ST1100 to STealth11 Project

    Facts Figures and Ride/ Test reports

Finance:

As far as finance I only kept a somewhat loose accounting of how much everything cost as one can't count spools of welding wire and extra hardware not used. Initial investment was $185 for the bike and another $1160+ for suspension, tires, rims, other used plastic and accessories. $400 of this was offset by selling the original front end parts not needed. I guess all in all the end price was around $1200 or so. My plan was not to spend a ton of money on the project as I was unsure it the thing would actually work. As it turns out the project worked so the money was well spent after all. Not all of my projects end this way.

Specifications:

Front end width is 61" which is the same as the Can Am. Wheel base length is also 61" which is over a foot shorter than the Can Am. Full weight is just over 700lbs so not much different than stock. Stock handlebars are narrow and have a 3" rise but the units I installed are 8" wider and have a full 9" rise so the seating position is very upright. The extra width is important as it does require more leverage to turn than a stock two wheeler (common on all trikes) The extra rise was not required but I prefer the upright position to the typical crouch. Speedometer was gone so I elected to simply use a low cost GPS with doubles as a trip meter and "Ungetloster". Mirrors are 3" convex units that slip into the handlebar ends, this works very well as they are way outside the body so I get a clear unobstructed rear view. Signal lights are non self canceling so I added a signal light indicator lamp on the top of the headlight housing to remind me to turn off the signals. Front tires are standard car steel belted radials 175x55x14 which is the smallest I could find, rear is a stock size MC radial which I will replace soon with a regular bias ply MC tire, this should soften the ride quite a bit. Air pressure on the front is 12.5psi and rear is set to 30psi. Once I upgrade to a bias ply I'll lower the rear to 26 or 28 psi. I would love to install a regular car tire on the rear however the stock ST swing arm does not provide proper clearance so I am stuck with MC tires for now. Only other mod worth mentioning is drilling 4  -  5/16th inch holes in the rear of each exhaust pipe to bring up a bit of low mellow exhaust note. Camber varies a bit as the front moves up and down but loaded and in it's normal stance it is about 5degrees. Toe in is set to close to neutral, about 1/8"inch.

Ride and Test Report:

First test ride was just after I installed the front wheels and aligned everything. Obviously a bit tentative as this was my first ride not only on the STealth11 but on any trike - reverse or otherwise. Just a buzz around the block but I know right away the Valkyrie shocks were way to soft as the front sagged badly and wallowed a bit in the corners. I replace the shocks with solid struts as a test and things were much better. Once the present GL1500 coil over's were installed and the sway bar incorporated things really improved. Around town the bike is fun to drive and handles very well in corners and holds a true line on the straight away. The first higher speed corner was the real test along with just plain higher speeds. What I found was contrary to what I expected, the faster you go the more true it holds the line. I was afraid the short wheelbase would make it a bit too quick to handle well on the highway but that is not the case at all. Corners at speed are, well different, again as expected in a way. Cornering with a standard motorcycle is actually very natural and one never feels like flying off the seat during hard corners. Cornering with a trike is not natural and one does feel as if your going to get pitched right into the nearest ditch. Like most things it just takes some getting used to, I have learned to slide to the inside of the seat on corners. At no time does the trike ever feel like it would tip though and is very stable. Best way to describe the feel is to say it's just like driving an ATV, only faster. The 4 wheeler front brakes use only 6" rotors so I was concerned the brakes would not be good however here again the brakes are fine. Acceleration is just as good as a stock ST and so is fuel economy so no surprise there. GPS is spot on accurate and to date top speed is 89mph and 65mph is very natural and comfortable. Ride is very good and softer than a stock bike due mostly to softer tires. Wind protection is about the same as a stock ST as the windscreen is about chin high - I wear a full face and with the bugs here I just keep the shield down. The stock seat slopes forward which pushes one into the tank so I cut a wedge out of the foam so now it's more like a saddle and quite good.

At this point I have about 600 miles on the finished deal and I am all around pleased. I will no doubt continue to tinker and adjust but I am now confident I can drive anywhere without worry. Well once I get the fuel indicator light fixed anyway.

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