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Trike 2001
Darlene owns Triwing Industries, a company which offers trike conversions on a number of bikes: contact her at darlene@triwing.com for more help! Trike Riders International Org Mystery
Designs A resource article on trikes and disabled riders from Kevin in Australia for Bikernet.com |
2007Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tammy, Let's see if any readers know of something available. I don't know of a specific "gathering place" on the Internet for used sales. You may wish to contact the most local distributors of MTC Voyager in your area to put the word out. Mama Thursday, January 11 For Tammy who is looking for a used trike conversion kit for her Sporty 883: Tammy may want to contact Brothers of the Third Wheel. It is a trike club (obviously). Someone may be able to help her there. v45magna (Canadian Chicks Rule) (note from Mama: I've had a few comments about the BTW . . . in that they mocked newer riders' questions . . . however, this might have related to the main chat room . . . I would recommend heading to the Links page to find the local chapters and make contact. That brings up another Internet site that may be able to assist . . . Trike Riders International . . . comments have been that they are supportive and I've had personal email contact and they seemed to have the same share/care considerations that the VTM site does.) Monday, January 15 For Tammy who is looking for a used Voyager conversion kit for her Sporty 883: Tammy, I have a trike kit for sale. I sold my bike but took the kit off. You would need a new belly pan because the kit was on a Yamaha. Voyager Trike Kit Class A, which is the short one for small bikes. Joann (note from Mama: I'll make sure Tammy sees your message!) Tammy, have you tried Roadsmith at http://trikeshop.com? I have ordered a Honda VTX with this kit and it seems to be the best I have seen. From HD to metric, they seem to cover them all, and in a very good way. Storage, style, and easy ride in one package.. Hope you enjoy, Scooter (note from Mama: thanks for sharing a possible source!) Monday, January 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Satinx, Triking a motorcycle comes in two basic flavors: either add a conversion kit in which you don't remove the rear wheel (MTC Voyager and Tow-Pac) or have a company remove the rear-end of the bike and put a new back-end on. The first is less expensive and the kit can be removed at any time should you wish to two-wheel ride or sell as separate units. The second will cost more and there are less alternatives in finding companies who are ready to do this (for an auto tranny bike). Still, it's doable in a number of cases, many of which are chronicled on my Trikes pages. Once you narrow down your choice in motorcycle and have taken a look at the less expensive option, if necessary, I probably can get you in contact with people who have specifically triked a particular model. Just get your basic research started and then write in again. Of course, it's possible you'll find a used auto tranny trike on the market, and with the main bike model names on hand, this search will be a bit easier. Welcome to the adventure and happy shopping! Mama Hi Mama, However, I am not able to find anyone in my area that does this. I was hoping maybe one of your readers could help. I am in the South Bend, Indiana area and I want Yamaha. Most of the people I ride with have a Harley. I am not interested in one because of the cost and then the $ to convert it into a trike (they laugh about that also), but have assured me I can still ride with them even if it is a trike. I am not doing this because I can not ride, I am just in love with the way the trike looks. Cheryl Dear
Cheryl, If you have called every shop in the South Bend area, then I would expand your search to Chicago and Indianapolis. I know you would prefer to keep it more local, but these bigger cities are likely to have more shops and options for you. Yes, you'll have to noodle getting the bike back to South Bend, but many offer delivery services or can arrange transport through a specialty company. Sure, a few more $$, so save up a bit more before proceeding. Let's see if my readers come up with specifics that will be useful to you! Mama Tuesday, March 13 For Cheryl who is looking for a Yamaha trike conversion shop near South Bend: I am about 45 minutes west of Cheryl. There is a joint Yamaha/Harley dealership in North Judson, IN (Probably about 45 min. - 1 hr. south of her) that if she doesn't know about already, she needs to! The dealership is Kersting's. I purchased my first Yamaha 650 from them, went back and moved up to my Yamaha 1100 from them. My husband has his Harley serviced there, and we buy 99% of anything bike related from them. (We were just there Saturday and left them some more money!) She needs to make the trip IN PERSON and let Chad or Jason in sales know what she wants. These guys are totally top notch and I guarantee if they cannot do what she is looking to have done they can get her going in the right direction with some contact information. They are a Five Star outfit all the way. P.S. I travel back and forth to South Bend a lot as all of my family is around there - please pass her my e-mail if she is interested - I would love to hook up with a fellow female rider so close to my neighborhood already! Best of luck to her in her search, Two Wheel Girl, aka Mia (note from Mama: thanks for sharing a dealership that has been a mainstay in your adventure! I'll be sure to pass on your "let's email" message as well!