Am I making a mistake returning my trike?

[rap47]

Hey, no big deal. Some people just aren't meant to have a Harley. On the same hand, on some of the other fourms that I visit daily there are Gold Wing trike owners that have sold/traded their wings for new Tri Glides and love em.

[ZanyCrazyGuy]

Frank, I ride a TriGlide. Thiink about your warranties. Did you buy it new? Remember triking a 2 wheeler will probably leave you without any warranty. TG heat can be somewhat subdued. FuelMotoUSA has a kit, including the SE Air cleaner and Mufflers that you can get with an excellent simple tuner called the PowerVision for a good package price. Others like the Power Commanders. LeNale makes an excellent fan that you can use. I also have the Road Zeppelin seat which can be adjusted to your and your passengers comfort. Yeah, I know - ka-ching ka-ching - but hell, ya can't take it with ya....

I found this forum AFTER I committed to the TriGlide, and some of the things I read kinda scared me, and some still do, but my riding options were fast becoming slim with my diabetes and other medical stuff, but I LOVE my trike and I don't regret it and will never look back....

[jcolson]

I'm sorry Screwball but you have issues. I love my Tri-Glide. Yes I have some major issues with it. Most of it is with the motor not being built right. They have been trying to get it right. I have no issues with the heat since there is no cat anymore with the mods done to the motor & exhaust. The problem with the pulling to the right all the time has been addressed, but still pulls some what. You don't have a glue how that gets to your left arm on a long trip. I'm not a wimp either. I think Mike has it right, you are a Bully. I have talked to a Rep about my issues & they don't have much to say. I drove to California last year & Denver this year to see my youngest for 3 days. We always ride out west to Sturgis or some place. So I do ride mine. I never trailer. If you had any issues with your trikes you probably woudn't tell anybody on here. If you haven't had any issues with your trike more power to you. If I wanted to trade my trike in for another it would be another Tri-Glide. I appreiate Mike helping people out on here along with everyone else. I take it personal when you bash me or anyone else. We are just trying to get some answers that maybe we can't get from the HD dealers. Just venting some,but don't take it personal!!

[msocko3]

I'm sorry Screwball but you have issues. I love my Tri-Glide. Yes I have some major issues with it. Most of it is with the motor not being built right. They have been trying to get it right. I have no issues with the heat since there is no cat anymore with the mods done to the motor & exhaust. The problem with the pulling to the right all the time has been addressed, but still pulls some what. You don't have a glue how that gets to your left arm on a long trip. I'm not a wimp either. I think Mike has it right, you are a Bully. I have talked to a Rep about my issues & they don't have much to say. I drove to California last year & Denver this year to see my youngest for 3 days. We always ride out west to Sturgis or some place. So I do ride mine. I never trailer. If you had any issues with your trikes you probably woudn't tell anybody on here. If you haven't had any issues with your trike more power to you. If I wanted to trade my trike in for another it would be another Tri-Glide. I appreiate Mike helping people out on here along with everyone else. I take it personal when you bash me or anyone else. We are just trying to get some answers that maybe we can't get from the HD dealers. Just venting some,but don't take it personal!!

Hows that engine running for you now? Think the dealer got it right this time or is it to soon to tell?

[carbco]

I was all set to return my 2012 TriGlide and buy a new Goldwing.
Later maybe have it triked.

Needless to say, I would take a beating.
Wife says it hurts her spline, I think it runs too hot.

But I worry I may not be able to handle the GW as I am only 5'6" and 26 1/2 inseam, and 59 years old.

Frank, Welcome I'm 73 yrs 5'6" with a 27" inseam. Just purchased a '10GL1800 with a Calif Side Car CobraXL kit and have the raked steering head and it handles beautifully and I also have post-polio (had polio in '40) now post polio. Had to add an electric Pingle shifter but this is the best bike I've ever owned. Little maintenance (change oil & filter) add gas and ride it. My CSC trike kit was installed by Heartland Honda in Springdale Ar. and other than a few minor problems it was done correctly. I would have rather installed the kit myself but they won't sell to consumers. I just love my trike and my wife rides with me all the time. Typical ride is 100-150 miles no sore bottoms or backs. I've owned harleys as well and wouldn't go very far from home so I was sure I could get back home. Lots of problems but that was back in the '50s and '60s. Leaked lots of oil too. Been riding and owning bikes since early '50's. Love my GL Hope you get a good price for your present trike and move on. Regards. Sisters, Oregon

