Considering a Motor Trike

[ColoNavy]

I am in Colorado where there are a limited number of Motor Trike dealers. So, I am curious what the maintenance track record is for a 2012 Motor Trike kit on a 2009 Goldwing. Does MT have an onerous maintenance schedule? Is it difficult to work on if problems occur?

Thanks,

 

[Gold Rush]

I am in Colorado where there are a limited number of Motor Trike dealers. So, I am curious what the maintenance track record is for a 2012 Motor Trike kit on a 2009 Goldwing. Does MT have an onerous maintenance schedule? Is it difficult to work on if problems occur?

Thanks,

Motor Trike is one of the top selling conversions. I've had mine over three years. The new driveshaft they designed cured the only problem I had. I do all my own maintenance and have also worked on other's trikes. You will not go wrong with the Motor Trike.:xszpv::xszpv:

 

[JaysGone]

I am in Colorado where there are a limited number of Motor Trike dealers. So, I am curious what the maintenance track record is for a 2012 Motor Trike kit on a 2009 Goldwing. Does MT have an onerous maintenance schedule? Is it difficult to work on if problems occur?

Thanks,

Since getting my 2010 used and fixing everything the PO ignored.
My MT with a 2010 GW has been flawless.

 

[skuuter]

Yep, with the "New Driveshaft", pretty bulletproof...We've owned three.....ThumbUp

 

[geol]

Yep, with the "New Driveshaft", pretty bulletproof...We've owned three.....ThumbUp

I took the advice of several experienced trikers and they all told me to ride several brands and decide which suited best. Unfortunately, the MotorTrike I rode was a solid axle and no rake kit and it didn't ride well over rough roads and without a rake kit was a chore to steer. There used to be controversy regarding IRS and solid axle but most folks who have been on an IRS wouldn't go back I think. The rake kit is a necessity with any trike conversion. Also look at other things like auxiliary gas tanks, running boards and suspension upgrades for whatever model you choose. I wouldn't want to live in Colorado without an aux gas tank as gas stations are sometimes few and far between. Gas mile will drop some after a conversion and a GL1800 will see about 150 miles on a full tank. Also, if you have a passenger, an additional factor is where the passenger rear is relative to the axle. On my conversion, the axle is somewhat behind it so bumps don't jar. That is one of the main reasons to check out different types and brands of conversions. We also like the "aqua shields" on our conversion as they allow riding down dirt/gravel roads without the fear of stone chips. Lots to think about... do your research as the conversion is a chunk of change. Many of your options are in the right side of this page... try all that you can first.

 

[rmrc51]

There used to be controversy regarding IRS and solid axle but most folks who have been on an IRS wouldn't go back I think. The rake kit is a necessity with any trike conversion.

I completely agree with the statement above!

I originally had a Valkyrie with a MotorTrike solid axle and went to a GL1800 with a Roadsmith IRS. To me there's no comparison in the increased quality and comfort of the ride with IRS.

Just my opinion for what it's worth,,,.

 

[cjmitch]

The rake kit is a necessity with any trike conversion.

No, it not...
if you learn proper technique, you won't nee
Never had one, will only get one when i sell it.

Rake = Wider turning radius

 

[oahe]

No, it not...
if you learn proper technique, you won't nee
Never had one, will only get one when i sell it.

Rake = Wider turning radius

:Agree: My Motor Trike w/o rake steers and rides like a dream. Some day I'll have to wake the wife up to see if she thinks it bounces too much.

 

[ColoNavy]

Well, it looks like I ended up with a new (to me) 2009 Goldwing with a Champion kit (w/IRS). It doesn't quite have everything I am after but the price was great and it only has about 4k miles on the trike. The irony is that i did the least amount of research on the Champion...hopefully I will not be disappointed!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to tell me about their Motor Trikes.

 

[geol]

My wife and I rode a Champion conversion on a GL1800 a guy was selling out in Utopia two years ago and it had a straight axle but did have a rake kit. The trike rode great and was very comfortable, even with the straight axle. Might have bought it if the seller had more flexibility in his pricing. He was a wealthy guy whose health would not allow him to ride anymore but was in no hurry to sell and he was about $3K high on the price if memory serves.

 

[cjmitch]

:Agree: My Motor Trike w/o rake steers and rides like a dream. Some day I'll have to wake the wife up to see if she thinks it bounces too much.

Yess, someone else w/o a rake I thought I was the only one on the planet that did not use a rake

 

[oahe]

Yess, someone else w/o a rake I thought I was the only one on the planet that did not use a rake

The priority for some seems to be to sell rake kits.

 

[TnHeath]

Yess, someone else w/o a rake I thought I was the only one on the planet that did not use a rake

I have a '13 F6B Motortrike Raptor and am perfectly happy without a rake kit.

 

[tom w]

Yess, someone else w/o a rake I thought I was the only one on the planet that did not use a rake

you are not alone my Harley ultra / motor trike gladiator I.R.S. and I op-ted out of the rake kit . took a little getting use to.
No real problems out on the road at speed. if that's were you ride the most, rake IMO is not needed. In town at slower speeds and lots of turns, its a good work out.