Just ordered a new Motor Trike kit

[old timer]

Well the wife gave me her blessing and we had Steve at Island Trikes in Forest Grove, OR order our new Adventure kit for our 2005 wing pepper. Steve says he should have the kit in about 3 weeks and have it done around the end of March.


A thousand questions come to mind never owning a trike before, it's going to be a new adventure for me. I have been reading the board quite a bit and some immediate questions come to mind like should I use the stock front tire or replace it with a rear tire? And of course what brand and which direction:Shrug:

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Old timer

 

[rmrc51]

First and foremost,,, welcome to Trike Talk! ThumbUp

As far as the front tire, you may get many different opinions. I for one put a new 'Micheline Pro Active', rear tire mounted in reverse immediately after she was triked this past July. I had figured why have a worn tire up front when I now have 2 new tires in the rear. So far I have no issues nor regrets. Presently, I'm also considering removing any wheel weights and installing Dyna-beads inside all tires after hearing so many positive reviews on their continual balancing as the tires wear along with the exceptional smooth ride.

 

[keepinon]

Use the stock front tire until it needs replacing. Then consider a rear tire in correct size for the front. I believe reverse rotation is a personal preference, do or don't.

I couldn't find a rear tire in the correct size for my Valk, so I opted for a Dunlop bias ply. Seems to be harder rubber, and looks better at 8k miles than the Metz radial did.

 

[Ray Monroe]

Welcome aboard OT. There is a ton of good advice to be had here. We are excited to see pictures of your conversion.

 

[Gold Rush]

Welcome to the "Tri" experience OT. And I don't say that lightly. It will be a different feeling for a while but once you get comfortable you and the wife will have a ball!!

As you know there is tons of good advise on this board so all you have to do is ask. If you need conversion kit specific help there is plenty of that here also and all of us will do our best to sort out the mysteries. Really, if you need help just holler...

Again, WELCOME ABOARD.

 

[Chumbly]

Well the wife gave me her blessing and we had Steve at Island Trikes in Forest Grove, OR order our new Adventure kit for our 2005 wing pepper. Steve says he should have the kit in about 3 weeks and have it done around the end of March.


A thousand questions come to mind never owning a trike before, it's going to be a new adventure for me. I have been reading the board quite a bit and some immediate questions come to mind like should I use the stock front tire or replace it with a rear tire? And of course what brand and which direction:Shrug:

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Old timer

My condolences...he's the guy that did mine as well. Got it home and had to completely redo the whole thing myself. The geometry of the trike was so bad that even my wife picked out the deficiencies... and she isn't the least bit mechanically inclined. Steve talks a good game, but this was my experience. My opinion is that the $900 fee to assemble the trike was a complete waste of money. And afterwards, Motortrike was absolutely no help either.

 

[JaysGone]

My overall experience with MT is well documented here.
Currently Im happier then a clam with the trike.
As I bought mine used and doing NO research on trike kits.
I tooks me chances.

If and I add the if you have any concerns after the install.
Call
CALL MT.
No emails.
Or even Private Message them here on this Board.
They are here every day and will answer you.
They will address any concerns you may have.
My intial experience was similar to Chumblys I have to say.
I dont believe the PO did any maintainece what so ever.
In the end it was all miscommunication using emails.

I hope your experience is very different and all is good from the get go.
Motor Trike is a good design and works as its intended.

My only advice if you havent done so is to order it with the raked neck.
Some may say its not needed, but Im handicapped to a degree in both arms and can ride my trike one handed with the raked neck.
It just makes riding that much easier.
The light bar is a nice addition to the back.
I do wish the PO had ordered the parking brake. Nice to have even if never really needed.
The rest of the options are just window dressing in my opinion.

 

[old timer]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement, Chumbly I don't know how Steve could of messed yours up? It was my understanding that everything is just bolt on, how can someone mess that up? Glad to here you got it all worked out .

Gold Rush love what you did with your old saddle bags. I would love to see underneath the bracket or welding you had to do to make it work.

 

[Gorilla]

Congrats Old Timer. Suggest also on using up your current tire then switch to a rear tire mounted in reverse rotation. Rake is a deffinite must for most people. Can you get along without it yes but once you have riden one with rake its hard not to have it.

 

[Blackwillow]

Jus sayn!!

