I just can't decide >>.. Help please.....

[G.W. Viper]

I know this subject has been beaten to death, but still would like to get some input. I am stuck between choosing a new Tri Glide Trike, maybe the 2017 Or a 2015 Goldwing with the new CSC Kit. Its the 40 year anniversary model. Here is a pic..Attachment 37500
I currantly own a 2012 street glide, and consider myself a harley man. But I keep reading all the positive things the G.W has to offer. The main reason going to a trike is the wife. I want her to be comfortable on it. And I hear the G.W is one of the best rides for a trike. Alto I know I will miss the sound of the harley....man this is one difficult decision. I have ridden both. And like both.
Thanks,
Keith
I know most will say get what you want, but that is the problem, I really don't know at this point. I know there are both type of riders here on the forum that prefer one or the other. I'm hoping some chime in and tell me why you chose your particular ride.

If you see the yellow one please ignore posted by mistake, can't seem to remove that pc.

[peteg59]

That yeller wing looks cool.
Fuzzy, you there???

Harley trikes carry the full warranty off the showroom floor.
Not sure what Honda will cover on an aftermarket conversion. Best to check with Honda North America before pulling the trigger on a brand new bike conversion.

Never ridden either so I have nothing to offer on ride quality or reliability.
Go with whatever makes you & your sig. other comfortable, both financially & physically/mentally...

[rhino 2]

Rent a Tri-Glide and ride with the wife! And then ride the Honda... Then see which you both like .... I know its been said many times that what every makes the wife happy....But it does take two to Tango....And If your not happy with one or the other she'll know it and then you both won't be happy...

[G.W. Viper]

That yeller wing looks cool.
Fuzzy, you there???

Harley trikes carry the full warranty off the showroom floor.
Not sure what Honda will cover on an aftermarket conversion. Best to check with Honda North America before pulling the trigger on a brand new bike conversion.

Never ridden either so I have nothing to offer on ride quality or reliability.
Go with whatever makes you & your sig. other comfortable, both financially & physically/mentally...

I did call honda on the warranty after kit is installed. For the most part honda will warranty the bike. Altho he did say that the trike will cause more stress on engine and trans, if they tear it apart in find its caused by the added stress, they may not cover. Also hear a lot of honda dealers will honor the warranty regardless. Also the rear end is warranty buy
conversion company, usually 5 years.

[G.W. Viper]

That says a lot.


Because I'm a Harley man.

Good point RcSuD

[peteg59]

Well if all warranty details are now equal, get a ride on both & try to decide which is better or more suited to the type of riding you & your spouse might be doing.
As Rhino said, renting a Tri Glide or Freewheeler is as easy as finding a Harley dealer that rents bikes.
Honda trike rentals are harder, but maybe with enough searching you can find a way to get on one for a test...
There are likely folks on here that have owned & ridden both, that can offer you more real world experience information on both machines.

Another thought you need to ponder: Will Honda remove the added trike equipment to work on a drivetrain issue under warranty at no added labor cost to you, for the time required to get to the heart of the problem?
Also, while some Honda dealerships are certainly better than others, I'm not sure how much trust I'd place on this statement: "Also hear a lot of honda dealers will honor the warranty regardless."

[G.W. Viper]

Well if all warranty details are now equal, get a ride on both & try to decide which is better or more suited to the type of riding you & your spouse might be doing.
As Rhino said, renting a Tri Glide or Freewheeler is as easy as finding a Harley dealer that rents bikes.
Honda trike rentals are harder, but maybe with enough searching you can find a way to get on one for a test...
There are likely folks on here that have owned & ridden both, that can offer you more real world experience information on both machines.

Another thought you need to ponder: Will Honda remove the added trike equipment to work on a drivetrain issue under warranty at no added labor cost to you, for the time required to get to the heart of the problem?
Also, while some Honda dealerships are certainly better than others, I'm not sure how much trust I'd place on this statement: "Also hear a lot of honda dealers will honor the warranty regardless."

Good points peteg 59. I hope some G.W. riders can chime on this subject " warranty"

[DK Custom Products]

Like has been said, gotta test ride both of them and see if one clearly stands out over the other that you both like more.

Warranty is a tough deal. If you travel a lot out of your area, you may find yourself somewhere that the local dealers will not cover/don't have the know-how. If you ride mostly in your local area and your local dealer will make the warranty good on the Honda, then you're golden, IF the Honda is what you both prefer after test-riding both.

I have talked to more than a few "Harley guys" that went to another bike, and now they are missing their Harley. Conversely, I know many "Harley guys" that went to another brand and have not missed their Harley at all.

