Custom Harley Trikes - Frequently Asked Questions

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Q:  How can I contact Custom Harley Trikes?
A:  Please call 386.822.5528, 9am - 5pm (EST), Monday through Friday or fax 386.822.5528, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also email customer service at wrschippers@gmail.com
Q:  Where are you located?
A:  Deland, Florida. We are the Daytona Beach DFT Dealer. We are also looking at future locations to meet customer needs

Q: I have noticed there are More Trikes on the road lately, why?
A.  Trikes are getting more popular with the older groups, women, and even younger riders. You get the best of both worlds in a sense.  You have the room to store weekend retreat items, and even a few items picked up from the store! 

Q: Can I get a reverse kit for my Trike?
A. We use champion side car reverse kits. These kits are the best value and quality we have found.  (84 -98 Evo’s and 99-08 twin cams for Harley Davidson.)

Q: Will this reverse kit fit my Trike?
A. The champion kit will fit most Harley Davidson’s but will not fit a Dyna.

Q: I have a Honda Goldwing and not a Harley Davidson can I still get a Trike kit and have reverse on it?
A. Yes, DFT has Kits for Honda Goldwing, just call for a list of options! (Most Honda Goldwing has Reverse kits standard, or we can get one)

Q: I heard these kits offer the most room in Trikes, is that true? And if so just how much room do they have?
A. YES it is and here are the facts.
For Harley Davidson Models

• Smoothie Bodies have 9.7 Cubic Feet of storage space
• Softail bodies have a little less at 7.8 Cubic Feet of storage space
• Dyna bodies have also a little less at  6.0 Cubic Feet of storage space
• FL with tour pack 1.8 Cubic Feet of storage space
• Sportster 85-03 1.8 Cubic Feet of storage space

For Honda Brands

• Honda 1800 GW has 5.8 Cubic Feet of storage space
• Honda 1500 GW has 5.0 Cubic Feet of storage space
• Honda Valkyrie has 1.8 Cubic Feet of storage space

Q:  How long do I have to wait until a kit gets installed?
A. Approx 3 weeks, but no longer then 4 weeks. (This is from time of drop-off until completion.)

• 2 weeks in paint and body fitting.
• Half a week to install.
• Half a week to reinstall and complete.

Q:   Can I buy one of these kits and install it myself?
A.   Yes it’s a complete bolt on kit. No cutting no welding.

Q:  What if I decide do it myself and at some point I have questions?
A.   We offer on the phone tech support during regular hours. Just call or email us at the Following;

Custom Harley Trikes
1205 Green Dairy Road West
DeLand Fl 32720
Phone 386.822.5528
if you have any questions please contact our customer service department at Mschip@ptd.net

Q: There are several different companies offering Trike kits, and how do I know DFT has the better one?
A.  Years of research and development, feed back from our customers, and the best suspension package available!!! That’s how.

Q: If I hire Custom Harley Trikes to install my Kit, What is your guarantee to me?
A:  If our product does not withstand the rigors of normal use within one year, we will gladly repair or replace the item free of charge. In order to be covered by our product guarantee.

Q: If I install this Kit myself, what is your guarantee?
A:  Installing this kit yourself may Void Certain Warrantees and guarantees. Call for details.

Q:  How long has DFT been around?
A.  DFT has been around for 15+ years

Q: Why are your Trikes so good
A: It’s because the years of experience we have and the expertise to help our customers put their kit together without any problems

Q: I seen your bikes at a show how can I get one made?
A: contact us and we will set you up.

Custom Harley Trikes
1205 Green Dairy Road West, DeLand Fl 32720
Phone 386.822.5528
if you have any questions please contact our customer service department at Mschip@ptd.net

Q: I have a similar looking tike unit will your reverse unit fit?
A: Yes if it’s a Harley Davidson 84 -08.  (Except Dyna)

Q: Do you make a Trike for a woman?
A: Yes we are custom Trike makers and if you want pink we can give you pink! Our custom paint can match her dress! (But I doubt this type of woman would want pink, I’m thinking Black Leather)

Q: Do you offer other brands of Trike kits?
A: No, not at this time because we feel other brand Trikes kits are not top quality like DFT.

Q: I understand DFT has the only True Independent suspension in this market, is that true?
A: Yes that is true and it’s like the suspension of a Corvette and Jaguar. You will not find a better feeling ride elsewhere! Call for details, better yet come drive one and feel this for yourself.

Q: What is the difference between DFT and other Trike Kits? Well this is how DFT Kits are made! Checkout how the competitors are made and compare, see how DFT kits are superior.