 

[Blackwillow]

I would suggest to hold back a 10% due to the fact once you have paid the full amount up front you have no" come back " if they mess up. I paid up front all in full, to my dealer and when I received the trike lost all bargaining power to get any thing ratefied to my expectations. Buyer Beware. Motortrike does not police there dealers so **** happens and MT dose not care, cuz it is the dealer not them. I gave my dealer my bike and the full amount for the conversion "what the F was I thinking",

DuH, I wanted a trike.

At the end of the day he had my bike and my money and I could only hope.
Turns out I found the wroung installer and MT backed him instead of me , but what MT does not realize is that I am a consumer and a dealer is going to play it in a way that suits his purpose. Thanks to MT for standing by a customer.
NOT:.....Shrug:

Realize there is a lot of power, intervention and observation on the internet, dictators have been toppled due to the internet, judge your self accordinglly and act accordinglly.

Have a Large day@@@

 

[Rowdy]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement, Chumbly I don't know how Steve could of messed yours up? It was my understanding that everything is just bolt on, how can someone mess that up? Glad to here you got it all worked out .

Gold Rush love what you did with your old saddle bags. I would love to see underneath the bracket or welding you had to do to make it work.

Believe me Oldtimer, there is plenty an installer can mess up. I have had the experience of buying a trike with a bad install. Everything from the body being off center to the trike ladder bars rubbing the frame, brake hoses routed wrong so as to rub a hole in it, side panels cut to fit because the body was misaligned to name a few. I could go on. If you think it is just a bolt on, especially with the Motor Trike, you owe it to yourself to do some more research on the installation as well as the installer.

 

[Ozarkryder]

Not going to comment on the installer, I'll leave that to others.
As for the tire- If you have life in the tire on the bike, you can certainly wait until it wears on it's own. Depending on the mileage on it now, you could get a season out of it, or if there is a bunch of miles, it could go very quick indeed. As you will now be using just the center tread both going straight and turning, checking the pressure and keeping it up is important for long life. It seems most trike tires cup to the point of riding rough before the tread wears out if allowed to run soft.

As for the rear tires, those things will last years. Most kit makers recommend somewhere between 18 and 25 psi depending on load and kind of riding done. About 22 seems to be a good starting point. Trikes are sensitive to rear tire pressure differences. As the crown on the road tends to push a trike toward the right, some folks run 2 or 3 pounds lower in the left tire to pull the trike against the crown. Personally I run the same in each tire as all roads are not crowned the same, and after experience I just automatically steer counter to the pull.

 

[JaysGone]

Oldtimer
Read the MT install manual that is here on the site in pdf form.
There is alot that can be done incorrectly.
The shop I brought my trike to for repairs had no clue that there was one way and only one way to reinstall something as simple as the drive shaft.
The tech having never worked on a MT kit before had a real learning experience on my account.
I ended up bringing them the install pdf and all that is, is a guide in reality.

Dont be concerned upfront.
Hope for the best and enjoy the ride.
My intial experience may have been a slight negative.
Mostly my fault for not doing my homework and any research before making a large expediture on a used machine..
But MT did stand behind me to a point.
The tranferable warrenty issues and the shop I had picked to do the repairs was not experienced with MT kits.

But all is well now in time and Im a happy camper.
Alot lighter in the pocketbook but happy.

 

[old timer]

jaysgone, where do I find the install manual on the site:Shrug:

Old timer

 

[JaysGone]

jaysgone, where do I find the install manual on the site:Shrug:

Old timer

Its the last sticky topic up top right here on this forum..............

 

[orange winger2]

"Bubble Boy" AKA Old timer. Yes that experience still brings smile to my face. GPS man-and this experience was also wonderful. you've already done your search of this installer. I might suggest check out some other trike boards on the installer. Now when all is done- remember that smile that was stuck to your face when you got your two wheeler well it will be back when you get on the trike. Your "BOSS" will appreciate the new ride.

 

[Eagle Man]

Oldtimer

Just logged 30K on my Pilot-Active, mounted in reverese rotation. Absolutely great performer for a front trike tire, but about the only down-side I to this tire, is the "buzz" you'll get in the handle bars. Nothing serious, but you will definitely notice it. I'm not sure if this might be due to the reversed rotation, or a result of the slight cupping, even if inflated at 41psi.

I've ordered a Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 and plan on mounting it forward rotation. I'll see how it goes with this tire.

I can honestly say, however, the the Pilot-Activ, especially in the last 2/3's of it's mileage life, has stuck to the road like a bull dog hanging on to a watermellon! Wet or dry road. Really a great performer.

Only time will tell if the Bridgestone is equall to or better in some way than the Pilot-Activ. Won't know until I swap it out.