Kevin

[Gold Rush]

Good points peteg 59. I hope some G.W. riders can chime on this subject " warranty"

Hey Keith, You do have a tough decision for sure. Probably the best SAGE Advice so far is to ride both so you are comparing apples to apples. Just a couple miles is not going to tell you what you want to know so it would be great if you could get maybe 30 or 40 miles at least. Try different roads so you get the total experience. Don't let the novice triker handling issue bother you. It happened to almost every one of us and you get past that. I don't know much about the Tri-Glide or the Champion conversion but if the kit has adjustable air ride suspension make sure to try that in several settings. A little bit of air can make a big difference in comfort and handling. As for the 2015 GL1800, Well I'm just a little biased there...

Your warranty concerns are well noted. I can't say MOST Honda dealers will honor a total warranty regardless but I do understand Honda's view is was you stated. As long as the conversion did not cause it, they will cover under warranty. The bit about the trike kit causing increased strain on the engine and drive train on a GL1800 is a none issue unless there is already weakness. My previous trike, that I rode pretty hard by the way, was an '06 with a Motor Trike conversion. I had 120,000 miles on it with only minor maintenance and I suspect the current owner will 200,000 in a few years. Champion makes a pretty darn nice conversion so I think if you can get past changing brands you would be very happy.

Good luck on your decision. It will be interesting to see what you settle on.

[roadking2]

I'm a Harley guy and I never considered anything else when I was looking for a third wheel. I rode several Harleys that had been converted with various kits. Roadsmith, CSC, Lehman, and Champion. I also tried a Triglide. In all honesty, the Tri was the bottom of the pecking order when I was done testing. The solid axle didn't ride near as well as the IRS conversions and I ended up going with the Champion. If you are happy with your Harley, why not consider converting it? I have zero input as far as the Honda goes, but I never considered changing makes. Like I said I've had Harleys for 50 years now and I have no desire to ride anything else. I understand the Honda converts to a really nice trike, but I'm Harley all the way.

Your feelings about it may differ, but if it were me, and it isn't, I'd seriously consider converting what I have. Another thing about the Tri I didn't care for was the general seating position. I felt cramped. The bars were to narrow and the seat was to far forward. To be fair, I also don't want or need a tour pack, lowers, or a radio, so those items made it seem like I was buying a bunch of stuff I didn't need with the Tri. Try out as many as you can, then get what feels right for you. My opinion is that you won't go wrong no matter which way you go. New Tri, older converted Honda, or converting what you have. It's a toss up and you are the best judge of which is the winner, but ultimately you end up being the real winner when you finally get that 3rd wheel.

[silverbullet05]

That's what keeps this world interesting, We all roll differently.
I've been a Honda guy in my 39 years of riding. So I would hands down go with the Honda. Mostly for realiaibility issues alone. The GoldWing is pretty bulletproof. It has been my experience that ALL HONDA dealers take care of warranty issues regardless where you bought it.
I have no interest in ever owning a Harley.

As was said go with your Gut. Try them out get your wife's input how comfortable is she. Good luck! Keep us posted!

[jredman]

I actually love both. When I was in the market. I researched them both to death. I did not ride either before I bought. This is just my personal findings when I searched both. Hope this is somewhat helpful.

Goldwing Trike

Pros:

Adjustable Air Ride Suspension Standard

Independent Rear Suspension Standard

Heated Seats, Heated Grips Standard

Smooth 6 Cylinder, rock solid engine

Reliable

3 year Warranty on bike.

3 year Warranty on conversion

Lot of storage

Shaft drive

Trailer hitch standard

Regular unleaded fuel.

Cons:

Footpegs, one riding position

GPS not standard, but can get one with built in GPS

Trike is a conversion

Harley Tri Glide

Pros:

Technology, GPS, MP3, Blue tooth, Boom Box great sound

Love the footboards, changing riding position.

Lots of storage

Tons of dealerships, everywhere.

Cons:

2 year Warranty

$495 check or first 500 miles

$495 for 1000 mile check

Straight axel belt drive, short wheelbase

Just the heads water cooled, can get hot is traffic

Hand pump air suspension and pump does not come with it.

Low, would need a lift kit to not drag pipes.

No trailer hitch

Cost of ownership will be high

Premium fuel only

Warranty void if pulling a trailer

[G.W. Viper]

I'm a Harley guy and I never considered anything else when I was looking for a third wheel. I rode several Harleys that had been converted with various kits. Roadsmith, CSC, Lehman, and Champion. I also tried a Triglide. In all honesty, the Tri was the bottom of the pecking order when I was done testing. The solid axle didn't ride near as well as the IRS conversions and I ended up going with the Champion. If you are happy with your Harley, why not consider converting it? I have zero input as far as the Honda goes, but I never considered changing makes. Like I said I've had Harleys for 50 years now and I have no desire to ride anything else. I understand the Honda converts to a really nice trike, but I'm Harley all the way.

