I have read and reread everything I can on triple trees and the EZ-Steer kit so I turn to the learned on our forum.
I have a 1996 Goldwing SE with a Hannigan Astro Sidecar. Right now it rides with very little effort on Freeway type runs, but requires the added effort on the twisties. I am setting the rig up to take a long (7000 mile) 2 month coast to coast trip with the granddaughter later this year.
As a little insight, I still have to install new tires$, and timing belts$
Now the Question:
As most of the trip will be freeway with some secondary roads in the mix, and this rig will more than likely be sold later in the year after the trip would you EZ steer or not?
William
North Central Washington
I bought a 1991 GW last March and drove it 50 miles to the shop where I had the EZ Steer installed. Just on that stretch of twisties I was getting worn out. I have zero regrets on getting the EZ Steer, and will probably be selling my rig within two years. I would do it.
Phil
I've got EZ-Steer on my rig, and would never look back, it will add value when you do go to sell it. You may not want to sell it, if you do get the EZ-Steer, lol
Doc
i rode my first two sidecar bikes with stock trees - then i put liberty trees on the bike i have now...
i felt such a FOOL for riding those early bikes stock - with the raked tree i can ride at 80, with my wife in the car, cruise on, two fingers
to
Thanks for the input, are we installing 4 degree, 6 degree or other?
William
North Central Washington
I am a noob but I agree with the others. I have a rig similar to yours. I need a lot of lean out to get neutral steering on high speed interstate riding witch is tiring any way. It is worth making sure that you can get neutral steering at 80+ MPH
If you do a couple of long consecutive days of riding your muscles should answer your question.
I don't know whether 4 or 6 degrees is best for your GL1500, but I too recommend installation of sidecar appropriate steering modifications/trees. Our smaller Sportster & Burgman rigs were a hand full until the trees were installed.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
We recently completed a Hannigan GTL install on a '10 Wing, part of the project included the Steer Lite triple trees. After taking it out on the maiden voyage, I was so impressed with the low effort steering that I will be doing the same thing to my Road Glide/Ranger rig.
The steering modification on my current rig is so good it has reduced the electric camber control to load leveling only. Might add that after much testing I have set up lean out to 0 degrees. I will also add that new shocks custom built for use, weight etc. affected this setup almost as much as the steering modification. It has proved to be the best handling rig (loaded or empty) I have owned or driven. Go for the steering mod, you will not be sorry. If you sell it will only add value and saleability.
Bill D5 🙂
We put the easy steer on my wives Harley RoadQueen, one of the best things we've done to her rig. I'll never sell the rig because it's our first sidecar and the memories we've had are just mind boggling .
I have 6 degree Easy Steer and I love it! Would be interesting to hear from anyone with 4 degree. It is a 1989 1500 with Champion Escort. I have the Progressive shock on rear of bike and Progressive upgraded one on the sidecar. I plan to install Progressive springs in the forks next. I also have the extensions on the fork tubes.
Ralf
Well I pulled the trigger this morning and ordered a 4 degree set up. Now to clean out the shop and get ready to turn a few wrenches.
