triking a sportster

[oldnewby]

Ok, I am looking for the drawbacks of triking a sporty. is it possible to extend the rear end on a belt drive? i know a longer wheelbase might make for a smoother ride.

Ol newby

 

[Nauga Mok]

In fact Roadsmith does extend the wheel base on their Sportster kit by 6". As far as I know they're the only one that does. They use the Gates Polly Chain belt that uses carbon fiber & kevlar cord -- it's supposed to be the strongest drive belt available. I know I've had no problem with the one on my Ultra / Roadsmith & it's wheel base is 10" longer. 'Course, it's still "new" too. California Sidecar uses 2 shorter belts & a jackshaft on the Harley big bikes -- they don't do a Sportster kit. The only drawback with triking a Sportster is passenger comfort. The pillion is awfully cramped. They can make enough power to handle the conversion. If you're starting with an 883, the biggest bang for the buck of any HD engine upgrade is taking the 883 up to 1200, which CAN be done by simply boring out the cylinders & using 1200 pistons & rings. Some shops say this is the best way to go rather than just buying the 1200 big bore kit of cylinders & pistons -- it's certainly easier on the hip pocket. The 3.3 gal tank can be upgraded to a 4.5 though it takes a shorter seat. If you start with the "C" model, it comes with the big tank & shorter seat. There are a couple of other Sportster models that use the big tank as well. You'll need to get a good seat anyway. I know the first thing I did to my Sportster when I had it was change out the seat. Check out the thread "Sportster Lehman" about a Sportster trike.

NM

 

[Gorilla]

The drawback might be you can get into a trike at a reasonable price. Really if you like it there are no real drawbacks. punch it out to 1200 and get a nice seat big tank and you can go anywhere the bigger twin "V" go.