Our First Trike, what is it

[AJ1500]

Hi all

we just picked up this little gem. I need help identifying it. I can't find anything on the trike anywhere to tell me what make or model it is

anyone recognize this trike body. Also it has 4 bolt 14" wheels that have a 3" or 76.2MM bolt pattern. I will be looking to replace them but am having trouble finding any this size

any ideas where I could find the wheels

 

[trike lady]

Nice trike, looks like a Lehman conversion.

 

[CrystalPistol]

I know …. a darn nice looking one! To me, I see a lot of Lehman "looks" in it, looked through a Lehman history I have, it says in 1996 the GTL came out, the first to incorporate Honda tail lights (mine's a '98 Lehman GTL kit on a '97 GL1500). So, if correct, looks like a pre '96 Lehman kit, "like '95ish"… the shapes, the tapers from fenders to rear, the shape of the trunk, the "dip" in the top center under the travel trunk, the fender openings too.

Looks like they hid the trunk hinges and added OEM tail lights and removed the added on tail lights.

Yep, It all just screams Lehman to me.

Measure the wheel lug pattern again, … that 3" is way small measuring across the center of the hub (not adjacent, but opposite bolt center to bolt center). I have a pair of those same wheels with tires that came with our kit as standard, but the installer who owned it used the optional 15x7" ASA wheels which then had 245/60-15 Qualifier GT tires. 4 lugs on 4.25" circle (4x4.25").

Lee H. Mann is his screen name here, he'll know more.

I did edit your pics to get a better look in the shadows. I threw in a already up loaded picture for you to compare details if you wish. Bumper is just fiberglass, really just holds 6 lights, but this view shows similarities. Looks like the same trunk door almost, slightly remolded with a wider tag recess?

 

[AJ1500]

Cool, I have been looking at tons of pictures trying to figure it out and so far had came to the same conclusion. it is on a 96 1500

I picked this up for my wife to ride to replace the Yamaha with a Voyager kit she is learning on

right now I have it tore down replacing the tires, timing belts, all fluids and tune up. it's been sitting for a while not being run

I thought that wheel measurement was a bit crazy. I will remeasure it tonight then I can look for something to replace them

Thanks for your help

 

[CrystalPistol]

Cool, I have been looking at tons of pictures trying to figure it out and so far had came to the same conclusion. it is on a 96 1500

I picked this up for my wife to ride to replace the Yamaha with a Voyager kit she is learning on

right now I have it tore down replacing the tires, timing belts, all fluids and tune up. it's been sitting for a while not being run

I thought that wheel measurement was a bit crazy. I will remeasure it tonight then I can look for something to replace them

Thanks for your help

That was why we bought our's … but then "Wife Unit" got her permit, took some rides, decided she liked Co-riding better so she could just look about more. She loves it, hardly got her back on the 2 wheelers after that.

If it is 4 bolts on a 4.25" circle, very easy to find wheels. The ASAs above in my pic are on 215/70-15 tires now, when I had them off I found they had the same back space as the 10hole 15x7s on my 1985 Thunderbird, which means most any Ford Pinto or Mustang 4 lug wheels fit which means a wide variety of aftermarket are available. I even picked up another "extra" pair of the same ASA wheels maybe 10 years ago (wish I could still get those "Lemans SR" RWL tires though).

I know some don't like them, but I do like those fender top racks too. Nice looking Trike there.

 

[AJ1500]

Thanks

yeah I have mixed emotions about the racks but my wife likes them and that's all that counts right now. We adding a sidecar on my wing due to her having trouble with knees and back on long trips. She loves the sidecar but has been wanting to learn to ride and have her own bike for a couple years now. I picked up a nice Yamaha Venture with trike kit for her to learn on, she is really liking it so I decided to put her on a real trike.

Yes I am happy it is in as good a shape as it is, it has some minor damaged on one fender, no cracks just scraped on the side

my wife is just beside herself waiting to get to take it on it's first ride

I like the wheels on your trike

 

[Lee H. Mann]

Ace, Welcome to Trike Talk from West Virginia.:wave4:

Your trike is a Lehman Commander model made for the GL1500.

The Commander had 14" wheels B/C 15" wouldn't fit in the wheel wells.

It has the standard Lehman undercarriage like 'CrystalPistol'.

The bolt pattern is 4X4 1/4".

I still have several of those wheels around too.

Jim

 

[Lee H. Mann]

CrystalPistol, I have some of those RWL Tires (used) and those ASA wheels too.

 

[CrystalPistol]

Thanks

yeah I have mixed emotions about the racks but my wife likes them and that's all that counts right now. We adding a sidecar on my wing due to her having trouble with knees and back on long trips. She loves the sidecar but has been wanting to learn to ride and have her own bike for a couple years now. I picked up a nice Yamaha Venture with trike kit for her to learn on, she is really liking it so I decided to put her on a real trike.

Yes I am happy it is in as good a shape as it is, it has some minor damaged on one fender, no cracks just scraped on the side

my wife is just beside herself waiting to get to take it on it's first ride

I like the wheels on your trike

Well, before you invest in wheels & tires like 15", I can see the change in the fender top, and I didn't know that Commanders had issues with the 15s, etc. Jim (aka: Lee H. Mann) would know better what will or will not work. Another thing, you don't want tire&wheel combos that are any more difficult to pull off at service time either. I have to hold my tongue just right, and wiggle just right to get them out, often involves turning the front inwards and getting the rear out with the trike on stands and suspension hanging.

Our trike once scuffed a gas pump island post before we bought it, was repaired well, but no pinstriping on that side when we bought it. Them posts will "jump out". Then a fellow opened a car door into it once but I fixed that chip & blended it in.



I am sure your wife will see miles of smiles on those three wheels.

CrystalPistol, I have some of those RWL Tires (used) and those ASA wheels too.

Commander! … I couldn't think of the name, didn't realize the fenders limited the rear tires so. I looked through a history of Lehman Trikes I found on line years ago to no avail. I did find early GTLs had flat topped "humped" fenders, guess the hump helped with tire room under suspension compression especially two up.

The tires you mention are ... maybe Dunlop Radial-Qualifyer GTs …. the fat 245/60-15 ? Mine wore out and I put these Lemans SR on that looked nice on a Lehman ('cause the name nearly matched … and I had used them before on a car and they wore well) , 215/70-15 though. Same OD, 4 pounds lighter per tire (24 vs 28 pounds each, I weighed them then), but a full inch narrower and it no longer looks like a old time steam roller from the rear. They aren't worn out yet, still good for a good season or two … or maybe even three. I just know they are no longer made, so when time comes I'll have to shop tires "by the letters" :laugh:. I sometimes think I might be better off dropping to a 215/60-15 or maybe 225/60-15 to just make for easier removal. I seldom run interstate so slightly shorter rear tires won't hurt.

 

[AJ1500]

So I have been going through everything and bringing our new to us trike back to life. I am almost ready to hand it over to my wife. I have a question about the rear suspension

this trike has 2 air shocks and it is plumbed to a valve in the trunk, the air comp from the bike is not connected to anything. my question is if the comp works can I reconnect it to the line for the shocks and use the bikes compressor and dash gauge to monitor and control the air in the rear. I know the comp are slow as all get out as it takes what feels like forever to make changes on mine with the sidecar, but once it's where you want it you pretty much leave it alone. So is there a reason it was put together with an external valve

 

[CrystalPistol]

So I have been going through everything and bringing our new to us trike back to live. I am almost ready to hand it over to my wife. I have a question about the rear suspension

this trike has 2 air shocks and it is plumbed to a valve in the trunk, the air comp from the bike is not connected to anything. my question is if the comp works can I reconnect it to the line for the shocks and use the bikes compressor and dash gauge to monitor and control the air in the rear. I know the comp are slow as all get out as it takes what feels like forever to make changes on mine with the sidecar, but once it's where you want it you pretty much leave it alone. So is there a reason it was put together with an external valve

Mine's Progressive #416 air/spring/shocks are plumbed in. A buddies was not plumbed in. Look under the rear to see if the tire inflator hose was relocated from right saddle bag. You could use the extension hose to pump them up.