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Deidra, However, you can contact MTC Voyager and get a copy of that install manual (per Charlie, the President . . . .I asked him one time about that!). They also have a troubleshooting table on the site and other information you may find useful. Mama Tuesday, March 20 For Deidra who has a Voyager kit on her m/c and is struggling a bit: Most people who have ridden 2 wheel bikes do! They are so use to leaning their machine, that when it comes to man-handling a trike conversion, they have a really hard time. It IS a PUSH, rather than a pull through turns. When I first got mine done, I was pulling the darn thing, now I PUSH and it is so much easier. I am 52 and ride a (Voyager) trike conversion on my BMW K1200LT. There is a reason I went to the trike in 2006. I had bone marrow transplants and lost some of the use of my left leg after a stroke. My girlfriend taught my leg something the doctors couldn't - moving my foot to shift! My marrow transplants failed in 2005, which caused me to have both of my shoulders replaced. I had the first one done on January 16, 2006 and was on my bike by March 1st. I had the second one done December 11, 2006 and was on my bike within 4 weeks. Because of the full shoulder replacements, I had to switch to the PUSH method. It is so much easier than pulling . . . the only thing I find hard is going through roundabouts. My area has a lot of them. The larger roundabouts I usually take in 3rd gear. The smaller, tighter roundabouts, I have to take in 2nd gear and I also have to shift my weight to keep the rear wheels planted. (I'm not a very big woman - I only weigh 127 soaking wet.) I have ridden a smaller trike conversion. My girlfriend who retrained my drop-foot to shift has an older Honda 550. Her bike lost a lot of power when the kit was put on it. Even my girl lost some of her power when the kit was put on it. I didn't like that, but I would much rather be on a bigger cc. Personally, I wouldn't convert anything less than 1100cc with a trike kit. I like the fact that I can get out of the way should the need arise. That is something my girlfriend can not do on her's. Since I converted my girl in February 2006, I have ridden over 7,000 miles on my trike conversion! Starting in April, I will be taking several long trips. April - North Carolina (Deals Gap - no less!) June - Texas. September - Arizona. Looking forward to the twisties in April! Remember to PUSH instead of pull! P.S. Florida requires a motorcycle endorsement for ALL trikes. Huggs (note from Mama: wow, what a life journey you have been as well as a riding adventure . . . thank you for the specific notes on handling a trike conversion!) Monday, April 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Mike, I have never heard of power steering for a motorcycle. ATVs yes . . . here is some insight as to what it's doing per a Yamaha Grizzly ATV review: "As the rider turns the handlebars, the electric motor kicks in and assists in the turn. The harder you turn, the more the EPS assists the rider. The torque-sensing EPS system senses the twisting force put on the handlebars and wheels, at which point the electric motor jumps in to work its magic." So, if you look at that page, you'll see the unit that makes all this happen. I'm not sure if the concept could be retrofitted to a trike, but an independent mechanic who is familiar with trikes and ATVs may be able to puzzle out the answer for you. Mama Monday, April 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Any information would be most appreciated. Thank you, Jimmie Day, 58-year-old female first time bike owner Dear
