The Reverse Trike Drifter

chief · September 01, 2024, 22:09:23 PM

Quote from: CousinVinnie on September 01, 2024, 18:06:00 PM
To Chief: I finally got to read this post.

At $12,500 to keep my Drifters look and feel he drive to MN was well worth it. I have been getting more and more experience with the handling and the overall feel of the road. With that in mind I actually switched back to my Harley solo springer seat. The only thing that I have added is a Harley seat rail and vertical/raised seat back rest. It works for me.

I would suggest that you look up Endeavor Trikes website and give it a look. Norm is still taking bikes for conversion and does them from October to March. If you like what you see, pony up the cash and go north.

Thanks for the info. I will let you know if I decide to go through with this. Cheers.

CousinVinnie · September 01, 2024, 18:06:00 PM

To Chief: I finally got to read this post.

At $12,500 to keep my Drifters look and feel he drive to MN was well worth it. I have been getting more and more experience with the handling and the overall feel of the road. With that in mind I actually switched back to my Harley solo springer seat. The only thing that I have added is a Harley seat rail and vertical/raised seat back rest. It works for me.

I would suggest that you look up Endeavor Trikes website and give it a look. Norm is still taking bikes for conversion and does them from October to March. If you like what you see, pony up the cash and go north.

chief · March 08, 2024, 21:36:12 PM

I really appreciate your posts. I have been considering triking mine... sorta hate to do it, but have had some leg and shoulder problems the past couple of years which seriously impacts my riding. I sold the GW which was much easier to ride due to the low center of gravity. Miss that bike.

I'm wondering what you total costs have been so far. You can PM me if you feel more comfortable doing so.

Of course, going to MN to get it done might be a... ahhh... chore, but may be worth it. I've been considering a standard trike mod or sidecar mod. This would be an additional option, so would like to get some more info.

CousinVinnie · March 05, 2024, 19:40:05 PM

To All: It has now been about 3 months since I got the trike back. I have managed to get just under 300 miles on it. It handles quite a bit different than 2 wheels but I am getting accustomed to it. There have been some changes made in what it looks like from the video.
Due to wind concerns I installed a 15 inch windshield from 7Jurock. Reverted back to frame mounted Corbin solo seat because it feels closer to bike movements. (Springs had a movement lag that was bothersome) And, strangely enough, I have added an (much modified) older Harley seat rail with the old 1950's/60's Banana pad. It adds to my feeling of being in touch with the movement/angle of the bike now that it no longer leans.
Once I got used to the 3 wheel setup I have begun to appreciate its handling capabilities. No longer tied to the basic premise of putting my feet down at stops or remembering to put down the kickstand is a nice thought. At this point I am starting to look forward to much longer rides. May even attempt another Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000. Did my first one back in 2020 on this bike as a two wheeler. Might do it again as a 3 wheeler. Riding is becoming much more fun again!
Will post more recent pics soon.

CousinVinnie · January 14, 2024, 12:26:52 PM

That email would be great.... I am getting more confidence on every ride. On Thursday, Jan 11 the temp got to 52 degrees just before the bottom dropped out. I managed to get a short ride in and got up to 78 mph on the local highway...Speed limit 75. My curve handling has gotten better and my body is reacting better to the new feelings being sent from the bike. I did switch back to the OEM solo seat. It seems to help with body stability. The springers didn't relay messages to my derriere fast enough. Lag time with springs.

OR Seedman · December 30, 2023, 10:17:10 AM

I actually have Denny's original Cobra passenger footboards on my 1500. I got them directly from him through his brother on Facebook. I have his card somewhere in my office. I will look for it and PM you his contact info when I find it. He lives in Palm Springs, CA and told me if I am ever down in the area with my bike that he wanted me to stop by so he could see it. I bet he would think your new conversion is awesome....

CousinVinnie · December 29, 2023, 22:48:04 PM

To All: I got Jewell home in Mid December and have only been able to do a couple of short rides due to the weather. At this point I am the one in the "learning curve". Since I have only ridden 2 wheels since I was 10 that curve is kind of steep getting used to how 3 wheels work. All in all I would say it really works well.

Does anyone have a good email for Denny Berg? I really would like to send some pics to him.

He and I met at Drift In 2010 and our bikes were set up the same all except leather cover.

chief · December 09, 2023, 16:09:35 PM

CV - I edited your post to include the video within the post. Thanks, I really appreciate you keeping us informed. Now you need to let us know how it handles and rides. Cheers

FOR EVERYONE's INFO: If you look at the post nav bar, about in the middle you can select YouTube, video or picture to input either directly into the post.

mittico68 · December 06, 2023, 08:37:49 AM

Strange but nice.
Did you already drive it? How is the handling?
Just curious...

CousinVinnie · December 05, 2023, 15:52:03 PM

Ok, Drifter people, its official. My 1999 1500 Drifter (aka) Jewell is now a Reverse Trike. The work was done by Endeavor Trikes of New Prague, MN. The outcome is absolutely beautiful. Here is a YouTube of the final bit.

Still learning to ride the New Jewell, but getting more confidence every time I go out. I put an OEM tan solo on...seems to help with control feelings