Trike Options for GL1500

[tbird71]

Hi guys, I own a beautiful 1989 GL1500 with VERY low miles. My problem is, I'm 67 and seems like it's just
getting too hard to ride properly. I love the ride but am just getting uncomfortable with the size, especially in traffic situatiuons


I hate to sell it, and would love to trike it out, but what would be a viable option?
Putting a CSC or a Champion on it would cost about 10K, on a bike that's worth less than half that
I could probably find an 1800 already done for a few bucks more, so my question IS:

Anyone had experience with the towpac insta trike or voyager kits? Am I dreaming thinking about
turning my GL into a "4 wheeler" or would any of these be a viable option?
Like to get your thoughts on how YOU'D proceed if it were you. Apprerciate it.

[tfdeputydawg]

If an outrigger is all one can afford, then go for it.
If one can afford a true trike then you will be 100pct better satisfied!
You will need to consider a rake kit for easier steering and for sure IRS over solid axle

[tbird71]

I may look at the 01-10 1800 trikes some of those can be had 12-14000 range
Unless someone has a good used trike kit gonna take some work

[jdn40]

i have a 1996 with a champion trike kit . love it . i bought the bike used for around 7k , well worth it .

[tbird71]

have a 1996 with a champion trike kit . love it . i bought the bike used for around 7k , well worth it .

If only I could GET that lucky

[samwing1500]

Do some Google searching on GL1500 Trike for sale and see what comes up. That way if you find one then
you can sell yours and probably come out good. That's what I did.

[tsrincgy]

Hello. I’m almost 60 living in Alberta Canada. Have bad knees and the wife “decided “ I needed to get a trike if I wanted to keep riding. Found a 1999 1500/6 last year with the voyager trike kit on it. In my experience with it they run great in a straight line and in large sweeping curves. As long as they have been set up properly. (Was able to take one for a test ride years ago and HATED IT!). It was not set up properly and when you came to a stop the bike was always leaning to one side or the other. The one that I bought was set up properly and I LOVE it. Word of warning though. Low speed turns and ramps off clover leafs you really have to slow down and pay attention. It will be a steep learning curve and when you think you have it all figured out things can go sideways. Don’t want that to sound scary but it’s like you have to learn to ride ( corner) all over again.

[okie2ee]

Another option is the reverse trike which handles much better than a standard trike.............I have a 94 GL1500 with a regular Motor Trike kit and I like it...............riding is fine in a straight line and gentle curves, but curvy roads requires considerable arm effort...........alot of side force on the front wheel.................another option is the Endeavor reverse trike kit which solves the handling problem giving you the best of both worlds..............my brother had is ST1300 converted and loves it.............I'm 73 going on 74 and the trike is definitely the way to go..............here's a picture of a Honda GL modified.............kit runs around 10K

[tbird71]

I think my best bet is to find a GL already converted buy it and sell my 89.
Otherwise I'll end up with 15-17000 in it

I'd like to buy another 19 Tri Glide trike up here in IL like the one below we have in FL but cant justify another $35000.00 for a part time trike
They ARE worth it however. Anyone who rides a 19 up TriGlide will tell you THAT.

[WingAdmin]

If I were to ever consider a trike, it would be a reverse trike. Here's why:

Conventional trikes have increased stability when accelerating, and are unstable in deceleration.
Reverse trikes have decreased stability when accelerating, and increased stability in deceleration.

When you are in that sweeper and realize you're going a bit too fast, braking a conventional trike will put you in the weeds, potentially pitching you off in the process. A reverse trike will simply track harder through the turn.

Can-Am mitigates the acceleration instability by utilizing traction control to roll off the throttle when it detects lateral acceleration on the back end (indicating the back end has broken free).

[tbird71]

The Can Ams WERE a popular option down in FL but have been tapering off the last few years
(as ALL motorcycles have) but for a price point they are starting to get attractive I have seen them going as little as 8995. I've never rode one but know couple buddies who own them they seem to be satisfied

[Charlie1Horse]

I don't know if they still convert 1500s but a friend of mine took his 1800 to KD Cycles in Altoona, AL and had his converted. It took them less than a day and it looks great. He is loving it now. Try contacting them for more info. (256) 490 0039 He made reservations with them and dropped it off on Sunday afternoon, rented a motel for the night, and picked it up on Monday afternoon, complete with even the raked front forks.
Russell

If I don't do Facebook or Twitter, do I still have to do Social Media Distancing??

[Rednaxs60]

If I were to ever consider a trike, it would be a reverse trike. Here's why:

Conventional trikes have increased stability when accelerating, and are unstable in deceleration.
Reverse trikes have decreased stability when accelerating, and increased stability in deceleration.

When you are in that sweeper and realize you're going a bit too fast, braking a conventional trike will put you in the weeds, potentially pitching you off in the process. A reverse trike will simply track harder through the turn.

Can-Am mitigates the acceleration instability by utilizing traction control to roll off the throttle when it detects lateral acceleration on the back end (indicating the back end has broken free).

Couldn't agree more. Have a 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE and of course, my '85 1200 Limited Edition. Thought of a conversion for the ex-1500, but the conversion is cost prohibitive up here, and you still have an old bike. A good used Spyder RT - 2014 and up can be had for a good price, it's been designed with a towing package up to 400 pounds, the HD Tri-Glide does not have one. The RT Limited Editions are the Goldwing of the Spyder world. The traction control system is called the "Nanny" that is designed to ensure you do not get crazy on the Spyder in a corner/curve, or as WingAdmin mentions. The newer 1330 engine is very nice. It has a Semi-electronic shifting package, you have to manually shift up through the gears with a paddle shifter, you can manually shift down or let the electronics do it for you - always in first gear at a stop. Easy enough to do the maintenance yourself, get the manuals - a definite. Need the software program from BRP called B.U.D.S if you are going to do your own maintenance. Lots of benefits with a reverse trike such as the Can-Am. The Can-Am Spyder has lots of plastic to remove, especially the RT models, when you do maintenance/work so you are never far from your Goldwing roots.

[baba67]

Hi tbird71
I have a 97 GL1500 and I installed the Voyager kit on my wing.
We absolutely love it.
It takes a while to get it dialed in to your personal taste and requirements. ( do you ride single or two up?)
It makes a difference when setting preload.
We have it dialed in and never looked back.
I installed the kit so my wife could drive the wing, but we both enjoy it so much.
I rarely ride it on two wheels anymore.
With the Austone on the rear of my wing, (darkside)
You can lock up the brakes in a emergency, and stop straight as a arrow.
You can't beat the Voyager for quality and proper mounting install hardware.
The only draw back we have experienced is a slight loss of ground clearance under the Wing / engine.