2009 goldwing motor trike adventure kit problems

[DragonSlayer129]

Just purchased a 2009 level 4 wing with a motor trike adventure (ind rear sus) kit installed. As the previous owner was from OK (I'm in OH) the trike kit was installed at the MT factory in TX when the bike had zero miles on it.......it now has 80K on the clock. Problems we are encountering is that on straight roads it rides great but take it to the twisties and it acts as if it wants to lay over and waller around like a pig in mud.

Is there a specific place to look for worn parts due to mileage on the trike kit? Wondering about shock bushings allowing the suspension to become somewhat soft an out of control in curves. Possibly sway bar end links or bushings (rubbers) that have somewhat egged out of shape over time and have "play" in the mounting points?

Next question. Where could I find replacement parts (bushings) for these as I have no idea what make or model vehicle the swaybars were originally used on. Been told the rear brake pads are from a mid 2000's ford escape buts that's it.

Also I'm having an issue with the factory air ride switch on the right faring pod. When we first bought it a month or so ago you could add air but not dump air via the rocker switch. Now roughly a month and 750 miles later the air pressure rocker switch doesn't function to air up or dump air and the digital display has gone blank......the volt gauge above the pressure display is also dead. Have already checked the #20 fuse in the fuse box for the original suspension control switch and it's good. Any other place the trike manufacturer pulls power from for the switch or compressor?

Sorry for all the questions but I'm new to the trike world but not to riding. We also have a 2001 valkyrie interstate (2 wheeler) and my vintage CBR 600F3 with 68K on the clock...bought new back in '95 (yes my younger more flexible days)

[Gorilla]

Just purchased a 2009 level 4 wing with a motor trike adventure (ind rear sus) kit installed. As the previous owner was from OK (I'm in OH) the trike kit was installed at the MT factory in TX when the bike had zero miles on it.......it now has 80K on the clock. Problems we are encountering is that on straight roads it rides great but take it to the twisties and it acts as if it wants to lay over and waller around like a pig in mud.

Is there a specific place to look for worn parts due to mileage on the trike kit? Wondering about shock bushings allowing the suspension to become somewhat soft an out of control in curves. Possibly sway bar end links or bushings (rubbers) that have somewhat egged out of shape over time and have "play" in the mounting points?

Next question. Where could I find replacement parts (bushings) for these as I have no idea what make or model vehicle the swaybars were originally used on. Been told the rear brake pads are from a mid 2000's ford escape buts that's it.

Also I'm having an issue with the factory air ride switch on the right faring pod. When we first bought it a month or so ago you could add air but not dump air via the rocker switch. Now roughly a month and 750 miles later the air pressure rocker switch doesn't function to air up or dump air and the digital display has gone blank......the volt gauge above the pressure display is also dead. Have already checked the #20 fuse in the fuse box for the original suspension control switch and it's good. Any other place the trike manufacturer pulls power from for the switch or compressor?

Sorry for all the questions but I'm new to the trike world but not to riding. We also have a 2001 valkyrie interstate (2 wheeler) and my vintage CBR 600F3 with 68K on the clock...bought new back in '95 (yes my younger more flexible days)

Brian

Motor Trike used what they call a ladder suspension that they had built for their kits. I'm not real familiar with the design of your kit but they used the same design on the Stallion trike. Places to look if the suspension is close to the same, is the joints at the end of the ladder bars. They can wear out. Also there is a cross bar that ties the ladders together that has joints on the end. Shocks might also be shot with that many miles of riding.

Parts for Motor Trike are mostly made just for them. They want you to order replacement parts through their dealer network. So you need to find a dealer close to you. Motor trike is a solid company they just used a lot of their OWN design for parts making it so you have to go to them to get replacement. Sometimes you can modify a part to work, but not often.

My suggestion is get with a dealer and see what needs to be done. Order parts and go at it.

Good Luck and ride safe.

[DragonSlayer129]

Here is a better description for "waller in the mud like a hog" feeling our wing has. Going around a left hand turn it feels as if the inside wheel is going to lift and there is a LOT of roll (riding 2 up it's worse than solo). Going around a right hand turn the results are about the same just not as much roll and feels more stable (aka inside tire doesn't feel as it wants to lift.

This is what is leading me to worn out shock bushings (like I had on my vtx1300r when it handled poorly) or possibly sway bar bushings or links that are also worn. Will look into the ladder bars and end joints this week as suggested.....would rather fix myself as to spend the 110 an hour shop rate at our local dealer. They were telling me 600-800 just to fix the air ride switch issue and that price didn't include any other suspension work should I need it. By the way this thing handles I'm guessing there would be some sort of suspension work needed as well.

