Motorcycle Consumer News / Motorcycle Consumer News / Three-Wheelers Corner

Tow Pac trike conversion kits.

rnielsen — Mon, 18 Jul 2005 20:13:05 GMT

Anyone with experience riding a Tow-Pac trike conversion kit?

They offer what seems to be an economical way to get into a trike -- by adding two extra wheels and a sub frame to your existing bike for around $3K.

I'm ready for a trike but the cost is impossible for me with the cheapest new ones around $22K.

05 ULTRA CLASSIC TO WHICH TRIKE CONVERSION

Pushrod — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:26:15 GMT

I have a 2005 Ultra Classic, want to convert to a Trike, would you out there say that the California Sidecar (Daytona) is the best for my ride, what is your opinion?

tow pac

Goldwinger — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:32:41 GMT

Im looking hard for a towpac for my gl1500. Sorry no voyagers

M/C Endorsement for Trike??

pdebruyn86 — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:18:10 GMT

I am putting together a TowPac Minitrike kit on a Yamaha Majesty for my wife to ride and a thought occured to me. Does she need an M/C endorsement on her driver's license in order to ride a trike?

She doesn't ride, doesn't want to learn but is really looking forward to a trike. Do I have a prob here?

Thanks.
Paul

New Member - Tampa Florida

wheelsof3 — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:21:49 GMT

New to the forum hope to find a few others looking to ride in the area.

Have fun be safe

What brand of Trike conversion should I select?

Laura — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:50:42 GMT

I am considering a Trike and would appreciate input.

price for conversion kit

stelthrider — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:08:01 GMT

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TrTrying to find out the price of a trike conversion kit for the yamaha morphous scooter

2005 Honda Goldwing Trike

meeuwsen — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:35:43 GMT

I have my eye on a 2005 Goldwing Trike with a Motor Trike conversion kit. I'm looking for pros and cons of the Motor Trike. Can anyone help? Any information is very much appreciated.

VW trikes

torqueman — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 19:22:16 GMT

I ran into a group of guys at a gas station during the rain in Ohio. All of them were riding rat trikes made from VW rear ends. They were kind of cool in a Mad Max looking sort of way.

Anyway it looked like something I could build with some instructions along the way. I might give it a shot if I can find a old bug cheap enough. Anyone here built a VW trike?

Insta-trike for Venture Royale

Taas — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:23:51 GMT

Hello,

I have a Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 year '91 and would like to purchase the insta-trike kit. I am European, but I'll have to purchase the kit from the States. There seems to be only one supplier of this kind of conversion kits, and he cannot provide me with pictures of my type of Venture with insta-trike.

Anybody who can? I'm also very interested in users' comments.

Thanks

beetlebikes

jkennedy29 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:37:22 GMT

i have taken a 74 beetle cut the front off and added a kaw. front end looks like mad max but a lot of fun building .it will be more fun to ride when it is finished

Reason for a Trike?

beachside39 — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 10:00:47 GMT

I don't know any trike owners personally to ask this question. Why did you decide to ride a trike?

I'm thinking that perhaps the rider isn't strong enough to hold up a 900 pound 2-wheeled motorcycle due to aging or physical limitations.

Are there other reasons?

Thanks

Spare Gasoline In A Sidecar

pbarnesqsi — Thu, 10 Mar 2005 21:29:22 GMT

As the new owner of an XLH 883 Sportster with a Velorex sidecar, I've got to do something about the limited amount of fuel I can carry in the itty, bitty peanut tank. It is rated at 2.25 gallons, the last .25 gallons are reserve. Today it went on reserve, I rode about 4 miles to the nearest gas station, and filled up. Took 1.8 gallons, so apparently I don't even get to use all 2 gallons. 70 miles between fuel stops doesn't work for me.

So, my temporary solution is to carry a filled plastic one gallon gas container in the sidecar. I don't know how safe this is, but I suspect it isn't all that safe. In hot weather it could be even more of a problem.

Are there safe fuel cells made for sidecar rigs? How about a fuel cell with an electric pump to get fuel into the main tank? Is something like this commercially available?

