Triking My Ultra

[Greydog]

I'm really considering having a Champion Kit installed on my '08 Ultra. I've done a lot of research on the web trying to get all my ducks in a row before I pull the trigger. Is it worth the extra money to boost the engine to 103CI to compensate for the extra weight? I already have Rinehart True Duals, Ness Big Sucker A/C and the SERT installed and tuned. I was going to have the reverse option installed as well as the EZ Steer but am having second thoughts about the reverse as I'm pretty tall and should be able to back it up if the situation arises. I have no reason to trike the bike other than.....I just want a trike. Attached is a photo of the bike I want to convert.

 

[Nana]

Now that will make a beautiful trike !

 

[Dwight]

Greydog,

I don't have reverse on my 07, just watch how/where you park and you'll be ok. Your choice on the 103, I did it, plus I ended up changing the gearing (lower). My kit is CSC and I think it's probably heavier than the Champion. The drive system on the CSC makes gearing changes tuff, check with Champion on what you can do. The 6 speed trannys are geared too high in low and I always had to slip the clutch and listen to it ping until I got it moving. The new gearing cured that.

Dwight

 

[jkchipster]

I have a 06 ultra with a Lehman kit. Slip ons and stage one. The low end is excellent and top end I can run about 90 max. I only have the 5 speed so that may be the difference. I do wish I had more punch when I'm running 75 or 80 on the Interstate I would like to hit 100 if I needed it to pass or GET OUT OF THE WAY of some bad drivers. I think I will build the motor and go for a bigger clutch and may be add at 6th gear when I get a few more miles on it. But all in all I love the ride compared to two wheels.

 

[Greydog]

I have a 06 ultra with a Lehman kit. Slip ons and stage one. The low end is excellent and top end I can run about 90 max. I only have the 5 speed so that may be the difference. I do wish I had more punch when I'm running 75 or 80 on the Interstate I would like to hit 100 if I needed it to pass or GET OUT OF THE WAY of some bad drivers. I think I will build the motor and go for a bigger clutch and may be add at 6th gear when I get a few more miles on it. But all in all I love the ride compared to two wheels.

I really have no need to run 100Mph. Did it once by accident, with the wife on the back, when passing a couple cars. Thought I was doing about 80 til I glanced at the speedo and saw 103MPH!! I generally run about 70 on the interstate and let the folks in a hurry go on by. I'm more into comfort over the long haul than speed. My goal is to find a happy medium between the performance I have now and what the trike will give me. I'm leaning towards bumping the engine to 103" to recover what I anticipate I'll lose in 6th gear. Smaller rear tires also seem to make a difference based on what I've read.

 

[1550vt]

You should be able to get by just fine. I'd opt for changing the gearing as opposed to pumping up the engine. You can drop a couple of teeth on the drive sprocket or even run a little smaller tire. I dropped my rear tire size down to the stock TG (205/65R15) and reduced my rpm buy close to 200-or-so all across the gears. It pulls-away better and runs much better out there on the highway. I had discovered a long time ago there is no gain in fuel mileage by running in 6th., if it lugs the motor and 2700 at 70 in 6th. on a loaded trike lugs the motor. I now run around 2900 in 6th., rarely down-shift to 5th. up hill and the drive train loves it. I would pocket my motor upgrade money and work on the gearing first. You can always put more punch in the motor if you don't like what you have.

 

[BlueTrinity]

Just my :2cents:. It all depends on how tightly your budget is strapped, but I wouldn't trim the reverse unless you absolutely must.

It's true that you can watch where you park, but if like me you want to visit a lot of unusual places, you'll find yourself in spots where there is no ideal place.

We don't hesitate to leave the blacktop and I've been on some sloping gravel areas where it would have taken three men and two boys (slight exageration? :blush: ) to push me back out of parking.

As for the power, I'm running a stock '06 Ultra with only improved breathing, pipes and a Power Commander. The only place I could use a tad more is on a long steep grade. Otherwise, I'm like you and have no need for a white-knuckle burst of power at 70 mph.

Great thing is that what ever you decide will be right for you and you'll love every moment of riding it.

 

[Greydog]

Thanx to all for the insight and info. I keep changing my mind about what to do and gotta get this right the first time. Think I'll take the advice about the reverse and have it installed but take a pass on the engine for now. I can always get that done later if I need it. I'm going to the Dealer and order the kit tomorrow!! Really nice to talk to folks who have a common interest in Trikes. My biker buddies are about to dis-own me for converting to a three wheeler...been takin' a lot of ribbing about it but I only have to make me happy. BTW, is the ride very much stiffer as far as bumps etc.?? Gotta keep the wife comfortable.....and happy!! :yes:

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

Welcome Greydog to the family. Personally, I couldn't do without my reverse and would find it embarrassing to have to push it out of a parking space. I can't touch the ground and so far I have found very few places that I haven't needed my reverse.