Previous owner bought the trike in OK and brought it back to OH were he put roughly 14K miles on it in 2 years. The 09 was a trike from day one and trike kit was put on the bike at the MT factory in TX since it was only about 45 minutes from the original owner. Guy I bought the trike from also has a 2005 hannigan trike with 200K miles on the clock that he bought new and triked at 60K. After he put roughly 14K on the '09 he decided that he liked his old trike better and was going to sell the 09 to free up some money......figured it was a waste to have 2 trikes in the garage. Did I mention that the guy I bought it from was 80......would never have guessed him to be more than 60 by appearance alone. Guess riding a wing trike keeps you young at heart and I can use all that I can get.

Do I regret buying this trike as it was the first newer 1800 trike we rode? Not really. For what most 2007 - 2009 trikes with 30-50K on the clock were going for around here (north of 20K without navi and heated seat and grips) I think I can stick a little money into this one and have a good riding and handling trike for quite a bit less than 20K.

We gave $17,500 for the '09 trike with heated seat/grips - navi with latest map update - newer rear and front tire (less than 14K on the set) - rebuilt front end (new progressive springs and sliders) - new brakes on the front - full service from the local honda dealer (oil change and flush brake fluid and coolant). Have all the paperwork for new parts and service since he has owned it. So it's not the usual story of I've rebult this thing from top to bottom but have no paperwork to prove any of the work or parts.

[trikeman]

If you have the IRS, you don’t have the (ladder bar) type set up. Ladder bars design is used on SA (straight axle). IRS on the MT is more complicated and will need to be checked by a trained MT tech. Contact MT to locate a installer in your area.

[trikeman]

This is the MT Adventure. Very different from the Ladder Bar design on the SA design. Good luck and congrats on your new to you trike. When it’s fixed you’ll be a happy triker.

[Marc H]

I think you have the right starting point with the sway bar for sure.I've only had a look at 1 Motortrike and was doing what you describe.If I remember right it was IRS just mounted on a different brand bike.I don't know everything that was worn but 1 of the sway bar to frame mounts had fell off his.I don't know what all if anything was found later.

[vwbug72501]

If your inspection turns up worn bushings then something like this might be a good source: https://www.suspension.com/universal-bushings.asp

A lot of "custom" consumable parts are really industry standard parts. This is especially true of smaller manufacturers.

[DragonSlayer129]

Called MT this week for some info regarding the shock and sway bar bushings. Talked to Richard and he was a great source of info regarding these kits. He was saying that the sway bar links should be an off the shelf part at any auto parts store and that the shocks are progressive brand....no mention of any p/n's but said to call any MT dealer in my area for replacement parts.

Called a local dealer (closest is roughly 2 hours away) to get a price for the parts and to see if they had inventory of any of the parts. No such luck and better yet couldn't even give me a price on any of the parts that they would have to order. Really a dealer has no idea as to what parts cost? Worst part it was 3:30 here in OH and if I remember right MT is in TX (at least an hour behind us so 2:30) and the dealer I called tells me they won't be able to call MT till tues or wed of next week to get a price for the parts I inquired about. Poor service at best in my mind.

Anyone have an idea of sway bar diameter? Looking at universal poly bushing kits off amazon.....20 to 30 bux for a full kit.

Should have measured the sway bar when I had the tires off it last weekend. Noticed the shock bushings are pretty much toast (bolt is way off center on lower mount). You can see where the bolt & washer has been sliding up and down on the face of the shock mount. Sway bar has over a 1/4" of daylight between bushings on the end links with only one wheel jacked up. Thinking those 2 things are leading the way in the less than stellar handling.....might replace the bags too while its all tore apart.

Any other advice?

[trikeman]

Monday is Labor Day. I’m sure they are closed. I would suggest calling the MT dealer again Tuesday morning and give him a friendly reminder. MT is usually good about getting parts supplied to customers. Keep in mind trike kits aren’t mass produced. Most kits/parts are in limited supply/stock at dealers and because of COVID it’s more painful for everyone when ordering said parts from the customer all the way up or down the food chain. Good luck with your repairs.

[Gorilla]

If you are doing your own work have the dealer drop ship directly to you. Also just FYI MT is closed on Fridays also.

