Trike Conversion Kits Most Preferred

[T-Rex]

I'm new to this forum and am trying to decide which Trike Conversion Kit to use on my 2010 Honda Goldwing. You experienced Trike owners and riders are the best people to ask this important question because you've been there and done that!

I'm interested in hearing about the different types of kits, pros and cons of each kit, any cost associtated with installation, insurance cost, etc. I'll be reading the post daily to catch up on any information that has already been posted.

While at Lake George in May I visited a few of the Trike Conversion vendors, I remember Lehman and Hannigan. One of them, I forget which even had a finance plan to assist new customers.

Because of my lousy back and knees, the Trike conversion may have to take place early next year, health and finances willing. I would like to make the trip to Sturgis on my trike next year.

Thanks for any info you may be able to provide, ride safe and enjoy life on the road.

T-Rex

 

[don graham]

I'm happy with our 07 GW with the California Sidecar Conversion. We bought it because we liked the looks and from what others said about it. No problems yet with it. Always seems to draw a crowd when we're stopped. It's fun to watch people go by and stop and look it over. Had a guy at a traffic light this afternoon ask us if he could get one at the local Harley dealer. Seemed disappointed when we told him it was a Honda. :laugh:

 

[Cycleguy]

I'm new to this forum and am trying to decide which Trike Conversion Kit to use on my 2010 Honda Goldwing. You experienced Trike owners and riders are the best people to ask this important question because you've been there and done that!

I'm interested in hearing about the different types of kits, pros and cons of each kit, any cost associtated with installation, insurance cost, etc. I'll be reading the post daily to catch up on any information that has already been posted.

While at Lake George in May I visited a few of the Trike Conversion vendors, I remember Lehman and Hannigan. One of them, I forget which even had a finance plan to assist new customers.

Because of my lousy back and knees, the Trike conversion may have to take place early next year, health and finances willing. I would like to make the trip to Sturgis on my trike next year.

Thanks for any info you may be able to provide, ride safe and enjoy life on the road.

T-Rex

Concern over which is the "best" kit is something that happens mostly before conversions. Afterwards, everyone seems to like their personal choice. Failures are the issue after conversion.

In terms of failures, picking the right installer is more important than the brand. A good installer will have fewer failures, and be better to work with, if you have a failure.

So, my advice is pick the installer first. Local is good, experience is good, references are good.

Talk to your insurance agent about insurance issues.

It seems to vary a lot by location, others experiences may not be relevant.

I have a DFT. I like the mechanical design, and the quality of the kit, the fabrications. The design is pretty unique.

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/vbpgi...8&d=1322374572

It's more expensive than most, to me it's worth it. There is a fairly strong movement toward independent suspension trikes, which tend to ride better.

 

[adaptolife]

I use Ghost Wheels because they let me ride a 2 wheeler, yet hold up my bike at low speeds or stopped. They are also cheaper and lighter than a 3 wheel conversion. Cons? I have to flip a switch instead of putting my feet down or up. If I stop and don't flip switch? Down she goes, to about a 45 degree angle (wheel system stop the fall about when the floorboards hit the pavement). Have done it 14 times over 5 years. Picked her up, and on my way, no harm no foul.

 

[Gunny_]

I am completely satisfied with my Hanningan, would pick them again. Great people and customer support. I especially like the indepenent axles. Let us know what brand you go with.

 

[Rog3419]

I have a MotorTrike which i love an got it at L&M Sales in Glenwood, Minnesota 1-320-634-3135, they are Great people to work with and are fair on Prices.....

 

[americanbadass]

There is no ironclad, definitive answer to this question. You could have a great kit, and if it is not installed right, you have issues. This is a very subjective question, and every answer here is correct! I think CSC has the best engineering, and is very good looking-even adds some wheelbase for more stability and a smoother ride. It is also about the most expensive. This being said, you can't go wrong with Champion, MT, Hannigan, DFT, Roadsmith, etc. They are all great kits. Read up, and have a good sit down with the installers in your area- learn and you will make the right decision.