 

[Gorilla]

Greydog I just installed reverse on mine. I'm handy so I did it myself. I used the AIM MUMBA kit. It's very similier to the Champion reverse. Love it. I did it for the safety factor of not getting caught where I needed to back up. I went 6 months without it and only needed a push back once.

My trike has a 103 motor because it started life as a police road king, but I believe the 96 would be more than enough. You can always punch it out later. There is no benefit in doing it now as far as expense goes, because it is a completely separate job.

 

[BlueTrinity]

I took a lot of ribbing about going to three as well. Even got the "if I get to the point I can't ride on two wheels, I'll quit riding" spiel from some of my best friends.<br />
<br />
Funny thing, one has now bought a trike and two others are on the verge.<br />
Big thing was that they thought they would have to slow down and wait for me on the hills and curves. :no: <u><i><b>Ain't gonna happen!</b></i></u><br />
<br />
So just grin and bear it. Their attitude is about to change.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

96", set of cams, SERT (all the dyno work done by me), SEAC, true duals, geared down at the primary and it's all the power I need. Will burn both back tires or pull the front end if I want, will pull hills at 80+ and will run over 100 if I push it but I really don't. Sixth gear is no problem with my gearing and I get an average of 35 MPG or so depending on where I get the gas.<br />
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I could do more to the motor but it would be a waste of time and cash. Reverse? Yup, I use mine every now and again when necessary but I mostly use Flintstone reverse.<br />
<br />
The question is... it's not what we have but what do you really want? <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" /> They are work in progress and there's plenty of time to change but it's tougher to install the reverse later or get your rake later than it is to do now. I say that because I set up my bike to be converted later. <br />
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Not trying to tell you what to do or be smart, but a plan is worth it's weight.<br />
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Can't wait to see your conversion before, during and after pics.<br />
<br />
Oh, and don't forget to pick up our take offs. Ebay got me about 1500 bucks back but I got a grand for my bags which may have been an ebay record.

That was like getting the rake or reverse free.<br />
<br />
<br />
Wiz

 

[dwiht]

I have an 08 Ultra with a Lehman kit. I ride lots of hills and curves, no problem with the curves, wish I had a little more power in the hills but think that a lower gear in the primary would be a better answer. I hardly ever use 6th gear and 70 mph is about 2900 on my tach so that helps. I wish first gear was a bit lower and may opt for a gear change. I wish I had reverse especially when pulling a trailer. Whatever you do, you will love the trike. I out corner all of my buddies on two wheels too.

 

[Greydog]

Well folks....I went over to the Dealer Tuesday, with deposit in hand, to order the champion kit. Got all the way to the counter and was talking with the parts girl and I backed out. I think at this point I'll hang on to my money and look for a used Goldwing or Harley Trike that I like and that fits my budget or keep saving and buy a Tri-Glide when I can afford it. I've attempted to trade for a Tri-Glide but the Dealers have so many new bikes on the floor that they won't offer a decent trade in. Best I could get was $18,000.00 for the '08 Ultra Anniversary Edition and with my add-on's I've got close to $26,000.00 in it. Paid over 23K new. Although I'm still on two wheels I hope you all won't mind if I hang around the Forum. Friendly and helpful folks here and I like the atmosphere!!! :yes:

 

[Nana]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Greydog</strong>
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<div class="message">Well folks....I went over to the Dealer Tuesday, with deposit in hand, to order the champion kit. Got all the way to the counter and was talking with the parts girl and I backed out. I think at this point I'll hang on to my money and look for a used Goldwing or Harley Trike that I like and that fits my budget or keep saving and buy a Tri-Glide when I can afford it. I've attempted to trade for a Tri-Glide but the Dealers have so many new bikes on the floor that they won't offer a decent trade in. Best I could get was $18,000.00 for the '08 Ultra Anniversary Edition and with my add-on's I've got close to $26,000.00 in it. Paid over 23K new. <b>Although I'm still on two wheels I hope you all won't mind if I hang around the Forum. Friendly and helpful folks here and I like the atmosphere!!!</b> :yes:</div>

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</div>Greydog, you are absolutely welcome to keep hanging around whether you have a trike or not. Besides, you are still in the market for a trike, and you will continue to gain valuable information and ideas from our membership. So keep on participating!!!!

