I would like YOUR INPUT for a future story in RoadRUNNER Magazine!

[Mavrick]

Wayne I had a tow pac on a 650 burgman and was very satisfied with the ride. Did not have it long enough to comment on tire wear. I would expect that would depend a lot on how good of an alignment job was done on the install. Gas mileage suffered down to mid 40's MPG.

Thank's Gorilla, all this information helps, of course there is also ALOT of disinformation out there too. Which is why I turn to you folks for the real "low-down." Like in the old Oldsmobile AD said; "Ask the man who owns one." What I am also picking up on is that several of the kits mount to inadequate/weak points on the bike, such as the crash bars. I would love to hear from any members who have these units, and just where in fact they are mounted. Additionally, were you able to do-it-yourself, or did you require professional assistance.

FYI: I have notified Voyager, Richland Roadster and Tow Pac of my intention to do this article and requested their participation. It will be "interesting" to see who will even respond to my request, unfortunately most companies don't understand the simple courtesy of customer service. Stay tuned.

 

[TonkaDriver]

Old Dog Always Learning New Tricks

The instructor was right. Teaching a old dog new tricks, just doesn’t happen.

When I was in the trades, the best tecnitions were greenhorns.

I strongly disagree. Attitude determines your ability to learn. I learned how to run heavy equipment at 52 and still learn new tricks at 59.

Kurt

 

[trike lady]

I had the Voyager on my GL1500 Goldwing and the mounting points used were where the center stand was and off the engine mounts with longer bolts. The rear for the suspension set up, you had to remove the axle to install the arms. Then you had to set everything so it would track right. I installed it myself. It's mounted to very solid points on the Goldwing, not sub-frames or crash guards.

 

[Big Juice]

My bottom line.......

IF I could still ride a 2 wheeler, safely, comfortably and efficiently, I would!

BUT I can't at this age and condition, so to keep myself "in the wind" I needed to make adjustments and I did. I triked out my 1900cc V-twin, put 30K on it and love it, then bought a Spyder F3 and loving it more! So as I personally evolved, I evolved my needs, and my pleasure continues! Ride ON!

 

[Mavrick]

I had the Voyager on my GL1500 Goldwing and the mounting points used were where the center stand was and off the engine mounts with longer bolts. The rear for the suspension set up, you had to remove the axle to install the arms. Then you had to set everything so it would track right. I installed it myself. It's mounted to very solid points on the Goldwing, not sub-frames or crash guards.

Everything you folks are saying is excellent! I have always believed you get more truth from owners than manufacturers, and their PR. While on that subject; I am dismayed that after more than a weeks time I have yet to receive a reply from; Tow Pac, Richland or Voyager? IF, I don't get anything very soon, I will call them direct, time is ticking away on this story.

Plus I will be covering HD's 115th Celebration this coming week and will be out of touch, loosing more ground. Oh well, that's life, just keep the info coming, and, thank's!

 

[Burnerboy]

I rode "two" since 16 years old (52 years), (I always had a motorcycle in my garage) Well, last year I got very sick, with a serious medical emergency, while at the tail of the Dragon, Well anyways, doctor told my wife and me NO MORE MOTORCYCLE RIDING....

Last year I triked "her" out, with a Roadsmith , model, and believe me I will never look back.....................

I love riding three!!

Ronnie

 

[Burnerboy]

How about a comparison test on all the models....Roadsmith, CSC, Motor trike, Hannigan, ect, ect..........

Ronnie

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I got my first two wheeler in 1973 and the wife and i rode two up until 1986 when she got her own bike.We rode on our own bikes until 2012 when her health wouldn't allow her to ride solo any more.I continued to ride solo until 2016 when we got our first trike and we both love it,i still have a two wheeler when she doesn't feel like going or i'm going to work.For me having one of each is the best of both worlds.Pros of riding two wheels,leaning into the curves,more sporty feeling.Cons of two wheels,wet roads,gravel,grass in roadway and the chance of it siding out from under you or dropping it.Pros of riding three wheels,Unbelievable stability,no worries of gravel,wet roads,grass,not having to worry about dropping it or having it slide out from under you,better visibility,cornering is a blast.Cons of riding three wheels,not leaning in the curves.Just one mans opinion.

 

[bikerbillone]

The wife and I like to ride, at least once a year, from Florida to TN to ride the twisties, at 85, I might just be the oldest rider on this forum, have started in 1968 on two wheels. So, with the wife and I and loaded, that GW got to be a bit heavy, especially on those canted mountain roads, so in 2012, it was time. I did my homework and the Road Smith conversion happened, I never looked back. Do I miss two wheels, maybe a a little, but we do what we need to do to continue the journey. I look forward to more happy riding years and the pleasure it provides.

 

[Mavrick]

How about a comparison test on all the models....Roadsmith, CSC, Motor trike, Hannigan, ect, ect..........

Ronnie

I am hoping that the magazine will let me do that as a follow up story, but that's not my call.

 

[Ray Paige]

I recently started riding three(4) wheels, out of necessity. Serious back problems made it impossible for me to ride reliably on two wheels, and I thought my riding days were over. I converted my bike with a Voyager MTC unit, and life is great again. The only change I may make in the future would be to switch to a true trike. For the present, however, I am totally satisfied with my Voyager.

I did the conversion with the help of my wife, who by the way is a top wrench, and we had no problems at all. The instruction booklet furnished easy to understand info and Voyager customer service was top notch. Locating a used Voyager frame and purchasing the new mounting kit from Voyager got me riding again for about $1,786. Even if I had to purchase a new conversion kit from Voyager, I would consider it a bargain for the results.

I would encourage anyone who is considering a trike for any reason to try an outrigger unit initially. The price; ability to return to 2 wheels in about 20 minutes; no permanent modifications to your motorcycle, ease of resale for both bike and outrigger unit, all make it a wise choice. For me, at 80 years, my Voyager is the only way to still enjoy the ride!

 

[dougv]

Hi Wayne, first off I want to say thanks for bringing trikes back to Road Runner, I have been a subscriber for many years. I do remember a few articles, some recent where Spyders were used.

I started riding bikes over 46 years ago at 18 up to my early 30's when my son was born. For 23 years my wife and I didn't ride, nor did I own a bike but when my son turned 23, we had an opportunity to buy a bike for him. I got back into it as well and probably started with something too big, a 1987 Kawasaki Voyager. I sold that and bought a VN900 and still was not comfortable. People who are members of Trike Talk and live in the same town had a rally locally and that was it, I was hooked. I'm more comfortable and wife is happy so life is good...

Well I looked at several options and of course had sticker shock, including what it would cost to trike my VN900. I did explore the training wheels option but it seems like a lot of people who go that route eventually go with a full trike. I ended up buying a 1997 Honda Goldwing GL1500SE that was triked by a local dealer with 32,000 miles, excellent condition, new tires and a 2011 CSC kit. I still have this trike and it has been very reliable. It does have a solid axel but except for sharp bumps, it is comfortable to ride.

My suggestion to you would be to look for an older Goldwing that has been triked already if cost is an issue.

Looking forward to seeing the articles and welcome aboard from Ct.