Honda or Harley?

[msocko3]

I know a LOT of folks that ride Harley's, Yamaha's, Suzuki's. et al.

Sure I get a little bit of teasing and so do they. It goes hand in hand. But, in the end, we fire up our trikes and bikes and ride together. Personally, I don't care WHAT you ride. I simply care THAT you ride.

There are those Harley hard-cores out there that will NEVER accept you. But those folks aren't generally in the same group of people that you would WANT to be rolling with anyway.

Sure, I might be on a T.W.A.....but I rather like the fact that my music is a lot louder than my pipes, I enjoy the reliability of the motor and I like the looks.

If you have a Harley or any other type and want to ride someplace then, please, let me know. I'll ride with you as I don't care what brand it is.

Very true statements, I agree completely. One thing I have noticed since I do ride both brands is the differences on how oncoming riders react. When I'm riding my Harley a majority of the other Harley riders wave and so do the other brand riders. When I'm riding my Goldwing the Harley riders won't wave yet the riders of other brands still do. Over the years I've had great joy in tormenting a friend of mine who owns a 05 GL1800, I used to threaten to put a sticker on his tour pak that said When I Growup I Want To Be An Ultra Classic. But last summer he had the last laugh when I showed up at his house riding a 2012 GL1800.

Last spring I had a GL1800 rider figure it was a good day to mess with the Harley, he found great fun in buzzing me. His problem was assuming one thing and not realizing karma was going be a b!tch that day. I knew I couldn't begin to run with the guy through the corners so I waited for a good drag race spot. As luck would have it a few miles down the road we met side by side at a light. When he figured he would show the stodgy Harley bagger his superior power he found out he didn't pack enough. By the time I cleared 2nd gear I had 10 bike lengths on him.

What he failed to do was use his senses and powers of observation while sitting at the light. He missed the lope of engine idling, he missed the 2.1 exhaust instead just figuring it was just another noise maker. What he didn't know and couldn't know is the bike wasn't using the stock 88" engine making 65 hp and 75 ft/lbs torque. Instead I had built the 120" engine that winter and had an easy 25 hp and 40 ft/lbs torque advantage plus the Harley touring line is almost 200 lbs liter than the GL1800.

[traveler287]

Sure started a firestorm with my question. It appears that personal preference is the key. Both makes appear to have pluses and minuses. Being new to the liefstyle I guess I will have to find a place to compare both makes side by side and then make a choice. One thing for sure I can't wait to hit the open road and experience what all of you have come to love. Thanks for all the advice. Jim

[msocko3]

Sure started a firestorm with my question. It appears that personal preference is the key. Both makes appear to have pluses and minuses. Being new to the liefstyle I guess I will have to find a place to compare both makes side by side and then make a choice. One thing for sure I can't wait to hit the open road and experience what all of you have come to love. Thanks for all the advice. Jim

I know what you mean about fire storm, its amazing the differences between different forums. I've discussed Honda on some Harley forums where the majority are actually quite receptive to an honest side by side comparison, of course there is always someone who has to act out. I do believe the Honda forums are a little more rabid and hostile to the mentioning of anything except Honda, they get all pissy and act like male dogs marking their territory when you mention Harley. The best advise is ride them both, read all you can, compare maintenance requirements between the brands and the biggest hitter is what type of riding do you expect to do. I've been in some gnarly traffic jams when I was riding my 2010 Triglide, I was forced to make a choice when the engine started getting way to hot. The choices where pulling off the road and waiting out the traffic jam, moving over to the emergency lane and riding past all the traffic to either the head of the line or to catch an exit and hopefully catch back roads around the jam, and the last one get my Fred Flintstone on and push.

The year before last while on my way to Nashville I ran into a traffic jam where I ended up shutting it down and pushing the trike with the trailer connected to it and my wife on back. It was 95+ degrees out with about 60% humidity the wife has a bum knee and the heat was kicking her butt. That day she actually started suffering some heat exhaustion, she became pale, sick to her stomach and stopped sweating. I ended up off the road getting her into a cool place and pumping Gatorade into her a couple times.

