Beginners Questions

[chris vickers]

I am new to Bikes and Trikes as well, Got my 89 GL1500 with a Champion Trike with 71000 miles a couple of weeks ago now. The previous owner said they took great care of it and they very well did, shes purrs right on down the road, I've put about 1000 miles on it in 2 weeks with no issues other than the front shocks or forks may seem a little stiff. Ive checked everything and everything seems in order, all oils are clean etc. But to make me feel better before any trips its driving me crazy that I just don't know for sure. So my question is, I want to take it to a local dealer here and have them go over everything, change all the fluids etc. What all do I have them check and change and any remote idea what I can expect to spend

I did order a manual which should be in in a few days but hey, you folks are looking for something to talk about hehe



What all Oils
Antifreeze
Shock Oils
Fork Fluids
Tranny Oils
What bearings

or anything else

Thanks

Chris

 

[Gold Rush]

That list can be as long or short as you'd like it to be. There is always some little thing you could check out on a trike. Remember, that manual will only cover the bike part. You will have to get something else to guide you along the conversion portion.

For your peace of mind I guess all oils, anti freeze, brake and clutch fluids. Air Filter is a bit of a job but you probably need something to keep you off the streets anyway!! :laugh: Maybe this winter you could take a look at the steering head bearings and while you are at it pull the forks apart to see it they are due rebuilding. There are many things one could do that would most likely be just for peace of mind. The pay off is when you find something that could/would have failed and left you stranded (or worse).. :AGGHH: :AGGHH:

I know nothing about your conversion so hopefully someone else can help there.. You have a really nice looking trike - hope you get to enjoy it for a long time. :xszpv::xszpv:

 

[Ozarkryder]

You asked, I'll try to answer some of it...

I am new to Bikes and Trikes as well, Got my 89 GL1500 with a Champion Trike with 71000 miles a couple of weeks ago now. The previous owner said they took great care of it and they very well did, shes purrs right on down the road, I've put about 1000 miles on it in 2 weeks with no issues other than the front shocks or forks may seem a little stiff. Ive checked everything and everything seems in order, all oils are clean etc. But to make me feel better before any trips its driving me crazy that I just don't know for sure. So my question is, I want to take it to a local dealer here and have them go over everything, change all the fluids etc. What all do I have them check and change and any remote idea what I can expect to spend
If you have a good honest dealer that you can trust talk it over with the service manager or mechanic/tech about your concerns and what you want. Sounds like you have a good, solid trike there. Wings have been known to last a few hundred thousand miles with regular upkeep.
You mentioned the front end seemed a little stiff. Do you mean the action when going over bumps or the steering is stiff? If the compression/rebound is stiff lighter fork oil or progressive springs may help. If the steering is stiff there are "rake kits" that change the angle of the forks. Almost kile adding power steering. Well work the money.

I did order a manual which should be in in a few days but hey, you folks are looking for something to talk about hehe

We had a '95 GL1500SE Motor Trike, our current 1800 is a Champion straight axle. If you haven't yet, there is a lot of good info from experienced riders in this thread:
http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/242-Making-The-Switch-Bike-to-Trike-Great-Info!



What all Oils A lot of folks use Shell Rotella T6 in the blue jug. It is JAMSO (certified for motorcycles) although asking for or posting about oil will bring out as many opinions as there are people. Just make sure it is JAMSO certified and is not marked "energy conserving" in the API circle on the back.
Antifreeze I use the Honda automotive antifreeze - I as told by a Honda motorcycle tech it is the same as the Honda motorcycle stuff, just different color. It is also less expensive. Like most fluids, any of quality will be fine as long it is marked no silicates and safe for aluminum.
Shock Oils Our Champion has sealed shocks. Things go bad - new shocks.
Fork Fluids Again, any of quality. the weight is up to your preferred stiffness of the front end.
Tranny Oils - The transmission and engine are a unit construction, same fluids. That's why JAMSO certified and no friction modifiers and not marked "energy conserving".
What bearings Never had to worry about bearings, I as the tech how they look when I get the tires changed.

or anything else Get a can of spray electrical cleaner and contact lube. Protect the area under your switches and clean all the gunk out, then lube them liberally. Special attention to the switches that aren't used much, such as the emergency flashers. You do not want to take a switch apart. Lots of little pieces that are easy to loose in there. Don't ask how I know.

Thanks

Chris

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