 

[AJ1500]

when I had the seat and covers off I found the end that goes to the original shock just laying there, I didn't look for air hose from the side box. so your saying I should be able to plumb the shocks into the bikes air pump and use it rather than an external air source. I just didn't want to do all that if it won't work

 

[Lee H. Mann]

when I had the seat and covers off I found the end that goes to the original shock just laying there, I didn't look for air hose from the side box. so your saying I should be able to plumb the shocks into the bikes air pump and use it rather than an external air source. I just didn't want to do all that if it won't work

I am sure there was a reason why they disconnected the OEM air pump.

Use a hand pump to check shock inflation. No more than 40psi.

The shocks should be tied together equalizing the air pressure in each.

The lines have 2 small o-rings at each connection, don't lose them.

Use soapy water to check connections for air leaks and only tighten the connections hand tight.

 

[AJ1500]

I am sure there was a reason why they disconnected the OEM air pump.

Use a hand pump to check shock inflation. No more than 40psi.

The shocks should be tied together equalizing the air pressure in each.

The lines have 2 small o-rings at each connection, don't lose them.

Use soapy water to check connections for air leaks and only tighten the connections hand tight.

Thanks

I can say there doesn't appear to be any leaks as it was still holding air in them after sitting for almost 2 years in a barn, I was just thinking it would be nice to monitor and control the air from the bike. But if it's not a good idea then I will go with that

I have a bit of a learning curve with this trike VS my Wing with the sidecar

the lines to the shocks are tied together under the valve. So will one of those little hand pumps used for bicycle tires work OK

 

[Jack Klarich]

. So will one of those little hand pumps used for bicycle tires work OK

Yes it will, but keep in mind when you screw the pump off you will lose some air. This is why a pump like this is better

 

[CrystalPistol]

when I had the seat and covers off I found the end that goes to the original shock just laying there, I didn't look for air hose from the side box. so your saying I should be able to plumb the shocks into the bikes air pump and use it rather than an external air source. I just didn't want to do all that if it won't work

If the on board compressor is working, sure. GL1500 bikes had an air outlet in the right saddle bag and a hose to let one inflate a tire if needed, my trike had that auxiliary line re-routed to underneath the rear of the trike near the hitch. If your shocks are plumbed to a tee in the trunk, you could use that extension hose to pressurize the shocks … like pumping up a tire … if the compressor system all works. If that stock line is simply left uncapped, then the compressor system will likely not hold air well. Like already said, might be an issue with it not working, maybe desecant needs replacing or drying, maybe compressor motor is shot, maybe a leak at the control valve manifold in the right side fairing? First, you need to determine if it even works?

Mine worked, is all plumbed, no leaks, but once set, no playing with it going down the road. If the shocks are Progressive #416s, when I put a set on my 1200, the Progressive instructions said to put bike on center stand, pump to 100psi, then eased off stand with load and drop pressure to cause a 1" drop with rider & passengers in place, so I figure they'll handle the psi. One up on ours I usually ran 40-45 psi, but two up & loaded, I ran 65-75 psi. Two up at 40-45 resulted in bottoming on the bumps.

I don't see a problem with just pumping through the tee when needed, once you find the sweet spot, you'll not need constant adjusting.

 

[AJ1500]

If the on board compressor is working, sure. GL1500 bikes had an air outlet in the right saddle bag and a hose to let one inflate a tire if needed, my trike had that auxiliary line re-routed to underneath the rear of the trike near the hitch. If your shocks are plumbed to a tee in the trunk, you could use that extension hose to pressurize the shocks … like pumping up a tire … if the compressor system all works. If that stock line is simply left uncapped, then the compressor system will likely not hold air well. Like already said, might be an issue with it not working, maybe desecant needs replacing or drying, maybe compressor motor is shot, maybe a leak at the control valve manifold in the right side fairing? First, you need to determine if it even works?

Mine worked, is all plumbed, no leaks, but once set, no playing with it going down the road. If the shocks are Progressive #416s, when I put a set on my 1200, the Progressive instructions said to put bike on center stand, pump to 100psi, then eased off stand with load and drop pressure to cause a 1" drop with rider & passengers in place, so I figure they'll handle the psi. One up on ours I usually ran 40-45 psi, but two up & loaded, I ran 65-75 psi. Two up at 40-45 resulted in bottoming on the bumps.

