Honda vs Harley

[cavie]

Not trying to start any trouble with this but I need to do some research into reliability of both brands. I will be looking for a new trike in the near future. I've been driving a Honda VTX 1300 for 2.5 years and chasing overheating issues for that long of time. I've heard all the claims about Goldwings and VTX been bullet proof and going XXXXXX miles with no problems. Harleys not so much. My buddy's with their Harleys are hit and miss. Some have had no problems up to 100,000. Others have been in the shop for various things. The Wing crowd seem to have the best reliability on the ones I talk to. I prefer the Motorcycle look of the Harley. I don't like the Starwars look of the Wing.

I have always hated Tupperware!. BUT I'm getting to old to work on theses things and can't afford the Dealers labor rates for inexperienced mechanics. I have decided I will buy a Roadsmith no matter which brand of bike I choose. It has locally available auto parts and will fit in my trailer. Will be buying used. $$$$$$$

[David357]

Your evaluation on the subject is just about the same experience that I have had.

I have owned 3 new Harley's in the past. Each one developed it's own set troubling maintenance issues.

The Wing is rock solid. Oil changes are easy. The only downside involves the removal and reinstallation of the "tupperware" for any other maintenance beyond oil changes such as steering head bearings adjustment or replacement, air filter replacement, cruise control adjustments and such. The removal/replacement process of the "tupperware" has a learning curve that requires some patience.

[Gold Rush]

Dave pretty much said it all Butch. If you buy a newer HD with a bit of power upgrade you would have no problem in that department. Otherwise I understand that may be an issue the GL1800 never has suffered. It all comes down to personal choices. Places that can/will work on GL1800 based trikes is becoming more available so the HD dealership advantage is getting smaller. Can't help you with the cost factor!! Dealerships will charge as much as they can get away with.

From your Roadsmith statement it sounds like you intend to do a conversion regardless of brand choice. I like that!! You can really make the trike your own that way.



GOOD LUCK WITH THE JOURNEY!!

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Having owned both ... Honda and Harleys ... even have both right now, it's been my experience with both that reliability is directly proportional to how well you take care of the ride. I know lots of HD riders that do an oil change at every 5k and that's about it. Guess what ... they are in the higher fail group. I also know lots of guys with Honda's that do oil changes yearly and that's it. Again, guess what, they are in the high fail group.

As for general reliability, both brands have had recalls. The Harley recall system seemed a little more user friendly than the Honda.

Let me explain. I was involved in the early 1800 GL frame cracking recall. Granted, that was a biggie. It also must be said that I live in an area of 100k people, so not as many bikes as a major city. My issue with the Honda recall was that they made me wait for over a month, waiting for a certified welder, and getting at least 4 bikes that were affected scheduled. During this wait time, they informed me that if I rode the bike, they were not responsible if the frame failed. Needless to say, I didn't ride the bike (This was in late June early July). The actual welding was done on a Saturday, but the disassembly / reassembly took about 3 weeks, some before the weld, some after. Again, it was a big recall. The Harley dealer seems "eager" to do recalls when they are on the books.

I suspect this is due to top pay for them. Warrantee work seems to be slightly opposite. My experience has been hit or miss for warrantee work with HD. Especially if you like your ride to be "custom". Seems the dealers are less likely to "submit" warrantee work if you've done any non HD updates. I also have several friends that have Gold Wing trike conversions that have had some issues getting warrantee work performed by Honda (our dealer) because their bike has been tried. Another dealer (65 miles away) doesn't even bat an eye at conversions.

In summary, is one better than the other? Hard to say. I know HD riders that put lots of miles on their rides and keep them forever.

Paul, I applaud you. I also know HD riders that typically trade their rides in at 10K. Most of that is due to newer, shinny bikes come out. I also know Honda guys that trade their ride because they liked a new color came out. I traded my 2001 1800 for a 2004 1800 because they came out with a white. Worse thing I ever did, the 2001 was rock solid, the 2004 had all sorts of issues.

SO ... having said all that. Go with your heart. Ride them all ... talk to owners of them all, about their experiences with reliability and ease of owner maintenance.

The Harleys are way more easy to work on, just cause you don't have to do the 2-4 hour tupperware party just to get to stuff. Go with what sings to you. Personally, I'm kinda all over the place. My next ride, will be a 1995 gl1500, hopefully trike this next winter. This choice was made mainly due to the smoothness and quietness of the wing. I guess I'm getting old.

[Fabricater]

I have had both.No problems with either one.i do seem to always end up with a goldwing .My ? .Why limit to just 2 brands.I ask myself this after I bought my last goldwing?Kind of wish I would have give Victory a try. Also Indain ,and BMW,make nice bikes,although lndian has has not been on the market long ,The others have developed a reputation .Just something to consider.

[Ed Hobgood]

Everyone can give you their 2 cents worth but it really comes down to what you like the best. All the brands you talked about makes a good product or they wouldn't still be around. The way I see it, it's what you are the most confontable working with. I don't know of anything out there that doesn't require a little premenitive maintenance. Good luck with your choice and let us know what you decide.

[Shimpy]

Kind of wish I would have give Victory a try. Also Indain ,and BMW,make nice bikes,although lndian has has not been on the market long ,The others have developed a reputation .Just something to consider.

A big concern with me would be how many dealers are available. You can find Harley and Honda everywhere. If doing long trips that should be an issue. If not it could still be an issue if you live near a dealer that's bad and the next one is a days ride away.

[rhino 2]

Out of all the bikes and two trikes from all makes that iv'e had [25+?] there was only one that i got rid of because of unreliably issues.... And that was made in Canada .....Maybe i was lucky 24 times and unlucky once....

[Gorilla]

If used is a option what about a Valkie? Goldwing based HD look because no tubberware to speak of.

[cavie]

Yep, hot rod Valk would be the ticket except for the 6 CARBS . No thanks.

[56Elwood]

Bullet train vs. steam locomotive

[DPK]

Yep, hot rod Valk would be the ticket except for the 6 CARBS . No thanks.

Six carbs are no problem on the Valk if you ride it. You cannot let it set up with ethanol gas for more than a few of weeks.

There is a multitude of Valk Interstates on the market with fewer than 30,000 miles in perfect shape that can be had for $6,000.00 or so. Add 8K for a Roadsmith kit and 4K for other & you are in a really great trike for under 18,000.00 and this is a high estimate, a lesser cost is more likely.

With normal maintenance, Valks run reliably for hundreds of thousands of miles and are supported by the VRCC, one of the best international bike support groups in the world.

[cavie]

I now have Goldwing Roadsmith or Goldwing Motortrike Razor on my to buy list. July is a possibility.

[Papa Zook]

Your name on a thread named 'Harley VS Honda' ...we knew the outcome from the start

[tndragonrider]

Good decision!