I've been in a couple traffic jams with my Goldwing and engine overheating has not been an issue, the wife seemed to be more comfortable and not as hassled by the heat.

[FRR]

I have experienced the opposite. When I mentioned Honda a the Harley site I attacked and some guy even suggested that if I "wanted to give my money to the Emperor of Japan" that was okay but why talk about Honda on the Harley site. My brother in law, who owns a great Triglide even commented that he stopped reading the Harley site since the comments there were so negative concerning anyone that even mentioned anything good about a Wing. We all need to be be tolerate of each others views and lay off the attacks.

[spydercatjohn]

Although you didn't mention the Can Am Spyder, it is a good trike with safety features not available on the Triglide or Wing. My wife loves the comfort of our RT.

[skuuter]

Having owned and ridden most every Brand of Motorcycle made over the years, I've never understood the Folks that "seriously" stand by Their "If It Ain't Made By __________, It Ain't S___________", be it Honda, Harley, Triumph, "Whatever".....I can always find a way to enjoy the Ride on ANYTHING, and ANY BRAND......Trike, Motorcycle, Scooter, it's just a Mindset.

Like Everyone, I have "Favorites", but best way to pick the Ride that's best for "YOU" is try some Various Model/Brand Demo Rides, and approach all of Them with an open, honest, and receptive mind....Brands "A", "B", "C", etc. have to be enjoyed by "Someone" to stay in Business....ENJOY THE RIDE.....

[hdtriker]

Go to a rally and demo as many as you can. Thats what we did. Then make your decision.

[Bill Reber]

Both have good points , I ride a Wing for the comfort of my wife she has sat on both wing and ultra and for her the wing took it. For looks the Triglide takes it for me.

[oleman69]

Rode Harley's for 30 some odd years now when I started looking at a trike I started looking at a wing for the power and relieably. To me the tri-glide looks like a retro servi-car if I wanted one of those I want an old military one bascilly ugly. After 4 years on a wing I still have to check which button I'm pushing but when riding there's no comparision set the cruise and ride unless I have something slow down or stop for don't have to downshift unlike the H-D's. That's my thoughts for what ever they're worth hope it helps and good luck. P.S. Overlook spelling

[kimber45]

I just traded a 2010 TG that I bought new and put 52,000 miles on it. I bought a 2013 GL1800 Nav with a CSC Viper trike kit. Night and Day difference in the two trikes. I liked the Harley and the noise, but the Honda is quiet power and smooth ride! We are going to Sturgis next week and we are planning a trip to Alaska next year. Kevin and Mary made it easy to convince my wife to the Alaska trip. I think the repair bill on the Honda will be much less than the Harley when we get 52,000 miles on it. Two completely different trikes, choose wisely

[bobknife]

I like my harley

[John Luciano]

I agree, my 1997 1500 Goldwing has never seen a Honda shop. 4 batteries, numerous oil changes by me. Replaced the fork springs,replaced the alternator brushes ( $25.00) one front tire and 2 rears at an independent shop. I can drop down to 15 or 20 MPH - and stay in 5th. More smooth power. I do miss the rumble and vibration. 15 years 76,000 miles and $2,000 in $ spent Total. I would trust it to take a 3,000 mile trip tomorrow.

[msocko3]

A person has to ride what puts a smile on their face. I've been an exclusive Harley person for years, put 22,000 miles on the 2010 Triglide I had bought new, had a lot of fun and saw a lot of things while traveling on it. Now I'm gearing up to have my 2012 GL1800 triked with a Hannigan kit and looking forward to many miles and more fun and sights to see. So far I've enjoyed traveling on the GL1800 as a 2 wheeler but really miss having a trike, their a boat load of fun.