<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Watch out Greydog.. Nana charges for lurking so keep posting.<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/redface.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Blush" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Greydog]

Thanx folks!!! I'll be looking for a Trike and saving my pennies over the winter. Maybe have something by the time Spring rolls around again!!!

 

[Gorilla]

greydog you don't say what changed your mind from the Champion. I'm really interested in knowing. I have 2 friends that have Tri-Glides and I have my Champion. I may be a little bias but I think my conversion is a much better product then what HD puts out. Nothing wrong with their product but I was able to do everything the way I wanted it instead of having to except how HD built it. The biggest issue was I was able to select a mechanical reverse over an electrical reverse. I was able to keep most of those little items that you add to your 2 wheeler that you will get hardly nothing for on a trade or sell.

 

[Greydog]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>tmigala</strong>
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<div class="message">greydog you don't say what changed your mind from the Champion. I'm really interested in knowing. I have 2 friends that have Tri-Glides and I have my Champion. I may be a little bias but I think my conversion is a much better product then what HD puts out. Nothing wrong with their product but I was able to do everything the way I wanted it instead of having to except how HD built it. The biggest issue was I was able to select a mechanical reverse over an electrical reverse. I was able to keep most of those little items that you add to your 2 wheeler that you will get hardly nothing for on a trade or sell.</div>

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I wish I could tell you what changed my mind but I really don't know myself. Maybe because once the conversion is done....it's done... and I'm gonna have to live with it, like it or not. I've bought and sold four homes over the years and built another but never have I wrestled with a decision like this!!

I haven't seen that any of you folks regret converting your bikes so maybe I should just quit being a freakin' worry wart and gitter done!! Still thinkin' !!

 

[Nana]

You do whatever you need to do to be comfortable with your choice, but I'll bet there are 150 posts on this forum that say: "I wish I had triked it long ago!!!!!" I suspect that sooner or later you'll be on three wheels with the biggest ol' grin, catching bugs in your teeth with the rest of us! <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Greydog, Here's a little inside scoop as to my thinking when I was doing exactly what you are doing right now. Hope this reflection helps even if a little.

To start with I've ridden bikes since I was 16, I'm 53. Stopped when I was raising my kids then got back to riding however I did not stop hanging around biking. I did, however, make a deal with a good friend of mine that worked in the Harley industry to buy another one if he too would get back to riding after a bad accident he had. Well, you can guess the rest.

Now with that said and several bikes later I accidentally ran across a 07 Ultra Peace Officers Special EG that was for sale. Rode it for about a year and found it to be a little too heavy for my taste and with safety issues when two up. I'm not the strongest or youngest stud in the wall. I quit riding it or just didn't ride it much unless there were a group of people I knew headed for an overnight-er or long ride in the mountains.. hang on, I'm getting there.

The Wifey rides a bike now so there was really no more safety issue with me being able to handle the two up issues but I still found the Ultra was a bit bigger than I wanted/needed. Wifey didn't like to ride long distance either sooooooo.. you guessed it. The trike was the answer. Read all posts and on line info that I could for which conversion and why others convert. Read the "after" and how so many liked their trike and all the attention one gets and head turns while riding. OK, this sounded like a plan.

I worked on my POSE and starting to make the power changes before the trike conversion. (Cams, Dyno, Duals, gearing and such) Just seemed easier for me to do this first. Time was not an issue. I picked Motor Trike for a couple good reasons. 1. I liked the body configuration more so than the Champion such as the fender flair. (it was a personal thing, nothing wrong with Champion) 2. I had a Motor Trike contractor within 45 minutes from my house so I checked out his performance and reputation. This is a HUGE part. If you don't get a good installer then your trike will not be much fun as you are fixing their screw ups instead of riding and will always have that "doubt birdie" tweeting in your ear when riding.

So now, the moment of truth. I put it off then it was back on then I put it off again and again. Money wasn't the issue it was more of "my pour POSE will never be the same again". (any of this sound familiar?)

I sucked it up and just did it one day. Now it's all done. I pulled the trigger like so many of us here and truly enjoy tooling around on the trike. No more safety two up issues, Wifey likes to ride on the back. Last week she rode it in a parking lot and I'll be lucky now to get it back. It is very enjoyable and I, for one, really didn't regret the decision.

Yes, there will be days of reflection. Yes, there will be days of "I miss my old bike, look what I did to her".. but as soon as you mount the trike that goes away, crank her up and get down the road a little and you'll forget all about it because you will be on your TRIKE ! Whoooo Hooooooo Yeah man, Trike baby....