Jimmie, For Tammy who is looking for a used trike conversion kit for her Sporty 883: I have just checked out your site and I really enjoy it. I find it very informative. [excellent!] I am not sure if Tammy is still looking for a used Voyager trike kit but if she is I am selling a kit type A -- it was used on a 2006 650 V-Star Custom -- less than 20 miles on it -- basically it is in brand new condition. Belly bracket may possibly need to be purchased for a Sportster -- I'm not sure if mine would fit any other bike other than the V-Star. Hope you can forward this info on to her or any one else that might be interested for that matter. Thanks Marie (note from Mama: I have passed your message on to Tammy, but am posting this in case anyone else is seeking this item.) SOLD! For Marie who noted she is selling her Voyager trike conversion after 20 miles: We have talked before I still have not found anyone to install a trike conversion for me. I would like to ask Marie why she is selling after only 20 miles. What did she not like about? I would like to hear the good and bad just in case I can find a dealer that will do it. Thanks, Cheryl (note from Mama: I have emailed Marie to get her input. Meanwhile, let's make sure we're clear about conversions . . . Voyager is an add-on unit that leaves the rear wheel of the bike in place. A full conversion removes the rear wheel and replaces it with the traditional trike back-end.) Hi Mama, From what I have been reading it sounds like the Insta Trike is a smoother ride and better in corners. Can we see if any readers have opinions on this? Insta Trike wheels are 12 inches and the Voyager are 13 . . . do you think that will make a difference in handling? I just love your site . . . it has to be the best one I have found. Great job!!! Cheryl Dear
Cheryl, I find it next to impossible to offer solid advice on which kit to go with as there are many opinions out there and I have only test rode a Voyager conversion (and honestly, that was just to get a feel for the steering challenge of not being able to lean like a two-wheel motorcycle). Please be aware that there are no official US Dept. of Transportation safety testing requirements/standards for the kits. So, your first question to both headquarters is whether they have done tests specifically with the VStar at your cc engine size choice. Then I would be drilling them about their construction methods and what standards they follow (for instance, in welding practices). Then I would ask about how many kits they have sold/installed across the U.S. in total for the VStar . . . usually they can't/won't offer communication with owners, but it never hurts to ask. I really don't have an answer about the wheel size, but perhaps readers will chime in with some sage advice on this. Then I would be asking each specific dealer how many conversion kits they have installed and for how many years. Since they are the ones doing it, I'd also ask if many "after installment" adjustments had to be made and anything else you think would be relevant. I'm hoping that these research suggestions are of use to you . . . I don't pooh-pooh other people's opinions, but yours is the one that counts when all the votes are tallied. Mama Wednesday, April 25 For Cheryl who is considering a Voyager or Insta Trike conversion: Regarding trike conversions, and before you make the final decision, I found a site you might want to take a look at first. I found it on the I Ride My Own website. In the links section for disabled riders, there is a company listed called Safety Features. It's like the best of what is great about a trike, the stability, and yet you still have the maneuverability of a two wheeler. A great invention for older riders too. There are excellent links at I Ride My Own for disabled riders, so check them out and pass them along to folks you may know who think they have no options when it comes to motorcycles. And one last link for riders who are wheelchair bound, but not bound by the wheelchair (awesome looking machine!): Martin Conquest. Respectfully yours, Holly (note from Mama: I have seen those retractable wheels before, but they are offered on a limited number of make/models . . . still, it's a good alternative for some riders! And thanks for another wheelchair riding option, which I'll add to my Ride Technique: Medical and Disability page.) Friday, April 27 More for Cheryl who is considering a Voyager or Insta Trike conversion: Tow-Pac makes 2 trike kits and both are called Insta Trike. One has 8" wheels the other has 12" wheels; costs are $2,799 and $3499 (plus s&h). Call Good Guys Powersports at 401-864-6997 and tell them Bruce Manney said you need to make your bike into a trike. They sell kits for all bikes and they are putting one on my Victory Kingpin next Tuesday. Happy riding, God bless. Bruce (note from Mama: thanks for sharing the company you are using for the conversion and extra notes about wheel size!) Friday, April 27 From Marie, about why she is selling her Voyager trike conversion kit after 20 miles: The reason is basically I have found it is not meant for me. I am 4'11" and weigh 110 and I liked the idea of never having to hold the bike up but I don't have a lot of upper body strength and I did not like the difference in turning or lean control with the kit on the bike. Since I had never rode an actual trike before I have nothing to compare the kit to. The good thing about the kit is that it can be taken on and off easily. I have spoken to other people who have purchased it and they love it and will never be without one. Marie (note from Mama: thank you for sharing your notes!) Dear
