Conversion Kits

[Oldmanwheeler]

On July 4th I nodded off for just a second and ended up a ditch at 65 MPH. Needless to say my GL1800 was totaled and I did a real number on myself. I'm still recovering at home and have one more surgery ahead of me. I've decided, or more should I say my wife has decided, it's time for me to make the switch to a trike. I know a few guys who have Hannigan's and really like them, but I'm interested in hearing what conversion kits those of you on the forum used and which one you would use if you had to do it over again.

Thanks in advance for your feedback I know it will be very helpful.

 

[John Luciano]

I have the DFT. Ind rear , very large trunk and opening. Bike rides very smooth. Only fault is it uses the original rear Honda single disk on the back. Not saying it is a problem. Stopped me in plenty of time. Makes for a very good looking rear wheel. Braking is no worse than the Champion I tried much better than the Motor trike with the drum brakes. A little on the expensive side. I have had no problem with it in 49,000 miles.

 

[katfish16]

I have a CSC on my 1500 and have had no problems so far. I think all the conversions are good the thing is finding the one that suits you. How a person rides and what they expect is different for each one of us. So the only way to figure it out is to ride as many different conversions as you can to find the one that suits you. Also the one U like the looks of. Some are good conversions but I don't like the way they look. Good luck and hope U continue to recover good.

 

[Harley]

We have a Motor Trike Kit that we purchased from Southwest Trikes in Phoenix, AZ. After test driving a Lehman, DFT, CSC and Motor Trike we decided on the Motor Trike because of the Air Ride Suspension. It really did give us a smoother more comfortable ride.

 

[bigdave]

I went with "The Trike Shop" now called the Roadsmith. I rode them all at WingDing and felt the Roadsmith rode the smoothest. I also wanted to do the conversion myself and they sell direct. My son and I did the job in 20 hours taking our time and spending quit a bit of time just shooting the bull. Anyway the conversion came out great, better than the Motortrike conversion we had done by a "professional". We are very happy with what we have. Big trunk, big door and a smooth ride.

If you have any questions about the install just PM me.

Dave

 

[saybel]

I went with "The Trike Shop" now called the Roadsmith. I rode them all at WingDing and felt the Roadsmith rode the smoothest. I also wanted to do the conversion myself and they sell direct. My son and I did the job in 20 hours taking our time and spending quit a bit of time just shooting the bull. Anyway the conversion came out great, better than the Motortrike conversion we had done by a "professional". We are very happy with what we have. Big trunk, big door and a smooth ride.

If you have any questions about the install just PM me.

Dave

I installed a "Trike Shop" kit myself, and agree with the above. The independent suspension and 8" longer wheel base makes for a great ride. Take a trip up to St. Paul, Mn. and check them out.

 

[Venture 1]

I probably should know but what does DFT stand for and if a person was to trike a goldwing would some conversions be better suited to a goldwing than others, and one more question! Is it possible to try some of these conversions or rent them for a test run, in the Phoenix area.

 

[John Luciano]

DFT are the initials of the 3 founders of the company But they now say it stands for DAM Fine Trike... All conversions work well on the Goldwing. and the best place to try it is at a rally.

 

[Gorilla]

Venture 1

The official definition is "DARN FINE TRIKE" but most subsitute the "R" in "DARN" with the letter "M"

I have a 1500 1997 Goldwing that my daughter rides. It has a California Trike Conversion from the same era. Straight axle with disk brakes. I have riden it over 1000 miles and it rides like a dream.

But the best way to make a decision is to do your homework. "DFT" makes a GREAT conversion. I rode one of their conversions on a Valkarie in Sturgis. Rode very nice. I also have test rode a "MotorTrike" 1800 GL conversion. It rode very well also.

Do your internet search and then find a large bike rally in your area to go see the conversions in person. Most Dealers/Companies even have limited test rides at these rallies.

Make contact with people that you see that a riding a trike. Most are more than happy to take a minute to tell you about their's.

Most all the name bands make a quality product, it will come down to what you like, from what you hear and learn that will guide you in making a decision.

Bottom line is you will purchased what you end up liking.

I also have a 2007 Harley Road Glide for myself that I just put a Champion conversion on and I am very satisified with it. I choose it for the ease of installation. Very good manual, I put it together in about 25 to 30 hours.

There are so many companies because each one is slightly different or has something special about it that conveniences you that it is what you want. Different Strokes for Different Folks.

Ted

 

[QC Goldwinger]

I don't think there is any <i>right</i> answer. It all depends on what you and your co-rider like plus the expertise of the installer. I thought it important to have a dealer who is "trike friendly". I have ridden both the solid axle and the independents. Both have good points - kind of depends on your preference.<br />
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About the only thing I can assure you of is the amount of fun you'll have and wish you had made this step long ago. <br />
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Good Luck!

 

[George Lewis]

All kits have pros and cons. All are good. IF YOU HAVE A BAD INSTALLER YOU WILL HAVE A BAD TRIKE!

Go with the installer with the best reputation. Everyone thinks their kit is best. I have a Motor Trike and have had NO problems due to a quality intaller. You need to ride several hundred miles before your "really" know if you like this kit or that one. JMHO

 

[IR Harry]

I will agree with the bad installer is a bad trike. I have now tried a bunch, and the only one I did not like was the one that did not start. The rest are pretty much of a blond, brunett, redhead type of decision. I just take whichever is closer to the door.