Motor Trike Leveling

[paid4c4]

My Motor Trike is 3/4 of an inch lower on the right side at the center point of the wheel well. The manual indicates to level the trike by adjusting the ladder bar on the effected side. The trike runs and rides well. I keep thinking of my father telling me that some times in life "if it's not broke don't fix it." I'm just wondering if this might not be one of those times. I'm interested in comments from those who have either been in the same place or have leveled their motor trikes, or other comments.
Bill

 

[mhgoldwing]

My Motor Trike is 3/4 of an inch lower on the right side at the center point of the wheel well. The manual indicates to level the trike by adjusting the ladder bar on the effected side. The trike runs and rides well. I keep thinking of my father telling me that some times in life "if it's not broke don't fix it." I'm just wondering if this might not be one of those times. I'm interested in comments from those who have either been in the same place or have leveled their motor trikes, or other comments.
Bill

I'm not that familiar with Motor Trike but I would offer this suggestion; call Motor Trike and explain what you're seeing and let them tell you how to correct it.

A) It could be that kit frame suspension are fine but the trike body is mounted crooked which is of minimal concern from a safety standpoint.

B) If the kit frame and suspension are not set up correctly or have been damaged then that's is a whole new ball game and the trike is NOT safe to ride in my opinion.

Bottom line for me is that you need to get to the bottom of this quickly. Do not accept this as "normal".

 

[3W-lonerider]

My Motor Trike is 3/4 of an inch lower on the right side at the center point of the wheel well. The manual indicates to level the trike by adjusting the ladder bar on the effected side. The trike runs and rides well. I keep thinking of my father telling me that some times in life "if it's not broke don't fix it." I'm just wondering if this might not be one of those times. I'm interested in comments from those who have either been in the same place or have leveled their motor trikes, or other comments.
Bill

first off lets not look at the body of the trike, that can be decieving because it may not have been shimmed right in the back.
lets look at the front tire. measure out from the tire center
is the contact patch on the tire wearing more to the right than the left. if not then your body needs shimmed to level the body.
if indeed the tire is wearing off to the right then heres what you need to do.
loosen the jamb nut on the lower heim joint holding the ladder bar to the rear end.
remove the bolt holding that heim to the rear.
turn the heim joint out 3 turns and reinstall the bolt.
tighten everything back down and go for a ride.
check the contact on the front tire again. it should've changed.
iv'e worked on alot of valkyrie and goldwing motortrikes and to be honest i have no clue why most dealers have a constant problem with setting them up to lean to the right.
i worked on one and got it level.
the guy took it back to the dealer to have other work performed. when he left the dealer he said it was leaning to the right again.
he complained to the dealer and was told that was he put it back to factory spec. i had to laugh because i had to readjust it all over again.
and a trike with running boards is a royal pain in the arse to do.

 

[Tonto]

I had a friend tell me my MT was leaning to the right as he was riding behind me, so yesterday I measured the height difference of 1/2 inch. Initially I thought, how could he see that little difference in the lean? This evening I decided to check the adjustment anyway. When removing the bolt to the lower heim, I had to back it all the way out with the ratchet. Obviously it was binding which could lead to premature failure. I backed out the heim 1 1/2 turns until the holes lined up perfectly and the bolt slid through without force. Buttoned everything up and now the measurements are equal. epper:. Tomorrow I'll take her for a spin to see if I can tell any difference in the handling. Question though, do the heim joints require lubrication?

 

[Gold Rush]

I had a friend tell me my MT was leaning to the right as he was riding behind me, so yesterday I measured the height difference of 1/2 inch. Initially I thought, how could he see that little difference in the lean? This evening I decided to check the adjustment anyway. When removing the bolt to the lower heim, I had to back it all the way out with the ratchet. Obviously it was binding which could lead to premature failure. I backed out the heim 1 1/2 turns until the holes lined up perfectly and the bolt slid through without force. Buttoned everything up and now the measurements are equal. epper:. Tomorrow I'll take her for a spin to see if I can tell any difference in the handling. Question though, do the heim joints require lubrication?

Two words... Spray Silicone. I've found the "Liquid Wrench" brand to be the best for this application. It's consistency is thicker so it clings better. If needing to seep into tiny places I use Amsoil brand. :xszpv::xszpv:

 

[Tonto]

Roger dat, thanks!

 

[paid4c4]

According to the service manual the helms joints do require lubrication. I've lubed mine with silicon.
Bill

 

[Tonto]

Thanks Bill. So, went for a test ride and it rode fine. May be my imagination but it didn't seem to roll as much to the right as before. The real test will be next week when I hit the road to Suches, GA. We'll be staying at 2 Wheels over the 4th of July weekend and I can't wait!

 

[paid4c4]

Thanks Bill. So, went for a test ride and it rode fine. May be my imagination but it didn't seem to roll as much to the right as before. The real test will be next week when I hit the road to Suches, GA. We'll be staying at 2 Wheels over the 4th of July weekend and I can't wait!

Kathy and I are going on an overnighter on our trike this weekend. It will be a good test of the leveling and new airbags. I'll be on the Harley next month when we ride to Sturgis. Have a great trip and report your experience, I'll do the same.
Bill

 

[Tonto]

Envying the Sturgis trip! One day I'll make it out there. Enjoy and Ride safe.