If you're searching to turn your two-wheeler in to a three-wheeled machine without splitting the bank, searching for used trike conversion kits is usually the particular smartest way in order to go. Let's be real—brand-new conversion kits can cost nearly as much as a decent used car, and regarding many of us, that's simply not in the budget. Whether you're searching for a bit more stability because you get old or else you just enjoy the look of a trike, going the second-hand path lets you get that wind-in-your-face experience without draining your own entire savings.
But, as with everything pre-owned, it isn't always as simple because clicking "buy" plus bolting it upon. You've got to understand what to look for, finding the particular good stuff, and how to avoid buying someone else's mechanical headache.
Why Even Bother with an Used Kit?
The obvious answer is the price tag. A high-end, brand-new independent rear suspension (IRS) kit can simply run you $8, 000 to $15, 500 before you actually think about color or labor. Whenever you start checking the market regarding used trike conversion kits, those prices often drop simply by half, sometimes actually more if a person find somebody who simply wants kit away of their garage.
Aside from the money, there's the "discontinued" aspect. Maybe you have an older bike—say, an 80s Goldwing or even an older Harley Softail—and the best manufacturers don't even make new kits for individuals frames anymore. The used market is definitely often the only place to find a compatible setup. It's a little bit like a scavenger hunt, but the payoff is worth it whenever you finally find that specific bracket you need.
The Various Types of Kits You'll Encounter
When you're searching the classifieds, you're going to discover two main "flavors" of conversions. It's vital that you know which usually one fits your own riding style plus your mechanical ability.
The "Training Wheel" or Outrigger Style
These are kits like the Voyager or Lehman's older "bolt-on" designs. They don't really replace your rear wheel. Instead, these people add two tires around the sides, essentially providing you four wheels on the floor. These show up frequently within the used market because they're esy-to-install and easy in order to take off. People often purchase them, use them for the few seasons, and then decide to get a full conversion or sell the particular bike. They're excellent if you're on a tight spending budget and want some thing you can install more than a weekend.
Full Conversion Kits
This is actually the actual deal. You draw the rear swingarm and wheel away your bike plus replace the entire backend with a trike axle. Brands like Motor Trike, Roadsmith, or Frankenstein are common here. Finding these types of used is the bit trickier due to the fact they're usually "married" to the bike. Most of the time, you'll discover these when somebody is parting away a wrecked trike or switching their own bike back in order to two wheels (though that's rare). These give a much better ride than outriggers, but they're the lot more work to set up.
What to Inspect Prior to You Hand More than the money
Buying used trike conversion kits isn't like buying an used helmet; generally there are a great deal of moving parts that can need replacing. You don't want to get the kit home and realize the bearings are shot or the frame is tweaked.
First, check the welds . Look closely from in which the tubes satisfy. If you see breaks within the paint about a joint, that could be the sign of the tension fracture within the steel underneath. You also want to look with regard to any signs of "backyard engineering. " If the earlier owner decided to weld on extra tabs or drill down random holes, it might compromise the whole thing.
Second, look at the finish . A bit of surface rust on the steel body isn't the finish of the world—you can sand plus paint that—but serious pitting is a red flag. If it's the fiberglass body package, look for "spider webbing" or breaks in the gel layer. Fixing fiberglass isn't impossible, but it's messy and time-consuming.
Third, the hardware . This will be the big one. These kits depend on specific mounting mounting brackets, bolts, and coil spring spacers. If the vendor says, "Oh, We think all of the mounting bolts are in that will coffee can, " be skeptical. Lacking a custom-machined bracket can turn a $2, 000 bargain in to a $3, 500 headache once you try to source the replacement parts from the manufacturer—if they'll even sell these to you.
Compatibility is Everything
You can't simply take a package off a Kawasaki Vulcan and expect it to slide onto a Harley Davidson Heritage Basic. The frames are totally different. When looking for used trike conversion kits, you have to be incredibly specific with regards to your bike's year, create, and model.
Even inside the same brand, points change. Harley transformed their frames last year for the visiting models, so a kit for the 2005 Electra Slip won't fit a 2010. Always do your homework. Check out the manufacturer's site for fitment charts before you drive three hours to get a "universal" kit. Spoiler alert: there's very little such thing as being a truly universal trike kit.
Where to Discover the Best Offers
You won't usually find these sitting on the shelf at your local motorcycle store. Finding a great used kit needs a bit of digital legwork.
- Specialized Forums: Sites like TrikeTalk or particular brand forums (like Goldwing Docs) are gold mines. The people there actually know what they're talking about, and you're less most likely to get ripped off than on a random marketplace.
- Facebook Industry & Craigslist: You have to be quick here. Good deals on used trike conversion kits disappear within hours. Use broad keyphrases since sometimes sellers don't know exactly what they have.
- eBay: Good for obtaining individual components or even smaller bolt-on kits, but shipping a full rear-end assembly can be brutally expensive. Keep a good eye out with regard to "local pickup only" listings—you might obtain a steal in the event that you're willing in order to drive a bit.
The Hidden Expenses of Going Used
I dislike to be the particular bearer of bad news, but the particular price you pay out the seller isn't your final cost. You've got to aspect in the accessories. You'll likely want to replace the particular steering wheel bearings and seals right off the softball bat just for satisfaction. You don't understand how many miles are on that used axle.
Then there's the rake kit . Most trikes need a "raked" triple forest (which changes the angle of the front forks) in order to make steering simpler. Without it, guiding a trike seems like wrestling the bear. These rake kits are rarely included with an used rear-end, and they will can cost an additional $700 to $1, 000.
Lastly, think regarding the tires and brakes . When the kit has been seated in someone's get rid of for five years, those tires are probably dry-rotted and dangerous. The brake calipers might be grabbed up too. Constantly element in a few hundred bucks for a "refresh" of the wearable parts.
Can You Perform It Yourself?
If you're the type of person who shifts your personal oil and isn't afraid associated with a torque wrench tool, you can most likely handle installing most used trike conversion kits . The bolt on styles are pretty straightforward. However, in case you're doing a full conversion that involves cutting the frame or messing with the included braking system, you really need in order to know what you're doing.
There's no shame in taking your used package to an expert shop. Just be warned: some stores won't install used parts because associated with liability issues. It's a good idea to call around your local region and find a shady mechanic who's cool along with it before you decide to make to the purchase.
Final Ideas
At the end of the particular day, hunting with regard to used trike conversion kits is a great way to join the trike community without getting out an additional mortgage. It takes a bit more patience, a little bit of grease under your fingernails, and also a sharp eye for detail, but the particular reward is the custom ride that's uniquely yours.
Just remember to take your time, verify the fit, and don't end up being afraid to walk away if the deal seems too sketchy. Once you're out there on 3 wheels, cruising straight down the highway with all that extra stability, you won't care that your kit had the previous life—you'll simply be glad you've got some extra cash left in your pocket for the gas tank.