Newbie in the Making

[standingbear56]

Greetings from Sullivan Co. NY
I just signed up today and am planning to trike my 93 Sporty in the near future. At this point I'm not sure which brand or model I want to go with, as there are so many choices, and each of them, of course, claim to be the best. Right now I am looking at both the "training wheels" version such as Tiggs, InstaTrike, and Voyager and the Mystery Designs "Tiltster". I'd love to hear any real life experiences on any of these, or on any other units, both pro and con. Also are there any trike owners near me?
Take Care.
George

 

[skuuter]

WELCOME to TRIKE TALK, and hit the Harley Trike Forum here on TRIKE TALK.....ThumbUp

 

[Nana]

Hi there, George, and welcome to TrikeTalk.
The "training wheel" kits you mention serve a great purpose, but if you can manage a true trike kit (three wheels only), I think you will be happier with it in the long run as you can rake the front end for much easier steering. One very reasonably priced kit that makes an awesome sportster trike is the Frankenstein. Here is an example of one: 2003 HD 883 Sportster - Frankenstein Trike - SBStormy’s Photo Gallery - Trike Talk Forum

Frankenstein does sell directly to the owner, and if you are mechanically inclined, you will be able to install it yourself. All of the kit companies make a great product, although not all will sell directly to the consumer.

Good luck with your search, and keep us posted on your progress

 

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard. No help with the choice though sorry.

 

[acetrike]

Hi George, we are down here in New Jersey, so not really nearby.. But as to choices.. I agree with Nana.. your experience with triking will be the best if you go with a true THREE wheel trike then a "4 wheeler". The ride will be nicer and IMHO much safer.. In addition to the Frankenstein model, DFT is another conversion available for your year Sporty.. and it's Independent suspension has a sweet ride.. Look at the Black or Red trikes at this link. Go with the "easy steer" or equivalent as this will eliminate any 'tank slappers' and make your trike a joy to ride! I've riden several of the Sporties with DFT conversions and they are fun to ride. Good luck with your decision!! Jeff

 

[White Knight 04]

George go with 3 wheels I have a friend that went the 4 wheel route and bought a trike in a very short time said it scared the sh--- out of him on 4 wheels....

 

[standingbear56]

Hi Everyone,
Thank you all for the warm welcome and advice. I consider the real life experiences of the people actually using the products way above any manufacturer's claims. Please keep it coming.
George

 

[Frozenshrimp]

Welcome to the forum from the Sooner State!! No help with your question sorry...Ride Safe

 

[John Luciano]

I ran the Voyager for 3 years and about 7,000 miles it was a hand full. wife refused to ride on it

 

[standingbear56]

I ran the Voyager for 3years and about 7,000 miles it was a hand full. wife refused to ride on it

This appears to be what many are saying about this style of unit. What made it such a hand full?

 

[White Knight 04]

I rode with my buddy when he had his and it scared me when he would go around a bend and the wheel would lift....His wife (like Johns) refused to ride on it after 3 trips she said it was a wreck waiting to happen...She rode with him for 20 years pryer to them getting the training wheel kit as she called it (pretty critical about the thing) she was !!!! They had a Voyager Kit when they tried to get rid of it they lost money and were upset about that aspect of the deal...For them it was a all around mess and bad experience....

 

[standingbear56]

I rode with my buddy when he had his and it scared me when he would go around a bend and the wheel would lift....His wife (like Johns) refused to ride on it after 3 trips she said it was a wreck waiting to happen...She rode with him for 20 years pryer to them getting the training wheel kit as she called it (pretty critical about the thing) she was !!!! They had a Voyager Kit when they tried to get rid of it they lost money and were upset about that aspect of the deal...For them it was a all around mess and bad experience....

Thank you for clarifying that. Isn't the inner wheel lifting what solid axle enthusiasts say is the problem with IRS units? Also does anyone know if this a problem with the Mystery Designs Tiltster?
Thanks,
George

 

[Nana]

George, I think you'd find that the standard trike kit -- whether solid or independent suspension -- would be very solid on the ground. While it is possible to lift a wheel, it isn't easy to do so with either of these, and takes some very aggressive cornering to do so.

Both ride very well and handle very well. The smoothness of the ride is fairly comparable when you are in the driver's seat with either one, but the IRS will give a bit smoother ride to a passenger who is sitting right back over the rear axle. With either one, you will be much, much happier with a rake kit on the front end -- it gives you the effect of power steering and does much to remove a wobble feel in the front end at lower speeds. I have the Champion, fixed suspension kit on my Fat Boy. I love the handling and find it handles twisties like a champ. I've pushed it a bit in the Smoky Mountain curves, and never once have I had a wheel lift.

You cannot safely add the rake kit with the removable kits you initially mentioned, as it is a big negative to the bike if you ever remove the rear wheels and just ride with two again. This means you do NOT have the "power steering" with these removable kits, and many say their shoulders and arms ache from the effort with steering.

 

[standingbear56]

Hi Nana,
Thank you. I am taking the advice to go with a true 3 wheel kit and raked front end. I recently collided with a bear (yes, you are reading that correctly, a bear) which put both my bike and myself in the shop for repairs. If the finances are OK, I plan on triking her while she is in the shop. I am now looking at the Cass County Choppers kit. It seems to be a quality kit at a reasonable price.
Take care,
George

 

[trikerslave]

Welcome George, lots of good advice here,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Gorilla]

George glad you can build the trike after hitting a bear. post pictures of your build and good luck

 

[standingbear56]

Hitting Yogi was quite the experience, but not one I ever want to try again to be sure. I just ordered my kit and will be reporting on my triking experiences as they happen.
Take care, George