Needing some direction and advice...

[ajf141]

OK, as I said in my last post, I am new to trike talk and considering going the trike route various reasons, main reason being wife would feel more secure (and I would too) on 3-wheels as opposed to 2. I am 59 years young in great health as is my wife.

Oh by the way I thank you all for such a warm welcome and introduction to the trike world forum.

I have visited several dealers and rode 1-2 trikes, Harley Stock Tri Glide 2010-11?, Honda wing 2008 DFT Trike conversion.

Here is my problem, I really like the HDTG, but the TG, I rode I found the steering rather difficult and heard, about the heat issues. In all fairness to that particular TG, I do not know if it had ez-steer or rake. Does the 2013 Stock Tri has ez-steer? I know HD added reverse, have the heat issues been addressed on the trike on the bikes I know Harley took care of a lot of the heat issues some years back.

Now, riding the Honda 2008 Goldwing DFT was really nice, it was smooth quiet and the steering was like it was powered, the builder did tell me that it had ez-steer and rake.

Since doing my research I have been bombarded with more info on trikes than I never knew, about motorcycles and I have been on and off bikes for since 1976.

Solid axle vs Independent, Roadsmith or DFT, CSC, Champion even something called a Stallion, and other stuff!

As you might expect I am now confused, I mean I understand that I could trike a Triumph, KAW or Yamaha, that Harley still has mechanical issues on their trikes and that motortrike also has some problems mechanically, (that was told to me today!) and don't forget Lehman trikes.

I have put aside about 25-32 thous for this trike, is that enough? Or could I get a good deal on a used trike? I really don't want to spend a huge amount like 51-60 on a trike. Which conversion is widely recommended or do I just get the stock HDTG?

I ride a lot, everyday, for everything, grocery, trips, fun, rain or shine, long, short trips, biking in the blood.

Thanking you guys and gals in advance for any help, advice, direction>
Thank you Nana for the info on contacting manufacture's

[eagle1]

get a honda goldwing & have it triked. i have a '09 tri glise & have had good luck with it, but you have to spend 2k on a cam,and 1k on a tuner as the t/g are lean fuel ratio . thats EPA , & you have to remove the CAT so you can stand to ride it.
if you get stuck for a h-d buy a used electrGlide & do the frankenstein kit its well built. handles better than the t/g. & cost 4,500.00-7,500.00 depending on id you want chrome wheels ,quad rear disc brakes. etc .go to frankenstein.com for details.
you need a bike that has enough horsepower to pull you,your wife & gear.
just my oinion. the new t/g have problems with the tranny,& arent as well put together as the '09. h-d sent the '09's to lehman & lehman's installed the trike. also no CAT on the '09's newer ones have to conforn to calif standards. CAT. just my opinion

[ajf141]

Thanks, Eagle1.

[Mr Orange]

Don't forget CanAm Spyders! Very easy steering, extremely stable and handles really great through the twisties. I've logged almost 28k on my Spyder in just under two years and don't miss my 2wheelers at all! pepper

[msocko3]

The Triglide has a pretty good ride, the handling is very good IMO. As mentioned the 09 didn't have a catalytic converter which is pretty much a non issue since the after market has come out with a good selection of head pipes. The 09 -10 have a 32 tooth transmission sprocket which I consider a poor choice on HD's part. After they took a beating from customers they changed to a 30 tooth sprocket for the 2011 MY. Heat is subjective, I think they run to hot, others would disagree. The need for a cam is up to the owner, since they introduced the hydraulic tensioner setup for the 06 Dyna 07 and up for the rest of the Twin Cams there has been little to no cam chain tensioner issues.

There are some pretty stout 130+ hp 140+ torque twin cams running the stock cam plate and hydraulic cam chain tensioners with no issues at all. If heat is an issue a lot of the time a simple exahust change and a tuner will make a world of difference.

The GL1800, it comes with a lot of smooth torque plus its missing the heat you would get on the Harley. The vast majority of the Goldwings will go 200,000 miles easily, they will run on pretty much any octane gas you pump into them. A person needs to ride them both and decide what they want out of their trike, and what their willing to invest to get it the way they want.

[alwrmcusn]

Just my 2 cents worth (....and we all know what that's worth) I would give some thought to the Stallion. I saw one on the BRP some time back. I like the idea of it being designed and built for that specific purpose.

[zeman 1]

Test ride and rent for weekend (if possible) to get a feel for the one that is best for you. Everyone has an opinion of what is the best to them. Keep on researching. Almost any touring bike can be triked out with an independent suspension.

[bikerbillone]

Just my 2 cents worth (....and we all know what that's worth) I would give some thought to the Stallion. I saw one on the BRP some time back. I like the idea of it being designed and built for that specific purpose.

