Converting a 2006 GS into a trike?

[Mark Hooton]

Dear Stout Yeomen of the Horizontally Opposed Teutonic Behemoth`s,

Following a good gibbering session with `Mark` at the Cotswolds (and a blast on the back of his 1150 trike - thanks again Mark, if you ever need `owt making then just call me ) I am seriously considering converting my 2006 GS into a trike.

Naturally, as I tend to know absolutely chuff all about anything I could really benefit by floating the topic on the forum..............

So, what do people think - good or bad - about trikes, converting a 1200GS and does anyone have any good advice based on experience?

Here`s another photo of Marks superb (IMHO) trike to get the juices of debate flowing! And one of my beloved GS while we are at it.

In anticipation thank you for any input

[/url][/IMG]

[/url][/IMG]

 

[Nutty]

After I saw his trike on Saturday, I wondered what a 1200GS trike would be like Keep us all posted

 

[red line]

Dear Stout Yeomen of the Horizontally Opposed Teutonic Behemoth`s,

Following a good gibbering session with `Mark` at the Cotswolds (and a blast on the back of his 1150 trike - thanks again Mark, if you ever need `owt making then just call me ) I am seriously considering converting my 2006 GS into a trike.

Naturally, as I tend to know absolutely chuff all about anything I could really benefit by floating the topic on the forum..............

So, what do people think - good or bad - about trikes, converting a 1200GS and does anyone have any good advice based on experience?

Here`s another photo of Marks superb (IMHO) trike to get the juices of debate flowing! And one of my beloved GS while we are at it.

In anticipation thank you for any input

[/url][/IMG]

[/url][/IMG]

how did the trike ride? good idea, but would'nt it be a waste to chop a 1200?

 

[DrFarkoff]

how did the trike ride? good idea, but would'nt it be a waste to chop a 1200?

Certainly one way to get rid of final drive woes!

 

[Mark Hooton]

Good points

Final drive woes - I haven`t suffered but yes I guess it would rule out that potential problem, though a bit radical just for that!

`A good GS` - good point. In fact its a bloody lovely immaculate GS but possibly even better reason as I`ll end up with a lovely trike mebbe?

Anyone already converted a GS?

 

[mcinlb]

I've seen a few trikes on the road over the years and I don't get it. None of the advantages of a bike and still sitting in the rain in a traffic jam.

 

[ChasMill]

Saw lots of trikes in the Dolomites this summer, they seem to be a new fad in Germany and Italy. All the disadvantages of being in a car (no filtering etc) with none of the advantages (weather protection). I for one didn't and don't get the attraction

 

[Mark Hooton]

Good point

I've seen a few trikes on the road over the years and I don't get it. None of the advantages of a bike and still sitting in the rain in a traffic jam.

To be fair a good point but on the flip side of that there is always advantages to a trike over two wheels. Mark says that its a more relaxed ride (to ride a bike PROPERLY i firmly beleive your concentration levels have to be higher than the average wobbly box driver - and it shows on the road) with things like you don`t have to be so focused on where you stop etc etc - I can see what he is saying.

Nevertheless, good point about the rain!

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Very good way of keeping biking, for disabled bikers like Mark on his 1150R

 

[Mark Hooton]

Very good way of keeping biking, for disabled bikers like Mark on his 1150R

+1

 

[Myke Rocks]

Remember:

If you should decide to convert, the bike has no reverse gear.
A more suitable BMW for conversion is a 1200LT. Yes - The Brick.
Reverse is standard, and Hannigan in the states do a conversion kit which bolts straight on.
Here's one I made earlier/Blue Peter Style (For a friend with no fingers on his right hand)

Myke

 

[Mark Hooton]

If you should decide to convert, the bike has no reverse gear.
A more suitable BMW for conversion is a 1200LT. Yes - The Brick.
Reverse is standard, and Hannigan in the states do a conversion kit which bolts straight on.
Here's one I made earlier/Blue Peter Style (For a friend with no fingers on his right hand)

Myke

Very nice mate but not the thing I am looking for - awesome to be sure!

And yes I take your point about suitability, thank you

 

[slow motion]

Hi Mark
Whilst I can see the engineering in a trike, though some (not as above) appear cobbled together with scaffold pipes and little engineering I'm sure with your background it would turn out engineeringly sound

Personally I rather like some of the sidecar GS outfits which seem to offer a more "rugged" look. An outfit would offer all the advantages/disadvantages of a trike but also enable a return to a solo GS. Just a thought.

Toolbox all fitted and full
Next time I'm up in Sunny Scunny visiting the outlaws I'd love a look at the factory.

Steve

 

[ymfb]

Try a bike night

I know fook all about them, but there are always loads of trikes at Poole bike night. Whilst thats a fairly long ride on a Tuesday night from Scunthorpe, there must be similar event up there.

There is some fairly strange looking conversions but I dont recall seeing a GS.

Good luck

 

[Mistacat]

Hi Mark, I ride a 12Gs and also a trike.
The reliant axle on the trike in the photo is adequate, the further you can spread the rear shocker mounts the better.
The main point on many trikes which is critical and often missed is reducing the trail on the front end to around 25mm.
There is a bit of info on my website.
www.wildcattrikes.co.uk

There are days when it is too hot to ride the bike and a trike is a very relaxing way to enjoy the sunshine.

 

[slow motion]

There is a bit of info on my website.
www.wildcattrikes.co.uk

Hi Those V8 trikes are mental
Reading your website has opened my eyes to the engineering and what must be masses of developement to build trikes such as yours

Very informative website, thanks for posting

Steve

 

[Ex TSi Fly]

NO!!!!!!!!!
Trikes and Quads are for the "unbalanced".

 

[Mistacat]

Thanks for the comments, I am still running the Blue rover V8 trike.
Been to Spain and all over Europe on it.
Built a couple of BMW trikes last year a K100 and a 535i Automatic now that did go, but the electrics / electronics were a bit scary.

 

[JayC]

Personally I think they look crap! There are so many of these miniature style trikes about and I feel they are all wrong in their appearance. The narrow rear axle in conjunction with the overall and unchanged wheelbase of this typical style of trike just looks plain daft to me.
They have no real benefit over a wider rear axled and longer trike and if I were to go the trike route it would be something wider and longer, not something on the existing wheelbase that ends up looking like a sporty 3 wheeled Noddy car.

The other points have already been mentioned. Useless in traffic but a great option for the disabled. It will offer far more stability than a chair but nowhere near the thrill of a motorcycle. Pays ya money...

 

[Deleted account 231002001]

All the disadvantages of being in a car (no filtering etc) with none of the advantages (weather protection). I for one didn't and don't get the attraction

Agreed, unless your disabled I cannot see any attraction in owning a trike.