New here

[jamesrhull]

I am new to this forum, but I am looking for a little advice. I am seriously considering the purchase of a trike, but I am a little confused as to all of the kits out there. I am looking to purchase a road-ready trike, not do the install myself.

Is there any information out there comapring the pros and cons of the various kits? I predominantly see California Side Car, Roadsmith, Lehman and Champion for sale. I have heard good things about Hannigan, but have not seen many for sale. I know that I want an IRS and a raked front-end. I also want a Goldwing 1800. I have never had a trike before, but am wanting to "join the club" so to speak.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone knows where I can find a comprehensive comparison of the various manufacturers, I would appreciate it. I am located in East Central Illinois, so any pointers as to good shops in the area would be appreciated.

 

[Nana]

Welcome to TrikeTalk, James! You've found a great place for answers .

First of all, EVERY one of the kit manufacturers makes a fantastic product! In all honesty, they each have their strengths, and I think you'll find there is not one that is "better" than any other.

That brings it down to personal choice...... the look/style of the kit, the ride of it, the cost of it, and perhaps most importantly the quality and experience of the builder who changes your Goldwing to a trike, and his availability to you if you have questions or need service done.

I know that Roadsmith's kit, for instance is about 10 inches longer than some of the others. A buddy that has one on his trike loves the ride that provides, and that was his priority, whereas I wanted the handling that the Champion kit offers. The same dealer built our trikes and he compared mine to driving a Camaro, and Tom's to driving a Lincoln. LOL! So you've got some choices to make, but there isn't a bad one!

 

[Blondie Gal]

James, if you can get your hands on a copy of WingWorld, August 2010 issue, there was a very good comparison of all the major conversions complete with pictures and some details that might be a real help. Some great pictures so you can see them all.

We have an 08 GW1800 CSC that we absolutely love. We've put nearly 19K miles on it in less than a year, and it's never given us a single problem.

Good luck with whichever one you choose, and welcome to TrikeTalk!

ScalpHunter & BlondieGal

 

[John Luciano]

Honda doesn't make a trike . So I guess the answer is Turn key as they are called are trikes that a shop builds on speculation of selling it . I know of none that just build a whole bunch of brand new 1800's . There may be someone that does , and you would have to ask on here or search them out.
Some shops do have some nice used units or may have one or 2 that they have converted. As stated above Roadsmith makes a nice trike, Even tho NANA said the indy rear is like a Lincoln in no way is it a slouch in the twistys the ride is softer but the power and handling is very good. I drive a DFT (indy rear ) and it can go as fast thru corners as I dare to push it. So this leave the problem . I would compare it to a Caddy SST . If u want a brand new 1800 in the color with the options you want then you will have to buy a new wing and have it converted. Again you can get good info from this forum on that also.

 

[Gorilla]

I am new to this forum, but I am looking for a little advice. I am seriously considering the purchase of a trike, but I am a little confused as to all of the kits out there. I am looking to purchase a road-ready trike, not do the install myself.

Is there any information out there comapring the pros and cons of the various kits? I predominantly see California Side Car, Roadsmith, Lehman and Champion for sale. I have heard good things about Hannigan, but have not seen many for sale. I know that I want an IRS and a raked front-end. I also want a Goldwing 1800. I have never had a trike before, but am wanting to "join the club" so to speak.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone knows where I can find a comprehensive comparison of the various manufacturers, I would appreciate it. I am located in East Central Illinois, so any pointers as to good shops in the area would be appreciated.

Just wanted to say welcome aboard. There are a couple of dealers that convert GW's for re-sale as trikes. If you go a E-Bay you will find them. There is one that will even fly you in to pick up your new purchase. I'm a Harley guy but you will love the GW 1800 as a trike. Good luck on your search and check E-Bay.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

The reason you don't see many Hannigans for sale is because when people buy one that's the only trike you need! No reason to sell it!
Just kidding(maybe)
Since you want a turn key unit, I would try to google trike dealerships and find the closest one you can to go test ride several brands.
IRS and a rake kit are a good place to start.
Most everyone is going to tell you the one they bought is the best so, you need to decide which one is for you.
The test rides should not be around the lot rides! They need to be on the road and ones with various surfaces from smooth to rough!
I'm sure I'm more into "detail" than most but, it took me over 3 yrs of study, testing, talking, etc, to pick the conversion I wanted.

