Opinion on my first trike kit.

[KKITTS]

I am going to trike my 1994 Goldwing and I have a few questions.
1. I do most of my own mechanical work on the wing, so can I install
a kit by myself?
2. What options would you leave off ?
Thanks

 

[87Trike1200]

I could be wrong but as I understand it, all (or most) kits need to be installed by an authorized dealer due to liability and warranty concerns. Options are mostly personal taste. For example, many folks love floor boards or "aqua shields", personally, I don't care for the looks. I think most would agree a "rake kit" is important, but may or may not agree on 4 1/2, 5 or 6 degree. Many like "fender bras" - I'm not sure if I want to purposely drill mounting holes in a perfectly good fender to protect it from holes or chips. Many would agree that lots of lights in the rear is good to help keep the bozo in back of you "on alert".<br />
<br />
Whatever you choose, you'll like it - and that is what's important.

 

[Nana]

There are actually a couple of kit manufacturers that will sell directly to the customer for self-installation, although several do not. Do some checking with the kit manufacturers for that option, but Champion is one that comes to mind. Frankenstein also sells directly so you can install it yourself. Several of our members have installed their kits themselves and are very happy with the result.

 

[Gorilla]

Champion was a very easy install they had great instructions. You can down load the instructions from their web site to see if you want to under take the project. Accessories are at you personal taste except for the rake. IMO rake is a necessity. PM Bazooka for the best price and his recommendation. I bet it will be 5.5 or 6 for a GW.

 

[cscsonny]

I also had the same ideas about building my 1st trike on my '97 1500 and would have been able to do so after so many other projects that have been built in my garage.I thought about this several months and decided to pay the labor price to have it done.My thoughts were because of the warranty,3 years/50,000 miles.The Wing hasn't had any kind of a warranty for some years and this way at least half the bike would.The front half I can take care of myself.I also was very confidant in the installer/dealer which helped piece of mind.
Dropped it off and a couple weeks later picked it up.Have put about 12,000 miles on it and not one issue.
My/our options were 6" rake,carpet in trunk,chrome trim on fenders;no running boards.
Without running boards,I was able to keep the center stand which is a great help for maintanence.Have been able to take off all 3 wheels on center stand with the help of a small bottle jack.
Hope this helps a little.

 

[americanbadass]

I would be cautious of a DIY on that particular bike. Shaft drives are more complicated than belt drives. I am not saying you couldn't do it- but if you do, research it carefully! If you have average wrenching skills-you will probably do fine.<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Rowdy]

If your are mechanically inclined you will not have any problem with the self install. I know personally that the DFT is a very simple installation. Most sites have downloads for the installation instructions that you can read and make up your own mind. I have friends that have installed a 1500 champion and 1800 Roadsmith without a problem.

 

[Stephen]

I am going to trike my 1994 Goldwing and I have a few questions.
1. I do most of my own mechanical work on the wing, so can I install
a kit by myself?
2. What options would you leave off ?
Thanks

I installed the Roadsmith kit on my 06 goldwing without much problem but I would suggest downloading their installation instructions to see if you feel capable of doing the job. Not to put anyone down but your going to get post from people who have never done an install, might wanna take what they say with a grain of salt. I didn't find installing the Roadsmith kit to hard but it does take some time to do the job right. At no time during the install did I find it necessary to call 1-800-rocket-science. Also the Roadsmith kit comes with many of the options others charge extra for, that was the big seller for me. I say go for it.

 

[Lucky]

KKITTS
You need to call or PM ZOOK.He is a dealer for some of the kit builders and can save you some $$$$ and give you some great advise also.Good luck.RIDE SAFE

 

[saab9k]

"to be installed by an authorized dealer"

Problem is they are not all qualified.

 

[bikerbillone]

I also had the same ideas about building my 1st trike on my '97 1500 and would have been able to do so after so many other projects that have been built in my garage.I thought about this several months and decided to pay the labor price to have it done.My thoughts were because of the warranty,3 years/50,000 miles.The Wing hasn't had any kind of a warranty for some years and this way at least half the bike would.The front half I can take care of myself.I also was very confidant in the installer/dealer which helped piece of mind.
Dropped it off and a couple weeks later picked it up.Have put about 12,000 miles on it and not one issue.
My/our options were 6" rake,carpet in trunk,chrome trim on fenders;no running boards.
Without running boards,I was able to keep the center stand which is a great help for maintanence.Have been able to take off all 3 wheels on center stand with the help of a small bottle jack.
Hope this helps a little.

Interesting point on the floor boards, keeping the center stand. How does the bottle jack trick work?

 

[J-Flash1]

got a champion kit from Randy I do all my own work the kit was a good fit,jest go by in. pay ex. for indepedent,suspension ,and am glad i did have about 10000 on it and like it a lot .I know you need a ez stear if you are runing radial tires you will want to in stall abias ply on front best thing i ever did to inprove handling used a rear bt45 on the front of my 1800