Being a sidecar newbie, I don't even know where to start looking for this information, so I figured I'd start here. Thanks.

Barney,
Seattle

Differentials

torqueman — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:25:42 GMT

I talked some time ago about building a trike. Old VWs for a reasonable price were more difficult to come across than I thought they would be. So I have started looking at using a old GL1000 or even a CB750 as the foundation.

I have seen conversions of this type using HD servi car differentials, converted ford diffs, and home brew contraceptions. Being a computer engineer and not a mechanical engineer I am thinking the home brew thing is out. I would not want to ruin a part that could be used to restore a motorcycle so old HD parts are out (and hard to find anyway I am sure.)

So that leaves conversion of an auto or similar diff. I found that web site that promises that "coming soon" they will tell how to convert a diff to chain drive. Since the site looks like it was created in the 90s with every animated gif they could find I am not going to hold by breath for the instructions. I am sure you would want to cut some out of the width and that would require some custom drive shafts to be made. But how does one convert the diff to chain drive? Or is a auto diff just way to heavy to even consider for conversion? I found a company that sells chain and belt drive diffs but $4K for just the diff is a little pricy. If I am spending that kind of money I can get the VW.

mud flaps for trike kit

Rayman — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:54:17 GMT

I'm new to this site and i ride a goldwing 1500SE with instant trike kite which wife really likes but i'm looking for mud flaps for the fenders !

Anyone know where to get them!

california custom trikes

kookie696969 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:16:19 GMT

hello all new to the site here i own a 800 intruder w/lehman trike kit which my wife is taking over and im thinkin about getting a cali.custom trike has anyone heard god bad or other about them thanks ken

Leading Link Forks

dedsled — Sun, 27 May 2007 11:05:58 GMT

After wrestling my 1974 BMW R75/6/Velorex outfit around for almost three years, I have finally decided to install a leading link front fork setup. There doesn't seem to be much choice of products for my rig other than the UNIT leading links (out of England, I believe.) This is priced around $2,100.00 thru Side Striders, Inc. Does anyone out there have any experience with these forks? Are they really worth $2,100.00? Is there other manufacturers providing a less expensive product? Any input or shared experiences with leading link front fork setups would be greatly appreciated.

Dedsled

Urals In The City And On The Slab

motormule — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:00:46 GMT

I'm considering a hack for daily commutes and cagelike errand running . My power needs are minimal , I'm quite content chuffing along at 55 -60 MPH on the superslab .

My question : Will a Ural 750cc fill the bill ? I have read postings on this thread recommending a more powerful BMW hack . The sidecar will be for groceries and the girlfriend ( not necessarily in that order ).

I love the seasonal wet weather that we have here , riding in it daily isn't a concern for me .

Are there any of you hackers out here who have replaced your day to day cage use with a sidecar rig , and if so , what did you experience ?

Motormule

2005XL1200c

Seattle , Wa.

" A vacant mind is a terrible thing to waste " .

The Stallion

Nomad17 — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 09:59:48 GMT

I came across a dealer in Ohio that is selling the Stallion. Made by Thoroughbred Motorsports. A company of Motor Trike. Anyways has anyone checked this thing out. Or has anyone bought one. It looks pretty cool I think I would do with out the steering wheel though. Has a 10 gallon fuel tank up to 52 mpg. I did when I saw it stop in and take a nice look at it. Black Cherry & Candy Apple Red are the best colors. Powerd by a Ford 2.3 Liter 4 cylinder. 5 speed auto rated at 155 hp. Has 7 cubic ft trunk space. All leather A alpine mp3 player with cd receiver Ford gauges Air lift suspension Cruise control And on and on.Oh yes forgot you also get a/c and heat for both driver and passenger. Billet wheels 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. I left two sites to check out tell me what you think For $30,000.The All New Stallion Trike Motorcycle

Motor Trike®

Nomad17

Voyager Insta-Trike?

Scratch33 — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 05:02:25 GMT

Anyone here have opinions pro or con on the Voyager "Insta-Trike" system?

