C-90 Lehman Trike looking for a better ride

[jimmym]

Gentleman: I am new to your forum. I had a 1953 panhead Harley in 1958. I started riding again three years ago when I bought a C-50. Two years ago

I found a C-90 Lehman trike and it is even more fun. My questions are, I am looking for a bit smoother ride. Can I install air shocks on the rear suspension

of the trike? Is there any progressive front fork springs that I can buy to take some of the shock out of the handlebars on rough roads? What ever direct-

tion you can head me in I will be grateful. Thank you in advance

 

[pcombe]

Gentleman: I am new to your forum. I had a 1953 panhead Harley in 1958. I started riding again three years ago when I bought a C-50. Two years ago

I found a C-90 Lehman trike and it is even more fun. My questions are, I am looking for a bit smoother ride. Can I install air shocks on the rear suspension

of the trike? Is there any progressive front fork springs that I can buy to take some of the shock out of the handlebars on rough roads? What ever direct-

tion you can head me in I will be grateful. Thank you in advance

three suggestions?
Go to Lehman trikes on the scroll down forum or on the right side of the page go over and find the Lehman dealer and check their webpage or at the top right of the page (advanced search)try typing a short question into the search box and see what comes up?

My friends wife has a c-90 and it sure has proven to be dependable.

 

[cavie]

If you want a motorcycle ride you have a good scoot for it. If you want a Cadillac ride get a Goldwing. Can't make a purse out of a pigs ear.

 

[geol]

Air shocks are not all they are cracked up to be. Air doesn't off ANY compression to speak of. Check what setting your current rear shocks are set on and try changing pre-loads. You can do this by turning the shock body with a tool made for the purpose. This type tool was once part of almost all tool kits and can still be purchased for a couple bucks. Change the oil in your shocks and try some Progressive fork springs. Try 15W FORK OIL (not 15w made for some other purpose). There may also other things that can be done to smooth out the ride. Use a good front tire made for the rear tire application on a two-wheeler and mount backwards (lots on this subject on this site) and set pressure on the high side and put about 22 lbs of air pressure in your rear tires... much less than if those same tires were on a much heavier vehicle. Just stiffening up the rear shock preload on my trike gave my wife and I a MUCH MUCH better ride. I won't get specific on air pressure for your tires as it may vary by conversion model and tire used.

 

[jimmym]

Thank you very much for the suggestions. To wiredgeorge, you have some good ideas. I will set my preload more firm. I am running about 18 lbs. in my rear tires. I check my rear tires with a depth gauge. Before I lowered the rear tires pressure from 22 to 18 I found the center of the tires was wearing more than the outside. I will be needing a new front tire before long so I will look at the posts for using a rear tire on the front. Again, thank you

 

[Mick]

When I had my Suzuki I had the same front end issues. I wound up going to Progessive springs and using 10 wt Amsoil fork oil. That seemed to make a big difference along with upping the preload on the rear also.

 

[jimmym]

When I had my Suzuki I had the same front end issues. I wound up going to Progessive springs and using 10 wt Amsoil fork oil. That seemed to make a big difference along with upping the preload on the rear also.

Hi Mick, could you tell me what the part number is for the springs?

 

[Mick]

Here you go Jimmy.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/3130/2003/suzuki/vl1500-intruderblvdc90

 

[jimmym]

Here you go Jimmy.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/3130/2003/suzuki/vl1500-intruderblvdc90

Hi Mick, I looked at buying the Progressive springs. I found a note about spacers for the springs. They said you could make them out of aluminum or pvc. I have no idea on the measurements for the spacers. Would you have those measurements? Again thank you for helping me. Jimmy

 

[Mick]

Jimmy how you cut the spacers will adjust your ride with the springs. I used 2 inch long spacers to give a softer ride. Some guys depending on their size and if they ride 2 up go with either 4 or 5 inch long spacers. The missus and I run about 365lbs together so the 2 in felt good for us. I used Amsoil 10 wt shock therapy oil for my forks. I always felt 15 was too stiff and 5wt was not enough.
http://www.thebestoil.com/AMSOILSyntheticSpecialtyFluids/Catalog_ProductDetails.aspx?id=1281

 

[jimmym]

Jimmy how you cut the spacers will adjust your ride with the springs. I used 2 inch long spacers to give a softer ride. Some guys depending on their size and if they ride 2 up go with either 4 or 5 inch long spacers. The missus and I run about 365lbs together so the 2 in felt good for us. I used Amsoil 10 wt shock therapy oil for my forks. I always felt 15 was too stiff and 5wt was not enough.
http://www.thebestoil.com/AMSOILSyntheticSpecialtyFluids/Catalog_ProductDetails.aspx?id=1281

Hi Mick. Thank you for the info. The measurement I need is the diameter of the spacers. My wife and I are about the same weight as you two.

 

[Mick]

Its been about 7 years,but I want to say basically the diameter of the spring. When I purchased mine the springs came with the spacers and all I had to do was cut them down.

 

[jimmym]

Thanks Mick, I think that's all I need. I ordered my springs and oil today. Jimmy

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks Mick, I think that's all I need. I ordered my springs and oil today. Jimmy

 

[John Luciano]

Jimmy all good info. What was failed to mention is that front tire you are looking for is a tire that was originally made to go on the rear of a Motorcycle. Unknown what motorcycle. It just has to fit your rim and be of the same or as close as possible as the one that you have on there now., also it must be a " bias Ply " not a radial..

 

[Mick]

Jim heres a link that might help with the front end.

http://crowitis.com/mamba/LCService/Manual/manual-index.htm

and a website full of hints and tips for the C90 and 1500.
http://www.moccsplace.com/

Also one of the things with the forks ,when you go to put the caps on make sure theyre seated correctly before threading them down. I found mine quirky in that area as compared to a wing.

 

[jimmym]

Here you go Jimmy.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/3130/2003/suzuki/vl1500-intruderblvdc90

Hi Mick, I just had the Progressive springs and the #10 Amsoil fork oil installed. Could you tell me using the 2" spacers in the forks, did the front end drop down at all? Jimmym

 

[Mick]

Mine was about the same height as stock when installed. How did yours come out?

 

[jimmym]

Mine was about the same height as stock when installed. How did yours come out?

Mick, They installed two spacers equaling three and a half inches. The trike sits about the same. I do notice the trike takes the bumps a lot better. When I hit those high risers in the road the shock to my arms is not so bad. They split those shims so I can take one out and be at two inches. You really helped me and I thank you very much. Jimmy

 

[Mick]

Jimmy glad everything worked out and I could be of some help for you. Give the front end a couple of hundred miles and it will get even smoother. If you get a chance post a pic of your ride.