May be losing my mind but, I'm thinking about picking up another Trike

[Gone2Three]

Congratulations on your Bumblebee Larry! 🐝👍

[Diablo]

Congratulations! Are you bringing the big bee to Kerrville this April?

Absofriggenlutley....The problem may be returning home after Kerrville...

Guess I need to start looking for a good old school pinstripe artist....It's just begging for some vivid black and silver artwork...My wife even likes it...said she didn't think she would from the pictures but up close and personal it sang to her too!

[Diablo]

Congratulations on your Bumblebee Larry! 🐝👍

Thanks Randall...it will be spectacular (well in my eyes at least) when I'm done "making it mine" as they say...I'll be in Kerrville for the April meet...you joining us?

Larry

[CrystalPistol]

Was looking for some pictures but I guess I deleted them after he sold it, but a buddy had a yellow trike with a painting in front that looked like one of those bullet hole decals (looks like torn yellow paper with grey primer maybe showing) with a bumble bee's furry butt sticking out, stinger & all, like the bee stuck in the trike … and on the trunk he had almost the same painting, but there the bumble bee's head was sticking out with helmet & goggles on and a frown or grin? On the sides were some little ones that looked like Dodge Scat Pack bees, with helmets, goggles, & big smoking/spinning tires … going forwards natch!

I did see a friend's MT with the same tail lights has his tag on the door like in your picture, he covered his tabs on the light tops with red reflective tape. I suppose they could be cut off easy enough (Dremel), smoothed over, polish, & clear coat the cuts.

Wish now I had kept those picks of the bumble bee where I could find them.

Oh yeah … was also looking at some records, etc, noticed in our owner's manual, that display also had a icon for AM of FM or cassette and if "Ambient" was on to mix/blend stereo, tape direction, other stuff I never looked at maybe? I'll scan a pic if you like … but good bet you'll have your own owner's manual soon to study.

Here's some info too … https://www.taninautoelectronix.com/...SABEgL5qfD_BwE

My most favorite helmet doesn't match our trike, it's a bright YELLOW Shoei FF with gold reflectorized drop shield. I call it my "bug light", I wore it usually when on my '74 Triumph T150V as it matched the scallops on the tank to a tee.

[Gone2Three]

Thanks Randall...it will be spectacular (well in my eyes at least) when I'm done "making it mine" as they say...I'll be in Kerrville for the April meet...you joining us?

Larry

I'm hopeful, but still too early to tell. Because of the timing of the meet this time around, if it did happen it would be only me coming....And as Bill would tell you, I'm absolutely no fun without my beautiful wife by my side.

We'll see what happens

[PosseRider]

I'm hopeful, but still too early to tell. Because of the timing of the meet this time around, if it did happen it would be only me coming....And as Bill would tell you, I'm absolutely no fun without my beautiful wife by my side.

We'll see what happens

WOuld be good to see you also Randall. Just better with Michele lolol

[LadyonaMission]

I'm hopeful, but still too early to tell. Because of the timing of the meet this time around, if it did happen it would be only me coming....And as Bill would tell you, I'm absolutely no fun without my beautiful wife by my side.

We'll see what happens

I hope you make it. I will miss Michele, but hopefully I can meet up with your family again someday soon.

[trike lady]

Congrats on the new 2 U trike. Keeping with the 'Bee' theme and appropriate decal.

You have an SE model GL1500.

[Diablo]

Congrats on the new 2 U trike. Keeping with the 'Bee' theme and appropriate decal. You have an SE model GL1500.

Ooooh!...I can see the little bee guy in black and silver on the trunk lid somewhere...Thanks!

I know it has 50th Anniversary badges, but what does the SE stand for other than "Special edition"?

[trike lady]

The SE Goldwing has items that are not on the Aspencade, the engine has gold inserts on the covers, the passenger floorboards are adjustable up/down and there is a knob for foot warmers on the dash.

[CrystalPistol]

Ooooh!...I can see the little bee guy in black and silver on the trunk lid somewhere...Thanks!

I know it has 50th Anniversary badges, but what does the SE stand for other than "Special edition"?

25th



Maybe 15 - 16 years ago I researched and made notes and came up with my 1500 history list. I missed some of it, like when the lower turn assist lights or fader were added but here's a copy of what I wrote on the subject. I think it likely I did it in late 2004 as I was learning about my our "new to us" trike? There could be an error or two and I'm sure they will be pointed out?