Front end wobble

jimdogi — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:45:45 GMT

I just picked up an older VW / Trike conversion with a springer front end on it. Is there any way to rid it of the low speed front end wobble?

Three-Wheel Question...

OzarkWingGuy — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:12:12 GMT

Greetings Trike People,

I come to you from the land of two-wheel motorcycledom. If you speak this tongue I have a question for you. Do you know of a man near Mena, Arkansas that buildeth a 3-wheel wonder. This man-made machine hath an automobile engine but looketh like a trike. His name begineth with a "K." Have you heard of such a one? If so doth he haveth a web-site or do you know where his place of abode is?

One other question: Doth thou know of a website that sells used trikes?

Thank you

tow pac

rounder — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 16:37:12 GMT

Does anyone have trouble with front wheel wobble with their Tow Pac trike? I have tried everything the trouble shooting guide says to do and I still get a wobble?

Anyone know how to fix this?

Ural Sidecar Rigs

motojavaphil — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 19:41:22 GMT

Having never owned one of these I had a few questions for you pro's. Is the rig reliable? Egan wrote an article and seemed to give it a thumbs up but a lot needed to be said. Do they modify well, such as with pipes, air cleaner and jetting? What are the maintenance requirements? Are they hard to drive and once used to them are they still hard to drive? The two wheel drive option, can it really get out in the boondocks and is it a worthwhile option? I know they are slow but that is not an issue for me unless it is dangerous slow.

Thanx, Phil

used insta trike

tommy2tics — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 21:39:38 GMT

Does anyone knoe where i can purchase a used insta trike for my 02 honda shadow ACE 750. Cant afford a new one . on limited income.

thanks

Tommy2tics

New England Sidecar-Trike Club Event

papasmurf — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:45:49 GMT

For anyone near enough to possibly attend[even day trippers- solo, sidecar or trike]: Northeast 3 Wheelers Sidecar-Trike Club of western MA is hosting their 11th Annual Campout this weekend in Bernardston, MA, at Travelers Woods of New England Campground, 152 River Street. In town center, turn south off Route 10 onto River Street, drive mile to Campground on left. Turn right off entrance road across bridge to Club tenting area and check in with Dale or Don. Bernardston approx. 5 miles north of Greenfield and same distance south of VT state line, along I-91 and US Route 5 in western MA. GREAT bunch of folks who LOVE riding with the Third Wheel!

P.S. Local motel, the Windmill, located approx. 4 mi. east on Route 10; they serve a Good Breakfast!

The practicality of a seasonal sidecar

Sox Fan — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 21:06:33 GMT

Hi:

As winter approaches us here in southeastern NY, I've been thinking what a great thing it would be to ride my '05 V-Strom year 'round. That is, I already ride all 12 months of the year, as long as the roads are dry. The cold doesn't stop me. But since I ride over a ridge with an elevational change of over 1000 feet every day on my way to work, I have to be pretty careful, lest I find that it snowed up top when it was dry at home. If I didn't have to worry about dropping the bike on the snow, I could ride every day.

Anyway, the thought occured to me that perhaps putting a sidecar on the Strom for the winter might be the ticket. Is the addtion of a hack too involved for this to be practical? Are the modifications necessary to install a sidecar significant enough that it would be a hassle to undo them every spring and re-do them every winter? Also, would it really reduce my worries as far as traction in the snow, or am I fooling myself in that regard?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

MC News - Improved Sidecar Coverage Request

derailment — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 11:47:27 GMT

Way back in 2002 David Hough wrote an article on his review of a sporting sidehack setup. The article discussed the mating of a Dutch EZS Compact sidecar with a Suzuki 1200 Bandit, an apparant good match of machines. David in particular discussed issues regarding the fit, finish, handling, braking, passenger comfort and cost of creating such a set up. These are just the issues I am interested in for building my own specialty sporting hack. I have long been interested in the details of the various machine configurations, from old-style iron /2 BMWs and Urals, to modern, sporting machines such as the Suzuki/EZS pairing, or even applications of leaning cars with fast, sporting bikes such as BMW K-bikes, etc.

