Valkyrie Trike

[BigEagle]

Hello All,<br />
This is my first post here. I've got a 2001 Valkyrie Standard that I've been wanting to trike for a while now. Done a lot of research and I've narrowed it down to two contenders. I really like the body style of the Motor Trike for the Valk, but I'm leaning towards the DFT because of the suspension. The one thing that really bugs me with the DFT is the trunk lifts up instead of out. The Motor Trike trunk opens out so adding another trunk on top wouldn't be a problem. DFT... Motor Trike... DFT... Motor Trike...

If it weren't for that stupid trunk lid I'd be DFT all the way.<br />
<br />
Suggestions???

 

[Nana]

Welcome to TrikeTalk, BigEagle! Those Valks sure do make a beautiful trike <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" />. You'll be getting feedback from both DFT and Motortrike owners. Both are excellent products, and you can't go wrong either way....guess it will come down to how much you want that IRS and how much you want that tour pack!

 

[skuuter]

WELCOME to TRIKE TALK.....Two Great Choices there....I have a Gold Wing Motor Trike IRS...been totally happy with it ever since the purchase....GOOD LUCK in Your decision...at least Your choice in Trike Forums was absolutely Correct.... :wtg:

 

[ThirdWheel]

BigEagle - Welcome - I really like the looks of a Valkyrie trike, one of my favorites. I understand your dilemma and I have a suggestion. Budweiser and plenty of it! Then if for some reason if you question your decision later you can blame it on the evils of alcohol. Works every time!
Good luck on triking the bike, regardless of your choice you will enjoy the three wheels.

 

[Big_Steve]

I just bought a Valk. Would be interested if you kept in touch here, posting observations on power loss, and before/after gas mileage.<br />
<br />
I'm not planning on triking my Valk, but one never knows what the future holds. I'm kind of surprised at my mileage now (34 mpg) I wonder what it would be after?

 

[bigbuck]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Big_Steve</strong>
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<div class="message">I just bought a Valk. Would be interested if you kept in touch here, posting observations on power loss, and before/after gas mileage.<br />
<br />
I'm not planning on triking my Valk, but one never knows what the future holds. I'm kind of surprised at my mileage now (34 mpg) I wonder what it would be after?</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>I have a 2001 Valkyrie Standard. My wife has a 2001 Valkyrie Standard with Motor Trike. There is about a 3% drop in fuel mileage with the trike. The trike still has plenty of power.

 

[kj5ix]

The Motor trike is a great kit, and less costly than the DFT, and it comes with wheels and tires,,,,,, ( read the fine print on their page ) you can also have MT paint the body to match.

 

[Gorilla]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>BigEagle</strong>
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<div class="message">Hello All,<br />
This is my first post here. I've got a 2001 Valkyrie Standard that I've been wanting to trike for a while now. Done a lot of research and I've narrowed it down to two contenders. I really like the body style of the Motor Trike for the Valk, but I'm leaning towards the DFT because of the suspension. The one thing that really bugs me with the DFT is the trunk lifts up instead of out. The Motor Trike trunk opens out so adding another trunk on top wouldn't be a problem. DFT... Motor Trike... DFT... Motor Trike...

If it weren't for that stupid trunk lid I'd be DFT all the way.<br />
<br />
Suggestions???</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>welcome aboard Big Eagle. I've riden both. Both are great machines. Don't forget the installer in the equation unless it's the same vendor. If so then it's what you like better. You look at it more than you use the trunk lid.

 

[John Luciano]

I thought I had a picture of the DFT Trike with the trunk on it. I believe the kit you use is a modified 1500 kit sooooo the MT will be a straight axle , unless they use the same kit for all the tirkes. One + about the top hing if you add a trailer the door opens out of the way and you can get into the trunk without banging the lid on the ball.Also less prone to leaking or getting wet when it is raining and you need your rain gear. I guess all have there + and -

 

[rmrc51]

I have a 97 Valkyrie Motor Trike. Mine is one of the older units that has the trunk door hinged at the top. That's the only negative aspect I can say about it. So far, she's been 100% trouble free. The newer Motor Trikes are really beautiful units.

 

[North of 49]

Hi BigEagle and welcome from a fellow Canuck and Valk trike owner. I presume you have researched many kits, but did you consider the Trike Shop/ Roadsmith, has IRS, and trunk opens to the side. Had mine for three years now, and very happy with its performance

 

[trike lady]

Also look into a Triwing unit from Triwing Industries, you can also try California Sidecar.