It will take a little getting used to the new feel but after about 500 miles you'll be cruising around like an old pro remembering how wide the back end is now so you don't hit a gas pump or curb or even another bike that you pull next to at a light. Yes, I came close once because I forgot. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades right?

Just about done here and I know I've gotten long winded but someone just can't give you this kind of info in a few simple words. We have several bikes and the trike so when I get the jones for two wheels... poof, I'm gone but it's on a solo seat Harley and that advantage keeps me grinn'n too. The trike can be, sometimes, a little big just to hop on and enjoy a short ride but remember I said "sometimes".

We are all different and for some the decision is a challenge but for those who took the chance and converted their bike or who purchased a new or used trike the feeling of exhilaration is the same. Grab your toothpicks honey, it's time to cruise! Soon it will become a passion that you just can't resist filled with meeting new friends with the same.

Cheers.... get'r-done :yes:

 

[1550vt]

My reasons are real simple. I have admitted before that I have dropped my bikes in just about every state in the union and Canada as well. No big deal...if your wife is not on the back. I have threw that little lady down on pavement, gravel and sand. I will just be short and say that I have never dropped my trike. She can load the rascal down like a pack mule and all it does is just stand straight up after you get off of it no matter what. I often give demonstrations of how I can do doughnuts in gravel parking lots to all my 2-wheel buddies. Well....we all have our reasons and my wife is tickled to death with her trike.

 

[tis]

Greydog: I guess I could just go on telling you what everyone else has said on here. I Triked my 2004 Ultra, I had the big Bore Kit and all the goodies in it. Same situation as yours, dealer did'nt want to give alot for the trade-in, so I decided to Trike it and have never looked back. This board has alot of terrific people that you can gain info from, also there's a few that could do the install for you if you wanted. I did the Hannigan kit, but I almost went with the Champion. Champion does have both a independent and straight axle now. Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be the right decision. I also feel it won't be to long before we're all telling you how nice your '08 looks Triked...........

 

[bdn56]

Greydog, I had many of the concerns you are having. Like Mr Wizard says above, once it was finished, I could not have been more pleased with my decision.
I had the EVO industries comp sprocket installed to change out the gearing.
Other than my tune up, the gearing change showed me the most improvement for the money.
Champion isn't going to go out of business yet. Take your time and when it's right, go for it.

For the Champion reverse. For the EZ Steer.

 

[Greydog]

I went over to Baxter's HD yesterday afternoon and gave him a down payment to order the kit. Going with EZ-Steer and Reverse for starters and will work from there once I see how the conversion performs. Hope it ain't snowing when I bring her home as it looks like around mid-November by the time the kit arrives and is installed!!! I've got some new chrome coming from Kuryakyn.....Thank goodness it goes on the Tour Pak and Fairing so it stays with the trike!!!

 

[Mr.Wizard]

I went over to Baxter's HD yesterday afternoon and gave him a down payment to order the kit. Going with EZ-Steer and Reverse for starters and will work from there once I see how the conversion performs. Hope it ain't snowing when I bring her home as it looks like around mid-November by the time the kit arrives and is installed!!! I've got some new chrome coming from Kuryakyn.....Thank goodness it goes on the Tour Pak and Fairing so it stays with the trike!!!

Way to go!

I just love spending other people's money....I hope to have a trike one day too.






(ok, just kidding)

 

[5thwheel]

Congratulations Greydog!
No one mentioned the best part of having reverse- backing up beside someone who is trying to walk back their big cruiser . I always smile over at Hubby when I back up, especially on gravel :innocent:.

 

[Nana]

I went over to Baxter's HD yesterday afternoon and gave him a down payment to order the kit. Going with EZ-Steer and Reverse for starters and will work from there once I see how the conversion performs. Hope it ain't snowing when I bring her home as it looks like around mid-November by the time the kit arrives and is installed!!! I've got some new chrome coming from Kuryakyn.....Thank goodness it goes on the Tour Pak and Fairing so it stays with the trike!!!

Hey Greydog, This is sooooo exciting! As Ben is also my trike builder, and a great HD dealer, I'm extra excited for you! He will do a wonderful job for you. Let me know when the day is that you will pick it up. We'll ride down and meet you and celebrate your first ride with you :yay: :wtg: :beerchug:

 

[Gorilla]

CONGRATS GREYDOG I do not think you will regret it. IF you love your Ultra it will just go forward to the finished trike. It will just be another accessory that was installed. A very expensive accessory but still!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BlueTrinity]

This is a decision you will never regret and your bike will mak one beautiful trike. Can't wait to see it.