Florida Seems to be the Place!

[Pablo777]

Florida People,

Hello! Im a newbie looking to buy my first trike so your patience please.

As I've been doing my research I’ve noticed that, for whatever reason, FL and TX seem to have…might have…..could have….slightly better selections/prices across a good number of trike brands (used).

Im looking at a used trike for just around town (no touring or extensive road trips). I’m not asking you to personally recommend any places but I would ask if you know of any sources there in FL that I might want to consider as I shop. I’m a little leery of just buying something blind off of Cycletrader in Orlando or something like that.

Im a cheapskate and don’t want to sell the farm for my first trike. If I like it then I’ll consider a more significant investment. Late model with reasonable miles. Primary travel is in town with a 50 mile or so radius. I can get to Florida if something is worth looking at.

I’d be grateful for any feedback. Thank you all so very much!

Paul

[Jack Klarich]

Hi Paul, have a look here, they are family owned with 4 shops here in Jax Fl

https://www.adamecharley.com/?utm_ca...RoCSKQQAvD_BwE

[Pablo777]

Jack,

You da man, thanks!!

[Zammy]

Have a look around cycle trader, this is north Florida

https://www.cycletrader.com/Florida-...e=Florida%7CFL

[Olddog]

Have a look around cycle trader, this is north Florida

https://www.cycletrader.com/Florida-...e=Florida%7CFL

I did this in Texas and bought mine. Happy!

[Pablo777]

Olddog,

Hey, will do. Thx for taking the time to reply.

Paul

[BrokenBackJack]

Do you know what motorcycle brand you want?

Then the Trike brand?

[Pablo777]

Do you know what motorcycle brand you want?

Then the Trike brand?

BrokenBackJack,

I have no idea. I rode motorcycles growing up but never owned one. I’m retired now and we want to downsize to one primary car (SUV). I’ve drove my current Toyota Tacoma for almost 20 years. Don’t want to spend the $$$ on another truck in this economy. I wanted a regular bike but my wife swears I’ll fall over and get killed. Sooo, a trike. I find that a Spyder is too expensive on annual maintenance so that’s out. I guess I’m looking for a bargain trike to see if it will work for me. We’re not into touring or long rides my wife would never get on it with me driving. It would just be for me around town and short trips. So what really matters to me are the potential annual maintenance costs and the initial price tag. If I get a trike and it works I’ll invest more in a second trike.

Any advice?

[BrokenBackJack]

I will recommend a Honda Goldwing starting with 2006 and up.

The early 2000's had frame welding problems and the overheating problem was solved in 2006, which some overheated in the 20-30 mph or as they called it parade mode.

For a trike, I wouldn't have one without independent rear suspension. Good trike models with different brands. We prefer California Side Car but there are other good brands out there too.

Lots of low mileage Trikes, just look around and hopefully you can find someone that knows Goldwings and Trikes to look things over before you purchase it.

Good luck and keep us updated!

[trike lady]

Have a look around cycle trader, this is north Florida

https://www.cycletrader.com/Florida-...e=Florida%7CFL

There's a nice Honda VTX1800 from 2004 and that can be used for commuting. https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/...C+2-5028118139

[rhino 2]

BrokenBackJack,

I have no idea. I rode motorcycles growing up but never owned one. I’m retired now and we want to downsize to one primary car (SUV). I’ve drove my current Toyota Tacoma for almost 20 years. Don’t want to spend the $$$ on another truck in this economy. I wanted a regular bike but my wife swears I’ll fall over and get killed. Sooo, a trike. I find that a Spyder is too expensive on annual maintenance so that’s out. I guess I’m looking for a bargain trike to see if it will work for me. We’re not into touring or long rides my wife would never get on it with me driving. It would just be for me around town and short trips. So what really matters to me are the potential annual maintenance costs and the initial price tag. If I get a trike and it works I’ll invest more in a second trike.

Any advice?

If you think the spider is expensive on maintenance, wait till you buy-a’ Bargain Trike..😳…

[Pablo777]

I will recommend a Honda Goldwing starting with 2006 and up.

The early 2000's had frame welding problems and the overheating problem was solved in 2006, which some overheated in the 20-30 mph or as they called it parade mode.

For a trike, I wouldn't have one without independent rear suspension. Good trike models with different brands. We prefer California Side Car but there are other good brands out there too.

Lots of low mileage Trikes, just look around and hopefully you can find someone that knows Goldwings and Trikes to look things over before you purchase it.

Good luck and keep us updated!

BBJ,

Thanks! I have the Honda GW on the list BUT I didn’t know about your suspension and frame issues so that’ll make me smarter.

I’m looking at this (below) right now but not sure about the suspension. This is EXACTLY what I think I need and at the right mileage and price point UNLESS you have some info on this model.

it’s in PA not FL .

https://ertlepowersports.com/Motorcy...0-b02900cef96d

Thanks!

Paul

[Pablo777]

There's a nice Honda VTX1800 from 2004 and that can be used for commuting. https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/...C+2-5028118139

Trike Lady,

you know, that’s crazy. I’ve been watching that one and it’s just outside my price point but at some point here soon I’m gonna have to just write the check. I could see this Honda as a purchase…..definitely.

I’m looking here as well (you know these machines)?

https://ertlepowersports.com/Motorcy...0-b02900cef96d

[Jack Klarich]

Trike Lady,

you know, that’s crazy. I’ve been watching that one and it’s just outside my price point but at some point here soon I’m gonna have to just write the check. I could see this Honda as a purchase…..definitely.

I’m looking here as well (you know these machines)?

https://ertlepowersports.com/Motorcy...0-b02900cef96d

The Sportster engine one is going to be pretty under powered IMO, it has the 883 engine

[Pablo777]

If you think the spider is expensive on maintenance, wait till you buy-a’ Bargain Trike..😳…

Yep, I know. I could go in 30K (or more up front) and then not really get into riding the thing as much as I think I would and be stuck with trying to claw some of my money back OR I can go in low and eat some maintenance/repair costs and see if it’s a good fit. I can walk away from that card game and get some sleep. Either way I could lose money. I guess part of the fun is just seeing how it all works out.

Thanks for the reminder, though. Don’t want to step over a dollar to pick up a dime.

[Pablo777]

The Sportster engine one is going to be pretty under powered IMO, it has the 883 engine

Jack,

I really appreciate all the input BEFORE I write the check. A friend of mine told me the same thing. So, a couple of Gold Wings (one in SC and another in FL) are looking better with the 1800. I guess I need to consider the extra weight as well with the smaller engine.

Again, all very helpful and thanks.

Paul

[BrokenBackJack]

Another thing to think about, do you want air cooled or water cooled?

- - - Updated - - -

Maybe check with Papa Zook, who runs this Forum and see if he has anything????

[Jack Klarich]

Jack,

I really appreciate all the input BEFORE I write the check. A friend of mine told me the same thing. So, a couple of Gold Wings (one in SC and another in FL) are looking better with the 1800. I guess I need to consider the extra weight as well with the smaller engine.

Again, all very helpful and thanks.

Paul

Paul, give Adamec H D a call, ask for Bob Sofford, tell him I sent you

(904) 493-1931

[trike lady]

A sportster trike is more of a neighborhood commuter or a good beginner trike. I wouldn't say it would be something for a serious individual. 883, no you'd need a minimum of a 1200. Keep looking the right trike is out there for you. No storage space and you'd need to add a trunk