I'd like to request that MCN promote articles of this type more often. I have been reading the magazine diligently for several years and Hough's article is the only one to discuss sidecars in any depth, to the best of my recollection. I'd like to know if MCN's editors (Mr. Searle) has anything planned in this vein for the future. Please, please, please!

G.Baker

Chris-Crafted Hack

Rider33 — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 10:29:50 GMT

In the April issue of RIDER magazine on page 82 is a picture of a 1935 BSA with a hack
that looks like a mini chris-craft wooden
outdoor boat. Apparently, the thing even
comes off and can be used in the water. Now
that's what I call a true dual purpose bike,
ride it to the lake and then float away. Imagine sail boat, row boat or canoe versions
of this idea. If riding around with a side car isn't excentric enough for ya, this baby aught to do it..........

pull to the right with the sidecar

featherwoman — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 13:10:18 GMT

Hi All, We own a '89 'Wing with a '91 EML GT3 sidecar attached. We bought the rig complete for 14,000. Thought we got a good deal until we tried to ride it and have a bad pull to the right when going down the road and a bad pull to the left on braking. The front tire on the bike is showing excessive wear on the right side. We love the rig and the looks we get. Lots of fun to ride but the pull leaves my husband very tired from fighting it. Any ideas on how to fix the problem? We have the steering damper and an Earles fork with a 3 degree rake that came with the bike. The sidecar was installed at Motor Rad in St. Louis. We are the second owners. The Gentleman we bought it from is 77 and just stopped riding this year due to health problems. Thanks in advance.

sidecar and Trike drivers education in Oregon

RedMenace — Sat, 14 Jan 2006 09:12:56 GMT

Adventure Sidecar S/TEP classes will be held in Hood RIver, Oregon on
the following weekends:
Class Schedule 2006

May 6~7, 2006

June 17~18, 2006

August 12~13, 2006

September23~24, 2006

These classes will be offered through the Hood River Community
Education Program. Course fees and registration information will be
posted in February. Prior motorcycle experience is not required. You
must be at least 16 years old and have a valid drivers license to take
this class. If you are under 18 years old you must have a waiver
signed by a parent or legal guardian. You may take the class using
your sidecar or trike or one of ours. If you choose to use your own
rig for the class, you must have proof of insurance and the machine
must be in safe operating condition. Be aware the driving exercises
will be conducted on a grass lot.

more dettails will be posted at the Adventure Sidecar website:
http://adventuresidecar.com/training06/training06.htm

the RedMenace
adventuresidecar.com
Adventure Sidecar
S/TEP Training
Tours

Trike with leaning wheels

rashid — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 13:23:47 GMT

Saw a trike in Daytona with accenting or leaning wheels, but did not get the info and now can not find anything on it.
Anybody have any info?

Rashid

Rick Lousier

Raked Triple Trees

stevesidecar — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 16:55:44 GMT

I was wondering if anybody had any experience with raked triple trees on their rig,is there significantly better handling?I have a 2003 Ultra w/stock sidecar that I love, but we're always looking for better handling. I think I read some advice in a past issue of HACK'D, I'll have to search my attic...

2004 harley 883xl

tdilover — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 17:52:22 GMT

2004, 883xl impact blue for sale 5600 miles.
chrome rocker boxes by harley. Old style front fender by harley and painted by harley. left and right engine cases powder coated gray by harley. Bike has had 3 complete oil changes and a new air filter. It's a cream puff. Money talks so give me shout. Send me your phone number and I will call you if you live in the united states. Bike is in Schenectady, New York. Asking price $5900.oo jbischof@nycap.rr.com

95Triumph Dualsport Sidecar rig for sale!

RedMenace — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 08:57:12 GMT

'95 Triumph Tiger with Sputnik Sidecar $5,500 OBO

Set up for adventure touring on and off road, this rig is my daily driver and ready to go! Many extras: Dauntless Motors full duplex custom subframe and sidecar mounts, Luggage racks and running board, hard bags mounted to sidecar. Custom rattle proof nose latches. Snow chains. Bash plate and headlight guard, electric outlets in the sidecar and on the bike.
http://adventuresidecar.com/Garage%20Sale.htm

the RedMenace
adventuresidecar.com
Adventure Sidecar
S/TEP Training
Tours

Great bike for sidecar project!

