Conventional vs Reverse Trike Discussion

[Bangorbob]

Just out of curiosity, what is your take on a GW converted to a reverse trike like the Spyder. Would the stability be similar to the Spyder? If this shouldn't be here, delete pls.

 

[Mikey]

I would think the physics are there, how it handles is yet to be seen. When the three-wheeler bikes came out, one wheel in front, then the two wheels up front, I stepped back and remembered how those Big Red's that Honda had used to handle and how easy they would like to roll over on you in a turn. That was enough for me to make a quick decision about which one I wanted to try out! And now that I have friends who have one wheel up forward, and I get to listen to them and watch their riding from behind, I know in my heart that I made the right choice!!!
Plus, I don't go through as many front tires as they do either!!

 

[Snoking1127]

I would think the physics are there, how it handles is yet to be seen. When the three-wheeler bikes came out, one wheel in front, then the two wheels up front, I stepped back and remembered how those Big Red's that Honda had used to handle and how easy they would like to roll over on you in a turn. That was enough for me to make a quick decision about which one I wanted to try out! And now that I have friends who have one wheel up forward, and I get to listen to them and watch their riding from behind, I know in my heart that I made the right choice!!!
Plus, I don't go through as many front tires as they do either!!

One might think changing a Spyder RT battery is a bit of a pain. The Gold Wing battery is located deep in the middle of the bike and many parts have to be removed to replace it. Reverse is an electric motor and very SLOW.

 

[1Vetteman]

Liked your post up about your 2wheel to 3wheel conversion.
I have been enjoying my Spyder since 2016.

What year was your 'vette'?

The Corvette is a 68 C3 with a 435 hp 427 for motivation. Took me 25 months to build it from a rolling chassis to street ready.

 

[kbirdsong]

The Corvette is a 68 C3 with a 435 hp 427 for motivation. Took me 25 months to build it from a rolling chassis to street ready.

You have my favorite Corvette of them all, and when the C7 came out it reminded so much of the early C3 I had to have one. So much fun. Here's mine.

 

[Little Blue]

I had a C3 too. But I got married and it needed to go. That's the way these things seem to happen.

Now I enjoy my Spyder.

 

[Little Blue]

I to would like to Thank you All.
This Forum is really awesome.
Most of the group members are
Open minded and engage quite well.

Have yourself a Great Day Today.

 

[blacklightning]

Well stated BajaRon! I will preach all day to anyone considering a 3 wheeler that the Spyder is the way to go from a practical and safety stand point. However, I did a little 1776 mile trip to Bowling Green 2 weeks ago with a buddy on his Spyder, and another on his recently aquired RG3 (3 wheeled Road Glide). The look and sound was awesome on his bike. And when we hit some twisties, I was really impressed at how it was able to handle them at speed. But I will say that he had to work harder with the traditional 3 wheeler and if we wanted to, I (or my buddy) could have out ridden him in those curves. But without trying to go at break neck speeds, his RG3 did very well. As stated, it is up to the individual.

 

[Ozarkwoods]

What a great write up Ron, explaining the differences between the reverse trike and conventional trike as they take on the laws of physics. The picture of the conventional trike looks like it has a VW engine and transmission set up. I never could understand why Harley stayed with the straight axle design as opposed to an independent system...

 

[vito1943]

When I decided that my wonderful Goldwing was just too heavy for me at age 78 and that I was going to consider 3 wheels, my first consideration was that I would get my Goldwing converted to a trike. The cost factor put me off a bit, plus I would still have the same basic bike and frankly, after 5 years I was getting the itch for something new anyway. I had the chance to ride a converted Goldwing, then I demo rode the HD TriGlide. Only then did I agree, at the urging of my wife, to give the Spyder a try. I am not exaggerating when I say that about 5 minutes into the demo ride on the RT, I was 100% sold on this reverse trike!

 

[BajaRon]

What a great write up Ron, explaining the differences between the reverse trike and conventional trike as they take on the laws of physics. The picture of the conventional trike looks like it has a VW engine and transmission set up. I never could understand why Harley stayed with the straight axle design as opposed to an independent system...

The conventional trike pictured is a Goldwing conversion. The diagram pictured almost looks like a lawnmower engine to me. It might have been a DIY kit. I had no particular reason for either picture other than they were the first ones I found and they seemed to be good representations of the subject.

There are several options out there including some leaning 3 wheelers. Obviously, I think the Spyder is the best of the bunch. But that's just 1 mans opinion. I think it all boils down to priorities. My neighbor got a Spyder when his Harley days were over. His wife loved it. But he got so much grief from the crew he rode with that he traded it in on a 3-Wheeled Harley. He says his buddies are happy now. But he looks longingly at me when I go by on my Spyder. And I can't repeat what his wife says about the ride.

