Newbie here, GL1800 Front Forks with EZ-Steer

[XBMW]

I have a 2003 GL1800 that next spring I will be installing a Champion Trike Kit with EZ-Steer. My right fork has a leak so will be rebuilding both forks. I bought a progressive Mono Tube kit for the rebuild before I made the decision to install a trike kit.

My question: upon reading about the Progressive Mono Tube Kit, Progressive states not to be used on trikes with raked triple trees. What front fork configuration works best with the Champion Trike Kit? OEM springs, Progressive, etc.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Champion is a "short" wheel base conversion. A 4.5 degree rake kit works well with the short wheel base kits, IMHO. If you haven't purchased the kit yet, you might want to check out and test ride a Hannigan.

 

[Papa Zook]

I have a 2003 GL1800 that next spring I will be installing a Champion Trike Kit with EZ-Steer. My right fork has a leak so will be rebuilding both forks. I bought a progressive Mono Tube kit for the rebuild before I made the decision to install a trike kit.

My question: upon reading about the Progressive Mono Tube Kit, Progressive states not to be used on trikes with raked triple trees. What front fork configuration works best with the Champion Trike Kit? OEM springs, Progressive, etc.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Welcome Jim,

Stick with the stock springs and you'll be happy as a clam. The Progresive springs are harsh. If your bike has over 50K miles on it, you might opt to replace the stock oem springs with new stock springs as they will slowly start to soften and sag over time. They are not expensive to replace only $23 each.

Here is a Tech Article on the subject written by our resident GL1800 Tech Expert, GoldwingGreg.

New OEM springs. What a difference!

 

[TGCarol]

Hi Jim :wave4:. Welcome.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Welcome Jim,

Stick with the stock springs and you'll be happy as a clam. The Progresive springs are harsh. If your bike has over 50K miles on it, you might opt to replace the stock oem springs with new stock springs as they will slowly start to soften and sag over time. They are not expensive to replace only $23 each.

Here is a Tech Article on the subject written by our resident GL1800 Tech Expert, GoldwingGreg.

New OEM springs. What a difference!

I opted for this very thing!

When I first converted to a trike, one of the places I talked to said to leave the stock springs in as he had insisted on Progressive springs to his first 6 customers, 5 of whom returned shortly asking for the stock springs to be reinstalled,

Later at approx. 30K miles, I replaced the original springs with new OEM springs. Suspensions do wear out folks!!!

Another point I'd like to make. For some reason, someone, on some forum, a long time ago started touting to have 41/42psi in the front tires of trikes. I did this on the first 2 front tires on my trike. On the 3rd tire, I was complaining about the front being pretty harsh to me. The person I bought my newest BT45 from suggested I run 36 to38psi. What a difference!!!! Just saying................

 

[Jack Klarich]

Hello and welcome to Trike Talk

:welcome:

 

[XBMW]

Thanks for all the useful information.

I really appreciate your help, I'm not only new to trikes but also Goldwings, was a BMW guy for 40 years.

Again thanks

 

[XBMW]

Champion is a "short" wheel base conversion. A 4.5 degree rake kit works well with the short wheel base kits, IMHO. If you haven't purchased the kit yet, you might want to check out and test ride a Hannigan.

Bought the EZ-Steer with the Kit, it's a done deal now. The dealer I purchased it from said it was a 5% rake.

 

[rhino 2]

Welcome Jim.........Hoped the info helped you.......:clapping:

 

[XBMW]

Champion is a "short" wheel base conversion. A 4.5 degree rake kit works well with the short wheel base kits, IMHO. If you haven't purchased the kit yet, you might want to check out and test ride a Hannigan.

Have already purchased and in process of installing. Bought the Champion ez-steer.

Thanks

 

[trikeman]

Welcome and Congrats

 

[Fearless]

Welcome from Pennsylvania :good: travel safe Fred

 

[desertclassic]

Welcome from New Mexico. Jim

 

[MDO]

Welcome from Missouri! ​

 

[hardwickbv]

Welcome from Indiana !!! :Coffee:

Bob