Oh, and by the way, you will love using Dyna Beads in the front. Absolutely velvet with very little cupping!

08 GW1800 CSC Cobra Trike @ 100K
Eagle Man

 

[old timer]

okay next question, I will get my rake kit from zook should I get a 4.5 degree or a 6 degree:Shrug:

Old timer

 

[rmrc51]

I might be wrong with this statement, but from what I've seen the MotorTrike units usually take the 4.5 rake and longer wheelbase conversions such as the Roadsmith & Hannigan go with the 6 degree. I'm sure Zook will be able to shed some light regarding your question and others will chime in as well.

 

[Bill Reber]

Welcome to the world of Trikes . If your kit is well installed you'll enjoy it AFTER you learn to ride it.:wave4:

 

[old timer]

Thanks bill I needed that encoragement:gah:

 

[Chumbly]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>old timer</strong><br />
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<div class="message">Thanks everyone for the encouragement, Chumbly I don't know how Steve could of messed yours up? It was my understanding that everything is just bolt on, how can someone mess that up? Glad to here you got it all worked out . <br /><br />
<br /><br />
Gold Rush love what you did with your old saddle bags. I would love to see underneath the bracket or welding you had to do to make it work.</div><br />
<br />
</div><br />
</div><br />
</div> Yep, it's "bolt on", but it has at least 5 different adjustment spots, (which he obviously didn't even look at). My differential was 1.5 inches further to one side than the other,(one shock was actually straight up and down, and the other was at a 45 degree slope,and the frame wasn't level, (when looked at from the back)...one tire was 2 inches forward on the right side than the left, ....the diff was tilted forwards till the driveshaft didn't line up properly, and inner gears/bearings likely weren't getting lubed properly either. I feel the body itself was mounted too far back on the frame. The holes in the brake back plates, where the parking brake cables would normally go, were left open, for road crud to enter into the brake drums.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
When Steve told us to come down, that he had the kit ready to install, it turned out he didn't have the front wheel, (which had been ordered)... it turned out that later I had to install the tire into the rim and install the wheel onto the trike myself... cost about $50 to have it done, and no refund from Steve for that.<br />
<br />
In short, every possible adjustment that could have been made, wasn't...

and with the fiberglass body on, I didn't notice any of it. I probably never would have either if I hadn't taken the body off for repainting...or at least till the driveshaft failed.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
The fiberglass body was full of holes (which I will admit is not Steve's fault), and MT says that the body isn't prepped before shipping "if" it isn't prepainted. All of the readjustments to the rear suspension had to be made by me, without help or advice from Steve or Motortrike, (which wasn't easy). Some might ask why I didn't return it to Steve to do the work. Answer- because he's 4 hours away (one way) and if he didn't know how to do the job properly the first time, he wouldn't know how to do it properly the second time. (I only allow people to screw me over once). Remember, the warranty offered, by the company, (and it's a pretty good one), is only as good as the company that offers it. In my experience with Motortrike, it seems like once the kit is at a dealers, they no longer give a hoot, about the customer...let the dealer deal with it... if the dealer is crooked or incompetent, too bad.<br />
<br />
You only have to look back on this forum to find others who feel the same way. Sure there are those who are happy, but mostly those people have dealt with the home factory itself, which seem to have a pretty competent staff...

(although I've had issues with them as well.)<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Am I a happy, satisfied customer? While the overall design seems to work ok, my experience with Motortrike and Island Trikes in particular is quit a bit less than stellar, and I'd never again purchase their product or advise anyone else to either.<img src="images/smilies/gah.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Gah" class="inlineimg" />

 

[JaysGone]

okay next question, I will get my rake kit from zook should I get a 4.5 degree or a 6 degree:Shrug:

Old timer

4.5 is more then easy enough.

 

[old timer]

Chumbly sounds like you have plenty to be unhappy about, I have already put up my deposit so I am in for the long haul I just hope I don't have the trouble you did. If there are any others out there unhappy with MT or Island Trikes I would love to hear from you. Like I said I am already commited so now it's a roll of the dice.

 

[Gold Rush]

There is no adjustment to the GL1800 Adventure Kit. It bolts on and it is ready to roll. The installers love it for that reason. That does not mean there are never problems but that will not be one of them.<br />
<br />
I did have a bit of problem with my side covers fitting correctly but it sure hasn't lessened my enjoyment factor any.<br />
<br />
<br />
The mentioned sticky is a maintenance manual for the spider and 2+2 kits not the Adventure kit.