13 years of GL1500 Gold Wing Motorcycles … … 1988-2000

The GL1500 was introduced for the 1988 model year. In 1989, the "1500/6" badge on the right saddlebag was removed. The GL1500SE came out in 1990 . In 1991 the Interstate (basic model) started and had no reverse. The Aspencade became the step up I think. The SE had two-tone paint, trunk spoiler/light, windscreen vent, lighted handlebar switches, adjustable passenger footboards and foot warmer vents & the CB radio came on in 1993 … and the cruise control got it's signal directly from the camshaft. 1995 was a 20th year deal, it got slimmer side panels and the seat was slightly changed for the better and the suspension was lowered and stiffened up a hair ... good too. 1996 the Interstate was dropped so it then became a choice of Aspencade or SE. 1997 was when the SE's lower panels were color matched to the main bike color. Got symbols instead of text on the handlebar switches, a stronger clutch was added and some parts from the Valkyrie like main bearings, piston & ring sets, con-rod bolts, valve springs. The Valkyrie final drive was used on the Goldwing too and so was a lot of the transmission, shift forks, maybe U-joint too soon. 1998 was the year the SE got white face gauges, rectangle tipped / louder mufflers, the smooth clear plastic headlight lense, smaller engine guards, and some other stuff I forget. 2000 was a 25th year model, maybe different rocker covers, some badges, and I think the white speedo faces went back to black.

I lost track of when the two lower turn assist / illumination lights or rear speakers & fader were added but our '97 SE has them OEM. 2001 was the first year for the GL1800. 1997 was a big year mechanically, 1998 was a big step cosmetically (my opinion), & I was glad they went back to black face speedo in 2000.

[Diablo]

25th

Maybe 15 - 16 years ago I researched and made notes and came up with my 1500 history list. I missed some of it, like when the lower turn assist lights or fader were added but here's a copy of what I wrote on the subject. I think it likely I did it in late 2004 as I was learning about my our "new to us" trike? There could be an error or two and I'm sure they will be pointed out?

13 years of GL1500 Gold Wing Motorcycles … … 1988-2000

The GL1500 was introduced for the 1988 model year. In 1989, the "1500/6" badge on the right saddlebag was removed. The GL1500SE came out in 1990 . In 1991 the Interstate (basic model) started and had no reverse. The Aspencade became the step up I think. The SE had two-tone paint, trunk spoiler/light, windscreen vent, lighted handlebar switches, adjustable passenger footboards and foot warmer vents & the CB radio came on in 1993 … and the cruise control got it's signal directly from the camshaft. 1995 was a 20th year deal, it got slimmer side panels and the seat was slightly changed for the better and the suspension was lowered and stiffened up a hair ... good too. 1996 the Interstate was dropped so it then became a choice of Aspencade or SE. 1997 was when the SE's lower panels were color matched to the main bike color. Got symbols instead of text on the handlebar switches, a stronger clutch was added and some parts from the Valkyrie like main bearings, piston & ring sets, con-rod bolts, valve springs. The Valkyrie final drive was used on the Goldwing too and so was a lot of the transmission, shift forks, maybe U-joint too soon. 1998 was the year the SE got white face gauges, rectangle tipped / louder mufflers, the smooth clear plastic headlight lense, smaller engine guards, and some other stuff I forget. 2000 was a 25th year model, maybe different rocker covers, some badges, and I think the white speedo faces went back to black.

I lost track of when the two lower turn assist / illumination lights or rear speakers & fader were added but our '97 SE has them OEM. 2001 was the first year for the GL1800. 1997 was a big year mechanically, 1998 was a big step cosmetically (my opinion), & I was glad they went back to black face speedo in 2000.

Great information!...The 50th Anniversary for 1999 was Honda's 50 years of doing business in the US according to Wikipedia. This one has white faced gauges and wood grained dash and console...Can't see if there are gold badges on the engine covers from the pictures I have...but for sure has the foot warmer knobs, adjustable windshield vent, and height adjustable passenger floorboards

Larry

[CrystalPistol]

Great information!...The 50th Anniversary for 1999 was Honda's 50 years of doing business in the US according to Wikipedia. This one has white faced gauges and wood grained dash and console...Can't see if there are gold badges on the engine covers from the pictures I have...but for sure has the foot warmer knobs, adjustable windshield vent, and height adjustable passenger floorboards

Larry

My research told me the black faced speedo etc was back in 2000, maybe after a few early ones or maybe someone swapped it in the past. It's got the white lense signals, so that puts it past '97 anyway. I have a spare '97 glass headlight as a buddy bought a new '98 up style smooth plastic lense headlight to update his, he just liked the looks that much. The wood grain dash & stuff was offered in kit form, I almost bought them myself. The passenger floorboards, your co-rider will push down on them after pulling the lever to lower, just lift her feet and pull the lever to raise them, "Wife Unit" loves them. Later on, you may even want to moved the top trunk back a couple inches, not hard at all and gives a co-rider back what they lost to a driver backrest.

