Motor Trike Classic I

[MDTrike]

Hello. New to the forum and looking forward to joining in on the fun. Recently I purchased a 1990 Goldwing 1500GL with a Motor Trike Classic I kit. Understand MT went to a Classic II model later in the 90's, but I'm looking for information of the earlier version. If anyone can help in obtaining any manuals or literature on the original version it will be much appreciated. Also, was the kit designed to utilize the on-board air compressor for air shocks? Thanks.

 

[Gorilla]

Can't help but welcome aboard.

 

[Nana]

Welcome to TrikeTalk . We have a lot of MotorTrike owners here.... and a lot of very knowledgeable members. Betting you soon have some answers!

 

[Lucky]

Welcome Aboard MDTRIKE! I ride a 1990SE with a coupe kit on it and it uses the air so I would think the classic did also.Try to put the rally in Maggie Valley on your schedule.RIDE SAFE

 

[Ozarkryder]

Welcome to TT! Her Purpleness is a 1995 GL1500 on a MotorTrike Classic 1. Doesn't have the air bag setup that the later kits use. The on-board compressor does pump up air shocks. I asked a MT rep at the Davis Rally about pressure a few years ago, and he said to run the lowest pressure I can that's comfortable. I have about 15 - 20 on the meter for most riding, a bit more when pulling our Bunkhouse camper. Remember the 'Wing manual says not to go over 50 some lbs, but that is with the bike on a centerstand. The trike is pre loaded as the rear suspension is on the ground, so reads higher than if it was elevated off the wheels. I had the air cranked up to 58, but the rear end shook and wallowed. After a point the air makes the suspension spongy, not stiff. You'll have to experiment a bit, but start low.
Havent found a manual for the GL1800 Spyder kit,but as a guide this works enough to figure things out:

http://www.junkmaster.com/kj5ix/MTServiceManual.pdf

Got it right here from this most excellent board. Haven't gotten anything from the MT folks on Texas. I think the Classic 1 pre-dates the current McVey ownership.

 

[MDTrike]

Thanks to all for the information. The trike is great...just trying to find out more about the Classic I setup. Ozarkryder, see that you said your unit didn't have the air bag setup. Did you install air shocks afterwards? The unit I have has a non-air shock setup. Thanks.

 

[Ozarkryder]

We got Her Purpleness about 6 years ago at the Davis Rally in New Hampton,IA. Went with a TrikeShop VW Runabout, came home with the 1995 GL1500SE MotorTrike Classic 1. The previous owner said he had put Progressive Suspension springs and a spacer in the front. Seems any GW can benifit from Progressives, and the spacers were supposedly to make it like a rake kit. Didn't work, just made the front suspension hard. Went with a real rake kit and loved it. But I digress.
There are Progressive Suspension rear shocks on the trike, air adjustable. I don't know if they were stock from the MT factory at the time or if the PO installed them.

 

[MDTrike]

Okay...understand now. I think I may move to the same rear shock for the air adjustable ride. Again, thanks for the great information.