THE DFT DIFFERENCE
The D.F.T. independent suspension system starts with a differential mounted in a two-piece case. The case is 'O' ringed and sealed at the drive axles and mating surfaces. This serves as the adaptation device that maintains the motorcycle's original drive location and provides a mounting for the brake rotor. The drive spool is then mounted in a pair of main castings that are the foundation for mounting and placement to the motorcycle, lower suspension pivot points, upper shock mounts, brake caliper mount, drive spool and inner half shaft bearing bosses. 

All steel components, such as the lower arms and drive shafts, are T.I.G. welded and plated in zinc dichromate. The lower arms are fitted with tapered roller bearings at both the main casting and outer carrier pivot points for long life and smooth suspension movement. The half shafts use automotive type universal joints equipped with grease fittings.

The outer wheel carrier employs a sealed, double row ball bearing hub that mounts a 5 bolt x 100mm bolt circle, 16" front wheel drive rim available in numerous styles from many sources. The four shock's coil-over shock system provides tunable stance, balance and vertical position. To complete the system and enhance cornering and steering, a sway bar is provided. It is easily adjusted through a turnbuckle and locknut arrangement, and is mounted with spherical ends enabling a quiet, smooth, positive operation. 

The DFT Trike kit is an easily installed, versatile and adjustable, bolt-on package. What this means to you is a good handling and extremely smooth and stable three-wheeled motorcycle. Let us build one for you and experience the difference an independent suspension can make. As Posted on DFT website. Visit DFT at dfttrikes.com.

Q: What are the Specifications for DFT Trikes?
A: Here are the Harley Davidson Specifications!
• Fits FL, Sportster, and Softail models 1985 to present
• Stock drive belt used
• Stock pulley used unaltered (most models - 2000 Softail must be modified)
• Stock caliper retained (most models)
• FL Style rotor used (rotor supplied in kit if necessary)
• FL style lighting used (most models)
• Unit weight approximately 175 pounds
• Casting Material - 356 Aluminum T3
• Equipped with 3/4 inch swaybar set in urethane bushings and spherical ends for adjustment
• Sealed double row ball bearings in hubs
• Tapered roller bearings at suspension pivot points and equipped with grease fittings
• Universal joints used in half shafts are equipped with grease fittings
• Sealed differential housing
• Steel parts zinc plated
• Fully bolt-on installation...NO FRAME MODIFICATIONS
• Trailer hitch provisions included
• Retains stock wheel base
• Retains stock drive system
• Retains stock braking system
• Tour packs remain in stock location on models equipped with tour packs
• Supplied with Carrera or Progressive shock absorbers depending on application
• Bodies come in gel coat finish with hardware installed
WHEELS
• 5 x 100 mm bolt pattern
• 16 x 7 rim
• 5 1/2 inch backset
• 205 R55-16 or 215 R60-16 tires
A: Here are the Honda Specifications!
Fits all GL1500 models including GL1500C (Valkyrie)
• Honda GL 1500 stock gearset (2.83-1 ratio) is used in conversion
• Stock modified swing arm is used
• Driveshaft is not altered and runs in stock location
• Brake rotor is supplied in kit with Kevlar brake pads
• GL1500 caliper retained and brake system is not changed
• Keeps GL1500 lighting
• Unit weight approximately 185 pounds
• Casting Material - 356 Aluminum T3
• Equipped with 3/4 inch swaybar set in urethane bushings and spherical ends for adjustment
• Sealed double row ball bearings in hubs
• Tapered roller bearings at suspension pivot points and equipped with grease fittings
• Universal joints used in half shafts are equipped with grease fittings
• Sealed differential housing
• Steel parts zinc plated
• Fully bolt-on installation...NO FRAME MODIFICATIONS
• Trailer hitch provisions included
• Retains stock wheel base
• Retains stock drive system
• Retains stock braking system
• Tour packs remain in stock location on models equipped with tour packs
• Supplied with Carrera or Progressive shock absorbers depending on application
• Bodies come in gel coat finish with hardware installed
WHEELS
• 5 x 100 mm bolt pattern
• 16 x 7 rim
• 5 1/2 inch backset
• 205 R55-16 or 215 R60-16 tires
As Posted on DFT website. Visit DFT at dfttrikes.com.

Q: Do the wheels tilt on a DFT Trike?
A: No.

Q: Can I get a trailer hitch for my Trike?
A: Trailer hitch Yes, Available on all models, maybe standard on some

Q: Do offer more services than just great Trikes?
A: Yes, we are a full service Machine Shop too! We are Custom Machine and Design. Give us a call for any needs you may have.

Custom Machine and Design
1205 Green Dairy Road West,
DeLand Fl 32720
Phone 386.822.5528
if you have any questions please contact our customer service department at Mschip@ptd.net

Q: Now that I have all my questions answered, how do I order a kit?

Please contact us by phone: 368.822.5528
for additional questions, you can also email us at Mschip@ptd.net