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Trike motorcycle version may appeal to Baby Boomers

Skip Peterson

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By Skip Peterson, Wheels contributor Updated 4:21 PM Friday, April 24, 2009

Ken Steele has been selling custom truck accessories and tinting windows for 30 years at his Truck Paradise shop in Waynesville. But the recent slowdown in the truck business has given him an opportunity to pursue business with his first love, Honda Gold Wing motorcycles.

“In business, you have to diversify. And with truck sales off and motorcycle interest up, I figured now was the time,” the 59-year-old explained. “I’ve been riding Gold Wings for 20 years, and now, more of the older riders wanted the trike version. Hannigan makes the best conversion kit out there, so I went to their factory for a week’s worth of training, and we’ve just finished our first one. This is the start of Paradise Bikes, Trikes & Trailers.”

Joel Lehmkuhl of Spring Valley was in the shop recently to pick up his converted 2005 GoldWing.

“I love it! It looks better than I expected,” Lehmkuhl said. “I’ve had a Gold Wing for about five years, but I just didn’t feel real safe on it. It’s a heavy bike, and with the trike conversion, well, now I have the Cadillac of motorcycles, plus it’s really safe and easy to ride.”

Steele took Lehmkuhl’s GoldWing to another level.

“He wanted it special, so we added chrome 17-inch rear wheels, chrome front wheel and valve covers, polished brake rotor, purple “boogie lights” and on the fairings. We cut out each scoop and fashioned a mesh covering with lights behind them,” Steele said. “We’ll work with the customer to create a trike that is unique for them.”

It takes about two weeks to complete the conversion. The kit includes the rear clip, suspension and differential, brakes and the rear bodywork, and costs $7,995, plus labor and paint.

The GoldWing is a 125-hp power motorcycle, with a 5-speed transmission and reverse.

It gets about 35 miles per gallon, and Lehmkuhl’s also has an extra fuel tank, bringing capacity up to 10.5 gallons. It also features cruise control and an aftermarket sound system.

Steele has added another division, Paradise Graphix, which specializes in vehicle wraps, graphics and lettering.

“We do all types of lettering and wrapping for marketing purposes. We have a state-of-the-art printer, and we just finished wrapping an entire dragster,” Steele said.

All of the businesses are located five miles south of Centerville, near the intersection of state routes 48 and 73 at 1673 E. state Route 73. They are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (513) 897-1364.  E-mail sales@paradisebikesandtrikes.com.

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