Your feelings about it may differ, but if it were me, and it isn't, I'd seriously consider converting what I have. Another thing about the Tri I didn't care for was the general seating position. I felt cramped. The bars were to narrow and the seat was to far forward. To be fair, I also don't want or need a tour pack, lowers, or a radio, so those items made it seem like I was buying a bunch of stuff I didn't need with the Tri. Try out as many as you can, then get what feels right for you. My opinion is that you won't go wrong no matter which way you go. New Tri, older converted Honda, or converting what you have. It's a toss up and you are the best judge of which is the winner, but ultimately you end up being the real winner when you finally get that 3rd wheel.

Thank you for all that information, I appreciate your input ! I thought about converting my street glide, but on the new one's , I do like all the bells and whistles.....

- - - Updated - - -

That's what keeps this world interesting, We all roll differently.

I've been a Honda guy in my 39 years of riding.

So I would hands down go with the Honda. Mostly for realiaibility issues alone. The GoldWing is pretty bulletproof. It has been my experience that ALL HONDA dealers take care of warranty issues regardless where you bought it.

I have no interest in ever owning a Harley.

As was said go with your Gut. Try them out get your wife's input how comfortable is she. Good luck! Keep us posted!

Will do ! Thank you

[clint44]

As much as I love my Harley trike,even I would buy that GW trike over a new Tri Glide. Ride quality,performance,and overall reliability are far superior on the Honda. I agree with Jim Redman.

If you are a dyed-in-the-wool Harley guy,you shouldn't be asking such questions.

[Mykneesbehurtin]

My buddy has one of each,he has an 05 GW with a Motor Trike kit that is Fla and he just picked up an 09 Tri to keep up here,now keep this in mind these is his words not mine.He claims that the Tri rides better than the GW. I personally couldn't say one way or another.

[G.W. Viper]

I actually love both. When I was in the market. I researched them both to death. I did not ride either before I bought. This is just my personal findings when I searched both.

Hope this is somewhat helpful.

Goldwing Trike

Pros:

Adjustable Air Ride Suspension Standard

Independent Rear Suspension Standard

Heated Seats, Heated Grips Standard

Smooth 6 Cylinder, rock solid engine

Reliable

3 year Warranty on bike.

3 year Warranty on conversion

Lot of storage

Shaft drive

Trailer hitch standard

Regular unleaded fuel.

Cons:

Footpegs, one riding position

GPS not standard, but can get one with built in GPS

Trike is a conversion

Harley Tri Glide

Pros:

Technology, GPS, MP3, Blue tooth, Boom Box great sound

Love the footboards, changing riding position.

Lots of storage

Tons of dealerships, everywhere.

Cons:

2 year Warranty

$495 check or first 500 miles

$495 for 1000 mile check

Straight axel belt drive, short wheelbase

Just the heads water cooled, can get hot is traffic

Hand pump air suspension and pump does not come with it.

Low, would need a lift kit to not drag pipes.

No trailer hitch

Cost of ownership will be high

Premium fuel only

Warranty void if pulling a trailer

I totally agree with all your pro's and con's on both.

I see you went with the goldwing. I have watched your video before. Nicely done, and like the looks of your trike ! The G.W. that i'm looking at is a level 2 with the gps. If I go that route, I was going to have the dealer install drivers floor boards, and high way pegs.

- - - Updated - - -

Hey Keith, You do have a tough decision for sure. Probably the best SAGE Advice so far is to ride both so you are comparing apples to apples. Just a couple miles is not going to tell you what you want to know so it would be great if you could get maybe 30 or 40 miles at least. Try different roads so you get the total experience. Don't let the novice triker handling issue bother you. It happened to almost every one of us and you get past that.

I don't know much about the Tri-Glide or the Champion conversion but if the kit has adjustable air ride suspension make sure to try that in several settings. A little bit of air can make a big difference in comfort and handling. As for the 2015 GL1800, Well I'm just a little biased there...

Your warranty concerns are well noted. I can't say MOST Honda dealers will honor a total warranty regardless but I do understand Honda's view is was you stated. As long as the conversion did not cause it, they will cover under warranty. The bit about the trike kit causing increased strain on the engine and drive train on a GL1800 is a none issue unless there is already weakness. My previous trike, that I rode pretty hard by the way, was an '06 with a Motor Trike conversion. I had 120,000 miles on it with only minor maintenance and I suspect the current owner will 200,000 in a few years. Champion makes a pretty darn nice conversion so I think if you can get past changing brands you would be very happy.

Good luck on your decision.

It will be interesting to see what you settle on.

Thanks gold rush for your input. The trike i'm looking at has a CSC kit. I also like the champion, as a mater of fact champion is about 50 miles from me. They did let me go on a tour there, and I was quite impressed with their set up.

- - - Updated - - -

Like has been said, gotta test ride both of them and see if one clearly stands out over the other that you both like more.