VTwin Mama, I wanted to update you. With the encouragement of another friend who bought a Suzuki Burgman 400, we signed up in February for the MSC course. I knew I needed my motorcycle endorsement whether I rode a trike, or the scooter as 2-wheeled bike. So I signed up with this goal -- take the course, overcome my fear, learn a lot and pass, and then get the trike kit. I had not been on the bike since last October, and at first all that fear and nervousness was overwhelming. I also dropped it several times, but this time it was different then when I had been out practicing with friends. I was trying maneuvers without enough speed and couldn't hold up the weight. Each time I was very aware of what was happening and why, and was able to try to prevent the drop, but unable to due to weight. I was not scared and or felt like giving up like before. My instructors were wonderful -- very patient and knowledgeable. I asked so many questions about maneuvers, how to correct mistakes, etc. They were also very encouraging, and praised me when I did something correctly. I am very pleased and proud to say that I passed -- and with a very good score! I was able to do things with that scooter I never thought I would be able to do! For the first time, I was actually having fun and enjoying myself during different exercises in the course. I still plan on getting the trike conversion kit, as at present I still want to take balance out of the equation. The kit will be installed May 26. But I learned so much in that course, about riding and about myself. I am greatly looking forward to riding, and thrilled that I don't have that fear as before, but happy anticipation instead! I'll keep you posted after I have been riding for awhile. Thank you again for all the advice you gave. Sincerely, RAF Dear
RAF, Hi Mama, I am just turning 60 years old and took the MRSC two years ago. I started out on a Honda 250 Rebel and worked my way up to my dream bike - a 2003 Harley Heritage Softail. Well, I haven't had a lot of seat time over the past couple of years and actually haven't ridden for a year now because of a torn rotator cuff and damaged vertebrae in my neck. So, my husband and I decided to put a Voyager kit on my bike so I could ride with more confidence. I had heard and read lots of good things about the Voyager kit for riders like me. Well, the bike wobbles and shakes very badly with the kit installed. I haven't even been on it yet, but my husband has ridden it several times and he is VERY unhappy with its performance. Can anyone please tell me if they have had any experience with their bike shaking and wobbling after installing a Voyager kit? BTW, my husband has checked the tire pressure and it is correct. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated as I was very excited that this would be the answer to my riding dilemma. Thanks so much for the wonderful work you do for the riding community. I LOVE your site! Blessings, Linda in Texas Dear
Linda, Otherwise, if you haven't contacted MTC Voyager with your concerns, I would do so immediately . . . if need be, get to Charlie the owner and get help. There are some troubleshooting guidelines online, but this sounds beyond the norm. A step-by-step review of the installation would be useful. There has been chatter that trikes have front end problems and need a dampening system to keep that front fork and end more stable. I'm also wondering if an imbalance in your rear wheel isn't showing up (as that wheel isn't removed in a Voyager kit conversion. Readers with conversion kits in place . . . it's time to chime in if you have any insights! Mama Wednesday, May 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Jem, Tuesday, May 29 Hi VTwin Mama I have to say when I first started off riding her Friday I was not sure about it; she seemed to pull to the right but a few miles down the road and I got the hang of it. I just love it. The only thing I would change if I could would be the amount of space between the trike and the bike. Not even huge saddle bags can hide that. I ended up buying a C50 and putting a Tow-Pac Instatrike on her. Seems very solid and rides very smooth. Turn One in Plymouth, Indiana installed the trike kit; I also bought my C50 from them; great place. Again as always thanks for your site. Cheryl Dear