 

[jamesrhull]

Thanks for all of the good advice. I have been researching on the web for about 6 months now. I have seen the web site for te dealer in Arkansas that will fly you in and they seem to have a good selection, but only a couple of conversion "brands". I have seen a site for a place in Alabama that seems to have a nice selection and is a certified dealer of Motortrike, Roadsmith and CSC. There is actually a Motortrike dealer in my home town and a Hannigan dealer about one hour north. I can also be to the Hannigan factory in about 3 hours. There are just so many options that my head is swimming. I love the look of the Roadsmith, CSC and Hannigan. I want the ground effects (that you can stand on) and I like the look of the Whale Tail that Hannigan does.

I grew up with motorcycles and am comfortable with them. But, momma did not, so other than a four wheeler for the farm, I have not had a bike in the 16 years we have been married. She has always been uncomfortable at the thought. So, please don't laugh, I bought a 150 cc Chinese scooter trike this summer to help her get more comfortable. It goes 55 mph and we have ridden it a lot this summer. She has really enjoyed the rides and is much more willing to ride now. She is convinced of the relative improved safety and stability of a trike and likes the thought of a larger, more stable bike than the scooter trike. But, she wants comfort. Therefore, the need for the IRS and I want the ease of the EZSteer.

So, all of the input I can get to help me make the best informed choice I can is greatly appreciated. I have not visited dealers yet, and will probably begin to do so. But I want as many independent opinions as I can gather and you all seem so willing to help us "newbies".

 

[tfdeputydawg]

YOU MUST SATISFY YOURSELF
But, if you have a Hannigan dealer that close and the factory is that close..........................
Go tour the factory and take a looooooooong ride on their demo.
Call and talk to John Lee. He'll set you up.
I coined this little ditty after all the brands I studied, tested discussed and cussed:
Test the rest
Then ride the best
Hannigan

 

[Lucky]

I would take a shot at that Hannigan B.S.,but it just ain't worth it.First of all wecome aboard.I think it would be hard to make a wrong choice,but I would suggest finding a reliable installer that is colse to you if you are not doing it yourself.GOOD LUCK RIDE SAFE

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I would take a shot at that Hannigan B.S.,but it just ain't worth it.First of all wecome aboard.I think it would be hard to make a wrong choice,but I would suggest finding a reliable installer that is colse to you if you are not doing it yourself.GOOD LUCK RIDE SAFE

I'm assuming the B.S. in your post stands for Best/Smoothest:yes:
Right:wtg:

 

[Lucky]

If you know the true meaning of ASSuming go with it I guess .LOL

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Yep and that word refers to U and ME:beerchug:

 

[jim peacock]

If you want floor boards you can step on or stand on you will have to go with lehman are hannagan or champion a couple of the group I ride with have the hannagan and love them,they are a little wider then the other kits,but they are probley the best riding and they do handle good,you want at lest a four and a half degree rake kit.
While csc makes a good trike kit and has i.r.s. if you want floor boards you can not step on them are stand on them.
You say you live in Ill.
WHY dont youtake a drive over to Litchfield Ill. and go to Niehaus honda and take a look at their trikes.
I think they install and sell c.s.c trikes and talk to them.
:yes::yes::yes:

 

[Lucky]

you can also step/stand on Motortrike Floor boards

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Seriously-no funnies like above, finally dared to take my pegs off of my Wing/Hannigan and use the foot fairings(that's what Hannigan calls them).
Wish I had done it the 1st day I got the trike!!

