Voyager Trike Kit

[sameagle]

Anyone have any input on triking with a Voyager kit?

[Hoser]

I have considered it, either with the voyager or the Tow pac. Mainly to carry a reluctant passenger and tow a camp rig.  I like those two because of the ease of removal.  Also, not getting any younger myself.
 http://neoshotrailers.com/tow-pac-applications/

[BigBod]

Now this is just my personal opinion, nothing else.

What a piece of junk. Would never consider one under any circumstances.

If that's the way you need/want to go, get it triked properly.

[PAVALKER]

Now this is just my personal opinion, nothing else.

What a piece of junk. Would never consider one under any circumstances.

If that's the way you need/want to go, get it triked properly.

Assuming you don't have any personal experience with this type of kit???   And if you would never consider one under any circumstances..... Could you elaborate as to why?

I've taken a few trikes for a test ride...and didn't care for it at all personally... But I have never rode a Voyager Trike kit... And am curious about how they ride.  In a pinch, the Voyager kits seem like an inexpensive and viable option to stay riding with the bike you already have.  I would suggest you try and get a ride on kit like that and also a Triked bike to see which you prefer.    I'm thinking when it gets to that point for me I will stick with one of my lighter bikes.....then if need be maybe try to find a nice used Saturn Sky or Porsche Boxter.   



As an aside note....   I went to a auction a few years ago where the city was auctioning off the HD side cars and there were some Moto Officers there with the Voyager kit.   They didn't care for the voyager kit at all (maybe because it was still new or their ego was affected in some manner by having training wheels... As one put it).   The talked highly of sidecars tho in how they could jump curbs get on sidewalks or around traffic if needed.  Just a thought.... I never rode one of those either.  So maybe I should try a voyager trike kit and a side car as well..... Before I get the Saturn Sky/Porsche Boxter.

[Momz]

A Voyager kit is not a Trike, it has four wheels and makes riding on crowned or rough roads very difficult.
It rides and handles quite different from a Trike.
However like a Trike it truly needs a set of raked triple trees to make it a bit more manageable.

[sandy]

Voyager and Tow Pac: One of them is easily removable for a quick change. Can't remember which one. If you have a physical issue which is long term but temporary, these kits are just what you need. As what was stated: He wants it to tow a trailer sometimes. It's a good idea for some needs.

[Valker]

I can't speak for other states, but a bike with the Voyager kit in Texas is not a legal vehicle. It is tagged as a motorcycle, but the law defines any vehicle with more than three wheels in contact with the ground as a car.

[PAVALKER]

I can't speak for other states, but a bike with the Voyager kit in Texas is not a legal vehicle. It is tagged as a motorcycle, but the law defines any vehicle with more than three wheels in contact with the ground as a car.

I think by design that it really only has 3 wheels in contact with the ground at one time..... Either or of one of the outer rear wheels, the center rear wheel and the front.  If both outer rear wheels were in contact.... That means the center wheel, the drive wheel, would not be..... And it would not go.   

[R J]

I had a chance to ride a Vogager kit and it sucks in my opinion.   But, that is my opinion.

Then I followed the guy who owned it on a ride with the CBR in Indiana.

When he rode on a crowned lane, the bike was tossed around like a hot potato.

When he made a turn, the easiest for him to turn was to toss the inside wheel in the air.    I know he'd had this kit for a couple of years and knew how to ride it.  He also had a 6* tree on his bike, he said that did not help in the corners, it helped some on the crowned road, but his words were, the firkin thing sucks but I can't afford a Trike kit conversion kit.

I talked to him again at the end and was questioning him about the wheel in the air.    He bluntly told me that was the only way you could make a corner at a speed above 15 MPH.

[Hoser]

I have considered it, either with the voyager or the Tow pac. Mainly to carry a reluctant passenger and tow a camp rig.  I like those two because of the ease of removal.  Also, not getting any younger myself.
 http://neoshotrailers.com/tow-pac-applications/

I have ridden a tow pac (see the above link) that has the electric reverse option.  Not on a Valkyrie, but a large bike none the less. I also have ridden a Goldwing permanent trike.  Not a hell of a big difference to me.  That being said, the easy on easy off would be MY best reason to own one.  I am a one bike rider and my Valkyrie is the only one I want to ride.  My wife is not comfy with the natural leaning of a two  wheeler, and has a problem getting on and off, but she still wants to ride once in awhile, and I like to have her along. Any one think that is a problem? I don't.  I also am not made of money, and a permanent trike conversion requires a lot of that. Oh BTW Bigbod, I don't give a $hit about your opinion.    Hoser

[PAVALKER]

I had a chance to ride a Vogager kit and it sucks in my opinion.   But, that is my opinion.

Then I followed the guy who owned it on a ride with the CBR in Indiana.

When he rode on a crowned lane, the bike was tossed around like a hot potato.

When he made a turn, the easiest for him to turn was to toss the inside wheel in the air.    I know he'd had this kit for a couple of years and knew how to ride it.  He also had a 6* tree on his bike, he said that did not help in the corners, it helped some on the crowned road, but his words were, the firkin thing sucks but I can't afford a Trike kit conversion kit.

