put a down payment on it.

The kit won't get delivered to my dealer/installer until late April. Really looking forward to picking it up about the first week of May.

Have a ride scheduled. Meeting up with some old riding buddies to ride the north Georgia, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina mountains for a week.

Can't wait!

.............................

[Jimer]

Conrads...I think you will be happy!

Jim

[ol' school]

That is great Robert! Post pics for sure after it is done!

[Scooby]

Everyone tells me they love following me do to the rear light bar, it's very bright.

When I need to let it warm up, I put it in reverse, it won't move unless you push the button.

[CrystalPistol]

When I need to let it warm up, I put it in reverse, it won't move unless you push the button.

I know that works, but seems to me some have had start problems creap up … related to a switch there?

[brianl]

Well, I ordered the CSC trike kit and put a down payment on it.

The kit won't get delivered to my dealer/installer until late April. Really looking forward to picking it up about the first week of May.

Have a ride scheduled. Meeting up with some old riding buddies to ride the north Georgia, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina mountains for a week.

Can't wait!

I had a Roadsmith kit installed on a 2017 last year. The builder always installs running boards but I told him I didn't want them. Saved me $1,000. I didn't do it to save money. I like the option of using my feet to back the bike up. The electric reverse is OK? but it's much faster to turn around in someone's driveway for example than have to switch it into neutral and hit the reverse button and wait while it moves at about 3' at a time. Did you have the running boards installed? A lot of bikes look great with them I just prefer the "Fred Flintstone" method of backing up.