[jcolson]

Hi Mike, how you doing?!!!! good to hear from you. The bike runs fine. I was over at someones house last week & when I took off the people said the left side puffed blue smoke. That sounds like a valve seal. The service manager said he put new ones in when they installed the new jugs. We were only there for 30mins. I was at the Harley shop today.I wanted to see the new anniversary trike. I liked the emblems. My wife likes our Merlot better than the Bronze color. The owners son came up to me & said he was going to get it Dynoed again for me. Just out of the blue. I asked him before & he never said anything. I think he is just trying to a pease me. I broke the motor in just like the service manager told me to. Run like I stole it. I haven't beaten it either. How's the GW doing? Do you still like it? Sure is a nice looking bike. I like the blue & silver. Ride safe. Jim

[msocko3]

Hi Mike, how you doing?!!!! good to hear from you. The bike runs fine. I was over at someones house last week & when I took off the people said the left side puffed blue smoke. That sounds like a valve seal. The service manager said he put new ones in when they installed the new jugs. We were only there for 30mins. I was at the Harley shop today.I wanted to see the new anniversary trike. I liked the emblems. My wife likes our Merlot better than the Bronze color. The owners son came up to me & said he was going to get it Dynoed again for me. Just out of the blue. I asked him before & he never said anything. I think he is just trying to a pease me. I broke the motor in just like the service manager told me to. Run like I stole it. I haven't beaten it either. How's the GW doing? Do you still like it? Sure is a nice looking bike. I like the blue & silver. Ride safe. Jim

Things are just ducky in my neck of the woods, just getting the toys ready for their long winters nap. I have the Ultra tucked away and will be tucking the Wing away this coming week. I have to say I'm impressed with the Wing, it does a lot of things very well. It does mess me up when I jump on the Harley, I forget I have to be down a couple gears when I come to a 25 mph zone and ride 30 mph and some roads I turn into I'll forget and get into the wrong gear. The Wing is just a well of low end smooth torque, it will go from 30 mph in 5th to however fast you want without any issues.

I agree it does sound like a valve seal, you'll have to monitor your oil usage and see what it does. I'm surprised there would be a valve seal issue with the CNC ported heads, I've yet to read any reports of issues with them. Your right on the money about the owners son, I think he's trying to rebuild a bridge.

[jcolson]

Mike, the owners son(Junior)said it sounds like the back cylinder is in between rich & too lean. It wouldn't puff blue smoke if it was too lean. What a bunch of crap!!!! If it was too rich it would be black smoke. I've been working my butt off & the weather has been crapy, so haven't been able to ride. I have to take a long trip to see if it uses oil. Short trips doesn't do it. My warranty is up in May. You know it doesn't get nice around hear til end of May or in June. It might be nicer where you are at. 3 hrs away where Dennis lives, is nicer than up here. It sucks living on the east side of Lake Michigan,you catch all the crap. P.S. I might PM you about a problem I'm having. Jim

[Hoghead]

I was all set to return my 2012 TriGlide and buy a new Goldwing.
Later maybe have it triked.

Needless to say, I would take a beating.
Wife says it hurts her spline, I think it runs too hot.

But I worry I may not be able to handle the GW as I am only 5'6" and 26 1/2 inseam, and 59 years old.

I just traded a 2012 Tri Glide for a 2012 Honda with Roadsmith kit. The Tri-Glide had only 2400 miles and it was very hot. It rode rough as well as steered very hard and my wife could hardly stay on during travel on a rough road. There is no comparison of the two bikes. The Honda has twice the power and doesn't get hot and rides like a "Cadillac". My wife is finally pleased with this bike.....I have had numerous Harley's through the years and still have a 2010 Electra Glide classic. When I get rid of this one there will be no more unless they decide to change to another motor preferable to a water cooled......When a customer has to spend in excess of $2500.00 in order to cool his Trike down and that may not help....That just ain't right.......