Cheryl, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Rian, Well, I'm not sure where you are located, but in doing some research, I can see that there are companies that have made the conversion you are looking for. Here is a 2007 Honda Shadow from R&R Trikes in GA. Some people will ship their bikes to get the job done . . . others will call a place like R&R and ask if that's a standard kit that can be purchased and if it will work with their specific year/make/model. Give them a call! Mama Friday, June 1 For Rian who wants to trike up a Honda Shadow 750: One company that does "permanent" trike conversion is Motor Trike. If you go to their website, there is a link to finding a dealer near you (top right hand corner of the site). I live very rural, but was surprised to find a dealer less than 50 miles away. Jana (note from Mama: yikes, how did I miss this?!?! They are definitely doing 750 Hondas, so a great place to explore . . . thanks for sharing!) Tuesday, June 12 Dear VTwin
Mama, Dear
Dennis, Still, if you read the letter she sent, she references Jack down in FL . . . he's a guru known for his Honda Rebel knowledge, but also things beyond. Visit his site at http://www.surfmaine.com/rebel/ and scroll to the bottom . . . you'll see the phone numbers . . . I hear he is great for noodling out things when it's not in his FAQ and board sections . . . . which I believer your question would qualify for! Mama Tuesday, June 12 Hi
Mama, But, here's what happened. The bike had been "sitting" in the garage since last May (2006) because I had torn a rotator cuff in my right shoulder and had not ridden in a year! Well, when we decided to put the Voyager kit on the bike, we just took it to the Voyager dealer and had it installed. This was a big mistake since the bike had been sitting for so long, the front tire had "bowed" and also the front wheel had loose spokes and the front forks were loose (not sure when those two things happened). Those three things contributed to the "wobble." The Harley maintenance guy seems to think that the 10,000 mile checkup was not done by the previous owner as those things would have been taken care of at that time if it had been done. So, we had the bike repaired and we took the bike back to the Voyager dealer and had the kit re-installed and now it rides like a DREAM! I wanted to let you know that so that I didn't give the Voyager kit a bad name. I just LOVE riding with the kit on my bike. It has given me a whole new sense of freedom on that motorcycle that I didn't have before. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to ride, but just can't handle the "two wheel" thing! Thanks again for your wonderful website. I have learned so much and gotten so much encouragement from the ladies who share their stories and experiences here. I don't think I ever would have learned to ride without "V-Twin Mama"! Linda Dear
Linda, Wednesday, June 20 Dear VTwin Mama, Where can I find a course to teach me what I need to know and are they available for trikes? Thanks for all your help. God Bless. Vicki Dear
Vicki, Don't overlook the MSF's RiderCourse Location page . . . some of these course providers will have a trike class . . . click on their individual websites to see if that's available in your area. You can also make contact with the Trike Riders International folks and their local chapters . . . they should be able to steer (!) you in the right direction. There's no doubt you'll have an easier learning curve because you won't have to factor in the balance issue, but learning must still be treated with great respect. I've only been on trikes as test rides. Good luck following your dream! Mama Thursday, July 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Gary, Tuesday, August 21 Dear VTwin Mama, I need a real trike kit, but cannot afford one. Are they ever sold used? Doesn't anyone ever remove one and want to sell it? I've scoured the internet, but cannot find anything. If you know of any place where I can find a "slightly used" Champion, or Lehman, I'd love to know of it. Tami Dear
Tami, I think the reason that finding "real" trike conversions is more difficult is that the actual motorcycle is modified to such an extent, that it's a permanent conversion. So, unless someone is scraping the main bike, the conversion stays on. Remember that with the Voyager, the rear wheel remained in place, while a true trike conversion removes the rear wheel and reconfigures the back end. To get a sense of what's involved, hop onto Lehman's Design & Technology page! I wonder if Trike Riders International could offer any information; it's possible they have covered this topic in their TRIKES! magazine. I too could find no online source for these used rear end trike systems ... readers in the know, any input?! Mama Tuesday, September 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Anon, Monday, September 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Bill, Monday, September 17 For Nancy who got a bike with Voyager kit for an anniversary gift: I just put one on my 2007 Sportster after trading down from a Softail
because I could not ride on two wheels. It was either the kit or
lose more money because I could not keep the two wheels up. I love