[Bill Reber]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>mrplumr1</strong>
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<div class="message">Just remember one thing made in the good ole USA. Harley Road Glide with Roadsmith kit. I don't know what all these people are talking about when they say it's cheaper to own a Honda than a Harley. I have a 2002 Road King with a motor trike kit have never had a problem with it. Just change the oil and go. I now have a 2012 Road Glide with a Roadsmith kit. I'll put its comfort up against any Goldwing.</div>

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</div>2010 GL 1800 Marysville Ohio USA / Champion USA. And even now many of the parts for the 2012 and up wings are exported to Japan. Not sure why they pulled out of Ohio, that sure was a nice plant and I don't think they were union. ?

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[JBise]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Trent</strong>
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<div class="message">Ok everyone...commence the bashing!!!! Ha ha!!!!</div>

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</div>Seriously, a Great Lookin Shepherd! Ever Loyal, Ever Alert!

[JBise]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Bill Reber</strong>
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<div class="message">2010 GL 1800 Marysville Ohio USA / Champion USA. And even now many of the parts for the 2012 and up wings are exported to Japan. Not sure why they pulled out of Ohio, that sure was a nice plant and I don't think they were union. ? <img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Honda is Non Union, I believe Wings being built in mexico, after the Nuclear Meltdown in Japan? Owned the harley along with Wing. Yes the Wing is cheaper in many ways. Regular gas just to start, No longer stop at every Harley Dealer to buy overpriced tshirts etc...Harleys arent solely built in the good ole USA, 75 percent of the parts come from other countries, Mexico,Italy, Etc Etc..Honda engine will outlast Harleys any day. Not to mention more power. Could never understand why Harley wont show torque/horsepower on the bikes paperwork, mystery I guess?

Ever see their MPG on new bikes, not even close!

[lboos]

If you tell people you just bought a Honda, the 1st thing their going to ask is...is it a car, or a truck, or a jet-ski, or a port. gen, or a tractor, or a lawn mower, or a weed eater, or a motor scooter, or on and on <img src="images/smilies/shrug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Shrug" class="inlineimg" />.<br />
If you tell them you bought a Harley, they will know what's you got <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />.

[msocko3]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>JBise</strong>
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<div class="message">Honda engine will outlast Harleys any day. Not to mention more power. Could never understand why Harley wont show torque/horsepower on the bikes paperwork, mystery I guess? Ever see their MPG on new bikes, not even close!</div>

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You are correct the Honda engine will outlast the Harley quite easily plus it does have more HP and TQ to the rear wheel vs the Harley, but Harley does publish its torque numbers in the specs for each bike. The 2013 Triglide is advertised at 100ft/lbs @ 3,250 rpm which is measured at the crankshaft. Fuel mileage is a wash, a 2 wheel Harley bagger will get better fuel mileage than the Goldwing. My 2012 GL1800 is getting between 39 - 41 Mpg, my 2006 Ultra Classic with a 120" engine which will spank a Goldwing will get 41 mpg. When the same 2006 Ultra Classic had the 95" engine making almost the same HP and TQ as the Gl1800 in it I would get 43 mpg on average. My 2005 Electraglide Classic with the plane jane 95" stage 2 build would get 45 - 48 mpg.<br />
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My dads 2009 Triglide will get 35 - 36 mpg stock or as it is modified, I believe folks with triked Gl1800's are getting around 35 mpg which is a wash.<br />
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In the end I still firmly believe a person needs to ride what puts a sloppy grin on their face. I love both Harley and Honda, I own both and love them both for what they each bring to the table.

When I say my 06 Ultra will spank a Wing, I've proven it. One hapless GL1800 wing rider didn't use all his senses when he took me on at a traffic light. The lope of the engine and tuned and quiet 2.1 exhaust should have told him something. When all was said and done I had him by 10 bike lengths when I cleared 2nd gear which was when I let off the throttle because I had passed through 90 mph and was getting into areas one didn't want to be riding fast.

[John Luciano]

90 in 2nd really.??? I am truly impressed,

[bustedwing]

Msocko at least you are giving both a fair shake. The majority of riders that say my bike is better than your bike has never even ridden that bike, let alone owned it. Yes I am a Gold Wing fan, I have ridden but not owned a Harley, among a LOT of other bikes. If Harley ever made an engine that runs as smooth as a Gold Wing I would buy it.