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Feedback on TowPac
I recently "triked" out a new 2009 Shadow Aero with a TowPac InstaTrike 2 kit due to a crippling leg injury incurred when a guy on a cell ran a stop sign and I nailed him. I want to give a word of caution about this conversion. The kit, once installed is great but it takes some considerable modification to get it right. The bolts connecting the kit to the bike frame are too short (we had to make longer ones), the top part of the fender braces is of an inadequate diameter to distribute the stress and the vibration will crack your new paint so we had to modify these as well. The kickstand cannot be used when the "trike"assembly is removed to use the hitch only because it hits the hitch frame and there is a barely acceptable amount of front wheel wobble no matter how the thing is adjusted. It's not enough to make riding uncomfortable or dangerous but is a pain at certain speeds.
According to Tow Pac support they never had tried it out on a new Aero. The kit is of good sturdy quality and if the company fixes these minor bugs. It is a great value. Just be prepared to work with it.
Joseph Geiger
Ponce De Leon, FL
7/6/2010
You can see the TowPac product in the Product News & Reviews link.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
Calibration of a Speedo
I've recently completed a Champion trike conversion on a Honda VTX1800F. It's an awesome combination and a blast to ride.
I've noted the speedometer is reading about 10 percent below actual speed. I've done a number of speed trials with a variety of bikes in varying conditions and at various speeds, all with the same results. This means that if I'm cruising with an indicated speed matching the posted speed limit, I'm actually speeding.
I have the technical shop manual for the VTX, and the Clymer manual, but cannot find any references to re-calibration of the speedometer. It's electronic as opposed to the traditional gear drive off the front wheel. I don't want to be diverting my attention from safe riding to be constantly calculating and adjusting my indicated speed to actual speed, and obviously I would rather not be getting speeding tickets, or the possibility of my insurance rates going up. If anyone else has run into this problem and came up with a solution I would like to hear about it.
I've owned six different two wheelers over the years, but have wanted a three wheeler for a long time. My instincts were right; I love riding a trike. I'm having a ball.
Tom Burton
Brockville, Ontario, Canada
6/20/2010
Steering Stabilizer Question
I have a 2004 Suzuki 800 Volusia with a Lehman Romani conversion. Has typical trike front wheel wobble. I cannot seem to find a fork brace or steering stabilizer that will fit this thing. Big drawback is that it has factory fork tins, something I can do without. I even emailed Lehman factory to see if they had anything. They said that a steering stabilizer they make for a Suzuki C50 Boulevard would work but they don't sell them direct and am having a heckuva time finding someone who does. Anybody have any tips? Thanks.
johnboy
Apache Junction, AZ
6/1/2010
Trike For Sale
I have a 1991 Honda Trike for sale. It was triked just two years ago. The bike itself has only 49,000.00 miles on the 25th anniversary Honda and its been garaged all of those years. The trike kit is a Champion.
A beautiful little number and I would be willing to part with the unit for around $10,000. Call me at 406.223.2199, or my email is bdeanholmes@gmail.com any time.
Dean Holmes
Livingston, MT
5/19/2010
Looking for Trike Lapel Pin
Hi Trike Riders,
I'm looking for a lapel pin of a trike but can't find them anywhere. Do any of you know where I can buy them? I'm looking for a plain little lapel pin and there are a gazillion different kinds of motorcycle pins but they're all the two-wheeled variety. Email me: ERSent@aol.com
Ella Senter
Marion, OH
5/13/2010
Seeking Advice on Voyager Trike Conversion
I bought a Honda Rebel 450 and Voyager Trike Conversion kit. After the purchases, I was told I needed a belly plate. The one that came with the unit was for a Honda Shadow. I called Voyager and was told I needed a belly plate for a Rebel and that it would run from $400 to $800. My boyfriend is a tool and die maker and can manufacture about anything. Can someone tell me what the dimensions are or send me a picture of a Rebel with a Voyager Kit.
Email is: cawillieone@yahoo.com
Cheryl Williams
Bellville, OH
3/8/2010
CF Moto Trike
I have never made an entry on a trike web site. I own a custom CF Moto 250cc Automatic Trike. It is an original by the designer himself whom I know. It is the V5 cruiser model. It is sold on the Internet by other distributors now who install the same kit made from light weight billet aluminum like mine. This is my first trike and I have never seen a review on this trike anywhere. Scooter riders and bike riders would enjoy this little trike. With a high performance exhaust and manifold it delivers better than the average 18 hp most 250ccs deliver. It uses high test fuel and though underpowered for the highway it can maintain 55mph all day long.]
Trikes can tip over due to the G force on corners but this trike is built low enough to the ground to give the beginning rider a more secure feel. The rear tires are 48 inches apart on the rear axle. This is a limited slip (no live axle). Yes, this is an entry level trike. That is why I bought this tough no frills machine. It feels like a bigger bike than it really is. I enjoy triking enough to sell this one and move on to a bigger model.
