Turning Your Motorcycle Into A Trike

Many companies offer Trike conversion kits for motorcycles. If you are converting your motorcycle to a Trike, you should be sure to get it installed at an authorized dealer. Changing a motorcycle to a Trike is quite an undertaking and involves changing more components than most people realize. No matter what company you choose to buy your Trike conversion kit from, here is some information to keep in mind.

trike converted from a motorcycle

Generally the kit will come with the trunk, wheels and tires, suspension, braking system, lighting system (brakes & signals), a trunk light and depending on what kind of motorcycle you have, the kits can start at around $7000.00 and go up from there.  However, the $7000.00 is just the price of the kit, that cost does not include any upgrades, installation or sometimes paint.

As far as upgrades go, did you consider putting carpet in the trunk? Or, are you looking for some nicer chrome wheels?  How about a luggage rack on that trunk?  And, let’s not forget the comfort of you and your passenger, back rests and seats may also need to be changed.  You may also want to consider changing the front wheel to match the new rear wheels or install some cool looking chrome.  New or upgraded wheels will run you anywhere from $400 to $1500, depending on if you do the upgrade on your initial kit purchase.  Carpet will run you about $100.00, and a trailer hitch around $140.00.

In regards to labor, most reputable companies require you to bring your motorcycle to an authorized dealer to have the kit properly installed. In general, Trike companies only sell directly to dealers for liability and safety reasons, their dealer group usually consists of Harley Dealers; Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki or Suzuki dealers; and you can find some dealers who will not only install the Trike kits on motorcycles, but sells Trikes directly to consumers.  Depending on the bike you own and the kit you are planning on purchasing, the cost of labor can vary greatly, so it’s best to contact authorized dealers in your area to get an idea on that expense.

If you should find a Trike kit on-line that can be shipped directly to you for easy installation, you should perhaps be a little wary.  The price of that kit may be awesome, but finding a dealer to install it may be impossible.  Even dealers who only deal in Trike motorcycles may not be interested in installing some no name brand.  The training provided to technicians who install these kits does not includes the installation of the kits that dealer is authorized to sell, imagine the safety issues and possible ramifications of a poorly installed Trike kit.

It is becoming more common for people to turn their motorcycles into Trikes.  The cost of purchasing a brand new Trike can far exceed the cost of the conversion kit and installation. For comfort and safety, older motorcycle riders turn their bikes into Trikes. Handicapped people can also enjoy the freedom of riding a motorcycle when they purchase a Trike.  It does take a little getting used to though; practicing turning, braking and even carrying a passenger should be done in familiar, quiet surroundings before heading out on a long trip.

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