[DragonSlayer129]

Giant dealer finally called me back (2 weeks later) regarding the shock bushings and sway bar bushings.....almost fell down at the price he quoted me. Who would have guessed that a few pieces of rubber would run over 200 bux. Worst part dealer wouldn't drop ship to me directly.....they expected me to pay 20 bux for shipping (to get the parts to them) and then another 8 bux after that to ship the parts to me. Told them to forget it and called another shop here in Ohio that is a motor trike and csc installer.

Let's just say that the second shop....Trikes by Rodney was great to work with. They called motor trike and got me a price the same day and it seemed odd that the price was completely different from the first dealer. Shock bushings for all 4 was only 38 bux and dropped shipped to the house was only 15 bux. Now hopefully the parts make it here before we leave on our trip next weekend.

The wife has never been on a motorcycle trip and actually brought the idea up for her birthday weekend getaway. How can I say no to the wife to take a bike trip with our new to us trike. Picked up a 2005 time out trailer a few weeks ago so we now have room for her normal packing.....everything but the kitchen sink....for vacations.

[DragonSlayer129]

Shock bushings are here.....hard to believe 4 poly spools that size cost $53. But by the looks of the old bushings I think they have been tired for quite some time. The new bushings were a real pain to install....little heat and a c-clamp helped get them installed.

[BelindaCruz]

I think an expert is really useful for the tasks.

[rhino 2]

I think an expert is really useful for the tasks.

...Chiarifcare..........

[SteveEads]

This is the MT Adventure. Very different from the Ladder Bar design on the SA design. Good luck and congrats on your new to you trike. When it’s fixed you’ll be a happy triker.

i have a 2010 goldwing M/T irs like the picture i will tell you this i am not going to tackle the alignment on my trike taking to dealer for that but how and where is adjustment done at i have been under the trike for hours and i guess i am blind cause i could not fine anything that would fix the problem i am having

these tires only have 5200 miles on them

[SteveEads]

This is the MT Adventure. Very different from the Ladder Bar design on the SA design. Good luck and congrats on your new to you trike. When it’s fixed you’ll be a happy triker.

so where and what do you look for to set the toe on a kit like your picture these tires only have 5200 miles on them and they are toasted. i am taking to a M/T dealer hear in Ind. but like to know where they are working on

[Vulcanscott]

Shock bushings are here.....hard to believe 4 poly spools that size cost $53. But by the looks of the old bushings I think they have been tired for quite some time. The new bushings were a real pain to install....little heat and a c-clamp helped get them installed.

did it help with the body roll and did they ever give you numbers for the bushings ?

[rhino 2]

did it help with the body roll and did they ever give you numbers for the bushings ?

The best way to put in the bushings and also bearings is to put them in the freezer overnight..👍..

[GoldWingrGreg]

so where and what do you look for to set the toe on a kit like your picture these tires only have 5200 miles on them and they are toasted. i am taking to a M/T dealer hear in Ind. but like to know where they are working on

I know the question above was asked long ago, but here's an answer. First and foremost, if those tires have 5,200 miles on them, then the air pressure was either poorly maintained, or there were lots of burn offs. However, usually lots of burn offs will show faster right tire wear, which is what is shown, but the little wear differance from left to right does not support burn offs ... so that leaves an air pressure issue. The owner needs to follow the requred air pressure as listed in their trike Owner's Manual. To low and the tire internal temperature gets to warm which = faster tread wear.

Second, most trike owners replace their trike tires when they are half worn. The reason is this. Since trikes are not heavy, the rear tires tend to float and offer poor traction in wet conditions. The thicker the tread, the safer they are.

As for looking for uneven wear, which indicates an alignment is needed, those tires have little to no uneven wear. To tell, look for excessive wear in the middle or on either inboard, or outbord edge. When looking at the ones below, keep in mind that both have lived well past their life, and even then would be considered very even wearing. Like a car, the tire on the right, often is faster wearing. Mostly the faster wear is do to always going down a rougher tract then the tire on the left.



For a better explination about reading uneven tire wear, look here.



Sorry about the next picture. It's for the next post.

- - - Updated - - -

Regarding the bushing. They can be ordered from MT for about $8 each. However, in the picture below, I would seriously question the integrity of where the bushing gets pressed into. From my arm chair, the owner was not following the Maintenace Schedule that came with is trike kit. If the trike was inspected as needed, the bushing would have been found long ago prior to the lower mount now looking all beat-up and no longer usable. If anyones needs an Owner's Manual for their trike, most trike manufactures offer them on their web pages.

[Vulcanscott]

mine on the trike I bought look similar and I am thinking the shocks are not worth bushings . I have a brand new set of 13 inch 444s. going to try and get correct length this week and either install or sell them for what fits .