RedMenace — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 08:54:48 GMT

'99 Triumph Speed Triple, wrecked $2500 OBO

I bought this new and installed a sidecar on it in '99. Lent it to a friend and he slid it into a curb at low speeds, destroying the front end. This bike was running when I parked it, but needs a front end and front wheel and one motor mount repaired. Only 4288 miles, The headlights, dash and gastank are undamaged. The front end absorbed the impact, the sidecar kept the bike upright, I wanted to make a high performance dedicated sidecar rig out of it with hub center steering, linked to the sidecar wheel, but never got around to it.. Perfect project bike. As is, bike only, no sidecar.

http://adventuresidecar.com/Garage%20Sale.htm

the RedMenace
adventuresidecar.com
Adventure Sidecar
S/TEP Training
Tours

Garage Sale

RedMenace — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 08:52:14 GMT

I am cleaning out my garage, making room and raising cash for new bikes to use in next years S/TEP classes I have panniers, fairings,some Ural stuff, a BMW engine and transmission and even a couple of bikes for sale-check it out and make me an offer!
http://adventuresidecar.com/Garage%20Sale.htm

the RedMenace
adventuresidecar.com
Adventure Sidecar
S/TEP Training
Tours

883 with Velorex - a good combination?

pbarnesqsi — Sat, 12 Feb 2005 11:39:19 GMT

I'm thinking about looking at a used 883 Sportster with a new Velorex attached. Can anyone comment as to whether or not this is a good combination? I'm worried the little Sporty will be lacking in power and may not be up to the job in the long haul. I've ridden several H-Ds and the 883 is my favorite - I currently ride a mid-size (650) 4-cylinder UJM. Many thanks in advance.

Barney,
Seattle

Sidecar and Trike Instruction in Oregon Oct8~9,05

RedMenace — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 11:02:12 GMT

Some shameless self promotion, if I may

I am offering the nationally recognized S/TEP training course in Hood River, Oregon the weekend of October 8th & 9th, 2005.
This involves one day of class work and one day of driving practice on a controled off street range. This is a step by step beginners class and no prior motorcycle experience is required(you do need a valid drivers license and appropriate safety gear).
While you may take the class using your own sidecar or trike, IMWA is providing two new Ural Tourists for use during the class. This might be the perfect way for you to find out if you like driving a sidecar without the huge investment of buying one!
The two dayclass lists at $190 but there is a $40 discount if you present a Ural dealer's business card with your payment. The course is offered through the Hood River Community Education program; they can take your payment by credit card if you like. Phone (541)386-2055 Fax (541)386-7198 Tell them you are interested in the Adventure Sidecar S/TEP class.

IMWA is offering an additional $125 rebate to customers who take a S/TEP course within a year of purchasing an Ural-contact your Ural dealer for details.

Look around the Adventure Sidecar website for photos and stories of riding sidecars around the Pacific Northwest

http://www.adventuresidecar.com/articles.htm

You can find more information at my website: http://adventuresidecar.com/training.htm

[Edited by RedMenace on 9/4/2005 9:37 AM]

-----
Vernon(the RedMenace)

Adventure Sidecar, LLC
Sidecar Tours
Sidecar and Trike instruction

the RedMenace
adventuresidecar.com
Adventure Sidecar
S/TEP Training
Tours

Adding a sidecar to a 1976 R75/6?

Bwana — Mon, 09 May 2005 14:11:11 GMT

Has anyone had experience with a bike comparable to this one? What can I expect to happen to top speed in terms of being able to hang with interstate traffic?

Any thoughts on clamp on type mounts vs welding on tabs? Adding members to the frame for reinforcement?

Sourcing Earls forks for the thing?

Pitfalls?

Other info appreciated. I've puttered around a little on a couple of Urals, but I've never owned a hack.