Guest Product Review - Tow-Pac Mini-Trike Conversion Kit
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Tow-Pac Mini-Trike Conversion Kit Review
by Mike Huffman
There are many reasons why one would prefer a trike over a two or four wheeled vehicle. They offer the same openness as a two-wheeler, but generally are more stable. But, trikes are expensive. The Tow-Pac Mini-Trike conversion kit offers an economical way to get into a trike. Available in both an 8” and 12” version, I chose the 12” version.
The kit consists of two wheels attached to a frame which is bolted on to an existing two wheel scooter. Power is applied to the pavement through the rear scooter tire, and the kit holds the scooter in an upright position. This allows you to stop and start without worrying about holding the scooter up. There are no modifications required to be made to the existing vehicle. There is no loss of ground clearance. And, the kit can be taken off and on, and even moved from one vehicle to another of the same type. There are really four wheels, but my state’s law defines a motorcycle as having one wheel in either the front or rear of the vehicle. Many die-hard motorcyclists don’t recognize the Tow-Pac Mini-Trike conversion as being a “real” trike, and instead have a little fun calling them “training wheels”.
My selection for the base vehicle was the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive scooter. The current and anticipated future fuel prices convinced me to consider scooters. I have no physical limitations, I am 6 feet tall, and weigh about 185 pounds. Another reason I selected a scooter was because they are simpler to operate. I am a previous Honda Shadow and Goldwing Trike owner, but I feel anyone with the proper training can safely operate the Burgman scooter. There are no gears to consider, however the 650 Executive does allow you to shift through the automatic transmission. This makes stopping and starting on slopes much easier. It also has ABS brakes, which I am in favor of. Also, the 650 Executive is powerful enough for a driver and passenger without sacrificing power. It easily keeps up with traffic on the expressway, and is nimble in stop-and-go city driving.
The Tow-Pac Mini-Trike conversion kit is well engineered and built strong. It has independent wheel suspension and comes complete with tires and fiberglass fenders.
The kit attaches where the no-longer-needed center stand is removed from, as well as to the frame of the scooter. I would recommend having the kit installed by an approved dealer. However, the kit is designed to be self-installed. Read the directions over and make sure you understand them prior to beginning installation. An 800 number is provided if additional assistance is needed.
Once installed and properly aligned as described in the instructions, the kit supports the scooter, rider and a passenger. It does allow for a very slight lean.
The scooter handles like a conventional trike. On straight-aways you will not be aware of the kit. However on curves, you must steer the trike rather than lean as with a typical scooter. This takes some getting used to, but is actually more instinctive than leaning. If you have never ridden a scooter, learning to ride a trike is easier. If you have ridden a scooter you will have to relearn cornering. If you have previously ridden a trike, you will find the Tow-Pac Mini-Trike handles about the same. The trike is more like an ATV or a truck without power steering. You get some resistance through the handlebars. If you are used to leaning a scooter, you may have a little trouble learning to steer a trike. You have to push, rather than pull through turns. Once you get this down, it helps you get over the feeling that you are going to tip over. Push against the curve and lean your body into the curve. As an example, to turn right, push the handlebars with the left arm and lean your body to the right. The best way to learn and also to get familiar with your trike is to go to a large parking lot where there are no cars and practice figure eights. I still go to my local church parking lot and practice figure eights and donuts, and because it is fun. The trike is very stable and would be difficult to turn over. At first it seems you might, as the inside tire actually lifts off the ground slightly. But, remember that with one tire slightly off the road, there are still three tires on the road. With a little practice you will develop a strong worry-free confidence in the trike’s stability.
As with any trike, there are some safety points to remember. First, you have a five foot wide trike behind you so you must ride in the center of the lane, not to either side as you would on a typical two-wheeler. Be careful entering your garage. And, don’t put your feet down. Remember to use the Burgman’s parking brake!
The Tow-Pac Mini-Trike conversion kit includes two Wheel Height Adjusters, one on each side, which are individually adjustable. This allows you to selectively adjust the height of your trike wheels depending on your riding, handling and traction preferences. However the kit will come adjusted preset for your particular scooter. The proper setup is crucial for a good smooth ride. Shortening the adjuster arm raises the trike wheels and puts more weight on the scooter wheel, whereas lengthening the adjuster arm lowers the trike wheels and puts more weight on the trike wheels. This allows you to adjust for a more firm or soft ride, and change the handling and cornering characteristics. You may have to use trial and error until you determine what setting is best for you. One caution, both sides should be adjusted the same. Be sure all bolts are fully tightened after any adjustment. Full directions are included with the kit, and as stated above, the kit comes preset to your particular scooter, and there will probably be no need for adjustment.
