New Member from NH.

[catdescad]

Hello All,

I just joined today and wanted to say hello.

I presently ride a 2007 GL1800 and looking to convert it to a trike.

I took my first trike test ride this year at Americade and just got back from Wing Ding 33 in Knoxville where I did more test rides.

So far I have test rode Motor Trike, Roadsmith, Hannigan and CSC.

There were things I liked and did not like about each of them. I am seriously looking to convert my bike into a trike, but would like to hear opinions from those who own trikes. So far I do not have a clear choice of which kit it is going to be.

My bike presently has ABS and I know some of the kits have ABS options and some don't. How important is ABS on a trike?

I also would like a trike with a good ride, but also handles well thru turns.

Reliability is also a must.

I would appreciate any thoughts, those that are happy with their choice, mistakes they made, or things they wish they did.

Thank You,
Chuck

 

[Gorilla]

Welcome aboard Chuck. All the mentioned conversions are good products. As mentioned they all have plus and minuses. The big thing is if you are have the conversion done professionally the quality of the the job becomes the major issue. A great conversion is a real pain if not done correctly. Your riding experience determines if you want to keep the ABS. Those of us that grew up on bikes don't miss what we don't have. Everyone is going to have an opinion on which is better, but a great installer should be your number one factor. Then see what YOU like.

 

[Nana]

Welcome to the world of trikes and especially welcome to TrikeTalk!

Gorilla is right --- every one of us loves our trike, and if you look in our GARAGE photo gallery, you are going to see a whole lot of different styles, brands, and motorcycles are represented! The kit you select will be chosen because it meets YOUR needs. The kits brands you mention make me think you have already decided on your first major choice --- solid axle vs. independent suspension. Both are excellent choices for different reasons (no right or wrong here) and it looks like you've decided for independent. Now it probably most comes down to price and looks for you, though the brakes each company utilizes may influence your choice, as you mentioned.

The one thing that I would urge you to add to your trike whatever kit you choose is the rake kit on the front end. Without it, your steering will be heavier and rougher, with it --- power steering! I haven't figured out why it is not simply a basic part of every trike conversion instead of an add!

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress

 

[trikerslave]

Welcome.................

 

[Lucky]

Welcome aboard!My .2. It looks like you are not doing the conversion yourself so be sure and deal with an insatller that you trust and is close as possible.I agree with NANA a rake kit would be a must for me.(check pricing at ZOOK'S) I think all the kits you mentioned are good products.GOOD LUCK=RIDE SAFE

 

[fatman]

Hi Chuck
I had my 03 wing converted last year at American Trikes and Motorsports in Keene Nh PH 603-354-7740 We went with Roadsmith and have been very happy with the trike and the work Doug did. Give him a call he sell several other conversions and is a straight shooter.
Good luck

Fatman

 

[John Luciano]

I know DFT will retain the ABS as it retains the entire Goldwing rear and brakes . It is also one of the most expensive out there BUT I have ridden mine 50,000 miles with just a few grease jobs and an oil changes every 5,000 miles.

 

[catdescad]

Hello John,

Excuse my ignorance, but I don't know what DFT stands for.

Just found DFT.

-Chuck

 

[catdescad]

Hi Nana,

I am definitely going to add the rake kit. That is basically the only thing all the manufacturers agree upon. Each one also said they leave it as an option so it could be done later if you want it, but most people get one eventially.

-Chuck

 

[catdescad]

Hello Fatman,

American Trikes and Motorsports is someone I am considering using. He was at Americade this year, but I did not get a chance to speak with him since he was busy with someone else. The Roadsmith factory rep recomended them highly. I also know they install kits from several manufacturers.
I have a friend who is a sales rep at a local Honda dealer that does Hannigan conversions and their sister dealership reps CSC.

-Chuck

 

[Gorilla]

Hello John,

Excuse my ignorance, but I don't know what DFT stands for.

Just found DFT.

-Chuck

Chuck, DFT stands for DARN FINE TRIKE. They are made outside Chicago the owner is a great guy meet him at Sturgis a couple of years ago. Top quality conversion.

 

[robandlyn]

Hi Chuck,
I know Doug very, very well. I have known him since 1973.
We use to motocross at the same time.
He also owns Cycle Design down in Athol,MA.
He is a wicked nice guy and we almost had him trike Lynn's 07 Street Glide.
The ONLY reason we did not was because the Harley Dealer we use in
Leominster, MA gave us a deal on a trade-in towards her 2010 HD Trike
that we could not pass up on. Otherwise Doug would have done it !
Tell him Rob & Lynn says hello !
BTW ... Even if your on 2-wheels ( I am - Lynn rides the Trike ) come to this ...
http://www.triketalk.com/forum/rallys-rides/4002-tt-ne-rally-ii-planning.html
Rob .....

 

[skuuter]

WELCOME to TRIKE TALK, and Good Luck on Your Final Decision....It's all a Personal Choice.....ThumbUp

 

[CCrider]