 

[jamesrhull]

It sounds like I have several options. I knew about Lone Star Trike Conversions in Mahomet, IL (Hannigan), and Trikes By Dennis in Mattoon, IL (Motor Trike). Thanks for the info on Niehaus in Lichfield, IL. All of these are within 1 to 1.5 hours from my home, with the exception of Dennis who is about 6 blocks from my house.

I don't currently have a GW for the conversion. In your combined opinions, is it better to look for a low mileage GW and have it converted or should I just look to some of the dealers that have trikes in inventory and go that way? It seems it might be a little more economical to look for a good used GW and have it converted, but I am torn about having to wait. I guess I like instant gratification.

Thanks again for all of the input.

 

[skuuter]

WELCOME to TRIKE TALK....I have a Motor Trike Adventurer IRS, with a 4.5 degree Rake Kit, and really love it. That doesn't make it the Best, but it makes it "My Favorite Choice". Lota' Great Trikes out there from a lota' Great Companies. Dealer/Builder Choice is also an important factor in the decision also, along with the usual Looks, Ride, Style, etc. Take Your time, look around, ask questions.....You're at the Right Forum.....:wtg:

PS: Keep the Brand Flaming Civil Folks.....

 

[jim peacock]

James a lot depends on how much money you are willing to spend.
A new 1800 trike is going to cost you around thirty thousand dollars.
A used 1800 depending on year and mileage is going to cost around twenty thousand.
You could find a late 1500 say a 2000se for around fifteen thousand.
A trike kit is going to cost around 12,000 dollars weather it is for a 1800 or a 1500.
As for as ride and handling they are going to be about the same depending on what trike kit you kit,but the 1800 will have more power and get a little better fuel milage because it is fuel injected.
My advice is if you can find some one who has a 1800 trike are a 1500 trike ask if they will let you take it for a ride,just be sure you take your corider along,you know the old saying,if Mama is not happy no one is.
If you feel like you can afford it I would go with a new 1800 trike,and if you want a softer ride go with a irs trike.while Lehman makes a very good trike kit they have a solid axel and do not ride as soft as a irs trike.
If you want the floor boards that you can step on are stand on then you do not want a csc trike kit even though they make a very good trike kit and have a very good rebutation.
My advice is as close as you are to Niehauss is to drive over there and talk to them,they are a honda dealer and if you buy a new trike from them they will not only honor the trike warrenty but hondas warrenty.
The one pice of advice I would give is if you go with a new 1800 get the c.b.and the trailer hitch with the trike kit.
Like the old saying goes it is always about the money.
Another thing is I would not advise you to buy a used 1500 two wheeler and then add a trike kit as you will have more money in it then it is worth.
If you can find a late modle 1500 that you like that is already triked that is a diffrent matter.
I wish you luck in your quest.I know one thing for sure you will never regret geeting a trike.

 

[kj5ix]

If you have a Motor Trike Dealer there in town,,, That would be the place to start. The new Adventure is an impressive machine, and so is the Fastback with the Solid axle under it. Don't dis regard it until you have ridden one. It has a independant action ladder bar suspension that has proven to be solid as a rock. I have both a MT, and a Hannigan, and it is a toss up to me. Honestly cant tell the difference.......

 

[tfdeputydawg]

One of your requirements is to have weight bearing foot fairings.
That means, because of the builders near you, Hannigan or Motor Trike are the choices you have.
I did not include Lehman because of some concerns going on w/the IRS version at this time! Many discussions going on about this on another sight.
I would check w/both of them and ask for loooong demo rides!
Then, if you want to, you can expand your search further!
Keep us updated as you progress towards your decision.
The "Search" is always an exciting time:yes:

 

[tis]

Welcome to the site James, check around at the closest dealer's to you & see if you can talk to anyone that has had their bikes Triked there, then take a ride to Murray, Kentucky and talked to the folks @ Hannigan, they may have what you need sitting on their showroom floor, test ride a few of the ones that are out there and you'll be better off. Don't know how soon your going to make your purchase, but another option would be to go to one of the big Bike Rally's and Demo ride the different Trikes to narrow it down....