Help me build my trike!

[barnabus]

Hi all!

Getting ready in a few weeks to start building my first trike and need some opinions. I will be purchasing a new 2012 base model goldwing and wanting to pick a trike kit out for it but dont know who to go with and why so Ill let yall help me make a decision.Im not interested in floorboards and all the dodads and want to keep it simple so Im looking for a basic kit.What do I want?

 

[Gold Rush]

My best advise is to spend some time on the road. Find as many demo rides as you can and visit as many dealer/installers as time an money will allow. We can each give you our opinion but you know what that is worth.<br />
<br />
Seriously, Try them all if you can and find someone you trust to do the wrench work.. Every kit has it's pros and cons.

 

[barnabus]

Guys..... I DO want your opinions and why.Please post away and thanks!

 

[Nana]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>barnabus</strong>
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<div class="message">Guys..... I <b>DO</b> want your opinions and why.Please post away and thanks!</div>

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</div>To start with.... Are you wanting to do the build yourself? or will you be having a shop do it? That will make a huge difference, as only some of the manufacturers will sell directly to an individual.

 

[Gold Rush]

OK.. Here's is my honest feelings...<br />
<br />
Longer and wider equals smoother ride. Getting the rear wheels behind the passenger means even smoother. With those you sacrifice maneuverability. Short and narrow is more responsive in the twisties but the ride will not be as cushy.<br />
<br />
I converted because of weak knees and hips not weak arms or heart. I love to hammer the twisties and that is why I ride Motor Trike IRS. I can soften up the suspension so it's quite comfortable or stiffen it up so I get zero roll in the twisties. The guys I ride with thought the fun was over when I converted. Little did they know I'd be running through sweepers and curves even smoother and quicker then I ever did on two wheels...<br />
<br />
If you want a rolling couch they are out there. If you still feel the need to get your heart rate up then I'd do Motor Trike IRS..

JMHO.....

 

[saab9k]

this is my project

do own a shop Pictures by jorgenscheuer - Photobucket

 

[americanbadass]

I think it all comes down to -how much money you want to spend, as well as whether you have the mechanical ability to do the job. Many of the higher end kits will not allow you to DIY. I would lean toward Champion for price vs dependability.<img src="images/smilies/shrug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Shrug" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/shrug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Shrug" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/shrug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Shrug" class="inlineimg" />

 

[barnabus]

I will have a shop build my trike,not myself.Sorry for the title confusion.

 

[oldbear]

We shopped long and hard before we decided to trike. After reading TONS and looking at 'em all last year at Wing Ding, we went with the Roadsmith. Like the looks, like the extra tank and the ride. The warrantee can't be beat. The folks at the Trikeshop have been great to work with so far and I can't wait till my kit gets here next week!. As one of the guys said, check 'em all out and find what suits YOU and that's what you need to go with. Ya pays your money and ya takes your choice!<img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Memnoch451]

I am a Champion guy too. I have two both with Independent rear suspension. I use the 2012 Goldwing... a lot I love it when riding solo and more importantly my wife loves to ride with me on it. I have rode a Motor Trike and CSC. To be honest There really is not a ton of difference in the ride. Bang for the buck, looks and ease of install drove me to the Champion.<br />
<br />
Some shops like what ever they sell more than another brand so test ride and do a little home work before you buy... if you're like me Buyers remorse will drive you crazy and with the Champion.. I had none! <img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" />

 

[cmore]

There are several posts on this forum addressing this subject. Everyone has an opinion, like a certain orifice. What fits one rider might not work as well on another. The installer is a BIG part of a satisfied install and kit.

GL1800Riders

The search above has some of them. I searched for "choosing". Searching for other key words will give u additional results.

A search is a handy tool.

Good luck in your quest!

 

[barnabus]

Went to Cherokee trikes today and had a quote put together using a Motor basic Trike Kit with them finding me a basic model Goldwing. Heres what they quoted me $33,900 out the door. Whats your thoughts? Can you normally negotiate a total price like this and if so how much?

Bike $21,265
IRS Kit for an 1800 $7949
Paint $900
Kit Shipping $400
Large crate fee $150
Trike Kit Install $1300
Rake Tree 4.5 $999
EZ Steer install $300
Upgrade wheel $250
Trunk Carpet $95
Chrome bumber $250
Istall bumper $37

TOTAL
Kit $12,635.00
Bike Cost $21,265.00

 

[Rowdy]

OK.. Here's is my honest feelings...

Longer and wider equals smoother ride. Getting the rear wheels behind the passenger means even smoother. With those you sacrifice maneuverability. Short and narrow is more responsive in the twisties but the ride will not be as cushy.

I converted because of weak knees and hips not weak arms or heart. I love to hammer the twisties and that is why I ride Motor Trike IRS. I can soften up the suspension so it's quite comfortable or stiffen it up so I get zero roll in the twisties. The guys I ride with thought the fun was over when I converted. Little did they know I'd be running through sweepers and curves even smoother and quicker then I ever did on two wheels...

If you want a rolling couch they are out there. If you still feel the need to get your heart rate up then I'd do Motor Trike IRS.. JMHO.....

Goldrush. I have to disagree with your first statement here. Longer and wider does not always mean smoother. The DFT retains the stock Goldwing wheelbase (length) and I would challenge you to find a better ride.

 

[americanbadass]

Went to Cherokee trikes today and had a quote put together using a Motor basic Trike Kit with them finding me a basic model Goldwing. Heres what they quoted me $33,900 out the door. Whats your thoughts? Can you normally negotiate a total price like this and if so how much?