 

[Ragnarok]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Big_Steve</strong>
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<div class="message">I just bought a Valk. Would be interested if you kept in touch here, posting observations on power loss, and before/after gas mileage.<br />
<br />
I'm not planning on triking my Valk, but one never knows what the future holds. I'm kind of surprised at my mileage now (34 mpg) I wonder what it would be after?</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>My 1997 standard motor trike valk gets ~30mpg at 60mph but it drops to 25 mpg at 75...lots of wind and rolling resistance. but i do love her!

 

[acetrike]

Hmmm... Unless the door is a really big concern for you (because you want to add a tour pack).. Then go with the independent suspension.. You'll be riding for hours on end, so you want to be confortable.. You only need to open the trunk every now and then! Another thought.. There is a possibility that the GL1500 DFT body will fit onto your Valk.. This would give you the rear facing trunk that you are looking for, PLUS independent suspension! Give the guys/girls at <a href="http://www.dfttrikes.com" target="_blank">DFTTrikes.com</a> a ring and see if this is an option.. Good luck!!

 

[BigEagle]

Hi All,<br />
Yes, I have pondered all the variables of all the makes, but in the end I still settle on the MT because of the body style. IRS would be nice, but I'm not sure it would make that much of a difference anyway. People have been very happily riding MTs for years so even though IRS may be a better ride, I think I'd be happy with the MT.

 

[acetrike]

Keep us posted on your progress and send some pictures!

 

[Yellow Trike]

My husband has a 1997 Valk Interstate with a 2007 Motortrike conversion. He is happy with it. It is also very pretty!<br />
<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_rhaUYlnnE6o/SNxAzovcDJI/AAAAAAAABng/Os1Te7m0A2Q/s640/IMG_0343.jpg" border="0" alt="" />

 

[Chumbly]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>BigEagle</strong>
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<div class="message">Hi All,<br />
Yes, I have pondered all the variables of all the makes, but in the end I still settle on the MT because of the body style. IRS would be nice, but I'm not sure it would make that much of a difference anyway.</div>

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</div>Exactly my reasoning as well. Where are you getting the install done? Had a few problems with mine, so beware...MT offers very little info or support. I do love the looks of the finished product... learning to ride it is coming along nicely.<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[BigEagle]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Chumbly</strong>
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<div class="message">Exactly my reasoning as well. Where are you getting the install done? Had a few problems with mine, so beware...MT offers very little info or support. I do love the looks of the finished product... learning to ride it is coming along nicely.<img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Well actually... I am thinking of doing the install myself. I don't see any reason why I couldn't other than maybe MT not selling me the kit unless it's installed by a stealer.

 

[Lucky]

As far as I know the only way to get MT's kits is thru a dealer or at their factory.If you find out different please let me know.

 

[Chumbly]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Lucky</strong>
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<div class="message">As far as I know the only way to get MT's kits is thru a dealer or at their factory.If you find out different please let me know.</div>

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</div>That's pretty much the story I got as well. However, if you phone around, I know of at least one dealer who is willing to forego the install, and let you do it yourself... not sure how that would affect your warranty though. My experience was that I pretty much had to redo everything anyway, so I suspect that my warranty is void.<img src="images/smilies/tongue2.gif" border="0" alt="" title="blowing a raspberry" class="inlineimg" /> Another way to obtain a kit is to become a dealor youself... only have to order three kits, and spend a week in their plant learning the "ropes". I was sorely tempted. Chumbly-<img src="images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" />

 

[BigEagle]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Chumbly</strong>
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<div class="message">That's pretty much the story I got as well. However, if you phone around, I know of at least one dealer who is willing to forego the install, and let you do it yourself... not sure how that would affect your warranty though. My experience was that I pretty much had to redo everything anyway, so I suspect that my warranty is void.<img src="images/smilies/tongue2.gif" border="0" alt="" title="blowing a raspberry" class="inlineimg" /> Another way to obtain a kit is to become a dealor youself... only have to order three kits, and spend a week in their plant learning the "ropes". I was sorely tempted. Chumbly-<img src="images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Hmmm... I was afraid of that being the case. Oh well, I wonder if DFT is the same???

 

[John Luciano]

Talk to Leon (owner of DFT )tell him John Luciano told you to call. HE told me he would sell a kit to an individual .

 

[JimEd]

I have a 2000 Valk interstate, M/T kit straight axel,,love it.

Motor Trike makes a IRS kit now, I think you can get it for a Valkyrie.

 

[Puff]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>BigEagle</strong>
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<div class="message">Hello All,<br />
This is my first post here. I've got a 2001 Valkyrie Standard that I've been wanting to trike for a while now. Done a lot of research and I've narrowed it down to two contenders. I really like the body style of the Motor Trike for the Valk, but I'm leaning towards the DFT because of the suspension. The one thing that really bugs me with the DFT is the trunk lifts up instead of out. The Motor Trike trunk opens out so adding another trunk on top wouldn't be a problem. DFT... Motor Trike... DFT... Motor Trike...

