Another Trike

[Greydog]

Well, after thinking I was through riding I sold the Copperhead in July. In August I changed my mind and bought a new 2012 Heritage Softail Classic. I have put only 500 miles on it and REALLY miss my trike!! I'm looking at a Frankenstein kit for the Heritage but I don't know much about that kit except for what I've read on the net. If anyone here is running a Frankenstein I would appreciate comments regarding quality, durability, fit and finish and satisfaction with the product.

I made a bad mistake in selling my trike but I got enough out of it to buy the Heritage and the Frankenstein kit so I can rectify some of my stupidity.

 

[rmrc51]

Well, after thinking I was through riding I sold the Copperhead in July. In August I changed my mind and bought a new 2012 Heritage Softail Classic. I have put only 500 miles on it and REALLY miss my trike!! I'm looking at a Frankenstein kit for the Heritage but I don't know much about that kit except for what I've read on the net. If anyone here is running a Frankenstein I would appreciate comments regarding quality, durability, fit and finish and satisfaction with the product.

I made a bad mistake in selling my trike but I got enough out of it to buy the Heritage and the Frankenstein kit so I can rectify some of my stupidity.

I basically did the same thing as you. I sold my Valkyrie trike (just after I had her all set up the way I wanted) figuring I wouldn't be riding any more. After not more than 4 weeks had passed (probably less than that) I regretted the sale. Proceeds went to buying my current 05 GoldWing/Roadsmith. Pictures will soon follow.

 

[Nana]

I have heard nothing but positives about the Frankenstein kit. We have a friend locally who triked his Road Glide with Frankenstein and absolutely recommends it for quality, ride, and handling as well as price. If the lack of storage is not an issue to you, there is certainly nothing wrong with the kit.

 

[scotty]

I triked my Crossbones softail with a Frankenstein kit. Quality, fit, finish, support, and ease of installation are excellent. My only regret is not looking into an independent rear as the solid axle rides like a solid axle, transferring road irregularities to my springer front end in the form of mild oscillations(so far). A glide front end with a rake kit would probably fix this, but I've got a springer. There is a raked stem kit for the springer that I will try when I can afford it. Mystery Designs has a nice looking naked independent softail rear if you lean that way.

 

[Greydog]

Thanx Nana. I'll be going over to Ohio to talk to Ben about the conversion Tuesday. The kit is supposed to be an easy install so I think they can do it in a day once it arrives.

The lack of storage will be a big PITA but Betty can't tolerate long trips anyway. That's the big reason I sold the Ultra/Champion. I don't feel comfortable riding two up on the Heritage and she still enjoys riding so the Frankenstein seems to be the solution and the best bang for the buck.

 

[msocko3]

Thanx Nana. I'll be going over to Ohio to talk to Ben about the conversion Tuesday. The kit is supposed to be an easy install so I think they can do it in a day once it arrives.

The lack of storage will be a big PITA but Betty can't tolerate long trips anyway. That's the big reason I sold the Ultra/Champion. I don't feel comfortable riding two up on the Heritage and she still enjoys riding so the Frankenstein seems to be the solution and the best bang for the buck.

I know Icebite1 has a Frankenstein kit on a bike.

 

[americanbadass]

I triked my Crossbones softail with a Frankenstein kit. Quality, fit, finish, support, and ease of installation are excellent. My only regret is not looking into an independent rear as the solid axle rides like a solid axle, transferring road irregularities to my springer front end in the form of mild oscillations(so far). A glide front end with a rake kit would probably fix this, but I've got a springer. There is a raked stem kit for the springer that I will try when I can afford it. Mystery Designs has a nice looking naked independent softail rear if you lean that way.

Yes Scotty-raking that springer even 5 degrees should calm down the issues you speak of. The first trike I did years ago, had a stock springer front end and it was just like yours.

 

[scotty]

Yes Scotty-raking that springer even 5 degrees should calm down the issues you speak of. The first trike I did years ago, had a stock springer front end and it was just like yours.

Thanks, that's what I thought. Guess that will be the next mod.

To the OP, I stand by my comment above, the quality, fit, finish, support, and ease of installation were excellent with my Frankenstein rear and swingarm. I didn't get their fenders or wheels/tires so I can't comment on those.

Scotty

 

[Greydog]

Thanks for your input Scotty. Got an Email from Frankenstein this morning that answered a lot of my questions. Looks like the Frankenstein will be what I go with. I can get the rear end, fenders, pipes/mufflers, EZ-steer and shipping for $7090.00. Don't know yet what it will cost to have the fenders painted to match the Tequila Sunrise/Harley Orange but it should be a lot less than what it cost for my Champion box and fenders.

 

[Greydog]

Went over to my dealer in Ohio Saturday and ordered the Frankenstein kit. I think it will serve our purpose well. When I asked if they had ever done a Frankenstein kit Ben said they had their first one in the shop now so I will be the second. I'm going to have some of my fabricator friends from where I used to work take a look at possibly modifying the fender brackets so I can keep my saddle bags. If that won't work I'll mount a rack behind the sissy bar and carry a bag back there to carry essentials.

 

[icebite1]

I have the Frankenstein on my FatBob, many of you have seen it at the last two meets in Maggie Vallley,great well made kit.
I was at their shop in Kansas last Oct. and spent the whole day with the owner ,Frank, and his installers.
I can say without hesitation that Frank is totally committed to Quality and Customer Satisfaction.
One thing to remember is that this is a sport kit, no saddle bags or trunk. A tour pac can be used. I managed to mount a nice leather tool pouch on each side in place of the saddle bags, Because fenders and mounts move with suspension anything else is too big.
Mine rides and handles great but will absolutly not keep up with a TriGlide in the curves, its just too light weight. Those TGs stick like glue to the road.
I have installed this kit on other HDs for friends and no one has a bad word about it.
. One other option for exhaust is the V&H Big Radius pipes , they direct the exhaust to the ground instead of straight back which will turn the right side rear axel black and cruddy. I know this because I first had the V&H Short Shots on. I will try to post you some pics in a bit.

 

[icebite1]

Here are some pics, I know you have a Heritage Classic and this is a Fat Bob, but Pipes fit the same.