Dave
Charlotte, NC
3/4/2010
Steering Stabilizer
To: R Finneran
I believe what you want is a Steering Stabilizer. You can fine it at lehmantrike.com, click on tramp jackal
then on Suzuki accessories. Hope this helps
Jed Agne
Belleville, IL
2/11/2010
EZ Steer for Lehman Suzuki Boulevard C50 Conversion?
If anyone knows who makes an EZ steer for a Suzuki Boulevard C50 (Lehman kit) trike. So far I can't find anyone who can do it. They do make them for the C90s. Go figure. I have carpal tunnel and an easier way of steering would be just what the doctor ordered! I'm crossing my fingers that someone out there will know the solution.
R Finneran
Oak Ridge, NJ
11/4/2009
Trike Conversion for Scooters
Does anyone know a local dealer I can check out a 150cc trike? Just need mostly for local errands. Thanks.
Wendy
Bucks County, PA
10/12/2009
Several companies make scooter trike conversions. Visit the Links We Like section on TRN. I know Dawson is one of them. And in the Product News section we're running a story on Tow-Pac which has an instant three-wheeler conversion for trikes.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
Seeking Testimonials on TMAX and Burgman Trikes
I have been a sportbike passenger for about 15 years. My husband has a need for speed and traded up for an Yamaha FZ1 a year go. I do not enjoy riding on the back anymore. I have decided to get my own trike. I want an automatic. I have looked at the Spyder - too expensive. The CF Moto - too low cc's at 250 to keep up with my husband. I looked at the Piaggio MP3 my feet would not touch the ground (I am 5 feet 2 inches) and the dealer did not suggest my husband and I ever riding together on it. I have looked at conversion for the Yamaha TMAX and Suzuki Burgman 650. These last two I cannot find any reviews of personal testimony as a trike. Also my husband fears the trikes are easy to tip over. Love to hear some first hand experience.
Donna
Lnexa, KS
9/21/2009
Well let's put it out there that we're looking for testimonies for our Readers' Review section from people who've triked a TMAX or a Burgman.
In the meantime, I know Dawson Trikes and Tow-Pac are two companies mentioned in our Links We Like and in our Product News section that trike out scooters. Let them know you heard about them on Trike Riders Now.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
Enjoying His Trike
Role reversal! A few years back, my wife bought a Harley Sportster. I like my toys to stand by themselves. I have a 1958 Buick. Soon, however, I got caught up in motorcycles. At the age of 65, I got my first ever bike, a Harley/Lehman trike. Now you can see us on the road, my wife leading and me following on the trike.
I still enjoy my Buick, but there is just something grand about wind in your face and the sound of a Harley.
Second childhoods are more fun! And, thank you, Genevieve, for giving us Trike Riders Now.
John Marvin
Meadow Valley, CA
7/24/2009
On the subject of convertible trikes, I own a Voyager unit and have it on my 1993 GL 1500. The unit gives the stability of a trike without the cost. The Voyager has 13 or 14-inch wheels and an independent suspension. It can be removed in five minutes so that you can do maintenance on your bike.
There is also a new unit out from Trigg Trikes that is similar to the Voyager and it starts at $3995, again, a product that gives your trike stability.
For many who want a trike but don't have a lot of money, the Voyager or the Trigg Trike is they way to go. I've had the Voyager on my Wing for three years and it is an excellent product. I also design and build custom trikes and they aren't cheap, even to convert a bike to a trike starts at around $10,000.
Valerie Iengo
Port Richey, FL
4/22/2009
Convertible Trikes
I just discovered your Web site while
surfing the Internet Googling for trike info. Your site seems to be an educating and entertaining one at the same time. Think I'll have to bookmark it.
Anyhow, the reason I'm writing is to ask a few questions. First, alittle background info. I don't own a trike, but, I do own a Suzuki Volusia 800. Even though I've owned it a couple years, I have little riding time on it. I parked it last October when I had to lay it down due
to a 18 wheeler that intentionally pulled out in front of me on a country road. Luckily, I didn't lay it down until
I was off the road in the grass. Me nor the bike ended up with too much damage. I want a trike now because I
feel like I'd be safer on it. But, money is tight.
Because I can't afford any of those $30,000 trikes, I have decided to trike out my Suzuki. There seems to be
several kits available to do this. Could you recommend one that is safe and not too expensive? Under $5,000? I just need to feel that wind on my face again. Any thoughts and or answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and take care.
Dave Brown
Bishopville, SC
3/15/2009
There are several trike companies listed as a offering a convertible kit on our Links We Like section. Plus, visit our Product News & Reviews. There's a product there called Ghost Wheels which may of interest.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
More Than Trikes
Is this site only for conversion and/or custom trikes? Have you forgotten/overlooked those of us who still putt around on the factory originals that gave rise to all these modern day trikes?
Dave
West covina, CA
3/11/2009
We've not forgotten about you, but the site was born out of the rise in what we call trikes now. We certainly plan to feature servi-cars, side-cars, anything that has three-wheels and a motor. But we're just getting started. So please keep checking back.
Genevieve Schmitt, Editor
TRN Long Overdue
I think Trike Riders Now is long overdue for us trike owners. This site has a lot of valuable information available at the touch of a mouse.
Bill Yamnitz
Mulberry, FL
1/10/2009
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