Thinking About a 2026 Harley-Davidson Trike? Here’s Why a Custom Trike Conversion Might Be the Better Ride

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When riders start thinking about buying a new 2026 Harley-Davidson trike, most assume the only option is a factory-built Tri Glide Ultra. But over the years, we’ve had countless riders come to UNB Customs asking for “an upgrade” — specifically, to move away from the solid-axle suspension found on the Tri Glide and switch to the independent rear suspension systems offered by Roadsmith and Hannigan.

If you want a smoother, more comfortable ride, or simply better handling on long trips, it’s worth knowing: you don’t have to buy a factory trike. You can start with a brand-new 2026 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and have it converted into a custom trike using one of these premium independent suspension kits — built and installed professionally right here at UNB Customs.

Solid Axle vs. Independent Suspension: The Real Difference

The Tri Glide uses a solid rear axle, meaning both rear wheels move together as one unit. It’s durable and proven, but it also means you’ll feel more road vibration — especially when hitting bumps or uneven pavement. That stiffness becomes quite noticeable on longer rides.

Independent suspension systems (like those used in Roadsmith and Hannigan trike kits) allow each wheel to move separately. That flexibility absorbs uneven surfaces and improves traction, cornering, and overall comfort.

In short:

  • Solid axle (factory Tri Glide): simple, strong, but a rougher, less forgiving ride.

  • Independent suspension (Roadsmith / Hannigan): smoother handling, better ride quality, and increased comfort for both rider and passenger.

Many of our conversion customers are former Tri Glide owners who tell us the difference is night and day.

How Steering Feels — and Why

Another key difference comes from how steering geometry is handled.
When we perform a trike conversion, we install a triple tree steering kit that changes the rake angle of the front end — adjusting the angle where the tire meets the road. This correction reduces steering effort and gives the front end a natural, almost power-steering-like feel, making it far easier to maneuver.

In comparison, the factory Tri Glide extends the fork tubes and adds a steering dampener, rather than correcting the rake angle itself. While that approach helps some, it doesn’t reduce effort in the same way, and many riders notice the difference right away.

The result: smoother steering, more responsive control, and far less fatigue — especially for long-distance riders.

A Ride That Feels Tailored — Not Templated

One of the biggest advantages of building a trike conversion is freedom.
You’re not locked into one factory color, setup, or trim package — instead, you get to choose every detail.
You pick the exact Harley you love — maybe a 2026 Road Glide for that big touring fairing, or a Street Glide for a sleeker profile — and we build the trike around you.
It’s not “just another trike” — it’s your trike, with the look, feel, and balance you want right from the start.

Built to Ride — Not Just Display

Factory trikes look great on the showroom floor, but an independent suspension conversion truly comes alive on the road.
Cornering is smoother. Braking feels more balanced. Highway bumps that once rattled your shoulders now glide beneath the frame.

We’ve built conversions for riders who tour thousands of miles every season, and they all say the same thing — it feels like a completely different machine.
Independent suspension lets each wheel respond to the road individually, so the trike stays planted and predictable even over rough pavement.
It’s performance and comfort working together — and once you experience it, it’s hard to go back.

Craftsmanship Meets Custom Fit

Every trike we build at UNB Customs is assembled, painted to match, and road-tested by our team. We don’t rush builds or cut corners.

Paint is another area where we take pride. Whether you want a factory-match color or a full custom scheme with hand pinstriping, we blend everything to perfection. When it leaves our shop, it looks like Harley made it that way from day one.

It’s not an aftermarket add-on; it’s a professional transformation.

And since both Roadsmith and Hannigan stand behind their kits with manufacturer warranties, you get confidence that matches the performance.

Your Next Ride, Done Right

If you’re thinking about moving to three wheels — a conversion gives you the best of both worlds: Harley heritage with modern suspension technology.

Come see the difference firsthand. We can walk you through the Roadsmith and Hannigan options, explain the suspension systems in person, and help design a trike that fits your riding style perfectly.

At UNB Customs, we don’t just sell conversions — we build them, ride them, and stand behind them.

2021 Harley-Davidson Road King with Champion Avenger Sidecar

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When John reached out to UNB Customs, he had one clear goal — to turn his 2021 Harley-Davidson Road King into a classic-style sidecar rig built for two. The bike started as a single-seat, all-black cruiser, but John wanted something with more character, comfort, and room to share the ride.

Roadking before picture

The plan: transform it from a solo setup into a two-up touring Harley, paired with a Champion Avenger sidecar, and give it a timeless, two-tone look inspired by Harley’s golden era — complete with hand-painted pinstripes that accent every curve of the build.

From Solo to Shared Adventure

When the bike rolled into the shop, it was a clean, factory-finished Road King — simple, black, and understated. John envisioned something more expressive: a classic touring rig built for comfort, performance, and shared adventure.

We began by converting the Harley from a solo seat to a two-rider setup using a Saddlemen Roadsofa LS Seat in Whisper Brown with matching passenger pad and sissy bar. The new seat combines long-distance comfort with that rich, vintage aesthetic John was after.
We paired it with Harley-Davidson chrome docking hardware, passenger footboards, and a chrome luggage rack, giving the setup both practicality and polish.

Next came one of the most dramatic visual changes — the two-tone turquoise and cream paint, finished off with hand-painted dual-color pinstripes that flow across the bike and sidecar. Every stripe was done by hand, giving the build a one-of-a-kind, artisan touch that perfectly frames the panels.

The black wall tires were replaced with wide whitewall Shinko tires mounted on 10-spoke OEM wheels to complete that period-correct look.

The Champion Avenger

We matched the bike with a Champion Avenger sidecar, one of the most proven and stylish sidecars available for Harley touring models.
The Avenger’s independent suspension, built-in braking system, and contoured body make it a natural complement to the Road King.
John’s sidecar features a fender light, Harley-Davidson tail light, and a clear windshield for protection without sacrificing visibility.

For comfort and convenience, we added an Entry/Exit Step, Interior Light, Trunk Light, USB Power Port, Accessory Plug, Seat Belt, and even an Art Vent for airflow on warm rides.
We matched John’s Whisper Brown Saddlemen seat to his Tonneau cover that fits perfectly when the car is not in use.

This Avenger also includes TILT (Tracking Increment Lean-Out Technology), which allows fine adjustments for road camber and passenger weight — ensuring the sidecar tracks straight and smooth no matter the conditions.

For control, we installed an Easy Steer Triple Tree to lighten steering effort, plus Reverse Gear for easy maneuvering.
We also added performance grips, and a did full alignment after the sidecar installation to make sure the sidecar handled like a dream.

Lighting upgrades include a Spot Lamp with integrated turn signal, additional chrome accents, and alignment of the bike and car lighting systems for safety and symmetry.

Performance, Comfort & Personality

John wanted this build to be as enjoyable as it was beautiful — both for him and his favorite co-pilot. His dog rides shotgun in the sidecar, enjoying the wind and attention wherever they go.
Between the tilt technology, smooth suspension, and steering kit, this setup rides as comfortably as it looks.

The combination of turquoise and cream paint, dual hand-painted pinstripes, whitewall tires, and the brown Saddlemen interior create a visual harmony that feels both nostalgic and modern. It’s the kind of color palette that could have rolled off a Harley line in the 1950s — only sharper, cleaner, and built for today’s highways.

The Final Look

When John’s 2021 Road King with its matching Champion Avenger sidecar rolled out of our shop, it was nothing short of stunning. The turquoise and cream finish catches every ray of light, the stripes trace the lines like fine jewelry, and the whitewalls and chrome accents give it that unmistakable vintage touring vibe.

What began as a solo black Road King is now a two-up sidecar rig built for adventure, style, and stories — a build made to be enjoyed, not just admired.

We’re proud of this one — not just for its craftsmanship, but for the joy it brings to its owner (and his furry riding partner).

At UNB Customs, that’s what it’s all about — turning ideas into machines that make memories every mile.

Jerry’s 2025 Goldwing Trike: A Triple-Tone Touring Machine Built for Comfort and Chrome

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When Jerry rolled in to UNB Customs with his 2025 Honda Goldwing, it wasn’t his first time trusting us with a trike build — we also built his previous Goldwing trike, a 2021 model converted with a Hannigan Gen 3 kit.
That first trike still rides as beautifully as the day it left our shop, and Jerry still owns it. But for this new build, he wanted something different — a fresh design, upgraded handling, and the latest technology. This time, he set his sights on a Roadsmith HTX conversion, blending long-haul comfort with a full chrome and lighting package that would rival any show bike on the road.

The Build Begins

We started with the Roadsmith HTX Kit — the perfect foundation for the latest-generation Goldwing.
From there, our crew installed the Roadsmith Front Fork, Rear Wing, WingGuards, and Performance Sway Bar to give Jerry that stable, confident feel he loved from his last trike — only tighter and more responsive.

Jerry wanted this Wing to make a statement even before it moved. We laid down a three-color custom paint scheme for the trike body, paired with a single-color finish on the Wing and WingGuards and a Goldwing logo hidden on the trunk.. The result? A paint job that glows in sunlight and shifts beautifully in shade.

The Details That Set It Apart

Comfort and performance were top priorities, so we equipped the build with Roadsmith’s AccuRide suspension system — a system that automatically keeps the trike at the perfect ride height, no matter the load or road conditions. It’s a seamless upgrade that ensures consistent handling and a smooth, balanced feel without any rider input.

We added Chrome Front and Rear Wheel upgrades, Chrome Wheel Well Trim, and a Chrome Lighted Bumperthat doubles as a running and brake light. Inside the trunk, a Courtesy Light and Roadsmith LED Wing make nighttime touring simple and safe.

