Voyager Trike kit

[bstig60]

Has anyone installed a voyager trike kit on GL1800?

[bstig60]

Surprised at no response. I did a 1500 mile ride a couple of weeks ago, coming home after nearly 600 miles riding that day, about 150 miles of it thru heavy rain on the interstate, I was nearing home and stopped for gas. After filling up, I took off and nearly dumped the bike, but with much effort, I was able to keep it on two wheels. Although I was really tired at that point, it made me think that maybe it is time to get on 3 wheels. That's why I am looking at the Voyager kit. I know there are others out there, and I would welcome comments from those that own other kits. I like the idea of being able to remove the kit and go back to 2 wheels. I know there is a company up in Ocala that makes a kit that is removable. Comments?

[GoldWingrGreg]

Has anyone installed a voyager trike kit on GL1800?

Sorry ... I've never installed a kit, but I do have a couple of customers who have them. In fact there is one in my shop now. Here is what I know about them. But first let me say that I believe there is an actual manufacture that makes a Voyager kit. However, on the street, or at least to me, a voyager kit is a generic name for several manufactures that make them. All have 3 wheels going across the rear, and they use the center one to drive the bike.

- Unlike a trike that has a differential, turning one at low speeds takes a lot of arm effort. The center drive tire is pushing the trike forward while trying to maneuver around an outer tire. A real trike on sharp turns, and with a differential has the outer tire spinning much faster than the inner tire because it has to go around a larger radius.
- Trikes in general are the worst riding vehicle out there, with the exception of a voyager kit. A car follows 2 tracks, a m/c travels down one track, and a trike three tracks. But a voyager kit travels down three tracks and if the front tire hits a bump, it will get hit again with the rear m/c tire. The more tracks the more likely hitting rough pavement.
- Many will install pay an extra $800-$1,200 for an easy-steer kit. Easy steer kits make a huge difference on real trikes, with voyager kits the difference is disappointing.
- The kits in general are kind of a 1/2 into a real trike.

My advise, spend more money and get a real trike.

[Wingrider55]

I agree with Greg. Spend the extra money and get a real trike. I think you will be much happier with one. Most riders I know that have had a Voyager Kit did not have them long and went to a real trike.

[GoldWingrGreg]

I agree with Greg. Spend the extra money and get a real trike. I think you will be much happier with one. Most riders I know that have had a Voyager Kit did not have them long and went to a real trike.

That's been my experience too. It seems that the person who's attracted to a voyager kit, is thinking he'll get by without spending the money that is really needed. Unfortunately, it's turns into an expensive 1/2 step lesson, before getting what he really wants.

Save the 1/2 step lesson and get a real trike.

[bstig60]

Thanks for the advice and comments. I am not ready to go to 3 wheels yet, but most likely soon. The Voyager kit made by MTC seems to be a good compromise between two wheels and a trike. I see them on the street here once in a while. With the price even used, a trike commands, i.e. just saw 2005 GL1800 on Marketplace for 16000 bucks, and having a conversion done on my existing bike in the 15000 dollar range, it will be a while, if ever, that I go that route. It's a matter of what one can afford. My bike is low mileage, only 42000 miles, and the subject kit is affordable and the trike conversion is not. So there is a lot to consider. For the most part, I can still handle two wheels pretty well, I have an ST1300 in addition to my GW that I ride on shorter trips. The incident I mentioned earlier on the GW made me a little skittish on it.

[blackbird]

There are many opinions regarding the Voyager kits. I purchased one and installed it on a 1995 Pacific Coast. It came from a gentleman who had a minor heart and found he didn't feel safe riding his Harley. He rode the Voyager for three years or so and was comfortable going back to 2 wheels. At the time I had purchased a BMW 1200, so the Voyager kit made it possible for my wife to begin riding on her own on the PC. She took the trike riders class and got her endorsement, although most states do not recognize the Voyager as a trike. She rode several years solo, and enjoyed every minute, many times in group rides. She could not have done it on 2 wheels, and it allowed her to get comfortable to step up to driving a true trike. Now, we just ride 2-up on a trike, but in the event of an emergency, she can get us to the next exit or hospital if need be. That would not be possible on a 1000lb 1800 on 2 wheels.