Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion

[lgjhn]

I converted my '06 back in November to a RS.
The speedo was off like everyone else's. It's not a RS thing, it's a Honda thing.
I got used to using my GPS, which is dead on when it comes to the speed read-out, and then noting the GW speedo to get a feel for the difference....about 4 MPH less than indicated.

I had one major issue with the RS kit and the installer immediately made it right. I had a broken trunk lid right where the lower left hinge was mounted and it was broken really bad...it completely came apart at the break. They put on a new lid. All the "other stuff" was minor installer issues, not RS, and I fixed most of those myself. The rear-end/CVs in these conversions are built for cars and a GW trike should not ever be a problem, but anything mechanical can have an issue, I guess. I believe RS will do you right.

Like many, I literally hated it after the conversion and cussed myself daily for destroying a perfectly darn good GW. I probably would have sold it but it was the only way my wife can ride anymore so I kept it. I eventually got to where I tolerated it, then I sorta got to liking it, and now I love it. It's our long-distance machine since it is the only way my wife can ride. For running solo, I have a '14 Yamaha FJR....LOL. I'm 63 and people always look at me weird when I take my helmet off and get off it. One guy actually asked me how old I was and I told him. He asked me why a guy my age would be riding a "sports bike" and I said told him that I totally got off riding it...it worked better than the blue pill. He just walked away shaking his head.

Once it's fixed, I hope you get to liking it and enjoying the ride. Keep us all posted.

[Vardoggs]

I had mentioned that I would keep everyone up to date on the rear end problem - and we I have found out that the pinion nut had backed itself out. Now I'm no mechanic but it seems that the fix was to tighten it back up and put some lock tight on it and we are off to the races.... They are still working on the water leak but Aaron is sure that it will be fixed before the day is out. We are gong to pick it up tomorrow and hopefully all is well. Way to go RS.

[FRR]

Question to all: If the speedo is off on many of the bikes does that necessarily mean the total mileage is off also? It seems like it would.

[Vardoggs]

Question to all: If the speedo is off on many of the bikes does that necessarily mean the total mileage is off also? It seems like it would.

Absolutely, and actually, that is what I noticed first - the mileage. The group that I ride with is always asking about fuel economy and we are constantly seeing if one guy got the same miles from the last stop etc.

[The Captain]

I believe the early Goldwing speedo's were OK. The problems started with the 1800 wings.

Not only are the 1800 speedos off but my $35K 2009 BMW 328Xi speedo was off as well. To me, it's total BS. If they can make the speedo off by 7% they can make it read correctly.

Sorry you had a problem with your trike conversion. I'm sure Roadsmith will make it right.

[Calgary]

I don't have any mechanical skills, but I'm told that CSC corrects the 1800 speedo error through gearing and rear tire size.

As I mentioned before, my speedo is accurate. Perhaps I'll give CSC a call and out of curiosity, ask them about it!

[cavie]

I hang out on three forums. Speedo problems are reported by 75% of the members of all three forums. The only Harleys I hear about are here. They don't seem to complain about it.

[Papa Zook]

I cant remember any vehicle I've ever owned, car, truck or motorcycle that was completely accurate, some were worse then others. I had a Dodge Dually that was off 8 MPH at 75 MPH. I finally got it spot on by going to the tallest sidewall tire I could find, much taller than the factory recommended tire size. Motorcycles have always been off, all brands. I sometimes wonder if the error is intentionally designed in to run the warranty out early...think about it. If every vehicle ever built by Honda (for an example) was off by +10%, look at the advantage to the factory in warranty repair claims. I know it seems like a stretch, but why else would every manufacturer being doing it all these years?

[Calgary]

I cant remember any vehicle I've ever owned, car, truck or motorcycle that was completely accurate, some were worse then others. I had a Dodge Dually that was off 8 MPH at 75 MPH. I finally got it spot on by going to the tallest sidewall tide I could find, much taller than the factory recommended tire size. Motorcycles have always been off, all brands. I sometimes wonder if the error is intentionally designed in to run the warranty out early...think about it. If every vehicle ever built by Honda (for an example) was off by +10%, look at the advantage to the factory in warranty repair claims. I know it seems like a stretch, but why else would every manufacturer being doing it all these years?

If I have my facts correct, there would be no advantage to Honda to consistently build the 1800 with a speedo error as the warranty is based on time, not miles.

[bayoudave]

If I have my facts correct, there would be no advantage to Honda to consistently build the 1800 with a speedo error as the warranty is based on time, not miles.

Got this from the Honda Page

• No Mileage Limitation
  
  No need to watch your odometer. Coverage will not expire at any pre-set mileage limit.  

[Papa Zook]

If I have my facts correct, there would be no advantage to Honda to consistently build the 1800 with a speedo error as the warranty is based on time, not miles.

Got this from the Honda Page

• No Mileage Limitation
  
  No need to watch your odometer. Coverage will not expire at any pre-set mileage limit.

Good point, but Honda was just one example and I didn't mean just Honda motorcycles, I meant Honda as a manufacturer of cars too. I was thinking more of all the auto manufacturers, as motorcycles rack up far less miles per year on average than do cars and trucks. The speedo error has been a topic on many car, truck and motorcycle forums I have been on for years. As someone else said, it isn't difficult for the manufacturers to get the speedometer right from the factory. Why does almost every vehicle manufacturer have their speedos overstating the speed and mileage? Any theories?

[Shimpy]

I believe Honda corrected the speedometer error on the 09's and later GL1800s. I had an "03" that was 10% optimistic and now a 2010 that is right on checked with a GPS. I triked it 2 years ago with a Champion S/A and it is still right on. I was afraid the slightly different rear end ratio and tires would make a difference but was pleased to know my speedometer was accurate. I have no idea about the odometer though.

[camplejeune]

I just bought a 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion and the rear end is trashed! Bought the bike new, it has 2000 miles - advice? Anyone with a similar problem. I had very high expectations for this conversion and am sorry that I picked it. In addition to that - the rear trunk leaks water like a colander, my odometer is 9% off as is the the speedometer!

Vardoggs,

I know this is an old thread, I too am having issues with the rear end on my 2014 R/S kit. My trunk door gasket leaks water too. My rear end has started making a knocking noise. This kit is installed on 2008 GL1800. Speedo showing 54,000 miles. My local R/S dealer believes there is a gear issue and has been in touch with the R/S factory. The suggestion is to have the differential shipped back to them for investigation. I am hoping they will help me with expenses.