Bike $21,265
IRS Kit for an 1800 $7949
Paint $900
Kit Shipping $400
Large crate fee $150
Trike Kit Install $1300
Rake Tree 4.5 $999
EZ Steer install $300
Upgrade wheel $250
Trunk Carpet $95
Chrome bumber $250
Istall bumper $37

TOTAL
Kit $12,635.00
Bike Cost $21,265.00

I think this quote is in line for what you are getting. The labor cost is actually much better than what I have been quoted in my area.

 

[Gold Rush]

Went to Cherokee trikes today and had a quote put together using a Motor basic Trike Kit with them finding me a basic model Goldwing. Heres what they quoted me $33,900 out the door. Whats your thoughts? Can you normally negotiate a total price like this and if so how much?

Bike $21,265
IRS Kit for an 1800 $7949
Paint $900
Kit Shipping $400
Large crate fee $150
Trike Kit Install $1300
Rake Tree 4.5 $999
EZ Steer install $300
Upgrade wheel $250
Trunk Carpet $95
Chrome bumber $250
Istall bumper $37

TOTAL
Kit $12,635.00
Bike Cost $21,265.00

That is real close to what I paid a year ago so I think it's a pretty fair price. There is a little wiggle room in there but getting them to move on it might be difficult. I don't know the dealer so just maybe they will come off that number a couple bucks.

If you go with the Motor Trike Adventure you will be happy. For me it was and still is the best fit.

Best of luck!!!

 

[Konrad]

If you are new to triking you will fall in love with what you get because you have nothing to compare it with. I had zero experience as to the fine points to observe and settled on the Roadsmith after studying the litany of features. Huge trunk, built-in trailer hitch and auxiliary fuel tank. I chose an installer who does nothing but trikes, mainly Roadsmith, and couldn't have been happier. But having had no prior experience, had I chosen a different kit, I'll bet I would have been equally happy! I have had about 12,000 trouble-free miles, am tickled pink with the extra tank, and am about to embark on a coast-to-coast trip at 82, after a quadruple bypass and with lousy hips - the Roadsmith Trike makes that possible!

 

[thrinsag]

Many kits appear to be great ones. My VTX1800 has a Motor Trike and I love it. My wife's Suzuki c90 1500 is a Lehman and it is great. We argue over which is better. You should, as suggested, go to dealers, test ride all you can, check with the home company to see what kind of support they give. You know the steps, just decide and then do it. You will not be disappointed. A trike frees you up so much more to enjoy the scenery. A big plus is that Motor Trike is a Texas company. What could be better?

 

[patriot]

Went to Cherokee trikes today and had a quote put together using a Motor basic Trike Kit with them finding me a basic model Goldwing. Heres what they quoted me $33,900 out the door. Whats your thoughts? Can you normally negotiate a total price like this and if so how much?

Bike $21,265
IRS Kit for an 1800 $7949
Paint $900
Kit Shipping $400
Large crate fee $150
Trike Kit Install $1300
Rake Tree 4.5 $999
EZ Steer install $300
Upgrade wheel $250
Trunk Carpet $95
Chrome bumber $250
Istall bumper $37

TOTAL
Kit $12,635.00
Bike Cost $21,265.00

Do you plan to pull a trailer? Better have the trailer hitch installed.

 

[Gold Rush]

Do you plan to pull a trailer? Better have the trailer hitch installed.

Sad but true... The hitch Motor Trike sells for the Adventure (IRS) kit is NOT strong enough to do the job. Several of us have modified or totally replaced the OEM hitch. It is fine if you only want to put about 20 pounds of hitch weight on and never never step on it. I promise it will bend.

 

[Scott1]

Just a side note: I personally would not purchase a basic level 1 bike. I think you should look into purchasing a leftover 2010 bike or a slightly used bike with low mileage. I recommend you get a bike with ABS brakes. I know the cost is a little more than you want to spend but this is just my opinion. I own 2 trikes one with ABS brakes and one with out ABS brakes. The 1800 Goldwing is a heavy bike after it is triked and if you pull a trailer in the future you would be way ahead if you had ABS brakes. Safety is very important to me and also cost. If I were you I would look into the ABS brakes over cost and as far as trike kits I would consider staying with the following kits. In no personal order CSC., MT., RS., and HG. all with independent suspension. These are the best kit manufactures. You must also find a installer with good installation recommendations. Get a list if possible from the installer for references and call the people to get there comments of how good there kit was installed and if they had any problems and if the problems were fixed. I hope this helps with your decision. Just my 2 cents.

 

[John Luciano]

Ditto on the DFT ... Not as popular as the others ( priced on the high side I think may be the reason) . I have had mine for 11 years and it has never been down for any problem. Wife takes too many naps on the back we may have to stiffen it up a bit to keep her awake so she won't fall off

 

[E.T.]

I went up to Sumter SC and got my trike in 08. The Honda dealer had 4 different kits when I went there. They aren't far from you. Give them a call and see if the they have ones you can try out. I have the one piece rear end not the half shafts.Lehman kit. Also at bike week there are trikes to try in Daytona.
Ernie

 

[mcridernj]

Have a GL 1500 w/motortrike conversion - what hitch did you install? Who manufactured it? Appreciate any advice on having one installed as well.

 

[rgw5944]

Cycle Stuff Trikes | 615-893-3600 - Cycle Stuff Trikes | 615-535-1186 | Nashville Tennessee

Champion IRS Trike kit worked out good. $400 off list plus free shipping. Paint and trailer hitch were extra. Took about 6 weeks to get it. DO NOT, I say DO NOT buy the EZ-Steer. Look at the rake kit from Bazooka posted on this board. The EZ-Steer I received was damaged when I got it and the company refused to stand behind their product. Claimed I dropped it and messed up the threads.