Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: jonathan on February 26, 2013, 08:14:31 AM

Title: Trike conversion
Post by: jonathan on February 26, 2013, 08:14:31 AM
It can be done..

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/kawasaki-1400-gtr-trike-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$(KGrHqZHJFcFDS%205-m!UBQ6pGbwuf!~~60_58.JPG)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/kawasaki-1400-gtr-trike-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$T2eC16ZHJI!E9qSO9evfBQ6pHZjUQg~~60_58.JPG)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/kawasaki-1400-gtr-trike-/221193091643?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item338022ba3b (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/kawasaki-1400-gtr-trike-/221193091643?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item338022ba3b)

Looking at this again it seems that the muffler has to be moved up to clear the suspension, which means that you lose a side bag.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: ljcorby on February 26, 2013, 08:22:11 AM
Interesting.....don't likey....
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: chap on February 26, 2013, 08:55:45 AM
Not sure why you would turn a performance tourer into a tricycle. But each to his own I guess. I am not sure they will sell many of these kits.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Bosco on February 26, 2013, 09:32:32 AM
Not sure why you would turn a performance tourer into a tricycle. But each to his own I guess. I am not sure they will sell many of these kits.


I have a friend who has a CanAm Spider. Due to health concerns, he can't hold up a full size bike on his right side when stopped at a light. He does not like the CanAm at all. I am sure he would love one of these. Anybody know a good place to get a conversion done in the US.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: ZG on February 26, 2013, 10:04:45 AM
 :o
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: ugocon on February 26, 2013, 10:33:06 AM
Why? Just why?
 :loco:
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: kawacop1642 on February 26, 2013, 11:06:41 AM
I'm currently looking to do a trike conversion myself but, on a used honda goldwing. Don't think I would want to trike the GTR. Gonna keep that one for short 2 wheeling trips.
  With all the long distance traveling I do I think the goldwing trike would be the most comfortable and best suited trike for me. Since my neck and back injury (which caused me to take an early pension) I will eventually have to move to a trike, and since they are getting more popular, I need to get it done soon before the cost becomes even more expensive then they are now.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Rhino on February 26, 2013, 11:31:56 AM
 :o Definitely to each his own.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: gpete on February 26, 2013, 01:07:32 PM
My wife rides a Spyder and I have driven it too - including on some mountain roads near Banff last year. I'm new to the Connie, and rode a Nomad (cruiser) and SV650S previously. The Spyder is certainly different than a motorcycle.  :D The performance can be improved a bit, but it won't ever keep up with a connie. Coming from a cruiser, one adjustment was to let it rev much higher before shifting. This thing definitely doesn't want you to shift until above 4500 rpm. In this regard it is much more like the smaller SV's twin than the big cruiser's V-twin.

The handling can definitely be improved over stock. Not sure if he has the RT or RS style, but the wife has a 2010 RT and a set of Elka Shocks really improved its handling. Two things that require you to change your approach regarding handling. First, make sure you are not gripping too tight. If you do the DPS (dynamic power steering) will really amplify every slight adjustment you make with your arms and it will feel like it is wallowing back and forth like crazy. Second, in turns, you want to lean your upper body into the turn and push down on the peg with your outside foot. This helps to prevent the feeling that thing wants to throw you off. There are also some sway-bars that can help stiffen the front end. Take a look at the SpyderLovers  (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/forums.php?)forum for BajaRon.

2013's are supposed to have much better stock suspension (among a host of other upgrades). Unfortunately, the engine didn't really get any performance or gas mileage improvements.



I have a friend who has a CanAm Spider. Due to health concerns, he can't hold up a full size bike on his right side when stopped at a light. He does not like the CanAm at all. I am sure he would love one of these. Anybody know a good place to get a conversion done in the US.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: gPink on February 26, 2013, 02:08:40 PM
I think I'd go with a hack first.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: maxtog on February 26, 2013, 03:41:30 PM
Not sure why you would turn a performance tourer into a tricycle. But each to his own I guess. I am not sure they will sell many of these kits.

