Need to know the year of the conversion unit?
Comfort is up to each person! I woould tell you my Hannigan IRS on my 1800 can not be beat. Others are just as happy w/straight axles.
You need to test and decide yourself.
The only way to determine who did it is probably through the first owner!
I would find a good installer near and ask for an inspection of the conversion and the bike part before I purchased it.
You also have a PM

 

The Ser No. is stamped in the top front of the rear end. It is a little difficult to get to and read, and most likely will have to use a mirror. It can be seen though if you remove the right tire, and look down at the rear end, ( still hard to read ) If you can get that you can call MT and they should have a record of where it was built, and can give you information.

They are a Great ridding Trike, and handle well.

Trike Talk has a lot of 1500's and many other style of Trikes.

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/

 

The Ser No. is stamped in the top front of the rear end. It is a little difficult to get to and read, and most likely will have to use a mirror. It can be seen though if you remove the right tire, and look down at the rear end, ( still hard to read ) If you can get that you can call MT and they should have a record of where it was built, and can give you information.

They are a Great ridding Trike, and handle well.

Trike Talk has a lot of 1500's and many other style of Trikes.

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/

There ya go! I never thought about the serial number! Bad on me.

 

I had a 1500 with a 2000 model MT kit. If the one you are looking at is like the one I had it will have shocks as well as the air bags. This was my first trike and I was pleased with the ride. It can be adjusted to suit your riding style and needs.

 

Realize this is a 1800 Trike forum but thought someone may have some knowledge / input on the following 1500. (Just started researching trikes a few days ago and this forum seems to be the best go to place for info!!)
I’m looking at a 2000 Goldwing with a Motor Trike Conversion. According to the Motor Trike website it may have an air ride suspension and a ladder bar suspension. I’m not sure what this air ride and ladder bar is… Is it comparable to an IRS? Will the ride be significantly better than the straight axel? Other pros/cons with this suspension?
Additional input on this particular conversion?
I’m following everyone’s advice and attempting to determine who did the conversion. Is there an easy way to determine this? (trike has had two owners. The second owner recently died and a relative is selling the trike) Conversion was apparently done when new. Bike was purchase new in Fayetteville but there are no Motor Trike Dealers in Fayetteville.
And last but not least, is anyone aware of a good forum for 1500 GW trikes?
Thanks!!!!

Mr. Bill, as usual, George is spot on. Contact the folks at MT and I am sure, once you secure the number, that they will be more then happy to help you. I would also suggest that you stick with a Motor Trike dealer/installer who is current with building kits. If you can, see if you can post a pic of the trike and maybe someone here might recognize it. The Trike Talk board is another great site where all they do is talk trikes.

I might suggest that you get a referral from the good folks at Motor Trike as to who might be a good/knowledgeable installer who is close by to see if they can offer some assistance since after all, they know better then anyone who is still building their equipment/trike kits. All the best and good luck with it. Like George said, they are a mighty fine machine, and look great on a 1500.

 

WOW… very much appreciate all of the input and advice. Will definitely check out trike talk and the other sites.
The trike is located about 225 miles from me and the closest motor trike dealer is about 125 from the location of the bike. Not sure if it’s going to be feasible to actually have someone check it out. May need to just go by my gut instinct and hope I don’t get burned. May show up, take it for a ride and, if I like it and nothing seems fishy… make a $$$ offer to buy on the spot, which may or may not be accepted. Could end up being a wasted trip, ..… who knows.
Will try to obtain a decent pic to post.
Thanks again.

 

Few things you should be aware of. A 1500 MT conversion is a good conversion, but it is a stiff axle conversion - not an independent rear suspension. Second, it will have drum brakes on it, not the new version of rear disc brakes.

In fact, even some of the older 1800 conversions by MotorTrike had drum brakes - I believe Wheels has one of those. Mine is a later conversion that had the original disc brakes, and, when I asked for pads, was told they no longer were available. MotorTrike then sent me new discs with pads, and had an installer put them on, no charge.

They do believe in customer service.

Around here, I ride with 3 1500 conversions - one by CSC and two by MotorTrike. All three are good conversions, all three have drum brakes in the rear, the CSC has a rake kit and long range fuel. The 1800 conversions around here are two MotorTrike and one CSC. The CSC has long range fuel, and a rake kit, one MotorTrike has TRAXXION front end, no rake kit, and one MotorTrike is the new IRS with rake kit. For handling, the TRAXXION kit on the front is great, but expensive. The long range fuel is nice, but can be worked around. The IRS ride is noticable, but overrated. The rake really lowers steering input, but is expensive.

 

Picture attached - I think

They say it has a 6 degree rake too.

 

That is really sharp!:thumbup: