I have started some research and am thinking of a sportster trike
looking for some insight and things to look out for? This is all all new to me. still unsure of irs or straight axle, May start with a 883, what rake degree for front end, parking brake? reverse? If feasible it will be 2up locally VA beach area solo rider for couple hundred mile trip
western part of state or myrtle beach.

 

Ive had both 883 & 1200 sportsters. I would start with the 1200 for a trike. Especially if you want to make any over the road trips. Not to mention the extra load of having more weight and drag from larger rear tires. you'll need the extra power.

 

I just finished a Frankenstein conversion on my 2008 883 Custom ... I love it. I have not found any problems with the 883 not being big enough. The frankenstein kit only adds around 200 pounds so it's not a lot of extra weight.

 

My personal preference is IRS. To me, it gives a smoother ride on less than ideal roads. I rode several IRS and a Lehman and a Triglide straight before I got a Champion with IRS for mine. The handling isn't much different whether it's straight or IRS, but the comfort level was better with IRS. As far as the parking brake, it's nice to have but a strip of velcro around the front brake lever does the job for me. It's easy to put on, take off and store. If you want to spend the money on it, it's nice to have and useful though. About 5 degrees is good on the rake. 7 degrees is a lot and more than you need. My only other suggestion is the reverse and I like mechanical better than electrical. With mechanical you are using your existing tranny and engine power to back it up. With electrical, you have 1 speed, on or off, and you depend on the power of an additional electric motor to back it up. Never did a Sportster, but plenty of people have. Stick with a major manufacturer.

 

I finished a mystery designs ISS trike kit about a month ago. Love it but the wife does not. It is considered a sport trike.
Frankenstein kits are really good to but it is a straight axle kit.
I am using the 7 degree trees and it is like power steering. On a light bike the 5 degree will do just fine. I went with the 7 degree because of the price, $600 with new bearings and races, timkens bearings were included.

 

anyone look at eurowing usa sportster trike kit looks simple enough and I have dealt with Marvin on other stuff straight forward guy

 

my mystery designs kit is for sale at a reduced price.
it will fit a sporster