+1, I think that is a horrible idea.  There are far cheaper bikes to use for such an abomination.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 26, 2013, 03:57:14 PM
No opinion on that one, eh Max?
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: jamiemac on February 26, 2013, 04:25:00 PM
Yep, that's ugly. If I had a love affair with My Connie, and wasn't able to ride 2 wheels anymore, I'd definitely go with the high performance side hack I saw posted once, before I'd do this trike conversion. That side hack conversion also did away with the front suspension that is designed for a linear load, and not a lateral one. That sidecar setup also looked way better.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 26, 2013, 04:28:50 PM
Not me.  I'd go with a nice convertible.  Rode a trike many years ago when I was 3-5 or so.  Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: jamiemac on February 26, 2013, 04:33:12 PM
Not me.  I'd go with a nice convertible.  Rode a trike many years ago when I was 3-5 or so.  Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
;D
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: fsr402 on February 26, 2013, 04:38:28 PM
Just because you can does not mean you should.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Rhino on February 26, 2013, 04:44:03 PM
Not me.  I'd go with a nice convertible.  Rode a trike many years ago when I was 3-5 or so.  Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

+1 A new Miata will cost less then most trike conversions. May not have as much in a straight line but will handle MUCH better. If and only if I can no longer handle 2 wheels.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Rhino on February 26, 2013, 04:45:57 PM
Just because you can does not mean you should.

No truer words for this monstrosity.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: ZG on February 26, 2013, 06:04:13 PM
Not me.  I'd go with a nice convertible. 

+2...
 
Rode a trike many years ago when I was 3-5 or so.  Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

 :rotflmao:
 
 
Post up a pic of you in that t-shirt Sparky for us!  ;D
 
Hopefully it's not wet...  :o
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: koval68 on February 26, 2013, 07:09:29 PM
Wow, that's one "fugly" trike! Thanks, but no thanks! :o
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Makz58 on February 26, 2013, 08:18:57 PM
I guess if you had a health issue that kept you from riding on two wheels the trike would be a option...but this one is just plain ugggggggly. :yikes:
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: marku8a on February 26, 2013, 09:51:21 PM
Is there a way to shift into reverse?

Mark
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Conrad on February 27, 2013, 04:49:03 AM
 :pukeface:
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 27, 2013, 04:51:49 AM

+2...
 
 :rotflmao:
 
 
Post up a pic of you in that t-shirt Sparky for us!  ;D
 
Hopefully it's not wet...  :o

[smg id=428]

Shirtless on Trike - Lincoln, NE

[smg id=427]

With T-shirt.  I'm the one on the driver's side.  Lincoln AFB.  I've actually tried to find that t-shirt in a large.  Would love to wear it again.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Conrad on February 27, 2013, 05:18:52 AM
[smg id=428]

Shirtless on Trike - Lincoln, NE

[smg id=427]

With T-shirt.  I'm the one on the driver's side.  Lincoln AFB.  I've actually tried to find that t-shirt in a large.  Would love to wear it again.

 ;D
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: ZG on February 27, 2013, 09:28:25 AM
[smg id=428]

Shirtless on Trike - Lincoln, NE

[smg id=427]

With T-shirt.  I'm the one on the driver's side.  Lincoln AFB.  I've actually tried to find that t-shirt in a large.  Would love to wear it again.

 ;D :thumbs: :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: connie1 on February 27, 2013, 10:57:47 AM
I really love the color of that conversion. Is that a stock color?
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: wally_games on February 27, 2013, 11:33:55 AM
That suspension looks like you would still be able to lean the "bike", but I'd worry about the bag hitting the fender. Sure is ugly though.

To the CanAm Spiders "lean"? I thought you had to stear them like a car.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: koval68 on February 27, 2013, 11:35:58 AM
I really love the color of that conversion. Is that a stock color?
Yes, it is. Available in Europe!
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: ZG on February 27, 2013, 11:53:52 AM
Yes, it is. Available in Europe!

Or at your local painter...  ;)
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: gPink on February 27, 2013, 12:00:34 PM
That suspension looks like you would still be able to lean the "bike", but I'd worry about the bag hitting the fender. Sure is ugly though.

To the CanAm Spiders "lean"? I thought you had to stear them like a car.
The spyders don't lean, but you do have to throw your body weight into the turn to counter centrifugal force.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Rhino on February 27, 2013, 12:03:01 PM
The spyders don't lean, but you do have to throw your body weight into the turn to counter centrifugal force.