If it weren't for that stupid trunk lid I'd be DFT all the way.<br />
<br />
Suggestions???</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>I haven't read the latest posts so you may have already decided which way<br />
to go. I too purchased a DFT kit, and I have to agree, the only downside was<br />
the trunk :banghead:<br />
<br />
But like anything, there's always a work-around. I fabricated a lift up frame <br />
(shown below in it's infancy) that has allowed me to fit a good sized top-box.<br />
<br />
The pics are the early prototype, and have since been re-enforced, but you'll<br />
get the basic idea as to how it looks. <br />
<img src="http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss26/billbo11/trike/30082009530.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> <img src="http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss26/billbo11/trike/30082009535.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
<br />
As well as making the frame more robust, and it has to be if you've got the<br />
box loaded... There is also a drop-down bracket which supports the box when<br />
it's 'up', and allows sufficient room for the bottom trunk to be opened.<br />
<br />
To 'lock it into position when on the road, you'll note two conchos on the <br />
side of the pillion-seat, they're actually stainless steel locking pins (with balls)<br />
It's just a simple matter of extracting the two pins, raising the box and Bob's<br />
your uncle <img src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Smile" class="inlineimg" /><br />
<img src="http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss26/billbo11/trike/18092009593.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br />
If you want some better pics/advice etc., just PM me and I'll try to help.<br />
One more thing... When I go for a long ride that involves overnight stop-offs,<br />
I only put stuff in the box that I'll need at the destination. That way I only have<br />
to open it once when I arrive, and once when I'm leaving. Everything else is<br />
either in the top-trunk or the trailer.

 

[Nana]

Great set-up, Puff! Thanks for sharing your pictures and ideas. I'll bet they are copied endlessly, and you know that would be the greatest complement ever <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />.

 

[R J REEVES]

Can't help you with those kits other than my 1500 GW I could not keep u-joints in them .I have had 4 CSC Valkyrie trikes , one which I put 307k on with not one u joint, (inline drive shaft). Still riding a 2000 Valk. Interstate. Make sure you rake it . Not like a Goldwing they must be raked . rjreeves@charter.net 931-247=4502

 

[RTL1330]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>BigEagle</strong>
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<div class="message">Hmmm... I was afraid of that being the case. Oh well, I wonder if DFT is the same???</div>

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</div>Hello Big Eagle. <br />
I have a 2001 Valkyrie Interstate that I triked in BC in 2008. The trike shop I got my kit from is in Victoria BC. They build and installed kit as it was the proto type to making Valkyrie kit and manuals etc. <br />
Since then several people I have met and looked at mine purchased kits from Triwing Industries. They sell kits for valkyrie and ship all over the world. Kit is basically same as most with 7 inch ford diff, air ride and nice body profile. Big trunk with drop floor.<br />
I had a 6 degree rake tripple tree from Steerite in kamloops BC installed.

Made all the difference between fighting the ride and enjoying it. I put 25000 km of hard long riding on her and the Dragon is smooth, comfortable and fast in the corners also. I posted photos of my Dragon Trike on site today.<br />
PS... the Valkyrie riders all meet in New Denver, BC every June at the Valhalla INN. Good time, maybe see you there.<br />
Terry.

 

[Nana]

Welcome to TrikeTalk, Tri Dragon! You are right about Vancouver Island having beautiful riding!!! Happy to have another Canadian on board!

 

[Gorilla]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Tri Dragon</strong>
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<div class="message">Hello Big Eagle. <br />
I have a 2001 Valkyrie Interstate that I triked in BC in 2008. The trike shop I got my kit from is in Victoria BC. They build and installed kit as it was the proto type to making Valkyrie kit and manuals etc. <br />
Since then several people I have met and looked at mine purchased kits from Triwing Industries. They sell kits for valkyrie and ship all over the world. Kit is basically same as most with 7 inch ford diff, air ride and nice body profile. Big trunk with drop floor.<br />
I had a 6 degree rake tripple tree from Steerite in kamloops BC installed. Made all the difference between fighting the ride and enjoying it. I put 25000 km of hard long riding on her and the Dragon is smooth, comfortable and fast in the corners also.

I posted photos of my Dragon Trike on site today.<br />
PS... the Valkyrie riders all meet in New Denver, BC every June at the Valhalla INN. Good time, maybe see you there.<br />
Terry.</div>

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</div>Welcome aboard. Valkyrie is a great trike conversion. Thanks for joining us