If you're looking to add a bit more stability to your ride, checking out honda trike kits is probably the smartest move you can make. There's a certain point in every rider's life where the weight of a heavy cruiser starts to feel like a bit much, or maybe you just want the peace of mind that comes with not having to balance a thousand-pound machine at a stoplight. Whatever the reason, converting a Honda into a trike isn't just about safety; it's about keeping the dream of the open road alive for as long as possible.
Honda motorcycles, especially the Goldwing series, are practically built for this kind of transformation. They have the torque, the frame strength, and the reliability to handle an extra wheel (and the extra weight that comes with it). But before you go dropping several thousand dollars on a conversion, it's worth digging into what makes these kits tick and which one might actually suit your riding style.
Why bother with a trike kit anyway?
Let's be real for a second: two wheels are great, but they aren't always practical. As we get older, or if we deal with knee or back issues, holding up a massive bike in stop-and-go traffic can become a chore rather than a joy. Honda trike kits offer a way to stay in the wind without the physical strain.
The biggest draw is obviously stability. You can't tip a trike over under normal conditions. You don't have to put your feet down at intersections, and you don't have to worry about gravel patches in a parking lot quite as much. Plus, trikes usually offer a ton more storage space. If you're a long-distance tourer, having a massive trunk behind you is a total game-changer. You can pack for a week-long trip and still have room for a cooler.
The Goldwing is the undisputed king of conversions
When most people think about honda trike kits, they're thinking about the GL1800 or the older GL1500. These bikes are the gold standard for trike conversions. Because the Goldwing is already designed for heavy-duty touring, the engine doesn't even break a sweat when you add the third wheel.
The power delivery on a Goldwing is smooth and linear, which is exactly what you want when you're pushing a wider rear end through a corner. Other Honda models like the VTX1800 or the Shadow can also be converted, and they make for some really sharp-looking "cruiser-style" trikes, but they don't quite offer the same "couch on wheels" comfort that a converted Wing provides. If you're planning on crossing state lines, the Goldwing conversion is usually the way to go.
Choosing between IRS and Solid Axle setups
This is where things get a little technical, but it's a big deal for how your trike will actually feel on the road. Most honda trike kits come in one of two flavors: Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) or Solid Axle.
Independent Rear Suspension is generally considered the "premium" choice. In an IRS setup, each rear wheel moves independently. If you hit a pothole with the right wheel, the left wheel stays planted and doesn't get jarred. It makes for a much smoother, car-like ride. It's perfect for long days in the saddle where you want to minimize fatigue.
Solid Axle kits, on the other hand, are a bit more old-school. Both wheels are connected to a single axle. If one side goes up, the whole rear end reacts. These kits are often a bit cheaper and have fewer moving parts to worry about, but they can feel a bit "stiff" or "tippy" in corners if you aren't used to them. Some riders actually prefer the solid axle because it feels more like a traditional mechanical machine, but if you want comfort, IRS is the winner.
Can you actually install these kits yourself?
I get this question a lot. The short answer? Maybe, but it's a massive project. Most high-end honda trike kits from manufacturers like Roadsmith, California Sidecar, or Motor Trike are designed to be installed by authorized dealers.
There's a good reason for this. You aren't just bolting on a couple of wheels. You're often modifying the frame, extending the brake lines, re-routing the exhaust, and sometimes even changing the rake of the front forks (often called a "triple tree" or "rake kit") to make steering easier. If you mess up the alignment, the trike will pull to one side or eat through tires in a few hundred miles. Unless you have a professional-grade shop and a lot of experience with motorcycle fabrication, this is one of those times where paying a pro is worth every penny.
The reality of how a trike handles
If you've spent thirty years leaning into corners, your first ride on a trike is going to feel weird. In fact, it might even feel a little scary. You don't lean a trike; you steer it. It's all about "push-pull" on the handlebars.
When you go into a right-hand turn, you push the left handlebar and pull the right one. Because you aren't leaning, centrifugal force tries to push your body toward the outside of the turn. It takes a few hundred miles to rewrite your brain's muscle memory. But once it clicks? It's a blast. You can take corners with a lot of confidence, and you don't have to worry about low-sliding on a patch of sand. Just remember: it's wider than it used to be. Don't forget those rear fenders are sticking out there when you're pulling up to a gas pump!
What to look for in a quality kit
Not all honda trike kits are created equal. If you're shopping around, you want to look at a few specific things:
- Fiberglass Quality: Look at the bodywork. Is it thick and well-finished, or does it feel like a cheap boat hull? Good kits have seamless integration with the Honda's original lines.
- Braking Power: Does the kit use its own disc brakes? You're adding weight, so you need more stopping power. Most reputable kits come with beefy rear brakes that integrate into the Honda's linked braking system (if it has one).
- Storage Access: Check how the trunk opens. Is it a tiny little hole, or does the whole back end open up? You want something easy to load.
- Support and Parts: Stick with the big names. If you're out on a road trip and a seal blows or a bracket snaps, you want a brand that has dealers across the country.
Maintenance is a bit different
Once you've installed one of these honda trike kits, your maintenance schedule changes slightly. You've still got the usual Honda engine stuff—oil changes, coolant flushes, and valve checks—but now you've got a rear differential and automotive-style tires to think about.
The good news is that those rear tires will last a long, long time. Unlike bike tires that go square after 10,000 miles, trike tires can easily last 30,000 or 40,000 miles since they have a flat contact patch. You'll want to check the torque on the lug nuts occasionally and keep an eye on the suspension bushings, but overall, a well-built trike is incredibly low-maintenance.
Final thoughts on the three-wheel life
At the end of the day, installing a trike kit is about one thing: staying on the road. There's no shame in moving to three wheels. In fact, most people who make the switch wonder why they didn't do it sooner. You get to keep the Honda reliability you love, the wind in your face, and the community of riders, all while gaining a level of comfort and stability that a two-wheeler just can't match.
Whether you're looking at a sleek sporty conversion for a VTX or a full-blown luxury setup for a Goldwing, honda trike kits offer a second lease on life for your favorite bike. Just take the time to test ride a few different setups, find a mechanic you trust, and get ready to see the sights from a whole new perspective. The road is still out there; you might as well enjoy it without worrying about whether your legs are going to hold up at the next stop sign.