Gonna post a link to a place called Graphic Express, very high quality reproduction muscle car stickers, stripes, etc. I did the "Wife Unit"s red Mustang with silver stripes, etc in 2013, still looks as good as ever. They also have the Scat Pack "Super Bee" in their Dodge selections, several sizes, both directions. I'm getting ready to order some "horsey" stickers in reflective black for "Wife Unit"s Mustang's rocker stripes, she's gonna love them.

https://www.graphic-express.com/mopa...-kit-3142.html

or for pair:

https://www.graphic-express.com/1971...-2-x-3-75.html

Let me know if you decide to set that trunk back a little bit.

[Diablo]

My research told me the black faced speedo etc was back in 2000, maybe after a few early ones or maybe someone swapped it in the past. It's got the white lense signals, so that puts it past '97 anyway. I have a spare '97 glass headlight as a buddy bought a new '98 up style smooth plastic lense headlight to update his, he just liked the looks that much. The wood grain dash & stuff was offered in kit form, I almost bought them myself. The passenger floorboards, your co-rider will push down on them after pulling the lever to lower, just lift her feet and pull the lever to raise them, "Wife Unit" loves them. Later on, you may even want to moved the top trunk back a couple inches, not hard at all and gives a co-rider back what they lost to a driver backrest. Let me know if you decide to set that trunk back a little bit.

Thanks Les...I probably will move the trunk back as it looks pretty small back there...The fair haired one is not a large woman by any stretch of the imagination, but I think a couple of more inches would be more comfortable. Right now I'm think hand done striping and graphics...maybe modify the Scat Pack Super Bee to be more of a trike super bee...maybe incorporated into the striping somehow. That's all down the road a bit. I did locate the OEM badges for the side covers though.

Larry

[Diablo]

Got a few more pictures of the soon to be new to me trike...

[CrystalPistol]

Not to alarm, but I have seen folks buy vehicle and never check the VIN # on paper title with that on the vehicle itself … only to find it didn't match years later. On the 1500, the VIN will be viewable on right side of frame near stem.

Thanks Les...I probably will move the trunk back as it looks pretty small back there...The fair haired one is not a large woman by any stretch of the imagination, but I think a couple of more inches would be more comfortable. …..

Got a few more pictures of the soon to be new to me trike...

Nice!

I see it has '98 style white faced speedo, etc as you said. Has pre '98 … more like even pre '96 style engine protection with the extended floor boards & good stout mounts. The wood grain is aftermarket, very nice too … aftermarket nice radio knobs. Pull that lone one, there's a key it's glued to ... to open the gas door, but you'll find the key is too short to turn the ignition, popular mod. It will open the right pouch though.

Looks to be a really nice paint job on it too. Someone "made it thier's" with a few additions & changes. All of the one's I had seen that yellow were 1800s, I love the color.

I see you have a Corbin Seat as well, some say they are too hard after pressing a finger into one I think, but they are shaped so well, the miles just melt. Pull the lever up & it raises the rider back rest a couple inches or so and it raises forwards in the process which really helps the back. The rider back rest can be just pulled up to remove or for co-rider ease of getting on or off unless the 1/4-20 cross bolt is in place under the seat? Yeah, I love my Corbin.

I added some pics about the Corbin Saddle too so that you can see the mods I made to it.

I decided to go ahead and post my info on relocating the trunk in case anyone else wants it too. If you do it with a Corbin, 1-1/2" might be best as the Corbin has a flip up section in back that help's cradle the co-rider's butt, but (different but) if you take the trunk back 2-1/4" like I did, the flip up digs instead. I had to pull the rear part of seat's cover loose and trim the fibreglass seat pan to get it lower so "Wife Unit" liked it … then re attach the cover. Pics below. 1-1/2" is that much more she'll have.

Me now in 2020:

I have posted this in other places, it was what I done on our GL1500 Trike near 15 years ago. If you have the oem seat with or without a Utopia back rest maybe, just remove the rain cover from the pouch and she'll be pretty comfortable and moving that trunk backwards is like extending leg room as it'll move her rearwards.

On moving GL1500 trunk .... this was the info given me at a rally in Ohio in 2005, it was a "primer" for me. I actually made a one piece bracket for each side but the author did his with 4 smaller pieces, each moving a hole. I used steel and I redid my holes from metric to 1/4-20. Gave "Wife Unit" back the space she lost with my back rest but it also gives her more leg room. I did move mine 2-1/4" back. Of course, I did not have saddle bags to deal with.

Moving trunk on 1500



There is no bracket or kit to move the trunk back. The first one I did took me about 6 hrs to figure out with help from a motorcycle internet bulletin board. I disconnected and removed trunk and saddlebags completely. It now takes me about 2 hrs. without removing them.