I don't see a problem with just pumping through the tee when needed, once you find the sweet spot, you'll not need constant adjusting.

all very valid points, maybe I'll just leave well enough alone. I will say though my thought wasn't to use the hose from the saddle bag but to use the actual hose and banjo fitting that went on top of the OEM shock so the system would work like it was original

I agree once set up, we won't be messing with it so I guess it's fine like it is

 

[CrystalPistol]

… etc … I agree once set up, we won't be messing with it so I guess it's fine like it is

Just a final thought, if you find the on board compressor doesn't work, etc, there are small plug in lighter socket portables in carry bags, etc. I have a couple, they are slow but then so is the onboard if pumping up a car tire, but small airlines & the air shocks would be faster.

A few years ago I bought an "Air Dragon", it was really cheap ($10.99 rings a bell) @ Ollies, I tried it once, it would not pump. Just shut off as soon as it started … so I set it on a shelf to collect dust. I was gonna toss it a couple months ago when I spied it, but it just seemed to be a handy size (I actually did toss it, it was still boxed, but I pulled it out of the trash as I was bored) … so then I took it apart to attempt a fix but there was nothing wrong that I could see. Then I read the manual (some people do that I'm told???), it was set on "0" when plugged in until you set a psi, so it was pumping 0 psi. I then set it higher than zero, :xzqxz:SHAZAM:Shrug: … it worked and shut off at the setting programmed. :laugh:

 

[AJ1500]

Just a final thought, if you find the on board compressor doesn't work, etc, there are small plug in lighter socket portables in carry bags, etc. I have a couple, they are slow but then so is the onboard if pumping up a car tire, but small airlines & the air shocks would be faster.

A few years ago I bought an "Air Dragon", it was really cheap ($10.99 rings a bell) @ Ollies, I tried it once, it would not pump. Just shut off as soon as it started … so I set it on a shelf to collect dust. I was gonna toss it a couple months ago when I spied it, but it just seemed to be a handy size (I actually did toss it, it was still boxed, but I pulled it out of the trash as I was bored) … so then I took it apart to attempt a fix but there was nothing wrong that I could see. Then I read the manual (some people do that I'm told???), it was set on "0" when plugged in until you set a psi, so it was pumping 0 psi. I then set it higher than zero, :xzqxz:SHAZAM:Shrug: … it worked and shut off at the setting programmed. :laugh:

that's funny, glad you figured it out

actually I have a little portable that stays in my wing and had every intention of getting one for this one. we never go anywhere without one, saved us on the side of the road once when I picked up something and got a flat, plugged it and pumped it up, got us home so I could replace the tire. paid for itself right then and there

I was hoping to get by but it's starting to look like I may have to remove the carbs on this one. can't seem to get it to run right. so far 3 cans sea foam in about 1 1/2 tanks of gas

I had it so heavy in seafoam I'm amazed it would run at all trying to dissolve the varnish, right now I'm running just gas trying to get it to clean everything out but I think there is some trash or goop moving around in there, it will run good for a bit then it's all I can do to keep it moving. anything under about 3K with the choke and it just surges, it will idle now but most of the time it surges

anyway I knew it may come to that as it sat for a long time with old gas not being run at all

 

[Tynker]

that's funny, glad you figured it out

actually I have a little portable that stays in my wing and had every intention of getting one for this one. we never go anywhere without one, saved us on the side of the road once when I picked up something and got a flat, plugged it and pumped it up, got us home so I could replace the tire. paid for itself right then and there

I was hoping to get by but it's starting to look like I may have to remove the carbs on this one. can't seem to get it to run right. so far 3 cans sea foam in about 1 1/2 tanks of gas

I had it so heavy in seafoam I'm amazed it would run at all trying to dissolve the varnish, right now I'm running just gas trying to get it to clean everything out but I think there is some trash or goop moving around in there, it will run good for a bit then it's all I can do to keep it moving. anything under about 3K with the choke and it just surges, it will idle now but most of the time it surges

anyway I knew it may come to that as it sat for a long time with old gas not being run at all

Instead of Seafoam, try 2 cans of Berrymans B12, it works wonders for problems like yours.