I talked to him again at the end and was questioning him about the wheel in the air.    He bluntly told me that was the only way you could make a corner at a speed above 15 MPH.

RJ,   Sitting on the couch here leaning to my right imagining the left wheel up and turning left.... Is that right or was it the outside wheel up in the turn.   It just felt really unnatural. 

[sameagle]

Appreciate all the "opinions".  I am getting older and just didn't want to do a permanent trike conversion.  This keeps my wife happy.  Takes 5 minutes and I am back to two wheels.  Tried it out and did not seem too bad.  For a long haul, I am two wheels.  Thanks to all that replied.

[Chiefy]

When I owned a trike, I hung out on a trike discussion board.  There were a number of guys who used the Voyager kit at first, didn't like much about it and went on and got a conversion.  Something to think about.

[Ghost Rider 2]

  I owned a Tow Pac installed on a GL1500. My wife was wanting bigger bike to ride when we go on trips. At 110 pounds she was not comfortable with a big touring bike at low speeds in parking lots. I did a lot of research and bought a Tow Pac.  No it is not a full blown trike. But it was a great starting place. I was not ready to drop 20 plus thousand to see if she liked it.  She rode if for 3 years, put just under 20,000 miles on it. She road twistee roads all over Arkansas with it. They handle very well  (After they are set up properly).  Here lies the problem a lot of people face. Kit gets bolted on and it pulls to one side or it handles funny on a road crown.  Adjustments need to be made to make bike handle properly.   She has since moved up to a Lehman Trike. I pulled the tow pac off and sold to a friend. I installed it and did the adjustments.  He very happy with the tow pac. Now the old left over 1500 that the kit came off of is my everyday back and forth to work bike.  The only major thing I had to do at the change was install new front tire. As with any trike they tend to wear the center of the tire.

[BigBod]

Now this is just my personal opinion, nothing else.

What a piece of junk. Would never consider one under any circumstances.

If that's the way you need/want to go, get it triked properly.

Assuming you don't have any personal experience with this type of kit???   And if you would never consider one under any circumstances..... Could you elaborate as to why?

I've taken a few trikes for a test ride...and didn't care for it at all personally... But I have never rode a Voyager Trike kit... And am curious about how they ride.  In a pinch, the Voyager kits seem like an inexpensive and viable option to stay riding with the bike you already have.  I would suggest you try and get a ride on kit like that and also a Triked bike to see which you prefer.    I'm thinking when it gets to that point for me I will stick with one of my lighter bikes.....then if need be maybe try to find a nice used Saturn Sky or Porsche Boxter.  



As an aside note....   I went to a auction a few years ago where the city was auctioning off the HD side cars and there were some Moto Officers there with the Voyager kit.   They didn't care for the voyager kit at all (maybe because it was still new or their ego was affected in some manner by having training wheels... As one put it).   The talked highly of sidecars tho in how they could jump curbs get on sidewalks or around traffic if needed.  Just a thought.... I never rode one of those either.  So maybe I should try a voyager trike kit and a side car as well..... Before I get the Saturn Sky/Porsche Boxter.

Why would you assume I have no experience of this kit??? I do, I've never owned one but have ridden one, what a piece of junk! I rode a GL1200 with one fitted, it was a death trap. 3 wheels on the rear is okay if you can find a road that is perfectly flat in all directions with no camber, as soon as that changes it handles like crap. Doesn't matter what you do to the front end, rake it or what ever, it still rides like crap. I spent a considerable time with the guy trying to get it set up so it was rideable, it never happened.

As for trikes and sidecars, trikes are easier to ride than hacks, I've years of experience with both. My personal favourite is sidecars and I am currently running a GL1500 with a full EZS conveersion (google it, they are available in the US now)

I've been in the Goldwing Owners Club of GB since 1988 and spent a good few years on the National Committee as "3 Wheel Rep" so I do feel slightly qualified to comment with some experience and express my opinion based on fact and not assumption. I have toured Europe on 3 different sidecar outfits one being a 1975 GL1000 with a sports Heddingham sidecar, another 1975 GL1000 with a massive sidecar that I could sleep in to save putting up a tent and my current EZS outfit. Also toured Europe on a GL1500 EML Trike conversion and had the opportunity to ride the GL1200 with the Voyager kit fitted about 100 miles in total......that was enough for me, wouldn't ride it to the port, let alone around Europe....

Think I've made my point.

[HickoryNCInterstate]

Had one on my Interstate before I put the Roadsmith kit on. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY!! That kit will not turn in a forty acre field. Dangerous!! As the old saying goes, you can't go cheap in some things!! I believe a trike is one of them.

[R J]

I had a chance to ride a Vogager kit and it sucks in my opinion.   But, that is my opinion.

Then I followed the guy who owned it on a ride with the CBR in Indiana.

When he rode on a crowned lane, the bike was tossed around like a hot potato.

