Current Biker -- Potential Triker

[Stumpy]

I'm at the age where I have to consider some changes. My reflexes, eyesight, and situational awareness are still above average, but my knees, lower back, and shoulders are starting to feel the years. I'm in the process of setting up a DR-650 as a light tourer, but even that may be too much weight for my knees. I can handle it all right if I do everything right, but I'm afraid that if/when I put my foot down in a patch of loose gravel I'm going down. Then I have to look around for a couple of teenagers to help me pick up the bike. <img src="images/smilies/frown.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Frown" class="inlineimg" /><br />
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Accordingly, I'm considering trikes. I have an older Suzuki Savage that finally needs the usual plug replacement in the head, which might make a good base for a trike. For support, I have a master-mechanic friend who is also one righteous machinist and welder, who is just finishing up a V-8 powered trike that he built the frame, sheet metal, and many other components of from scratch. He even designed and built some of the punches and brakes to do the sheet metal work.<br />
<br />
So, I'll be perambulating around, mostly reading, and asking some elementary questions. I know very little about trike construction, and thus some of my questions/opninions will be naive.

 

[Nana]

Hi Stumpy....... ask away! We've got a great membership who love to help with a new build. You'll find all sincere questions are welcomed!

 

[jfingalls]

Hello Stumpy, welcome to the Forum where you will find all of the friendship and knowledge that you can handle. Your decision process is a familiar one for many of us. I had a stroke many years ago that affected my balance so a Trike was the right choice and we love it. There are several threads in the forum that accress many of your quesitions already so take a look and bring on the questions. Good Luck with your endeavor!!

 

[Ol' Grey]

Welcome aboard......

The Suzuki Savage is a great, dependable bike for solo rider bopping in it's 2-wheeled version, but please keep in mind that as a single cylinder, 650cc's, top speed of maybe 85 mph w/rider only and rated at approx. 27 HP, it might not be the best platform for building a trike......unless you plan on installing a beefier motor in the frame.

Good luck in whatever you decide and Ride Safe........ThumbUp

 

[CCrider]

Stumpy, welcome to the best trike forum on the internet. Your in good company, lots of friendly , ready to help folks on this forum.

 

[Gorilla]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Stumpy</strong>
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<div class="message">I'm at the age where I have to consider some changes. My reflexes, eyesight, and situational awareness are still above average, but my knees, lower back, and shoulders are starting to feel the years. I'm in the process of setting up a DR-650 as a light tourer, but even that may be too much weight for my knees. I can handle it all right if I do everything right, but I'm afraid that if/when I put my foot down in a patch of loose gravel I'm going down. Then I have to look around for a couple of teenagers to help me pick up the bike. <img src="images/smilies/frown.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Frown" class="inlineimg" /><br />
<br />
Accordingly, I'm considering trikes. I have an older Suzuki Savage that finally needs the usual plug replacement in the head, which might make a good base for a trike. For support, I have a master-mechanic friend who is also one righteous machinist and welder, who is just finishing up a V-8 powered trike that he built the frame, sheet metal, and many other components of from scratch. He even designed and built some of the punches and brakes to do the sheet metal work.<br />
<br />
So, I'll be perambulating around, mostly reading, and asking some elementary questions. I know very little about trike construction, and thus some of my questions/opninions will be naive.</div>

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</div>welcome aboard glad you joined us

 

[trikerslave]

<img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z329/susanhud50/WELCOME%20TO%20THE%20GROUP/welcome.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> Welcome, a trike is a great move, enjoy............................................. ....<img src="images/smilies/trike 1 smilie.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Trike1" class="inlineimg" /> <img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" />

 

[drumdoctor]

Stumpy,

Welcome aboard!
This is the best trike site on the web!

Please seriously consider selling the Savage and getting a bigger bike for a trike conversion.
A friend of mine converted his Savage to a trike and was very disappointed in the performance after it was converted.
It just would not go.
It was in great condition, but just lacked the horsepower to move the extra weight of a trike.
He sold it to a lady who just putted around the area--it was perfect for her.

Once again, welcome and ride safe.

Keep us informed as to what you bought or built.

 

[rwhgme]

Welcome! Consider up engineing for safety and longevity.you will not regret triking!

 

[skuuter]

WELCOME to TRIKE TALK....You're at the right place for Your Trike Questions.....ThumbUp