Suzuki Boulevard S40 Trike pending purchase questions, please help.

[Rickshaw47]

Hello everyone,

Newbie just joined, have pending first trike purchase as a two wheel alternative questions, in need of your advice & expertise. Thanks in advance for all inputs & comments. Good day.

Local private trike sale in San Francisco Bay Area

(there are many hills here hence may affect sale price)

2009 Suzuki Boulevard S40 plus Voyager convertible kits trike

3k miles for $4k in excellent conditions

KBB priced the trike at $2.5k in good condition with normal mileage.

The Voyager website priced the matching convertible kit at various confusing prices.

Is this a fair deal in price & good choice in going forward as a newbie trike rider?

My main concern is wrestling the weight of the trike since there is no reverse gear, was told it's an expensive & bad option anyway, true?

All inputs & comments are gratefully accepted and appreciated.

I look forward to your responses soon. Thanks again.

[rhino 2]

Hello everyone,

Newbie just joined, have pending first trike purchase as a two wheel alternative questions, in need of your advice & expertise. Thanks in advance for all inputs & comments. Good day.

Local private trike sale in San Francisco Bay Area

(there are many hills here hence may affect sale price)

2009 Suzuki Boulevard S40 plus Voyager convertible kits trike

3k miles for $4k in excellent conditions

KBB priced the trike at $2.5k in good condition with normal mileage.

The Voyager website priced the matching convertible kit at various confusing prices.

Is this a fair deal in price & good choice in going forward as a newbie trike rider?

My main concern is wrestling the weight of the trike since there is no reverse gear, was told it's an expensive & bad option anyway, true?

All inputs & comments are gratefully accepted and appreciated.

I look forward to your responses soon. Thanks again.

If you just want a toy to ride around or that's all you have in your budget until you're ready to move up to a full size trike maybe give it a try....Also ....I don't know how old you are but without a reverse its a pain in the Ass backpedaling out of a parking space, Especially on hills...The first time you park pointing down hill you'll know that i mean....

[cavie]

personally i would not mess with that. go for a real trike conversion.

[Jack Klarich]

I would shop around for a real trike with reverse

JMHO, I think you will be a lot happier

[LadyonaMission]

I suggest you test ride a few trikes before you make a decision.

[Rickshaw47]

Rhino 2,

Thanks for the prompt & honest response. This is exactly the reply I was afraid to receive but true.

The budget is the main concern along with the thought of a beginner who does not want to commit 10k or more on a seasonal ride.

The seller stated the price is more based on the bike rather than the trike. Another word, the conversion kit is almost a give away since it can't be parted. Also mentioned that it is very easy to convert between trike/moto, true?

How do one value this, assuming stay on flats, away from hills, would be okay otherwise tow is inevitable. I apologize if this is a dumb newbie question.

Lastly, I wish to hear from members who have similar setups and their positive/negative experiences.

P.S. It is hard to fight gravity regardless of age & strength.

[rhino 2]

Rhino 2,

Thanks for the prompt & honest response. This is exactly the reply I was afraid to receive but true.

The budget is the main concern along with the thought of a beginner who does not want to commit 10k or more on a seasonal ride.

The seller stated the price is more based on the bike rather than the trike. Another word, the conversion kit is almost a give away since it can't be parted. Also mentioned that it is very easy to convert between trike/moto, true?



How do one value this, assuming stay on flats, away from hills, would be okay otherwise tow is inevitable. I apologize if this is a dumb newbie question.

Lastly, I wish to hear from members who have similar setups and their positive/negative experiences.

P.S. It is hard to fight gravity regardless of age & strength.

As you stated in your first post....Your balance isn't up to par' So it doesn't make a buying point that the wheel kit is easily detachable??...

Gravity always wins out in the end.. And please there is no such thing as a dumb question....Every one on this forum/Trike-Talk at one time was a newbie....There aren't any hard cases here at Trike-Talk....Ask any questions you want to ask,, ..

[cavie]

If you just want a toy to ride around or that's all you have in your budget until you're ready to move up to a full size trike maybe give it a try....Also ....I don't know how old you are but without a reverse its a pain in the Ass backpedaling out of a parking space, Especially on hills...The first time you park pointing down hill you'll know that i mean....

I drove a Honda VTX with a Champion conversion for about 8 years with no reverse. You quickly learn how to park it. Know to read the lay of the land when you come into a parking lot. Only needed help 1 time when I parked wrong. But then I live in Florida.

[Rickshaw47]

Rhino2,

Your unbiased, no nonsense upfront comments have enlightened me to forfeit the thought of buying a 3-wheel trailer rather than a true trike. Thank you.

I will stay with my humble Vespa gts250 for now until the next true trike comes in the 10k price range local sale. Btw, what would you recommend for brand & engine size for an entry level trike without the cost of a car. Thanks.

P.S. I passed on the Piaggio mp3, due to design flaws (steering knots).

[paws]

To get a seat-of-the-pants experience before you jump head-long into a trike purchase, perhaps you could find and participate in a trike riding safety course offered in your area. No point in wasting your money on something you might find you didn’t really want to get into.

[Rickshaw47]

Cavie,

Thank you for sharing your experience, most San Francisco Bay Area hills have no outlets until you see the sign then it is too late.

[Rickshaw47]

I want to thank those who are kind enough to chime in, especially Rhino2.

I will rest the case now until next time . Happy & safe riding everyone . Cheers.

​

[Pegasus1300]

While you are resting your case go down to your local Can AM dealer and take a look at the new Ryker 3 wheeler. Under $10,000. and brand new. Lots of power,great handling and can be set up as you wish and as money allows.

[rhino 2]

While you are resting your case go down to your local Can AM dealer and take a look at the new Ryker 3 wheeler. Under $10,000. and brand new. Lots of power,great handling and can be set up as you wish and as money allows.

Good call Paul..........For some reason that one slipped by me..

[Rickshaw47]

Hello all,

I would like to pick up this subject of discussion with the experience here. As usual all inputs are welcome & appreciated.

I found this local sale interesting and would like your thoughts & advice. This is my first trike with little knowledge from reading this forum.

This sale price has recently reduced from $10,000. Is this a fair price & good buy for a beginner like myself, over 50, riding a vespa 250 recreationally but want something different other than two wheeler. Thanks.

P.S. No trailer hookup without reverse gear per previous adviserly

[Gorilla]

If you can ride it and everything functions as it should and sounds like it is running fine. Sounds like a find.