Older trikes

[geraldlanc]

I made a mistake and sold my trike a few years back, so now I am thinking about getting back in. I have noticed numerous 10 to 20 year old trikes with mileage in the 5 to 50K. I saw one in particular that is a 2003 with only about 7K miles. How old is too old? What sort of repair might I run into with an older trike? There is one near me with 160K miles, is that too much?

Gerald

 

[CrystalPistol]

I made a mistake and sold my trike a few years back, so now I am thinking about getting back in. I have noticed numerous 10 to 20 year old trikes with mileage in the 5 to 50K. I saw one in particular that is a 2003 with only about 7K miles. How old is too old? What sort of repair might I run into with an older trike? There is one near me with 160K miles, is that too much?

Gerald

I just sold our '97 GL1500SE/1998 Lehman GTL trike, it had about 92,xxx miles on it, looked new, always stored inside a basement, owned since 2004, knew original owners since 1997 so I knew the trike well, I would have trusted it even cross country as much as a new one, but IF something had happened, I knew it would be difficult finding anyone to repair it out there on the road … so my plan IF it happened … was to use A U-Haul truck & trailer to bring it home if need be. If I got ill, I knew my "Wife Unit" could likely get us to safety, she has her license, has ridden short laps, but if we were more than a few short miles from home, I'd have had a buddy with his roll back come & get us.

Was it a mistake? I don't think so, I'm at eaze over it, but if I decide to get back in next year, I'll look at "options".

As to how old is too old or how many miles are to much, depends on how far from home you might venture on it, who does your work maintaining it, make model affect parts availability, the seller's price & your budget. Solid axle units tend to have fewer moving parts, IRS tend to have more. Older trikes more often are SA but there are some older IRS ones out there. A lot of the worth of an older or newer trike depends on the past owners use, maybe abuse, maintenance habits, storage matters too. I've seen 10 year newer ones than mine that looked 10 years older (or more) due to just being parked in the driveway in the weather 24/7 ?

 

[paws]

I believe there was a recall on some of the 2003’s for a cracked frame. You might check on that.

If indeed you are interested in buying a little older trike I know of a really nice 2008 Gold Wing GL1800 comfort, nav, with a Motor Trike Adventure kit. Runs like a scalded ape and was just serviced all the way around in February. It has 38,274 gentle miles on her.

Located in Kerrville, TX...just a hop away from Austin.

If that peeks your interest just put a post back out in this same thread.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Goldwings are pretty rock solid. Having said that, I'd look into a GL1800 ... the GL1500's are getting harder to find people who know how to adjust the carbs. But if you know how to do that ... any Gold Wing trike should serve you well.

 

[LadyonaMission]

I believe there was a recall on some of the 2003’s for a cracked frame. You might check on that.

If indeed you are interested in buying a little older trike I know of a really nice 2008 Gold Wing GL1800 comfort, nav, with a Motor Trike Adventure kit. Runs like a scalded ape and was just serviced all the way around in February. It has 38,274 gentle miles on her.

Located in Kerrville, TX...just a hop away from Austin.

If that peeks your interest just put a post back out in this same thread.

This trike is very nice looking and has been well cared for. I also know the man who did the service. He is very knowledgeable and meticulous.

 

[tourman]

The frame recall was certain 2001-2003. You can call a dealer & see if your SN was effected, and repaired if it was.

There are a lot of low mileage older wings around. Honda didn't change much over the years. If you find one in good condition & get it checked out, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if the price is right.

I believe there was a recall on some of the 2003’s for a cracked frame. You might check on that.

If indeed you are interested in buying a little older trike I know of a really nice 2008 Gold Wing GL1800 comfort, nav, with a Motor Trike Adventure kit. Runs like a scalded ape and was just serviced all the way around in February. It has 38,274 gentle miles on her.

Located in Kerrville, TX...just a hop away from Austin.

If that peeks your interest just put a post back out in this same thread.

 

[hogcowboy]

This might be completely wrong but I was told that parts for Hondas over 10 years old become problematic. Yes/No/Maybe ???

 

[rhino 2]

This might be completely wrong but I was told that parts for Hondas over 10 years old become problematic. Yes/No/Maybe ???

That seems to be true ....Its been reported a few times on Honda forums...

 

[paws]

Just like the virus... how much of what “they” say is true? Something gets said with an ulterior motive in mind (sell new bikes) and its picked up and run with...repeated enough then accepted as truth...just like any propaganda. Parts are available all over the internet.

 

[tourman]

I've never heard that. You can get older Wing parts anywhere. I have a 05 and never have any problems

This might be completely wrong but I was told that parts for Hondas over 10 years old become problematic. Yes/No/Maybe ???

 

[Lee H. Mann]

Just like the virus... how much of what “they” say is true? Something gets said with an ulterior motive in mind (sell new bikes) and its picked up and run with...repeated enough then accepted as truth...just like any propaganda. Parts are available all over the internet.

Remember that old 1960's Neil Sedaka song "Wakin' Up Is Hard To Do" ????

 

[shadow1111]

Older Trikes

My Valkyrie/DFT is 20 years old and has 149,729 miles on it and runs great.....when I start thinking of a new one , I stop and ask why? It runs great, maintenance is nothing.......and I would save money.......

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

This might be completely wrong but I was told that parts for Hondas over 10 years old become problematic. Yes/No/Maybe ???

Like all manufacturers, they quit the parts support after 9 years 0f the last of a model. So for example, you can't parts for 2001-2017 until 2026. Basically the same bike with some minor cosmetic changes.

Having said that, lots of after market support and due to the popularity of the Gold Wings, used parts in great shape are readily available.

Lots of dealers don't want to work on the 1500's because the carbs adjustment is a dying art. But there are dealers that still have techs that know how.

Like every older vehicle, if you don't do a lot of your maintenance, could get pricy to maintain.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

My Valkyrie/DFT is 20 years old and has 149,729 miles on it and runs great.....when I start thinking of a new one , I stop and ask why? It runs great, maintenance is nothing.......and I would save money.......

View attachment 91201

Not to mention you have a sweet looking trike and the Valk's are a beast, like a Wing on Steroids.

 

[Gideon]

Not to mention you have a sweet looking trike and the Valk's are a beast, like a Wing on Steroids.

I agree with FuzzyWasHe! Plus, I also ride a Valkyrie.