Kool trikes IRS install for Freewheeler now

[WindyOne]

I got this email today and there are 2 videos on the new IRS kit install for Harley Freewheelers.

https://youtu.be/r6tFz-4BHAw

https://youtu.be/H6FN575XmF4

 

[My Turn]

That's interesting. I'd like to know some specifics such as ..
How much wheel travel as compared to stock and what shocks are used.
Has anyone here actually rode one?

 

[WindyOne]

As new as these kits are I think only a few have ridden them. Jeff mentions a guy from Michigan riding his home and very happy with the results.

I too would like to know more about the kit. I would even like to see a ride behind video of the trike going down the road. I have asked about the price, but have not heard back yet. Will update when I do.

 

[My Turn]

As new as these kits are I think only a few have ridden them. Jeff mentions a guy from Michigan riding his home and very happy with the results.

I too would like to know more about the kit. I would even like to see a ride behind video of the trike going down the road. I have asked about the price, but have not heard back yet. Will update when I do.

Sounds good. Their website has nice pics but no specifications.

 

[HDUSA1]

I think they have a really nice kit but they are impossible to deal with. I tried to buy a conversion kit from them a year ago and it was one excuse after another. After a month of back and forth texts trying to work out the details and pin them down on a delivery date with no luck, I gave up and ordered a kit from Roadsmith. Maybe things are better with them now.

 

[WindyOne]

I was told to do a kit on my 21 FW the cost was $8995 and would take a few days with several weeks lead time.

 

[Old Road Dog]

I don't see $9 grand sitting there. If we had access to the prints I'll bet some of us could fab up a pretty close rendition of that unit. 3 days to install? I've seen interstates built quicker.

 

[WindyOne]

I don't see $9 grand sitting there. If we had access to the prints I'll bet some of us could fab up a pretty close rendition of that unit. 3 days to install? I've seen interstates built quicker.

R&D costs money. There is a fair amount of machined parts in that unit.

 

[HDUSA1]

R&D costs money. There is a fair amount of machined parts in that unit.

You are correct but it’s way more than just R&D. Building it for yourself is one thing. Building it to sell, most people don’t have any idea what’s involved. Research & Design obviously, then engineering & drawings, extensive testing, sourcing materials, manufacturing parts, assembly, marketing, website development, warranty support, repair parts inventory, etc. That’s after you’ve submitted a Business Plan. And lest we forget the crippling cost of Product Liability insurance…it’s insane!!! Suddenly that $5 widget cost $100.

 

[WindyOne]

You are correct but it’s way more than just R&D. Building it for yourself is one thing. Building it to sell, most people don’t have any idea what’s involved. Research & Design obviously, then engineering & drawings, extensive testing, sourcing materials, manufacturing parts, assembly, marketing, website development, warranty support, repair parts inventory, etc. That’s after you’ve submitted a Business Plan. And lest we forget the crippling cost of Product Liability insurance…it’s insane!!! Suddenly that $5 widget cost $100.

I think the price in inline with the product. Not everyone is going to agree and that's ok. Buy or don't your choice. If Kool trike was closer to me I am thinking I would do this. Before taking the dive though I would have to take a ride on a FW that has the conversion.

 

[bsindian]

Sounds good. Their website has nice pics but no specifications.

I'm the person who picked up my Triglide from KoolTrikes North, did the initial test ride and instantly notice the ride improvement. Drove it over 500 miles home to Michigan, took the long way around Chicago. It was a 100% improvement in ride and handling over the Triglide solid axel. Hit a few suprise rutts and rough road patches, I would have braced myself on the solid Harley axel from the jolt of those rough patches, but barely felt anything driving over those rough patches. I'd never go back to the Triglide solid axel. Now I consider it the best ride I've ever owned, and I've owned dozens of Harleys.

 

[bsindian]

I think the price in inline with the product. Not everyone is going to agree and that's ok. Buy or don't your choice. If Kool trike was closer to me I am thinking I would do this. Before taking the dive though I would have to take a ride on a FW that has the conversion.

I tried new shocks for the Triglide with the comfort ride brackets, still felt like riding in the back of a 1 ton pickup. I made the decision to buy the unit for my Triglide, once I received the call from Jeff that it was finished, Jeff was great to work with in my build. I had the opportunity and drove it home over 500 miles from KoolTrikes North, 100% improvement in ride. Very Happy with the ride.

 

[WindyOne]

I tried new shocks for the Triglide with the comfort ride brackets, still felt like riding in the back of a 1 ton pickup. I made the decision to buy the unit for my Triglide, once I received the call from Jeff that it was finished, Jeff was great to work with in my build. I had the opportunity and drove it home over 500 miles from KoolTrikes North, 100% improvement in ride. Very Happy with the ride.

I understand the failure of installing new shocks and still being disappointed in the ride. I bought both the shocks and a lift from a dealer and would not make that mistake again. If I was closer to Jeff I would have him install the IRS kit. I can't be away from home as long as it would take me from Va. to Wis.
I am glad to read how much better the ride turned out for you.

 

[HDUSA1]

I need clarify my first post above about Kool Trikes and need to apologize for my comment about being difficult to deal with.

There are 2 locations I’m learning. Randy is the 2nd and current owner of the company if I read his website correctly. He worked for the founder developing the trike kit in Wisconsin. Randy is in Texas now and is still involved selling kits. His website is Cooltrikes.com (with a C). He was the one I was dealing with. To his defense, he was having some health issues at the time I came knocking trying to buy a kit and regretfully it was at a bad time I’m sure. At that time, I didn’t know about Kool Trikes North.

I’m now learning Randy had partnered with Jeff Steiner in Wisconsin a few years ago and they completely redesigned the trike kit and took it to the next level. I am very impressed with their design and wish I would have had the patience to wait it out and use their kit. One advantage with their kit is they use the stock belt and you don’t have to tear the primary apart to put a longer belt on.

Jeff has Kool Trikes North in Wisconsin and is swamped installing kits. His website is Kooltrikes.com (with a K). I don’t know, but I get the feeling Jeff mainly wants to install the kits he sells whereas Randy was willing to sell me a kit to install it myself.

If I had a factory Harley trike of any sort, I wouldn’t walk but run to get their kit installed. If you’re converting a 2 wheel bike, they would definitely be on my list to consider.

 

[pwhoever]

The price of this conversion is right in line with what I would expect. If you went with the California Sidecar Daytona conversion for the Harley Touring models, it starts off with the basic no frills kit that isn't even primered body for $9495. Now add on different extras and it starts to go up from there.

 

[My Turn]

I'm the person who picked up my Triglide from KoolTrikes North, did the initial test ride and instantly notice the ride improvement. Drove it over 500 miles home to Michigan, took the long way around Chicago. It was a 100% improvement in ride and handling over the Triglide solid axel. Hit a few suprise rutts and rough road patches, I would have braced myself on the solid Harley axel from the jolt of those rough patches, but barely felt anything driving over those rough patches. I'd never go back to the Triglide solid axel. Now I consider it the best ride I've ever owned, and I've owned dozens of Harleys.

Welcome to the discussion I'm glad you joined in. Since you must have the owner's ear it would be great to encourage him to get involved with this discussion and provide some details