That's what I heard and that makes them much more fatiguing to ride.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: gPink on February 27, 2013, 01:25:02 PM
They are. You're working all the time. The Spyder is a three track vehicle. I potentially wants to follow three different lanes and will simultaneously hit three different bumps. They are a lot of fun and I kept mine for about a year before I traded it off.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 27, 2013, 02:41:03 PM
I'm telling you....convertible is the way to go.  No getting wet, AC in the summer, 4 wheels...   Mind you, this is all if I can't ride two wheels anymore.  Not thinking about this option near term although the wife is lobbying for one now.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: maxtog on February 27, 2013, 04:13:24 PM
That's what I heard and that makes them much more fatiguing to ride.

A three wheeler is the worst possible configuration.  It has none of the advantages of a car or bike, with all the disadvantages of both.  Since it can't lean, it is far more unstable than a car.  Yet it is not light or maneuverable like a bike and is less safe.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Rhino on February 27, 2013, 05:23:11 PM
A three wheeler is the worst possible configuration.  It has none of the advantages of a car or bike, with all the disadvantages of both.  Since it can't lean, it is far more unstable than a car.  Yet it is not light or maneuverable like a bike and is less safe.

You mean like this:

http://youtu.be/xtE_T7_9ovQ (http://youtu.be/xtE_T7_9ovQ)
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: jamiemac on February 27, 2013, 06:07:45 PM
Here is the sidecar setup I saw on the old forum. I wouldn't mind one of these at all. They have them for Connies too.
http://www.hannigantrikes.com/content/hpsidecars.html (http://www.hannigantrikes.com/content/hpsidecars.html)
(http://www.hannigantrikes.com/graphics/xphotos/ZX14.jpg)
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: gPink on February 27, 2013, 06:16:07 PM
I'm telling you....convertible is the way to go.  No getting wet, AC in the summer, 4 wheels...   Mind you, this is all if I can't ride two wheels anymore.  Not thinking about this option near term although the wife is lobbying for one now.
Might be another option down the road.
http://thekneeslider.com/polaris-patent-reveals-a-side-by-side-three-wheeler/ (http://thekneeslider.com/polaris-patent-reveals-a-side-by-side-three-wheeler/)
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Conrad on February 28, 2013, 04:35:40 AM
You mean like this:

http://youtu.be/xtE_T7_9ovQ (http://youtu.be/xtE_T7_9ovQ)

 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: jamiemac on February 28, 2013, 05:57:18 AM
You mean like this:

http://youtu.be/xtE_T7_9ovQ (http://youtu.be/xtE_T7_9ovQ)
That video is hilarious! Clarkson is crazy.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: stevewfl on February 28, 2013, 06:43:12 AM

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/kawasaki-1400-gtr-trike-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$T2eC16ZHJI!E9qSO9evfBQ6pHZjUQg~~60_58.JPG)

Looking at this again it seems that the muffler has to be moved up to clear the suspension, which means that you lose a side bag.

At least with a can-am one doesn't get lopsided as a result of a missing side bag?  :D
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: stevewfl on February 28, 2013, 06:45:14 AM
^^^^^^^^^^^^ZG would paint this GREEN
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: jonathan on February 28, 2013, 07:47:21 AM
You mean like this:

http://youtu.be/xtE_T7_9ovQ (http://youtu.be/xtE_T7_9ovQ)

This is why the Spyder and the Morgan have 2 wheels at the front.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Rhino on February 28, 2013, 07:51:15 AM
This is why the Spyder and the Morgan have 2 wheels at the front.

 :thumbs: Exactly! Traditional trikes with the 2 wheels at the rear are a bad idea.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 28, 2013, 08:47:10 AM
I don't know...worked for me in the past.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Conrad on February 28, 2013, 08:48:34 AM
At least with a can-am one doesn't get lopsided as a result of a missing side bag?  :D

That tater launcher on the right MORE than makes up for it.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: maxtog on February 28, 2013, 04:40:05 PM
:thumbs: Exactly! Traditional trikes with the 2 wheels at the rear are a bad idea.