 

[JaysGone]

The mentioned sticky is a maintenance manual for the spider and 2+2 kits not the Adventure kit.

Odd you are 100% correct.
Although I do indeed have the install pdf for the Adventuer kit and thought I had gotten it here.........:xzqxz:

 

[THEREALTRIKKY]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Chumbly</strong><br />
<a href="showthread.php?p=151681#post151681" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a><br />
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<div class="message">Yep, it's "bolt on", but it has at least 5 different adjustment spots, (which he obviously didn't even look at). My differential was 1.5 inches further to one side than the other,(one shock was actually straight up and down, and the other was at a 45 degree slope,and the frame wasn't level, (when looked at from the back)...one tire was 2 inches forward on the right side than the left, ....the diff was tilted forwards till the driveshaft didn't line up properly, and inner gears/bearings likely weren't getting lubed properly either. I feel the body itself was mounted too far back on the frame. The holes in the brake back plates, where the parking brake cables would normally go, were left open, for road crud to enter into the brake drums. <br /><br />
When Steve told us to come down, that he had the kit ready to install, it turned out he didn't have the front wheel, (which had been ordered)... it turned out that later I had to install the tire into the rim and install the wheel onto the trike myself... cost about $50 to have it done, and no refund from Steve for that. In short, every possible adjustment that could have been made, wasn't... and with the fiberglass body on, I didn't notice any of it. I probably never would have either if I hadn't taken the body off for repainting...or at least till the driveshaft failed.<br /><br />
The fiberglass body was full of holes (which I will admit is not Steve's fault), and MT says that the body isn't prepped before shipping "if" it isn't prepainted. All of the readjustments to the rear suspension had to be made by me, without help or advice from Steve or Motortrike, (which wasn't easy).<br />
<br />
Some might ask why I didn't return it to Steve to do the work.

Answer- because he's 4 hours away (one way) and if he didn't know how to do the job properly the first time, he wouldn't know how to do it properly the second time. (I only allow people to screw me over once). Remember, the warranty offered, by the company, (and it's a pretty good one), is only as good as the company that offers it. In my experience with Motortrike, it seems like once the kit is at a dealers, they no longer give a hoot, about the customer...let the dealer deal with it... if the dealer is crooked or incompetent, too bad. You only have to look back on this forum to find others who feel the same way. Sure there are those who are happy, but mostly those poeple have dealt with the home factory itself, which seem to have a pretty competent staff... (although I've had issues with them as well.)<br /><br />
Am I a happy, satisfied customer? While the overall design seems to work ok, my experience with Motortrike and Island Trikes in particular is quit a bit less than stellar, and I'd never again purchase their product or advise anyone else to either.<img src="images/smilies/gah.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Gah" class="inlineimg" /></div><br />
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Chumbly,<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Based on what you described, you have a solid axle kit, not an IRS kit.<br />
<br />
The irs kit is a direct bolt on with the body pre-drilled and all suspension components pre-set from the factory. With your issues and having to do "the work yourself".

That's a very rare to have that sort of issue with Motor Trike. I can tell you from experience, if you ask for a set of the instructions for any of their trike kits, that, they WILL NOT provide. Apparently, they do this to protect their dealers, as well as their product. I've been there myself as well, and it's a very frustrating problem to have also. Hopefully you've gotten your bike "straight" and are happy now..

 

[Rowdy]

<b><i>I have a friend that bought a new Adventure conversion a couple yrs. ago from an "installer" in Georgia. When he got it home we started looking it over. Some of the things we found were that the exhaust covers were held on with wire, the air pressure solenoid under the seat did not have the wires attached, the drive shaft did not have the safety loop installed but had been attempted and resulted in them hammering it in place breaking the reverse resistor and it had a terrible vibration on the road to name a few. This trike ended up back at Troupe before it was suitable to ride. They even found one of the carriage bolts holding the right ladder bar at the swing arm attachment point loose and backed out to the point it was hitting the drive shaft yoke. I have stated all this just to say even though the kit is maybe a simple installation that there are many things an installer can and do screw up.</i></b>

 

[old timer]

Wow!! this just keeps getting scarier:gah: Has anybody had a positive install? I hope that Motor Trike is reading some of these comments I believe if there were they would probably defend themselves and there dealers. Obviously they don't read the boards, I am hoping my experience will not be as bad as some of yours, my installer is 6 hours away from my home but I do not have a problem camping out on his doorstep should there be a problem.