Going to Trike out my Goldwing

[Lem]

I have a 1989 Honda Goldwing GL 1500 and I want to build a trike. As a mechanic and welder for 37 years with the provincial government, I know that I have the skills but I am looking for advice on design and parts. Is long or short better? I am looking now for a rear end and differential. Any ideas which ones are better. I would appreciate advice from anyone whether you have built one or not. Thanks

 

[Keystone]

Welcome to TT!ThumbUp

I've only owned 2 trikes, both Factory Built by Harley Davidson. But there is allot of folks here that will be along to answer your questions.

 

[Recall]

Welcome to TT from WV. Good luck on your build and keep us posted along the way.

 

[Ed Hobgood]

Welcome to Trike Talk, Glad to have you on board, Ride safe and have fun. Good luck with your trike build which ever way you go.

 

[cavie]

Champion will sell you a kit.

 

[TouringOn2]

Trike Build

WELCOME to Trike Talk from Ohio. I bought a Champion Kit. They shipped it to my sons barn. If you can turn a wrench it won't be a problem. I believe Champion is one of a few that will sell a kit directly to you. I've put 40,000 miles on it without a problem. Good luck. Be safe and enjoy the ride. Larry

 

[Ozarkryder]

If you want to install a kit yourself, choices are limited. Roadsmith sold kits to private parties, and as cavie said above, Champion, and I'm not sure what others.
If you are doing design and fabrication yourself, I think the older Motor Trike uses a Pinto rear end, and I believe Champion uses a Toyota. Some of the kits are somewhat cut down to shorten the width, and on a Goldwing the axles bare often cut more on one side than the other to lessen the angle of the drive shaft and lessen the stress on the yoke. (Some Motor Trike 1500's were known to be very hard on the front driveshaft yoke.
You asked about the length - Hannigan and Roadsmith add add 10" or a few more to the wheelbase to smooth out the ride, especially for a passenger. We have a Champion solid axle kit, and the wheelbase is about 5" longer than a stock GW. Adding a rake kit adds a bit more length.
I don't know about Canada or Nova Scotia in particular, but in the States there is a difference in licensing and insurance in building it yourself rather than having an installer putting together a factory make kit, and that changes from state to state.
You may want to check with your local government and insurance carrier to find out about liscencing and insurance coverage. I would thing there is some sort of inspectin process, also.
Welcome to TT, sounds like a fun project! Good luck and please keep us informed on your progress.

 

[Gorilla]

Lem welcome aboard. There are a lot of factors in triking your goldwing. Long gives a smoother ride but larger turning circles. There so many others hard to say without knowing what you are looking for.

 

[Lucky]

Welcome glad you joined us. Your project is far beyond my know how and abilities. Good luck and RIDE SAFE