You will need to remove the seat and the trunk bottom cover. Then have someone hold the trunk tilted while you cut off the plastic ribs underneath. You also have to make a couple mods to bike, but they are not noticeable afterwards. I learned on the GWRRA BB that it was possible to move the trunk either 2 ¼" or 1 ½" back. I thought that 2 ¼" was stretching the cables too far, so IMHO, 1 ½" was the way to go.

You need to either make 2 long or 4 short pieces for brackets. I used 4 pieces of ¼" thick aluminum (1 ¾"X 2 ½") and drilled two holes in ea, 1 ½" apart and 9/16" from one side. One I tapped 6mm X 1.0 for factory bolt to thread into and the next was ¼" to allow new longer 6mm bolt to go through to attach piece to framework. By using the 4 pieces, I did not have to worry about aligning the holes in the brackets perfectly (while doing this by myself).You have to cut away the ribs that are used for aligning the frt mounting holes of the trunk at the factory to allow the aluminum plates to lay flat. I removed the 3 shortest ribs.

Also, you need to cut the sides of the bottom cover at the access hole for the release levers, where they hit a bar under the trunk, (now that it is moved back). You will see where when you go to bolt up the bottom cover. I used a couple washers between the trunk and brackets to make up for the space difference the heads of the bolts made 'cause I did not want to countersink the bolt heads into the aluminum. I also put a couple small washers behind the opening levers bracket to move it a little so you could use the levers w/o hitting your fingertips on the bar.

The helmet locks also have to be moved back 1 ½". (note: NO helmet locks remain on my Lehman Trike) You will need to make brackets for them, too. I used thinner aluminum that was 4" X 1 ¾" with a corner cut off to be able to bolt up next to the angled frame. I drilled two holes 1 1/2" apart, the frt one was ¼" (to use the original bolt to attach it) and the rr one was 7/32". After filing off the small alignment tab, I then attached the locks to these brackets. Some guys don’t use the helmet locks, so they just remove them. The plus for all this is that you can now remove the saddlebags w/o removing the cover under the trunk, since the trunk is now ¼" higher and no more of the complaining about the backrest intruding into Her space!! I have only done 6 set-backs so far, any questions, e-mail me at (wingdr@aol.com … note, this was like 2005) . The usual disclaimers apply, so do this only if you are qualified and have someone to help you. Also, it does not seem to affect the bike handling in any way.

Note that in drawing below that trunk holes are closer side to side in front than they are in rear .... hence the offsets in my two 1 piece brackets. Note also that If using 4 shorter brackets, no offsets are needed.

The hardest part is figuring out what to do with the trunk while doing it. Some remove it. I used some old throw pillows under the front lower corners to rest it on and after undoing the release cables and a wire harness (it was years ago that I done it) .... when ready, I tilted my trunk forwards and used coat hanger wire for to secure it tilted by hooking to a backrest post while I measured. I think it'd probably be easier to do if the pieces were already made and you were just slipping into place. I did trim some short ribs .... or did I use spacers??? (like I said, it was years ago) Maybe you know someone else who's handy .... maybe get them to do it with you?

Below are a few pics I had of the stock OEM seat with Utopia back rest and no rain cover in seat pouch, "Wife Unit" said it was more comfortable without the cover in there. I used a piece of tempered particle board sealed and painted black just "velcroed" to the front of the travel trunk under the co-rider backrest.

I now have a Corbin seat which I modified at back to eliminate that upturned portion that Corbin puts in their base. Most of this was copy -paste from my files, I did not just write it all. I added some notes mostly to bring to date. Note … I moved mine on my Lehman trike 2-1/4", the guy who sent me his details moved his 1-1/2". … anything in between, the crossbar under the trunk will block the finger levers to open stuff.

[LadyonaMission]

Les, your trike looks very nice.

[CrystalPistol]

Les, your trike looks very nice.

Thank You!

… etc … 1999 with 40K and change on it. All … etc …

OK, that's better. For some reason I thought you said it was a 2000 SE or 25th Anniversary Edition. I was looking at pics and it just seemed not right for a 2000, but I see … it is a 1999, which had the white face speedo, etc. I was worried someone had an older model with newer speedo, etc, like a scam even … and it wasn't even me buying it.

The engine guards have been changed to older ones ... likely to use the cruise boards. From '98 up, the loop was reduced to a simple bar, no loop and cruise board mounts were clamp on affairs for the most part, I would have made the change too.

P.S. … I found a reference to the 25th Anniversary editions by another poster … maybe that was what put 2000 in my mind? Anyway, no doubt to me now, it's a 1999.

I also stumbled on a picture taken on a ride in 2007 of Dear Friends of ours, they had a similar Motor Trike.