[carbco]

[Howdy, I'm 5'6" with a 27" inseam and have a '10 GL with a CSC Cobra XL kit. Picked it up last December and now have over 7,000 miles on it. I, having only one good leg had to install an electric shifter but the trike is really comfortable and no problems. My SO also loves riding on the pillion and we normally ride 75 to 150 miles in a day (weather permitting) I'm now 74 yrs old and couldn't hold a two wheeler up any longer. I did research on kits long before I purchased the trike and am happy I went with the CSC kit. Ind. Rear suspension and bought it off the floor in Arkansas. I found a few things on the install I corrected after I got it home but they did a pretty good job of putting it together. I don't have any issues with heat as I've read the Tri Glide riders do. The engine is smooth and get 40 mpgs all the time. I live at 3400 feet in the foothills of the Cascades in Central Oregon. My trike also has the steering raked and I installed Traxxion springs in the forks. I run 41lbs in the front tire and 22psi in the rears. It's actually more comfortable than a car. You can't go wrong with a Goldwing. Bulletproof engine. Typically go over 300k with maintenance. Hope this helps. Regards from Central Oregon. Sisters

[screwball]

Didn't I read a couple of pages back the guy traded his Tri-Glide for a Gold Wing a few months ago???

[carbco]

Frocco, I'm 74 and 5'6" as well with 27" inseam and my GL1800 CSC cobra XL fits me great. It's really smooth and none of the heat issues that I see with the right side Tri Glide. My wife and I typically ride 100 to 150 miles per short trip and get 38 to 41 mpgs. I can't hold up two wheels any longer due to post polio so I didn't have a choice. I just love my trike and it has enough power and is really a smooth ride. I've been riding bikes since 1955 and this is one wonderful ride. Several manufacturers, as you know, make kits for trikes. Pick the one you're comfortable with and get it done.

[twalf]

you might try opening up the breather and adding a free flo pipes so more air can get to the engine thats what i did have not tested it yet for excessive heat but that could help talk to the harley dealer good luck in no matter what you decide,

[Tony T of I V E]

I am vertically challenged myself I had a two wheeler and did a little tippy toeing... BUT since going with a TRIKE we have no problems on my GW with heat. comfort etc.. My wife LOVES the GW 1800. Plenty of power. I think I saw where somebody said that it was mostly for OLD TIMERS.. hmmm I beg to differ. and 59 is NOT old ... Good luck with your search. But as long as I am on THREE wheels I ( my opinion ) the Goldwing is the best choice.

Tony T of I V E

RIDE ON.

[Bill Reber]

Gezzer Glide , or Old Fart on a triked wing if you enjoy it, the rest does not matter

[vtxharley]

I have had both a 2004 Honda Goldwing with a csc trike kit, excellent trike. Plenty of power quiet air shocks all the bell and whistles, quiet comfortable. But its not a Harley I just purchased a 2006 Electra Glide ultra Classic with a champion trike kit. The bike is loud and hot but there is something, about a Harley Love it

[Gone2Three]

I have had both a 2004 Honda Goldwing with a csc trike kit, excellent trike. Plenty of power quiet air shocks all the bell and whistles, quiet comfortable. But its not a Harley I just purchased a 2006 Electra Glide ultra Classic with a champion trike kit. The bike is loud and hot but there is something, about a Harley Love it[

Not sure that's the tag line that Harley wants but you know what?...your absolutely right!
I love my Harley Davidson too

[gerald martin]

That is the kind of stuff I'm talking about. We have had members here, we have all read their posts, that from the time they bought their Tri's have done nothing but complain about them. No power, too hot, won't steer, won't go straight when you let go of the bars, rides too hard, wind buffeting (my favorite), oh, the person that has been riding Harleys for 100 years and has trouble finding neutral.....and on and on. These are the people that will be selling a 3 year old Tri with every conceivable 'bling' bolted to it and 800 miles on it in a few years, then bitch about the beating they took. For the most part, these are TOYS not necessities. Enjoy it, or get rid of it before you get an ulcer worrying about it.

You tell them screwball. A lot of posts that I have read on this forum lead me to believe there are a lot of people who say they have but from the sound of their comments most likley don't and never have owned a bike or a trike
by the way how's that new fairing?

[1dn5up]

As in all motorsports, the fun is in improving what you have, to your taste . If it was right and fine for you out of the box, then don't complain. Maybe the nitting club or quilting is for ya.