 

[A WINGER]

I am very happy with Hannigan. I used Trike Traders which is only an hour away from you in FL. They handle Hannigan, Calif SC, Motor Trike and others. Shaun and family are great to work with. If you take a trip over they will probably have several on the floor that will allow you a comparison.
Keep us posted.
A

 

[DeerWrangler]

I have a Lehman and cant find a bad thing to say about it. Getting use to a 3 wheeler is totally diff from 2 wheels and that teks some getting use to.

The Independant suspension of other kits do seem to make them ride a little smoother where as the No Lean suspension of the Lehman seems to make it corner smoother...

As others have said " There really is NO BEST KIT" out threre and everyone has their own preferrences as to what they like about their ride.. Getting a good installer who does the job right and backs up his work is more critical that what KIT make you buy..
Whatever brand you choose i am sure you will be thrlled with it.

 

[saab9k]

Been reading here for several month, all the kits are well build. The skill of the installer can make a difference, if he/she is not paying attention to details. Routing wires correctly, strapping everything down ( wires , hoses ) use washers, spacers where needed.

All the manufacturer are going to have quality issues sometimes, it will come town to their customer service are willing to correct it, or being in denial there is a problem.
Have been having some problems with my trike, small items, there was very easy to correct, it just did not work that way.
$8000. kit, 2 parts to get correct part value less than $ 12.00 total, but not available at store next door.

 

[pigbike]

Whether to buy a solid axle or independant kit might also be a consideration depending on where you live. If the roads are bad, independant might be a better choice. Here in Florida the roads are smooth and a solid axle is ok.

The solid axle is not as wide in the rear as the others. Some of the independants are really wide.

I was concerned about this but ended up with a solid axle, and have no regrets. My wife also does not complain (well not about the ride).

Seems like most are going independant these days, but they do lean in turns, at least the one I tried did. You will find that riding a trike is totally different in a turn, and one that leans is not better.

I would take a test ride on a few. I know a test ride made a major decision for me.

 

[Shimpy]

Seems everybody is happy with their conversion and that is good. I'd be interested in which conversion sells the most.

 

[saab9k]

Seems everybody is happy with their conversion and that is good. I'd be interested in which conversion sells the most.

Warranty and customer support from the manufacturer is very inportant too.

Solid axel setup has less moving parts, don't need an alignment.

 

[americanbadass]

Warranty and customer support from the manufacturer is very inportant too.

Solid axel setup has less moving parts, don't need an alignment.

Not to be contradictory-but I built a solid axle trike 3 years ago, and it need to be aligned much like an IRS! I do agree with everything you said but that.

 

[saab9k]

Not to be contradictory-but I built a solid axle trike 3 years ago, and it need to be aligned much like an IRS! I do agree with everything you said but that.

Please explain a few details what to do.

 

[americanbadass]

Please explain a few details what to do.

OK, on most solid axle rear ends there are adjustment points on either side near the hub. You can adjust the axle forward or backward from either position. If you would like to see an example-google the DNA trike kit.
Your Buddy
AmericanBadAss

 

[saab9k]

OK, on most solid axle rear ends there are adjustment points on either side near the hub. You can adjust the axle forward or backward from either position. If you would like to see an example-google the DNA trike kit.
Your Buddy
AmericanBadAss

Yes like on a Yamaha, so the belt will be in the the middle of the pullies. All done when installing trike kit.

Yes and buddy badass, then it is fixed. If you don't move it it, it won't move.

Stay alined.

:Trike1:

 

[John Luciano]

12years with my DFT ind rear, and I never do anything but grease it every other year. Drives as straight as an arrow, even hands free.
To answer the original question. The most PREFERED has a lot to do with the almighty $$$$ .

 

[saab9k]

12years with my DFT ind rear, and I never do anything but grease it every other year. Drives as straight as an arrow, even hands free.
To answer the original question. The most PREFERED has a lot to do with the almighty $$$$ .

$$$$$ yes that too.

 

[RPMDR]

I have a 1200 Sportster that I am going to convert to a trike. Anyone familar with Frankenstein Trikes. Any Quirks about install. All responses are welcome. RPMDR