Stallions, nice, but really get into the bank account. I don't think the OP wanted to spend that much.

[bikerbillone]

Might want to consider a Road Smith conversion on a Wing. Sure works for me. All you can do is your homework, and listen to others for advice.

[THEREALTRIKKY]

Hello there, and welcome to the world of trikes!! Part of your concern is with "issues and problems". I can tell you that, anything mechanical has issues, problems, and quirks, no exceptions. The trike manufacturers all make a great product, and they stand behind them. (It's no different in the automotive world either, even as a 2 wheeler, most of the dealerships make their "service income" with warranty work).

The best thing you can do is take your time, ride as many different trike conversions as you can, and formulate your own opinion based on your personal likes, and preferences. We are all different, and like different rides, and attributes. Don't make your decision on what other people say, make it on your own experience with each type, and brand of trike. What works best for one, another somewhere, HATES. Talk to all the dealers you can, ride all the trikes you can, and talk to all the customers you can. Ask them what they like about their trike, what they don't like, what type of conversion and manufacturer, and WHO did their conversion.. All of this is worth the time in doing, and researching. Nothing worse than rushing a decision because you think "you've found a deal".

[skuuter]

My "Personal Preference" for Triking is the Gold Wing 1800, but, You need to ride several, and look at several variations of Trike and Motorcycle Brands. I've had Major Fun on EVERY Trike I've ridden....Nana's V-Rod Trike rides and handles GREAT also, I really like it......take Your time...GOOD LUCK on Your Final Choice.....

[icedad]

I for one did not have the luxury of test driving any trikes, for I live in a very rural area of Georgia and do not have anyone that builds trikes close enough to me, to test drive. I had to be patient and shop for a good used one, and one that I could afford to buy and test drive. In the event I didn't like it, I could sell it and not get burnt. But, unfortunately you are looking at a time when prices will be higher because of the upcoming season. I bought an used goldwing trike last Nov, I got a good deal on it and could now sell it for a 2 grand profit, if I choose. (only time I did anything the right way) lol You have the cash, which is enough to buy new, but being new to trikes, I'd still be afraid of making a bad choice.
Like was previously stated, I think I'd buy the bike I really like and trike it in the fall with the leftover cash. Whether it's a Harley, Goldwing, Yamaha, Kawasaki, or whatever. They will all be hot in the summer at a stoplight, but a water cooled bike will last longer before a rebuild. I love Indians, but ride a Goldwing. They are all good! It's whatever you feel comfortable with. Just my opinion and we all have one.
It really doesn't matter what you ride, so long as your face is in the wind. Good luck with your research and shopping.

[SEABILL]

Anthony,

You mentioned that you are looking at a trike because your wife feels more secure on three wheels. Because her comfort is important, I would work with her when deciding which trike to purchase.

One of the reasons we went with the Goldwing is my wife told me that she could see around me better on the wing then the Harley and we didn't bump helmets nearly as often.

[Ed Hobgood]

You have gotten some good advise here and I throwing my 2 cents in. Make sure you and your wife go on the test rides if possible. Sounds like you want her to be happy with the choise also. My wife and I got our 1st trike a few years ago and by both of us being happy with the ride we have put several thousands of miles on our trikes. Hope the hunting goes well and you can find a trike you both like and ride for years to come.

[livelyjames]

Interesting that you have heard of Motortrike having issues.....we have an 06 GL1800 with Motortrike Adventure kit and we love it and have had zero problems (knock on wood!). If you could elaborate a little I would appreciate it.....I might need to have a closer look at mine.

[mtn rider]

If time permits the best advice I could give you is to get a room in Eurecka Springs Arkansas during our June rally. You will see upwards of 150 different trikes all in one spot for 3 days. You can meet the owners, builders, ask all the questions and hopefully get all the answers you need to make a good decision. You dont have to own a trike to come, but you will really want one when you leave.

[ajf141]

Thanks for all the advice, really, needed and appreciated. As far as the Motortrike conversion, my dealer here in Texas who has been doing conversions for about 10-15 years said based on his building experience, DFT, Roadsmith, and Motortrike (in that order) are the ones that his customers had the least amount of problems mechanical or otherwise.
He has built most of all the other conversions, but now, primarily does-DFT and Roadsmith, on Hondas Goldwings. Since, I told the trike forum of my situation I have a whole bunch of new options to purchase (ebay, privately etc.) and even consider other 3-wheelers-Can-Am.

[SEABILL]

Best of luck with your search! Let us know what you decide on. We like pictures.

[Copasetic]

I had a Tri Glide. Sold it and bought a Victory Cross Country Tour with a CSC Conversion. I couldn't be happier.