New to Honda's buying used trike, some Questions???

[Pegasus1300]

2 thoughts come to mind. If you currently like the Harley you own all the trike companies you mentioned make a conversion for Harleys.

Thought #2 look at a Can Am Spyder. They are purpose built trikes,they are comfortable, they have lots of room(I am 6'2" 260lbs) the new (2014) 3 cyl engine is great and a reliable drive train. I have 26000 on mine and no problems.

[cjmitch]

I can only speak on Mtrike as that is what I have.
what to look for..
Independent OR solid axle - look for the NEW drive shaft it will be green in color. If the bike does not have it, either walk away, OR ask the owner/dealer if they will order and install it.

Rake... well that is a hot topic. I would consider it an option with a motortrike, because of its shorter wheelbase. not so much an option with the longer WB models.
More than likely it will have a Rake, most people seem to think they need one.

If its a motor trike and a straight axle check the rear and see if its Drum or Disc brakes.

Drums - You dont want them, not that they are bad, but why buy older style brakes when disc are available (even for the 1500)

Disk brakes - Motor trike had 2 versions of calipers. Check and see if they are the larger auto sized pads, or 2 smaller pads in the caliper. the larger ones are the newest. if they are the smaller, again ask the owner it he will have them put on.

If the pads are the disc brakes (either style) it is imperative that you check the play on the back brake pedal.
Let it roll and press the pedal, if that pedal travels far (more than an 2 inches or so), then you can be assured that there is air in the line left over from the disc brake upgrade. OR the Honda rear master cylinder recall. Have them get that pedal tight.

Front right pocket (depending on year of the bike)
Check to see if the air pressure gauge for the airbags is the old style (analog dial) or the new style which will be digital with a volt meter as an add on.
If its digital you will be good.
If its the analog rotary gauge, test out the pressure button. that dang button has been known to stick closed, not shut off the air pump, and blow up airbags. the older the conversion the more likely this will be to happen. When you click it you will know if its bad, the switch WILL feel bad.

IMPORTANT: If you let it go and the air pump keeps going then immediately press the little small air release valve located on the rotary dial. The key may not shut it off as I have seen that gauge wired directly to the battery. If it latches on you have got to get to that battery quick and disconnect it... (You wont make it). holding that release valve will release the air until someone can disconnect the battery or jiggle the switch

Straight axle - go to the rear and stand facing next to the right side rear tire (passenger side of a car) facing forward. Now with your left thigh nudge the body of the trike back and forth. if you hear ANYTHING like a mechanical clunk , or feel a catch or clunk then you probably have a heim-joint on the rear out of alignment, or worn out, (and I would guess its the one on top of the pumpkin).

Generally push pull on the rear, if you hear anything like a rub or a clunk, then something is worn or out of adjustment.

Have someone get on the bike and drive it away from you. If the back does ANY, and I mean ANY kind of shimmy as it pulls off then either the Drive shaft is out of timing or that previously mentioned heim joint (or the bar its on ) is out of adjustment or worn.
Look at the bike is the rear end REASONABLY level (within say 3/4 inch), then you should be ok, if not... it needs adjusting.

thats about all i can think of for now.

good luck