Never I thought that I would ever say this . . .
. . . but I'm lovin' life on 3 wheels! After accumulating over 500,000 safe miles on Gold Wing 2-wheelers, back in July of 2018, we purchased a 2007 GL1800 with a 2018 Roadsmith HTS1800 kit. My only previous experience with 3 wheels was a brief swap 'n ride on a friend's Hannigan Tri-Car a bunch of years ago. For those unfamiliar with a Tri-Car, it is a hybrid trike / sidecar unit.
Anyway, my real introduction to triking was the return trip from Alabama to Fredericksburg, VA, with my wife following me in our motor home. I had an awesome trip! Aside from a mild case of "Dunass" from the stock Honda seat; I was totally comfortable, despite being 2-weeks from getting a left knee replacement. I am amazed at the handling, and smooth ride, and the ease of steering with the 5 1/2* raked triple trees.
The best part, and I didn't fully realize this until we were home and I was recovering from my knee surgery, . . . I love to ride pillion and let Momma do the driving! She loves it too! It is really easy for me to just nod off and catch a few bugs while she is back in her glory, riding (driving?) again (it's been about 10 years since she had me sell her GL1500).
We couldn't be happier! We love it so much that we sold the motor home and bought a new toy hauler and a new Ram 2500 pickup w/Cummins diesel to tow it, so we don't have to ever leave home without her. The trike's name is "Wind Therapy v5.0" (my 5th Gold Wing), but I'm thinking about calling her American Express ("AMEX" for short) .:laugh:
Thank you Kevin . . . thank you Trike Shop and Roadsmith. We feel truly blessed to finally have the right combo for what we want to do with our future! Travel and ride wherever / whenever!
Best regards,
Dave Calahan
Fredericksburg, VA
2007 GL1800 HPNA / 2018 Road Smith HTS
New to the trike side of motorcycles. Bought my 2007 GL1800 HPNA already triked from a dealer in Alabama on July 5th 2019.
I did a lot of research before taking that leap of faith. (of course it may have something to do with the boss)
A couple of the big selling points are as follows; Rider satisfaction from other Road Smith owners, readily available replacement parts from Automotive stores.
Fact is everyone I spoke to that have Road Smiths, had no major deal stoppers to bitch about! I got a parts list of everything that is in my trike kit in case of emergency repair or ordering through warranty.
Fact is I can work on it if it does break a component and not have to wait for specific mfg component to be shipped to me or the repair shop.
The first ride. Test drive outside of Altoona Al. was enlightening. Better half on back and the way we went. The roughest paved road in Alabama was just around the corner. Wife was in heaven as the trike took the washboards, cracks and dodging potholes in stride. Rest is history.
Got (Shela) back to the house in North East Pa. and started the long upgrade phase. Started with the blingy things, rotor covers, air intake covers, shark gills, knock off Airhawk seat covers, Dash Cam w/front and rear cameras along with loop recording and security recording. Oh forgot the tail and trunk lights upgrades to full LED. Have some RED LED Tunnel lights to put on her big butt.
I been caught in the rain and trike handling was outstanding. Two up no change detectable. Finishing up trailer wiring conversion and will test pull cargo trailer when the weather breaks.
So enough said. I'm a Happy Triker! :D
Woodysjrny