Looking for Sporty Trike Feedback

[Hdsteal]

About to pull trigger on a 04 Sporty 1200XLC w/conversion. I'm coming from riding 1500 & 1600 Kawi Mean Streaks, so my question for feedback relates to the power of the 1200 trike. Will it be enough for highway use (about 20 miles day), enough to get up highway hills/etc and also occassional 2-up riding. Also since my bikes have all been FI, any things to keep in mind w/a
carb bike? Thanks for your input, I think this is the one, but still open to discussion.ThumbUp

 

[0pini0nated]

Once you buy the trike, take care of the basics first. A 2004 Harley Davidson XL Repair Manual, and a Repair Manual / Installation Instructions (including maintenance lists, parts numbers, torque specs, and repair procedures) for the machine you just bought.

I have a XL1200-C myself. With stock air cleaner and stock mufflers, there's LOTS of power in a 73 cu. in. engine. I've seen 95 MPH on the PA Turnpike, and it was still pulling ~ I had to slow down because of traffic in front of me.

If you have the CV Keihen carb, there are kits to replace the needle & emulsion tube, buy slightly larger jets, and drill out the (EPA-restricted) idle jet plug, and adjust it correctly. Re-jetted kits are cheap (relative to fuel injection) and the technology is mature.

You didn't mention the trike kit brand or year. If your trike didn't already have a 5° raked triple-tree installed, add that your Christmas list.

I bought MY Sportster trike used (3rd owner) in November 2012, after the first and second owners "gave up" and sold it after all the problems they had. I learned a lot since then. If you want a second opinion, or to just commiserate, you've come to the best forum on the internet. ThumbUp

 

[Hdsteal]

Thanks "double" O,
Noticed you list an 07 VStar 1100. I'm actually looking at a triked 03 VStar 1100 as a plan B. Any thought on the 1100 as a trike (again a carb ride)? If i follow-through on the Sporty will definetly take you up on your offer-thanks again

 

[0pini0nated]

** I have NO opinion on TRIKING a V-Star 1100 ** My wife rides the two-wheel 1.05 liter V-star, and we appreciate it for what it is ~ a smooth, comfortable, easy-to-ride cruiser, with adequate power for 1-up riding.

My Sportster trike has more aggressive (stock) cams, 9.7-1 compression (requiring premium fuel) and I've yet to explore the upper end of the speedometer.

The V-star has milder cams, 8.3-1 compression (regular gas), and 85 MPH is the highest speed I've attained in steady-speed riding. I've got it up to 90 MPH on the turnpike IF I'm going downhill

** I have NO opinion on TRIKING a V-Star 1100 ** But if my 15,K mile V-star can only muster 85 MPH on two wheels, trikeing it will only slow it down.

Of course, the front half of the V-star still has the typical V-star concerns ~ they're notorious for starter problems, the tappets need to be checked / adjusted (they're solid tappets ~ the H-D are hydraulic) and on my V-star Classic, to change the oil filter, I had to un-mount the exhaust system (the trike kit MAY have already installed a different exhaust system, or a remote oil filter kit.)

For access to dozens of V-star TRIKE rider opinions, including whether it needs a rake kit, click on Yamaha Trikes - Trike Talk Forum Also look at the trike kit web site.

For access to V-star rider opinions, click on VStar1100.com - Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom, Classic and Silverado

In closing, you must remember to separate the front end (host motorcycle) from the back end (the trike kit.) If you haven't thought about it yet, your insurance agent will bring it up when you ask to bind it. That's why there's a header about insurance and financing - Related - Trike Talk Forum Most forum commenters have had no problems but some have gone through 'hoops' to get insurance and / or a loan.

Good Luck ThumbUp