When he made a turn, the easiest for him to turn was to toss the inside wheel in the air.    I know he'd had this kit for a couple of years and knew how to ride it.  He also had a 6* tree on his bike, he said that did not help in the corners, it helped some on the crowned road, but his words were, the firkin thing sucks but I can't afford a Trike kit conversion kit.

I talked to him again at the end and was questioning him about the wheel in the air.    He bluntly told me that was the only way you could make a corner at a speed above 15 MPH.

RJ,   Sitting on the couch here leaning to my right imagining the left wheel up and turning left.... Is that right or was it the outside wheel up in the turn.   It just felt really unnatural. 

You got it right. inside wheel in a corner and leaned way out into traffic on the bike.

I've ridden one several times trying to get the feel for it.

Never ever felt comfortable, so I popped for a Trike kit.    Best choice I ever made.

[art]

The one thing that worries me is in heavy traffic I would be at the mercy of the idiot behind me. If he wasn't paying attention I could be hit from behind and like a two wheeler I could not get out of his way. Several times I had to split lanes to avoid some idiot from rear ending  me while not looking. I also don't like the inability to lean in a turn.

[PAVALKER]

Now this is just my personal opinion, nothing else.

What a piece of junk. Would never consider one under any circumstances.

If that's the way you need/want to go, get it triked properly.

Assuming you don't have any personal experience with this type of kit???   And if you would never consider one under any circumstances..... Could you elaborate as to why?

I've taken a few trikes for a test ride...and didn't care for it at all personally... But I have never rode a Voyager Trike kit... And am curious about how they ride.  In a pinch, the Voyager kits seem like an inexpensive and viable option to stay riding with the bike you already have.  I would suggest you try and get a ride on kit like that and also a Triked bike to see which you prefer.    I'm thinking when it gets to that point for me I will stick with one of my lighter bikes.....then if need be maybe try to find a nice used Saturn Sky or Porsche Boxter.  



As an aside note....   I went to a auction a few years ago where the city was auctioning off the HD side cars and there were some Moto Officers there with the Voyager kit.   They didn't care for the voyager kit at all (maybe because it was still new or their ego was affected in some manner by having training wheels... As one put it).   The talked highly of sidecars tho in how they could jump curbs get on sidewalks or around traffic if needed.  Just a thought.... I never rode one of those either.  So maybe I should try a voyager trike kit and a side car as well..... Before I get the Saturn Sky/Porsche Boxter.

Why would you assume I have no experience of this kit??? I do, I've never owned one but have ridden one, what a piece of junk! I rode a GL1200 with one fitted, it was a death trap. 3 wheels on the rear is okay if you can find a road that is perfectly flat in all directions with no camber, as soon as that changes it handles like crap. Doesn't matter what you do to the front end, rake it or what ever, it still rides like crap. I spent a considerable time with the guy trying to get it set up so it was rideable, it never happened.

As for trikes and sidecars, trikes are easier to ride than hacks, I've years of experience with both. My personal favourite is sidecars and I am currently running a GL1500 with a full EZS conveersion (google it, they are available in the US now)

I've been in the Goldwing Owners Club of GB since 1988 and spent a good few years on the National Committee as "3 Wheel Rep" so I do feel slightly qualified to comment with some experience and express my opinion based on fact and not assumption. I have toured Europe on 3 different sidecar outfits one being a 1975 GL1000 with a sports Heddingham sidecar, another 1975 GL1000 with a massive sidecar that I could sleep in to save putting up a tent and my current EZS outfit. Also toured Europe on a GL1500 EML Trike conversion and had the opportunity to ride the GL1200 with the Voyager kit fitted about 100 miles in total......that was enough for me, wouldn't ride it to the port, let alone around Europe....

Think I've made my point.

I assumed because you didn't indicate one way or the other if you had any experience.  Usually those that bad mouth an item do so for one reason or another, but it might not be an educated reason based on experience or actual knowledge of the item. You could have qualified your statements earlier and it might not have been taken as it was ..... Just a product bashing.  But, for the OPs purposes.... It might be an inexpensive option for those rare occasions where he may need/want to ride with it..... Without having to buy a full trike and also keep his 2 wheel bike.  It's not for everyone.... But it must be for some or otherwise it might not be on the market long.

Based on what I'm reading tho, I think a side car might be a better option for him.

[sameagle]

Really appreciate all the input.  I got it insight inspite of the negative replies.  I was prepared for the worst case scenario and pleased with the positives.  I have already spent a number of hours practicing.  Much the same as two wheels, it takes a considerable amount of practice to get it right.  Yes the inside wheel will rise up on a turn.  Found out that it's the way it is supposed to be done.  Still on two rear wheels on the turn.  Definitely superior in stopping ability (no skid) to two wheels.  I am in a wet climate (south Florida) and skidding can be a problem on these rubbery roads in the rain.  Also like the much increased visibilty especially in the rear.  Lots of lights.  Of course there is nothing like two wheels and I have that in about 5 minutes.  Glad I did not go for the full conversion.  Glad for all our different opinions.