my bike now because I am not afraid of it. Check the Photo
Gallery for a picture me and my fourike as I call it! Dear VTwin Mama, Anyway, after riding only once last season, I thought I'd better sell it or convert it to a trike. Did the conversion with a kit from Lehman and it's a beauty, but boy was I surprised to get on it. Not what I expected. I thought it would feel stable but with the added comfort of another wheel. I knew the stories about turning, etc., but frankly, the wobbliness scares me! I've yet to get it out of the parking lot! As soon as I start out, the front wheel wants to turn and I immediately react as if I were it were a two-wheeled bike and was getting ready to fall! I really need some pointers on riding this thing! My husband is so frustrated with me and with the $$ we've spent, I really don't want to sell it. Classes aren't an option right now, as there are none in my area right now. Thanks, Kittie Dear
Kittie, Another avenue that I think holds a possibility is to visit Trike Riders International. On this page, if you scroll down to the bottom, you will see state-by-state listings of coordinators and other people. Make contact to see if there is a trike rider in your area who would be willing to come out and assist you. I'd be hoping that they could first ascertain that all is well with the trike itself and do some basic drills and address your concerns. Also note at the top of this page is a link to the message board. You may wish to post a call for assistance! It is my understanding that this group of trike riders is very in tune with newer riders to the trike experience! My next suggestion is to contact the local Harley dealer and see if they have a HOG chapter, maybe even with a Ladies of HOG subchapter. You may find a fellow trike rider in the group who could help, or they may know of a local trike rider who would be willing to work with you. My last thought is to check into the closest chapter of the GWRRA (Goldwing Riders). A number of Goldwing riders trike their bikes and I hear that they are very supportive group. While you don't have a Honda, you may find a kindly mentor here! Scroll down that home page and you'll find the map that will lead you to the contact info. DO NOT STOP your research until you find a mentor. Your hubby dearest has done as much as possible, so now it's UP TO YOU to reach out and find that person who is going to transform your desire into the joyful riding adventure you want it to be! Feeling a bit shy about taking these steps? Don't be ... the basic nature of most people is to help when they can. Heck, you found me, didn't you?! Mama Friday, September 21 For Kittie who is working hard to learn to ride her Sporty Trike: My husband and I
are the proud owners of 2 Lehman trikes: a 2003 Suzuki Volusia and a 2007
Suzuki C90. My first thought about the wobbliness that Kittie is
experiencing would be that she should contact the dealer who did the
Lehman trike conversion of her Low Rider. Our C90 trike came with a
stabilizing damper that connects the front fork downtube to the bike
frame, and it can be adjusted to different degrees of "stiffness."
We have not noticed any wobbliness of the front wheel at any speed.
Maybe her trike dealer would be able to install one of these devices on
her Low Rider. Monday, September 24 More for Kittie who is working hard to learn to ride her Sporty Trike: Take it back to dealer and have the pre-load on the steering neck tightened. The front end should move smoothly, not flop side to side. More questions on the set-up or technical, call me, Dennis Sweet at Sweet Trikes ,586-716-0140, ex-Lehman dealer. I'm in Michigan and will help if we're nearby each other! Dennis (note from Mama: thanks for noting the possible adjustment needed and offering additional help.) I have a 2007 Suzuki C50 trike with a Lehman trike kit - the "Tramp." I was warned by the dealer that I'd feel a wobble at low speeds (under about 10 mph), but sometimes I swear I feel it at higher speeds too. I have discovered that it's not as bad when I let go of the "death grip" on the handle bars - there's going to be some vibration, but when I hold the handle bars and "lock" my arms it's much worse. Since I had the risers put on, I haven't felt the need to squeeze them that tightly, which has helped a lot. Don't give up!! Do you know anyone else who rides? Maybe they can test ride it for you - if you aren't used to it, it can feel worse than it actually is, so having someone else ride it could help you figure out if it's all the trike or if some of it is your nerves. That's what helped me - my son, who has a couple more years riding experience, took mine out and assured me that it's not as bad as I thought it was. (He's actually the one who noticed I was locking my elbows.) This is from Lehman's site - somewhat of an explanation on why you feel the vibration. I know the C90 trike has stabilizer bars - you could