Valkyrie trike -Independent or solid rear?

[Nordic Valk]

Hello I'm new to your forum and need some advise. I want to trike my 1999 Interstate and I'm looking at CSC solid rear or Trike Shop independent rear. My question centers around handling, ride quality and weight capacity. I would like to hear from owners from both camps of thought. Please let me know how folks like both and what the highs and lows are. I have been told by both dealers that their trikes present no problem in the ride department. Thanks Mark

[katfish16]

Mark, welcome to the board... the only person who can decide which kit is best for U is U... we all have different riding styles and are built differently.
The best thing U can do is go to a dealer or rally and ride the different kits..
U might find out that neither one is the one U would want to do..(both manf. make a great kit, it just might not be the kit for U) Also make sure whatever U try, that ur co=rider is with U... If they are not happy with the ride U are not going to have a good trip..ask me how I know...

Best of luck in what ever U decide.

[Nana]

Hi Mark. Welcome to TrikeTalk
Both the companies you mentioned make excellent kits, and neither one will have difficulty accommodating you and your passenger. Both will handle well and offer you some slight variation in ride and appearance. Katfish is correct -- if possible ride a solid suspension trike and an independent suspension trike. The Trikeshop kit tends to be a little longer and wider than some of the other manufacturers, so that is part of what gives it a little different appearance and ride.

Either one you choose, though, is a good decision. And I suspect that you will swear you made the best choice once you are used to it -- whichever one it is .

[HickoryNCYellowTrike]

Mark, I have a 99 also,I went with Trike Shop because I liked the installer better, Very Happy with the decision!! I had a solid axle Lehman kit on a Goldwing before this trike, I really cannot tell the difference in ride, both ride great!! A word of advice, go with the 6 degree rake kit on front end, went with the 4.5 degree kit at first and was not happy, best money you will ever spend on your Valk. Terry :Biker:

[shadow]

Terry..........whats the diff between a 4.5 & a 6 degree, I mean ,I know the diff but is it handling or turning, I haven't got mine raked yet and don;t want to make a mistake....on the rake,

[jim peacock]

If you are married and she rides with you take her along and see if you can find some trikes to ride.
You know if mamas not happy no one is.
:EvilTwinNana::EvilTwinNana::EvilTwinNana:

[meredog]

solid axle system has fewer moving parts ----

[John Luciano]

Funny everyone talks about the IR rear and the solid rear like we are talking TRUCK ride ves Plush Lincoln town car. The difference is not that sever. Not told what you are riding I bet most could not tell the difference . Some say Solid corner better, some say ride is smoother in the IR. Honey said she fells the ride on the rear seat of the solid is more jarring on the speed bumps and High way bridge seams. I think my IR can corner just fine. 6 deg vers 4 . What do you like real easy steering or do you like more road feel. Again on the open road not much difference . the 6 will be a little more sensitive to correction at high speed . Turning circle is larger. 4 will be stiffer to turn, All of this only really matters in turns and really twisty roads and parking lots .

[meredog]

It does actually seem however that we hear of more problems with the independent style ?

[John Luciano]

70,000 on my DFT IR and never did a thing to it Oh wait I did grease it 3 years ago,

[rmrc51]

A word of advice, go with the 6 degree rake kit on front end, went with the 4.5 degree kit at first and was not happy, best money you will ever spend on your Valk. Terry :Biker:

I have to agree regarding the 6 degree rake. It's perfect for a Valkyrie!

[HickoryNCYellowTrike]

Shadow, I agree with John, it's just more comfortable to turn in tight spots, plus for me anyway at 70+ on the interstate, I feel very secure with the 6 degree with one hand, I didn't with the 4.5, I know I thought it be the exact difference, but maybe that's just me. I beleive the front end is a bit more stiff with the 6, some bumps jar your teeth out. Also, with the 6, I had to space the front faring out with 2 3/4" spacers on the mounts to level it up.

[danbgt]

I have had two Valkyrie Interstate trikes. A 1999 Motor Trike with no steering kit and a 2000 California Side Car with a Trike Shop 4.5 degree steering kit. The Motor Trike rode and steered like a dump truck. The CSC was a much better kit (just my opinion) and with the steering kit handled like a sports car. Both were solid axle. I can't speak to the 6 degree steering kit on a Valk. I have 4.5 degree EZ Steer on the GL1800 and would not go any more. I think it would be too "touchy".
I am very bias about trike kits. If I were going to trike another Valkyrie, (and I may) I would go with DFT and a "smoothy" body. I, personally, would not even consider another kit.

I did say thet I was very bias! Right?? :yes:

[shadow]

danbgt.............Thats exactly what I've got...a 2000 Vaukryie with a DFT Smoothie now all I have to do is figure what ezsteer rack degree to put on it....

[RTL1330]

Hello, I have a 2001 IS valkyrie Triwing kit, solid std. ford rearend kit application with torson bars and air ride. I had a 61/2 deg rake kit with progressive front springs ans 20 wt. oil. Handles like a dream solo or with my Bride. I do not hold up my 2 wheel dragon riding buddies in the twisties of BC, corners great.
Terry