 

[Snoking1127]

The conventional trike pictured is a Goldwing conversion. The diagram pictured almost looks like a lawnmower engine to me. It might have been a DIY kit. I had no particular reason for either picture other than they were the first ones I found and they seemed to be good representations of the subject.

There are several options out there including some leaning 3 wheelers. Obviously, I think the Spyder is the best of the bunch. But that's just 1 mans opinion. I think it all boils down to priorities. My neighbor got a Spyder when his Harley days were over. His wife loved it. But he got so much grief from the crew he rode with that he traded it in on a 3-Wheeled Harley. He says his buddies are happy now. But he looks longingly at me when I go by on my Spyder. And I can't repeat what his wife says about the ride.

Something to do with how a brick truck rides???

 

[Mikey]

If the GANG couldn't live with my choice of wheels, that pretty much tells you how shallow they are, just because it doesn't have a HD badge on it, I think I would have hung one on the hood and let them chew on that if it had been me!! Peer pressures an evil thing at times.

 

[Snoking1127]

Just out of curiosity, what is your take on a GW converted to a reverse trike like the Spyder. Would the stability be similar to the Spyder? If this shouldn't be here, delete pls.

One of the riders in my group rode a GW Motor Trike for several years and then moved to a 2021 RTL with sway bar upgrade a couple years ago. He says the Spyder tracks better and is some much easier in stop and go traffic or a street with a lots of stop lights.

 

[Snoking1127]

If the GANG couldn't live with my choice of wheels, that pretty much tells you how shallow they are, just because it doesn't have a HD badge on it, I think I would have hung one on the hood and let them chew on that if it had been me!! Peer pressures an evil thing at times.

If a motor cycle does not cause hearing problems they do not like it. I wonder, do they trade off on who is up front(not as noisy) like birds the migrate South in the fall and North in the spring like us senior snowbirders.

 

[RangerRick]

I would think the physics are there, how it handles is yet to be seen. When the three-wheeler bikes came out, one wheel in front, then the two wheels up front, I stepped back and remembered how those Big Red's that Honda had used to handle and how easy they would like to roll over on you in a turn. That was enough for me to make a quick decision about which one I wanted to try out! And now that I have friends who have one wheel up forward, and I get to listen to them and watch their riding from behind, I know in my heart that I made the right choice!!!
Plus, I don't go through as many front tires as they do either!!

The long time Harley dealer here, went Can-Am, but only side by side, no 3 wheel Can-Am's. But he had a Spyder as a trade in. He Told Me, " I took it out and rode it, as I a Harley Dealer, i would never had said, this. But the Spyder makes the Harley trike ride and handle like a Dump Truck".

 

[blacklightning]

I never could understand why Harley stayed with the straight axle design as opposed to an independent system...

I am not sure what year they changed, but some of the newer harley trikes (like the RG3) have the independent rear system. From what I understand, it is much better than the straight axle for ride and handling.

 

[Snoking1127]

I am not sure what year they changed, but some of the newer harley trikes (like the RG3) have the independent rear system. From what I understand, it is much better than the straight axle for ride and handling.

And some of the new ones stability control system was driving the riders right off the highway in to the brush. Bad injuries were reported.

 

[blacklightning]

And some of they new ones stability control system was driving the riders right off the highway in to the brush. Bad injuries were reported.

Wow, that's not good. I haven't heard about that. My buddy with the 2024 RG3 purchased it used. I tried to convince him to try a spyder, but he wasn't budging. I think he was more into the sound, look, and overall curlture that goes with the big V twin and the harley name. I will admit, it does look good, sound good, and handles better than I thought, but I would not trade my spyder for all the harley hype. I think his still has the solid axle and he was wanting to try one with the independent suspension because he heard it was much better. I will touch base with him and see what he says after actually trying one. Right now i have the best of both worlds, my spyder for riding with the wife, and the BMW for some 2 wheeled fun.

 

[McClendons]

I am not sure what year they changed, but some of the newer harley trikes (like the RG3) have the independent rear system. From what I understand, it is much better than the straight axle for ride and handling.

The new Harley trikes do NOT have an independent rear end, but instead use a de Dion suspension design. The design increases travel while also decreasing unsprung weight. it also improves spring rates, while doing a better job of controlling roll. It can be argued that for the Harley trike design the de Dion is better than an independent rear suspension. Most disagree that it is better, but it is far less complex and certainly less expensive, while offering a huge improvement over the solid rear axle that was previously used.

I know above is a nuance for many in this group, but dealers are mis selling it as IRS....... Huge improvement by Harley. and it makes their trikes a much better option. I've had 2 triglidges with the rigid axle, anxious to ride the new Streetglide 3 with de Dion. Even with the changes though, the laws of Physics discussed by BajaRon can't be changed, so the Harleys still have a challenge they are working against