check on those for your trike. You might also want to check that the tire pressure is at the correct levels - I'll check around for more info because I could very well be wrong, but I seem to remember hearing that putting a trike kit on a bike changes those requirements somewhat. You didn't say who did your conversion, but if it was a dealer I would hope they would know and check that (assuming I'm right, of course). Handling on a trike is definitely different - if you're looking for classes, now or in the future, I suggest asking your local MSF course if they have trike OR sidecar classes. One of the companies here in MA that provides the courses has a sidecar class that will teach trikes as long as you can provide your own - I believe the course is $200. Feel free to email me if I can help or you just want another three-wheeler to "talk" to!! Ride Safe!! Cheri (note from Mama: ok, lots of great advice here! I didn't realize that a deathgrip does the same thing on a trike as it does on a two-wheeler, but it makes sense as any time you restrict the natural movement of the front wheel, it WILL change the handling characteristics!) Hi VTMama, Dear
Lori, Monday, September 24 Hey VTM, Dear
Dennis, Tuesday, September 25 For Lori who is having a Tow-Pac conversion installed and wheels aren't on ground: Yes, the Tow-Pac Wheels should be on the ground. To remedy this on my Honda 400, we simply lowered the shocks. That did the trick. The whole thing then settled in where it was supposed to be. I've had no trouble with it since then. Hope this helps. Jo in WV (note from Mama: thanks for the info; I'm wondering if the installation was far enough along and the installers simply hadn't finalized the adjustments.) Tuesday, October 2 From Kittie who has been learning to ride a trike conversion: This is for all who wrote in concerning my difficulty on my new trike. I wanted to say thanks to all who responded! Everyone had lots of good advice! My husband did ride the trike and said it is fine, so it shouldn't be a mechanical problem with the kit (Lehman). I think the main problem was that when I would start off slowly, the front wheel wanted to turn and I just needed to steady the handlebars straight. I was used to a 2-wheeler, where when the handlebars are straight and you take off, it stays that way unless you are turning. No doubt, it was due to the slow speed, and many who wrote in this forum and in personal e-mails to me emphasized that the bike feels a little unsteady at the slower speeds. It just requires a mental adjustment on my part to realize the trike isn't going to tip over like a 2-wheeler would, and to not react as if I were on a 2-wheeler. This past weekend it went really good! I spent 2 days in the parking lot and am ready for some street riding this week. Rode for 2 hours Saturday and an hour Sunday practicing LOTS of turns, starting, stopping, downshifting into turns, u-turns, etc. Needless to say, I was whupped when I finished! Hubby was pleased, too. It really takes getting used to, though, when those back wheels go over a bump and it shakes the whole bike! So after some street riding this week, I will do a bit of highway on Saturday and then have all day Columbus Day to do some serious riding before we head to Biketoberfest on the 16th - maybe we'll some of you there! Hubby will be on a 2005 black cherry Ultra and I'll be on the 2003 black Low Rider trike! Oh, we will be getting the trike checked over before the trip, to ensure everything is as it should be mechanically, just to be on the safe side! Thanks again to everyone for their advice; it really did help prepare me for this weekend. Kittie (note from Mama: I'm so glad to hear that responses and emails help rally your confidence ... it sounds like you're getting the hang of it and ready to try new things one at a time. Good for you ... you sought assistance so that your dream of riding didn't fold! Remember that if for any reason, after these next 2 weeks, you just don't feel ready for the Biketoberfest travel experience, speak up and say so! It doesn't do any good to take on too much ... and there's plenty of riding in your future!) Wednesday, October 17 Dear Mama, Dear
Xiomy, Friday, October 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Veronica, My suggestion is to start with the 2007 archive and work back through the years. Copy and paste useful things into a word document so you can organize it, save it, and print it out. By the time you've gone through everything, you'll really having a pretty good idea of what you should be considering before making the conversion, learning to ride, and other stuff! Mama Monday, November 19 Dear VTwin Mama, You do have to be a little careful turning ... a trike doesn't lean. It turns. But once you've got that down you're good to go. Free on Three, Arlene Dear
Arlene, |
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