The amount of air pressure in the tires is also important. I keep my pressure at the recommended setting for the tires on both the scooter and the trike. Too much or not enough pressure in the tires may result in excess wear, and can affect the handling characteristics of the trike.
I have found that when the trike is setting in a level position, I can turn either trike wheel by hand. It does make contact with the floor. This allows the scooter to be in control of the traction and braking, and allows the trike tires to give stability to keep the scooter upright without hindering the performance of the Burgman.
You should check the tightness of all bolts periodically. This should become part of your trip checklist routine, along with checking the oil, coolant, and lights. I have yet to have a bolt come loose.
With the kit installed, you no longer have to worry so much about gravel, water, and normal road debris. Your riding confidence will improve dramatically. You will have much more stability and straight-line braking. You can creep slowly forward without wavering back and forth, and stopping and starting on slopes is easy.
The Mini-Trike performs extremely well. The torsion bar axles allow the trike to flex for a smooth ride. It handles exceptionally well at highway speeds. I have only noticed a slight decrease in gas mileage.
I have Givi T21 hard bags installed on my 650 Executive. They fit very well with the trike kit, don’t interfere with the fenders, and I have full access to them.
The kit can be removed in just a few minutes. I can’t really elaborate on that because I have not removed it. I love the trike feel, and have not had a reason to remove it as yet. But the versatility is there if you want it.
The kit comes in gloss black, but can be painted to match your scooter. It also comes with chrome wheels. I do think Tow-Pac should offer an optional lighting kit for the fenders.
I am extremely satisfied with the Tow-Pac Mini-Trike Conversion kit. My only complaint is that it draws attention. Whenever I plan a ride, I have to allow time to talk with other riders and spectators.
The trike looks sharp and really sparks interest.
Tow-Pac will send you a free CD describing the Mini-Trike Conversion kit in action. They can be contacted at the address given below:
Tow-Pac, Inc.
203 South Bridge Street
P.O. Box 564
Aroma Park, IL 60910
866-694-3500
More Pictures of the Tow-Pac Trike Conversion Kit Installed
(12 votes, average: 3.83 out of 5)
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What a top looking unit!!!! Do you know if thay have ones for the 400?? we do a lot of twistes rides , have you given it a good push around corners Yet/ and what is the cost of set up,once again Iam DROOLING at what can be done to a scooter….”"THE BURG IS WITH YOU”" SPRINGER.
That looks pretty darn good for a scooter, I’ll have to take a closer look into this.
Tow-Pac trike kits are available for many different rides, including the 400, the Honda Silverwing, Yahama Majesty, and even Goldwings and Harleys. And, yes, there is a difference between a trike and a 2-wheeler when it comes to cornering and steering in general. However, as I am a previous Goldwing MotorTrike rider, I don’t find much of a difference between the Tow-Pac kit and the conventional trike kits such as the MotorTrike. It all gets down to familiarity with your particular ride. The cost of the Tow-Pac kit is about half the cost of a conventional trike kit. And, there is the added value that it can be taken off in less than half an hour for 2-wheel riding again. It’s the best of all worlds!
Hey, I have a Burgman 650 w/ the tow pac installed as well. You have some hard bags though. I’m interested in what you have and how you installed them. How do you get to the gas tank? Appreciate your help!
The bags are Givi E21 and are installed using the Mueller mounts which are made in Germany. They are stainless steel and very good quality. They come off easily with just a twist of the key, which is how you fill the fuel. Since these pictures, I have installed three rows of 3″ LED lights to each fender. They have tail/brake/and signal capability and are very bright. I also installed a trailer hitch for some light overnights. Thanks for the nice comments.
This is a great review. Does anyone have information as to the 400 with the tow-pac and the power performance? I weigh about 230 and wonder if the 400 has sufficient power to perform with that weight and the tow-pac. I am not a high performance rider but do want to be able to ride without “bogging down”.
RJ
I am disabled and just purchased a XY 260t4 and want to make it a trike… do you kow if this trike conversion kit would work… thanks, Gary
I enjoyed your article but have a question about the cornering. I believe you said in cornering that the “inside” wheel may lift slighlty from the pavement. This doesn’t sound possible. I would have guessed that the outside wheel might lift slightly. Could you please set me straight on this point?? Thanks
Believe it or not, when you go around a corner the inside wheel lifts. Your body weight seems to pull the scooter to the outside of the curve, and the inside wheel lifts slightly. You don’t lean like you do with a conventional scooter, but rather steer like a car. It has something to do with centrifical force. It’s not dramatic, I’m talking only about an inch or so. But at first it takes some getting used to. After a few hours, you forget about it and corner without even thinking about it.