Roadsmith or California Side Car Trike Kit?

[NordicValk]

I'm having alot of trouble with my knees and want to continue riding so I'm looking at triking the Interstate 1999. Safety is my main concern and without the knee giving out I sure would feel much better. I love two wheels but almost dropped her a few times and that just isn't a good feeling. Im concerned not only for myself but my co rider and I can't even think about losing her. So I need to know which kit has the best ride, weight capacity, and handling. Has anyone done this swap at home if so how hard was the change over? If anyone can help I would be greatful for the info. I'm not a small guy 350lbs at 6'6" and I can handle the weight as long as the knees don't give out but I am afraid they do so way to often.              Mark

[GOOSE]

give california side car a call.....they put them together right here in arrington,va.

[Chiefy]

You should check out this trike forum:

www.triketalk.com

A number of owners of triked Valks there.

[R J]

Murdoc, and Woody converted their own bikes, Lady Draco had hers done, 2 of them, all California Sidecar.   There are about 5 or 6 manufacturers for conversions, 1 in Canada also.   Not sure what Ron Miles Trike kit is, but he also did his own.

I don't think you can buy a kit and do it yourself anymore.

The Trike Shop in Minnesota has a sweet system, but it is wider than the others.  Also, it is independent suspension.   Hit a bump and the one wheel goes up, not the whole unit.    I think they also have a shop in Daytona now.   I'm told his units are rearends from the VW Bug, & made in Mexico.   I can't verify that as true or false.

Google this 'motorcycle trike conversion companies' and you will have about an hour of reading on Trike conversion links.

[old grouch]

When I did mine, a little over a year ago, only two companies would sell to the end user:  Roadsmith (AKA TrikeShop) and Triwing Industries.  Good luck.  Stan

[gabby]

Hi Mark,
     Go with the California   conversion. My 99 is being done now for a end of the month delivery. The conversion is especially for the Interstate and looks fantastic.Check out Lady Draco's ride---It is very nice.
Gabby

[shortleg]

  Goody and I did his about two years ago and
did a California sidecar kit. I was well made and
not that hard to do.
  Goody had to work some kind of a deal with the dealer to install it
and have it delivered to his shop.
  They come compleat with all parts needed.
         Shortleg[Dave]

[GOOSE]

nordicvalk.......i don't know where you are located, but calif. side car is right here in va, and they do do the install here at their factory.  i know that they will be at wing ding in knoxville tn in july,  their kits are well made, and every piece is perfectly finished down to the very last inch.....quality workmanship.   

[Bad On 3]

Hi i have a 99 interstate with the roadsmith [ trike shop ] i love it  its my second trike  the indepen. sup. is great-- my wing had straight axel  road hard -- i like the roadsmith because its alittle longer than most kits and its wider  --im 6'3 and 310 and i like the extra room and it handles great in the curves --it really holds the road --make sure you get the rake kit it make steerin alot easer !! mine is raked like 7 0r 8 degrees  look at them all the calf. side car is nice but i think roadsmith is the only one that has indepen. sup.for the valk.  good luck !!!

[Ken Tarver]

Champion, according to a friend will sell to you for a self install

[R J MILES]

I installed a kit on my 99 IS from the Trike Shop in White Bear Lake, Minn. Body is standard with, like any other trike. Has IRS with coil  springs, coil over shocks, and a sway bar. The center section is a full size General Motors rear end, converted to use half shafts.  CV joints, disc brakes, and rotors are all late model VW. Driveshaft is 2in. tube and takes standard Spicer u joints.Suspention is a scaled down copy of the IRS VW  bug. Kit extends wheelbase 10 inches. You will need to rake out the front end or the steering  will be very hard! Trees can be had in 4, 6, 8 degrees.  Trike Shop offers the 4. I used an 8 from VTX Extream. PERFECT!! Adds another 3 in. to wheel base and lowers the bike. Handles like a slot car. 30 mpg is average if u keep it under 70 mph. Body glass is very good.      Ron Miles  VRCC 5403

[R J]

Thanks for the update on your rig Fuzzie aka Ron Miles.

I've followed this Trike a few times and he sets there like he is at home in his easy chair.

You would love his highway pegs.

I'll let him fill ya in on those.

How about a picture buddy.
If ya don't know how to post it let me know and I'll walk ya through it.   You got my phone #.