IRS ve. Live axle trikes

[ben721364]

I would have thought that by now someone would have started a discussion about the relative merits of IRS vs. live axles.

 

[Papa Zook]

I think that they are both great. I don't see any huge advantage of independent over solid axle and Ive ridden both a pretty good bit. The solid axle machines are less maintenance and tend to cost less and the independents have a nice ride.

 

[ben721364]

I think that they are both great. I don't see any huge advantage of independent over live axle and Ive ridden both a pretty good bit. The live axle machines are less maintenance and tend to cost less and the independents have a nice ride.

I think you summed it up very well, Bazooka.

 

[sunshineman]

Question

I am considering triking my 03 1800 and thought there were IRS and straight axle. So is the live suspension the straight axle? I am new at this, if you can't tell.................Thanks, Mike

 

[Trikerjim]

Hi sunshineman and welcome! Yes a "live" axle is the same as straight. You'll find pros and cons about straight vs IRS. Each mfg. has their own little differences regardless which system they use. Like Bazooka said, IRS will usually ride better and live systems seem to have fewer problems or breakage.I have most of my own knowledge of the two from a lot of time on 4 wheelers (ATVs). The live systems are almost indestructable while the IRS rides and handles difficult terrain better. "BUT" not all IRS ride the same, and some live systems ride as well if not better...Gettin better huh?
Best thing is to try and test ride the one(s) your interested in. YOU have to make that decision and it's you money. good luck and again welcome aboard.

 

[Papa Zook]

Jim I agree with you totally. What I meant to say was the two rear end setups are best known for each of those two attributes, but I cannot say that the independent rides markedly better than the solid or "live" axle setup and I have ridden lots of both.

Hop on a Motor Trike or Champion Trike that is setup right and take it for a nice long ride. I dare you to say either has a harsh ride or anything less than plush. The solid rears also tend to have a little less lean (the wrong way) in the twisties. Due to lower cost, less maintenance, etc, I prefer the solid setups but thats just one guy`s opinion. The independent guys will argue that theirs is better. I salute all the manufacturers for producing some great trikes.

 

[Tri-3]

Irs

I recently purchased a Trike Shop IRS conversion with limited riding experience. I thought the IRS would handle bumps better and we have plenty here in NH. Some IRS look very complicated while other are much simplier. I chose the Trike Shop because it looked robust yet simple and used many off the shelf parts. But with my limited test rides I really couldn't feel the difference.

 

[Ron H]

Test Drives

I just took delivery of my first trike. I bought a DFT conversion with IRS. I looked at Trike Shop, Champion, and DFT, but didn't test ride any. It was quite a difference from a two-wheeler on my first ride on the trike, and I don't believe that even had I taken a test drive before deciding, I would have been able to make an educated judgment on how one trike rode and handled vs another. I've only got 200 trike miles under my belt now, and I probably won't feel comfortable until I get around 1000. (I'm a slow learner.)

 

[katfish16]

Ron, it took me about 500 miles to start feeling good and understanding what I was doing. Get out and ride it will come to u and u will learn all the little tricks.

Ride safe

 

[Ron H]

Trike break-in period

Although I've considered a rake modification and engine upgrade, I'm waiting till I have 500-1000 miles before I decide what (if anything) I need to have done. I'm still riding pretty gingerly, especially on anything other than a smooth, level road surface.

 

[John Luciano]

I have a DFT been riding it for 5 years. Took me 300 miles or more to be comfortable.My wife says the rear seat on the ID is smoother ridding than solid axle. I have ridden a MT and a champion for extended periods . Doth great rides.Like comparing a Lexus with a BMW . What do you like stiff or plush. What ever floats your boat. $$$$$ are also a cosidreation. If it means your not gona get a trike because you want ID and it is 3,000 more than you want to spend. GET the solid and forget a bout it.GET on the road and ride ..

 

[TrinityTrike]

Definitions?

Just read this thread for the first time and I offer the following definitions:

Full Differential: The gearing mechanism on the axle which allows the drive wheels to turn at different speeds when cornering.

IRS (Independent Rear Suspension): Uses a full differential with universal jointed axles tied to wheels which move up/down independently of each other.

Straight Axle: Uses a full differential on an axle which has the wheels move up and down together and sprung via the swingarm.

Live Axle: Common to inexpensive ATV's, the rear axle is one solid bar thus preventing the wheels from cornering at different rates and increasing handling difficulties (especially at low speeds).

 

[cjmitch]

I would have thought that by now someone would have started a discussion about the relative merits of IRS vs. live axles.

What is "live" axle?

If you mean a "straight/rigid" axle...

The fact I don't get the feeling the bike is trying to throw me is why I went with straight/Rigid.

Personal perception though

 

[Glennhog]

I just took delivery of my first trike. I bought a DFT conversion with IRS. I looked at Trike Shop, Champion, and DFT, but didn't test ride any. It was quite a difference from a two-wheeler on my first ride on the trike, and I don't believe that even had I taken a test drive before deciding, I would have been able to make an educated judgment on how one trike rode and handled vs another. I've only got 200 trike miles under my belt now, and I probably won't feel comfortable until I get around 1000. (I'm a slow learner.)

Hi Ron! I've been trying to determine what is a good rear axle to use with a Harley conversion. What have you got in yours? I take it, it's a shaft conversion, or do you have a belt?

 

[john]

ins or solid axle

i was at one time considering a champion trike but some people i know [wives] bought pillows to put on the seat because they thought the champion trikes rode rough. i will be going to a motortrike dealers open house to ride a motortrike on june 7th. i have had good reports on this trike installer work who has been installing motortrikes since 1993. the dealer is only 2 or so hrs away from me. like they say good installer good trike bad installer bad trike. i have also talked to people who have had motortrikes put on there goldwings by this deaier and are happy with there trikes.

 

[Ron H]

Glennhog,

My conversion kit was made by DFT. The kit includes the entire rear end -- differential, axle, wheel hubs. It uses the HD belt and, I think, the HD rotors.

 

[bikerdan]

I have a Champion Trike with my Goldwing 1800, for so reason it is riding very rough. My wife complains, and is haveing bladder problems due to rough roads. Had considered the irs, but it soons like I may be wasting money. Open for ideas.

 

[1550vt]

I hate to throw cold water in your face, but if you find a kit that rides as soft as your wife may like....you will never be able to do anything with it but ride the interstates, or poke around any curve. I know...I have had a wife for 43-years and she is not exactly satisfied with my straight axle ride either. But, she loves to travel and has an extra seat-cushion. She also enjoys the stability of the straight-axle in the curves too. I keep it tight so it will handle and it's up to her to decide if she wants to ride or not. She has decided she feels better not swaying in the curves and will take care of her butt the best way she can. You can set one up to ride like a limo or a go-kart, but you can't drive one like you do the other.

 

[Nana]

I have a Champion Trike with my Goldwing 1800, for so reason it is riding very rough. My wife complains, and is haveing bladder problems due to rough roads. Had considered the irs, but it soons like I may be wasting money. Open for ideas.

Dan, what tire pressure do you have in the rear wheels? If you have them at "car tire" pressure, the ride is extremely rough! Try letting the air out to about 20 psi, then adjust up or down a pound or two at a time to find your optimum. Most seem to be most comfortable somewhere between 18 and 25 psi. I ride solo and keep mine at about 17 or 18, otherwise it is too rough.

 

[1550vt]

Lucky lady there Nana. If I tried 17 in mine....I would roll-over leaving the driveway. 24-25 works for me.