+1 exactly.  Although even with 2 up front, 3 is still more unstable than 4.  It is just less of a death trap.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: gPink on February 28, 2013, 05:09:13 PM
+1 exactly.  Although even with 2 up front, 3 is still more unstable than 4.  It is just less of a death trap.
Is that like being less pregnant?
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: koval68 on February 28, 2013, 06:12:56 PM
A three wheeler is the worst possible configuration.  It has none of the advantages of a car or bike, with all the disadvantages of both.  Since it can't lean, it is far more unstable than a car.  Yet it is not light or maneuverable like a bike and is less safe.
I think if you had a chance to drive a T-Rex, you would quickly change your mind! I drove one, and hate to say this, but you're wrong my friend!  ;)
http://youtu.be/LOsYo9Sv43E (http://youtu.be/LOsYo9Sv43E)
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: maxtog on February 28, 2013, 07:19:54 PM
I think if you had a chance to drive a T-Rex, you would quickly change your mind! I drove one, and hate to say this, but you're wrong my friend!  ;)

Nah, I will keep my faith in physics.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 28, 2013, 07:54:58 PM
And my faith in chemistry...
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: C14PAINKILLER on February 28, 2013, 10:27:47 PM
That tater launcher on the right MORE than makes up for it.

Wonder if CanAm buys their potato launchers from the guys who chuck them from here? :grouphug:
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Boomer on March 01, 2013, 04:51:15 AM
Trikes are popular over here but mostly for disabled riders.
There is a big trike club near me in Southend on Sea and many NABD members ride trikes.

Other than that I have never seen the point.
You get all the disadvantages of the bike (cold, wet, limited carrying capacity) with all the disadvantages of the car (slower, cannot lanesplit, less fun, won't lean).
Yes trikes and sidecars have their own kinds of fun, but they only work on empty roads.

I've ridden C10 based trikes and sidecar outfits and I would prefer the trike of the two, but would by FAR prefer the bike.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: Rhino on March 01, 2013, 07:48:36 AM
I think if you had a chance to drive a T-Rex, you would quickly change your mind! I drove one, and hate to say this, but you're wrong my friend!  ;)
http://youtu.be/LOsYo9Sv43E (http://youtu.be/LOsYo9Sv43E)

No doubt the T-Rex makes the most of a 3 wheel vehicle that will out corner many 4 wheeled vehicles just because it is soooo low to the ground. But still is not going to be as stable in cornering with 4 wheels of similar design such as an Arial Atom or an F1 car for that matter.
Title: Re: Trike conversion
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 02, 2013, 11:42:43 AM
I think if you had a chance to drive a T-Rex, you would quickly change your mind! I drove one, and hate to say this, but you're wrong my friend!  ;)
http://youtu.be/LOsYo9Sv43E (http://youtu.be/LOsYo9Sv43E)

I totally agree....
when the time comes that I can't ride 2 wheels, it will definatly be on my bucket list of vehicals to own...I've been toying with building a ZX14 based low vehical ever since I saw a Rex.

a few years back, Momma and I had one come up behind us in Ga., when we were leaving RWTW....It was raining.....as usual, and when I some him closing in fast in my mirror, I slowed up to see it, waved him alongside for a look, and told him i wanted to follow him a ways....he obliged.

Now, mind you this was not on a highway, it was on WOLFPEN GAP ROAD.....out of Suches Ga.
This road is every bit as techniocal, if not moreso, than "the Dragon", and though patrolled, you seldom see a cop there....which means you have 12 miles of fun.....
I had a difficult time keeping up with him in the turns, riding 2 up and loaded with gear, but on the straights (which are minimal) I could ride his rear easily....just saying that would be as much fun as you could have on 3 wheels....not a slouch in the  ;) least

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_State_Route_180 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_State_Route_180)
this is about half of the east/north end....some of the best rollers aren't even on this.... travelling towards Suches.
http://youtu.be/f_NaVf3NahU (http://youtu.be/f_NaVf3NahU)

This is travelling the opposite way from Vogel back to 129, the reverse of the last Vid.
http://youtu.be/hkGeqvfsZTs (http://youtu.be/hkGeqvfsZTs)

holey Moley.....when I was looking for the above vids, i found this....
Low and Behold...I believe this might have been the same dude....
http://youtu.be/XGgJKfIzyOQ (http://youtu.be/XGgJKfIzyOQ)