Warranty is a tough deal. If you travel a lot out of your area, you may find yourself somewhere that the local dealers will not cover/don't have the know-how. If you ride mostly in your local area and your local dealer will make the warranty good on the Honda, then you're golden, IF the Honda is what you both prefer after test-riding both.

I have talked to more than a few "Harley guys" that went to another bike, and now they are missing their Harley. Conversely, I know many "Harley guys" that went to another brand and have not missed their Harley at all.

Kevin

Kevin, thanks for that last paragraph, now i'm really confused.... haha...

[Gold Rush]

Thanks gold rush for your input. The trike i'm looking at has a CSC kit. I also like the champion, as a mater of fact champion is about 50 miles from me. They did let me go on a tour there, and I was quite impressed with their set up.

I'm sorry. Don't know why Champion got into my head. I saw the CSC and believe it or not that is what I was thinking when I typed Champion.

Is the '15 in the first photo the one you are looking at? If so, you might want to hold off on the driver floorboard and try using the ground effects floorboards to rest your feet. Several guys have taken the rider pigs off completely. I have short legs and need them for mount/dismount but have modified mine so they flip up vertically once my butt is in the saddle.

The highway pegs are a very good idea! One more foot position!!

[G.W. Viper]

I'm sorry. Don't know why Champion got into my head. I saw the CSC and believe it or not that is what I was thinking when I typed Campion.

Is the '15 in the first photo the one you are looking at? If so, you might want to hold off on the driver floorboard and try using the ground effects floorboards to rest your feet. Several guys have taken the rider pigs off completely. I have short legs and need them for mount/dismount but have modified mine so they flip up vertically once my butt is in the saddle. The highway pegs are a very good idea! One more foot position!!

Hi Gold Rush, Yes the black and red one is the 2015. The guy said its G.W.

40th edition. Didn't know you could use the ground effects as floor boards. Thanks for the tip. One of the reasons I like the G.W is the look of the ground effects. I think the ground effects can support like 400 lbs. Not real sure, but I beleive I read it some where. If possible can you post a pic of yours. Would like to see it, no problem if you can't....

[Ozarkryder]

I own a 1990 Harley and a 2004 Goldwing Champion trike. Also have a 2013 Triumph Bonneville and a 2007 Trike Shop (now Roadsmith) Roadhawk VW trike. I'm not a Harley or a Goldwing guy, i'm a motorcycle/trike guy. One of the things on the Harley/Goldwing trike decision (you only asked about those 2 so we'll ignore other choices like Victory, BMW, Yamaha, Spyder, etc.) to consider is the engine.

Harley has a 45° V-Twin 1689.5cc (103.1ci) 2 cylinder. Stroke is 4.374 in. Goldwing is 1832cc (111.79ci) flat (boxer) 6 cylinder. Stroke is 2.79 in.

Harley (Rushmore) is "twin cooled" - Air cooled with water cooled heads around valves, Goldwing's engine is fully water cooled.

Harley horsepower is 75.82, Goldwing horsepower is 118.

Harley torque - 106.2ft.lbs. at 3750rpm. Goldwing torque - 123.2 ft.lbs. at 4000 rpm.

Harley engines have a style, feel and sound some folks love.(Me included) There is something visceral about a 45° V-Twin. Nothing else sounds or feels like it.

On the other hand, the Goldwing engine has more horsepower, torque, is smooth as silk and it is not unusual for a Wing to go upwards of 100,000 miles with just normal maintenance. Due to the design of the motors, the Harley will need more major attention earlier than the Wing.

The Twincam is also a hot motor, with "bandaid" fixes like little heat guards over the rear jug to protect the riders legs from the heat, some models shut off the rear cylinder at a stop to lessen heat buildup and of course the Rushmore variant water cools the heads around the valves. There are fans, intake and exhaust changes and other things that can be done to help with the heat on the HD.

On paper the Goldwing powerplant is more powerful, quieter, smoother and more reliable by design than the Harley, but the look, sound and feel of the Harley engine is unique.

Harley is an American based company, Honda is based in Japan. That may be important to some folks. Oddly enough, our 2004 Goldwing has, by percentage, more American sourced parts than a Harley up to 2010, when Honda moved Goldwing production from Marysville, Ohio to Japan.

Thing is, there is no right or wrong choice. As long as you are satisfied with what you get whether it be a Wing, HD, Slingshot or any other trike, it is the right one for you.

[Gold Rush]

Hi Gold Rush, Yes the black and red one is the 2015. The guy said its G.W. 40th edition. Didn't know you could use the ground effects as floor boards. Thanks for the tip. One of the reasons I like the G.W is the look of the ground effects. I think the ground effects can support like 400 lbs. Not real sure, but I beleive I read it some where. If possible can you post a pic of yours. Would like to see it, no problem if you can't....

Here you are. Notice the rider foot pegs. Left one is down at the time but will go vertical just like the right one.