Valk I-State Trike

[Jim McCarty]

Hello fellows:
Been away awhile (years), now looking to return.
Now that I'm older & have a few health issues
I'm looking at getting a trike.
Anyone have any experience with a 2000 Interstate with a Motor Trike kit
on it?
What would you say are the Pros & Cons.
Preciate any help.
Thanks

[3W-lonerider]

i triked my i/s at 72,000 it now has 141,000. only problem i had was a really bad installer. after i got everything straightened out it's fine..i'd say go for it..

[solo1]

Tracy, over on the temp board, has two Valk trikes and does her own work.  you might check with her.

[shortleg]

 The first thing to look for is
Has the trike had a 6 deg front end
installed. If not you will play hell
steering it.
  Think about all the trike owners here will agree.
          Shortleg[Dave]

[JerryB]

We triked our I/S after the 600 mile check-up in 2001.I didn't change the rake on it and steers fine.You will have minor issues at slow speeds,but over-all not that bad.........JB.

[old grouch]

I Triked my '99 I/S last spring.  I wanted to build it myself, so that left me with two choices, as all the others will only sell through their dealers.  I went with a kit from Triwing Industries out of B.C. mostly because they had the biggest trunk & would give me the gear ratio I wanted & tire/wheel size combo I wanted.  Everybody else had only one tire/wheel & gear ratio choice. 
    Having said that, if I were to do it over, I would go with the RoadSmith kit from The Trike Shop.  Not real happy with some aspects of the unit I have, mostly warranty and customer service issues.  I do not care for the Motor Trike.
       I love the Trike and we have put almost 21K miles on since the build.  After a little getting used to, I have no trouble "keeping up".  We mostly ride two up in the mountains and I occasionaly find myself "pushing"  the other folks.  I say check out all the available Kits, find the one you like best and go for it!!!    One tip:  If you think you may ever want an Ultimate Seat, get it BEFORE you do the conversion.I didn't and now I can't use one.     If you want some more info about my experience with the Trike, PM me. 
    Stan

[HickoryNCInterstate]

Triked my 99 Interstate 3 years ago, and it has been GREAT!!!  I went with  Roadsmith kit from the Trike Shop, couldn't be happier with fit and look.  My initial rake kit was the 4.5, did not satisfy me, last winter went to the 6 degree kit, world's better....There is a 8 degree kit out too, I wonder about it but it may be to much

Overall I think you will enjoy the conversion   

[old grouch]

Jim
   I agree about the raked front end.  I personally know one guy who did not rake his and is perfectly happy with it, but the concensus seems to be raked is better.  I have Daryl's 8* tree with 2" fork extensions on mine.  Love it!  Also had to get longer front brake lines.  Am running a Michelin Macadam 50, 160-70-17 rear bias ply, reversed, on the front.  Take a look at   http://www.triketalk.com/forum/
Lots of good info there about trikes in general.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Stan

[sandy]

My local shop feels the Motor Trike kits are the worst on the market. If you're looking at buying a trike, I'd look into an 1800 Wing trike. I love my Valk but the added weight and wind resistance will kill your MPG's. Maybe under 30 all the time. The Wing trikes get in the low to mid 30's with 2 up riding. If long distance travel is on your mind, fuel injection will pay you back over time. BTW: Champion's IRS kits for the Wing are the best around. Handling and ride is superb and "YES" get the easy-steer rake kit.

[sugarbee]

Love my trike.  It has the Lehman kit.  It's not an I/S, but that does not bother me.

Just remember not to put your foot down if it tilts in a curve 

[JerryB]

Motor-Trike kits are only as good as the installer........Like anything,if you install it half-a$$,there will be problems.........JB.

[LadyDraco]

The things I would say to look into are~~
1.The braking system in the rears. Drum ? Disk ? How many ?
2.How many u joints are used.
3.Storage how much do YOU think you need or want
4.Get a Raked Tripletree
5.Solid axles or  independent
6.Shocks how many are used ..
7.What size are the rear tires..

I hope that helps..

I have 2 Valk trikes .. Both are CSC kits.. (California Side Car)
They have the most storage in the rear ends..( I use my bikes as primary Vehicles,I go food shopping with them. Sam's club )
Handle the twisties like a sports car..
IMHO CSC makes the best kit...

But there are many other kits out there ....


One has 150K on it .. This one is  I/S




My other one  has 113K  It's a Halfbreed .. Tourer front end with the I/S trunk
I triked this one @ 75K



Tracy