The WingGuards (running boards) completed the look — flowing seamlessly with the body and offering stability and style in equal measure.

Chrome, Light, and Luxury: The Goldstrike Touch

Jerry’s new trike gleams from every angle thanks to a full suite of Goldstrike and Twinart components.
He opted for Side Covers, Passenger Floorboard Covers, Fairing and Engine Guard Covers, Radiator Trim, Windshield Strut Covers, and more — all in chrome.
Add to that the Twin Rail Floorboards, 3-Way Adjustable Highway Pegs, and Lighted Vent Trim, and you’ve got a bike that’s as functional as it is flashy.

Some of the standout pieces include:

  • LED Radiator Grill Panels and SPAR Trunk Side Lights

  • LED Engine Lighting Panels and Rotor Covers

  • Strike Windshield Trim and Lightstrike Luggage Rack

  • PANOVISTA Extended Mirrors with Sequential Turn Signals

  • LED Fork-Mounted NAV Lights, Armrests, and Chrome Speaker Grills

Every light, vent, and cover was meticulously wired and aligned — because perfection lives in the details.

Performance and Tech Upgrades

Beneath all the shine, Jerry’s trike is built to ride.
We upgraded the suspension with Traxxion front shocks and a Traxxion ReCabulation Kit, paired with HeliBars for better ergonomics.
We installed a Performance Exhaust, Omni Driver Floorboards, and Wingstuff’s CarPlay Bluetooth Bypass Adapter so he can stay connected without sacrificing safety.

Electrical Connections components — including Puddle Lights, Parking Brake Interlock, Battery Post Relocator, and a Passthrough USB-C Charging Port — round out the tech enhancements.

Accessories from Socalmotogear, Big Bike Parts, Niehaus Cycle Sales, Traxxion, and Wingstuff brought every corner of the project together.

Finishing Touches: Comfort for the Long Haul

For ultimate comfort, we removed the factory Honda seat and installed the Ultimate Heated TallBoy Seat, Tourer Driver Backrest with Pouch, and Heated Passenger Pad, finished off with a Rain Cover for protection on the road.
This setup makes long-distance cruising effortless — and with the new suspension and handlebar setup, Jerry can ride longer with less fatigue.

The Final Look

Once the panels came together and the clear coat cured, Jerry’s 2025 Goldwing Trike stood in our shop as a true reflection of evolution. A continuation of his last build, but with sharper lines, bolder paint, and even more precision.
The triple-tone bodywork dances in the light, offset by chrome that stretches from the nose cone to the rear bumper. Every light, trim ring, and panel flows together in harmony.

We’re proud of this one — and proud to have built both of Jerry’s trikes. Each project tells a story, and together they show just how far custom touring bikes have come.

If you’ve got a vision for your next trike — whether it’s your first build or your second like Jerry — we’re ready to bring it to life.

The NEW Yellow Goldwing Trike! A Custom Automatic Goldwing Custom Painted Yellow

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We first met Joseph by email in February 2020 when he was interested in some lights that were on a Goldwing conversion we posted to this blog. We provided the information on what the lights were and where he could purchase them. We offered to install them if he needed that. This is when we found out that Joseph lives in WA. A year later Joseph was still following UNB Customs and asked about the Hannigan 180 rear fender extension we were displaying on our blog and the chrome fork and caliper covers. Again, knowing the distance between us, we provided as much information as we could to help Joseph out. In August 2022, Joseph called us. He had made his decision to have UNB Customs do a custom build. A 2022 Goldwing DCT in YELLOW!

UNB Customs was asked to find Joseph a 2022 DCT (not an easy task) and replace his 2020 DCT Roadsmith HTX with the Hannigan 180 Front End Package due to the fact that an unfortunate accident totaled his trike. The color of the host bike did not matter because UNB Customs would be changing it to yellow. The host bike was found!

Uwe and Joseph came to the meeting of the minds after exploring three different yellows by sending Joseph the paint samples to actually see in person.

They both wanted the yellow to stand out and look sharp!

Uwe stripped all the panels off the bike and got to work changing colors! Even throwing in some extra parts to get painted which adds an extra touch, such as the forks and rotors.

We think the wide 180 Front end came out great with the new paint job!

We also put in our trunk carpet in the Roadsmith kit, to go with some other UNB touches like the emblems on the Wing Guard running boards.

We also added the chrome wheels, chrome wheel well trim, chrome bumper and lighted mudflaps to the Roadsmith trike kit.

He added the Roadsmith 5-gallon aux. fuel tank, accuride, performance sway bar which are great for long rides. Joseph also added the Traxxion Dynamics Front Shock, Helibars, Paladin Comfort Bars, a bunch of chrome accessories from Goldstrike, and additional lights. See more pictures of the completed trike in the gallery below.

We are super excited with how Joseph's trike came out and are sad to see it go all the way to Washington, we love how the yellow looks and wonder if this will become a popular color going forward.