To be, or Not to be, is the question

[hoofsmit]

To be or not to be, a Harley trike owner, or not to be, is my question. Howdy all, I have a '09 Goldwing and going to trike it, Motor Trike. I do like the way Harley Trike looks and I rode a '09 Harley Trike and its different from a Goldwing trike, like apples and oranges. But...the Harley is factory made, not a conversion and that I like that. But I do not know anybody who owns one, so, I'm asking to you all. how do you like yours. I have own Harley years back, the last Harley was a '84 FLT and then I switch to BMWs. I sure like to know before I lay the money

[Alan Oakley]

I triked my 09 Pearl Yellow Wing with a Motor Trike IRS and I am really glad I did. If I could afford it, I would have a Harley trike as well. You are correct in that they are apples and oranges but both are a great experience. I am really pleased with the Motor Trike conversion. I believe the key is the installer.....he can make or break the process.

[Boom]

IMHO, the best thing to do is test ride a 2011. They have made improvements since the '09s and '10s. I have a 2010 and have easily put 2 grand in it to get it to suit me. Read around here and the other Tri-Glide forums and you'll get some good info to help you make your decision.

[41inWV]

I have a 2009 triGlide and have modified a lot of things on it to suit me, the '09 did NOT have a catalytic converter, so thats a big plus for it. As far as a 'Factory Built' and warranted machine, I think you'll find different HD Dealers view warranty items and alterations a little differently from one another.

Personally, I love my bike

[bdn56]

For me, unless it were a Harley, I probably wouldn't enjoy riding it. <b>BUT</b>.<br />
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I think you will find quit a few less headaches triking your wing.<br />
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You already have plenty of power and a very comfortable ride. I would keep what you have and enjoy the conversion.<br />
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Good luck with your decision.

[hoofsmit]

I like to say thank you all for the relpys. Economically speaking, I'll trike my wing, being I already have it. Thank you all again. Hoofsmit

[Papa Zook]

If youre going with the Motor Trike Id suggest going the extra $1000 and getting the IRS. Its a real nice setup and though only about 1 year out, there have been almost zero issues with that conversion. Youre gonna love your Gl1800 trike after you get a couple of hundred miles under you.

[bdn56]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>hoofsmit</strong>
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<div class="message">I like to say thank you all for the relpys. Economically speaking, I'll trike my wing, being I already have it. Thank you all again. Hoofsmit</div>

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You made a wise decision<img src="images/smilies/GL1800smilie.gif" border="0" alt="" title="GL1800" class="inlineimg" />

[1550vt]

I have owned one non-Harley bike and it was a "beginner" Honda. Coming from a very long time and faithful Harley owner (still am)....I'd say that if you have a solid two-wheeler now....kit it. Based on what you are riding now, you will never be satisfied with the current air-cooled Harley be it a two or three wheeler and I am truly sorry to have to say it.

[Lucky]

I hope you are as happy with it as I am with mine.RIDE SAFE

[hoofsmit]

Thanks Lucky, I know I'll be happy with it as you are with yours. If I didn't have the Goldwing I would of brought the Harley. I'm a retired farrier and all the years of shoeing horses, my hips, knees been replace and my back is worn out. Its time to trike.

[Jerry Hobbit]

Most Harley Davidson Dealers will let you test ride the Tri-Glide. I have a 2011 with 2500 miles and I have not had any problems. Wish I had gone to a Trike four years ago. The H-D dealer in Ocala Florida let me take one out on a test ride and I love it.
Jerry Hobbit

[gesteff]

I bought a new 2009 GL1800 back in January 2010, had nothing but trouble from the time I drove it out the door, had it back in the shop more than 14 times. Finally convinced them to buy it back. Once that happened I went the next day and bought a 2011 Tri-Glide. Been loving it ever since, should of did it the first time.

[curley03]

I heard from a HD dealer that LEHMAN trikes the bikes for HD. same as motor trike doing it for you IMOP. Now I ride HDs and don't want to change brands now BUT if I had a gull wing I would definitely trike it myself or have some one do it for me. IRs is definitely worth the extra money if you have it to spend. Honda trikes are very good trikes easy to steer and smooth. either way you'll be very happy just test ride as many different trikes as you can. curley

[Gorilla]

I heard from a HD dealer that LEHERMAN trikes the bikes for HD. same as motor trike doing it for you IMOP. Now I ride HDs and don't want to change brands now BUT if I had a gull wing I would definitely trike it myself or have some one do it for me. IRs is definitely worth the extra money if you have it to spend. Honda trikes are very good trikes easy to steer and smooth. either way you'll be very happy just test ride as many different trikes as you can. curley

Curley Your HD source did not give you the complete story. The 2009 and the 2010 were assembled by Lehman from HD parts shipped to them they added the body that they made under HD direction. The HD Lehman body is not the same as the Lehman body that is installed by Lehman on a HD conversion. The 2011 are made entirely by Harley at the York plant. Just FYI

[curley03]

THANKS Gorilla it was a HD salesman who told me that while I was sitting on the trikes on the dealers floor not long ago. I guess he was not up to date on who was making them. I would much more likely buy a HD made trike than someone else making them for the MOCO. my mistake... curley...

[skuuter]

If youre going with the Motor Trike Id suggest going the extra $1000 and getting the IRS. Its a real nice setup and though only about 1 year out, there have been almost zero issues with that conversion. Youre gonna love your Gl1800 trike after you get a couple of hundred miles under you.

Agree with this 100%, havin' ridden both, and ownin' an IRS.....

[secondroy]

Gesteff, I have owned three Goldwings over the years and have had no problems with them. I don't recall ever having to take the bike in for repairs, only service. When I triked I stayed with the Wing and am beginning to love it. Took a few miles--maybe 1200, to get comfortable making turns.

I think maybe you got a lemon and that does happen. Money aside I would love to have a Harley trike in addition to the Wing. If I did it it would be kinda down to the fundamentals with only a small amount of space for carrying personal items.

I saw one the other day like that and my first thought was, I gotta have it. It was a real first class trike. Don't get me wrong though I love the Wing trike and have now taken some tips with it. I'm looking forward to some longer ones next spring.