Is it worth moving up to an 1800?

[lgjhn]

I'll agree and just echo what everyone else has told ya. Sounds like your 1500 is doing everything you want it to and has exceptionally low mileage. I service both 1500s and 1800s and probably the biggest advantage of the 1800 trike is its fuel injection, but really, if your 1500 is running fine, I'd just go ahead and keep it....wear it out...LOL.

I will say this: in their 2-wheel versions, I personally found the 1500 to be the better riding highway bike, but it's heavy.

The 1800 brought fuel injection, easier rear tire service, lighter & nimble. Other than fuel injection, none of those "advantages" apply to the trike version. Yeah. I'd just keep it and wear it out.

 

[brianl]

Thank you everyone for your advice. The bike is running great and I'll most likely keep it for a while after hearing what everyone had to say. What I REALLY want to do is wait and see what people say about triking the automatic 2018's. Maybe in a few years that will be a good excuse for a new one! LOL

 

[FRR]

In a word.... Yep

 

[Gideon]

I currently have a 1997 GL1500A that I had triked with a Roadsmith kit in 2013. I'm considering trading it in or selling it and buying a GL1800 2006 or newer. My trike just went over 50,000 miles and runs excellent.

Can anyone tell me if there are any advantages to moving up to the 1800 and what they are? If I do go with an 1800, I'm considering buying one online probably from a dealer who specializes in building trikes as there are very few trike dealers in Massachusetts which makes the prices much higher than what I've seen in say Texas or Alabama.

If I buy from down south it would be a low miles wing with a brand new Roadsmith kit. I don't know how the warranty would work if there are any problems. I'd like to know if anyone has ever done this and if there were any problems. Any input would be appreciated.

I like many others ask, "Why?"

 

[brianl]

Wish Id switched

Now I realize I should have followed my instincts. Brought the bike to the shop because it was over heating. Turns out the water pump needs to be replaced among many things. Honda no longer makes parts for the 1500. The shop couldn’t be bothered to go on amazon where the parts are available. I asked them if I bought the parts would they be willing to put them in. They said it might be up to $1500 labor . Bike not worth that since I’ll have a hard time getting parts from now on. Just ordered a 2017 and will be selling this one for whatever I can get.

 

[Marc H]

Brian sorry youve run into those kind of problems with the 1500 but i'm sure you'll love the new trike.I have no idea what your trike is worth as it sets but when you decide let us know.Someone might be interested.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

WOW ... guess even a bullit proof ride can go bad. It is mechanical though so that kind of stuff can happen. I used to do pool inspections for a guy that did home inspections for prospective home owners. I could do my due diligence and still had to tell the customer that the pump for instance could work for many years or a couple days. No way to tell.

 

[trikeman]

Went to eBay. Found 8 new water pumps for 1500 wing in first 2 minute search. All were Honda factory replacements with warranty. Prices range from $145 to $165. It’s a 2 hr max to remove old and install new. Sounds like a repair shop problem and not a 1500 wing problem. Don’t know who the shop but if they over price a simple water pump exchange I’d be shopping for a different shop for all my service and repairs on any motorcycle or trike I owned. Hope you enjoy your “new” 1800 wing. Post pics!!:wave4:

 

[brianl]

Brian sorry youve run into those kind of problems with the 1500 but i'm sure you'll love the new trike.I have no idea what your trike is worth as it sets but when you decide let us know.Someone might be interested.

I’ve looked online and my bike with 53,000 miles on it goes for $10,000 to $14,000. I’m asking $5,000 if someone is willing and able to do the work, you can get yourself a good trike for cheap money. If you look at my original post, you’ll see that up until now, this bike has been awesome. This is pretty much the first thing that has gone wrong with it and the bike still starts right up and runs great. I agree with the post about the problem being with the dealer and not the bike. I haven’t found any shops around here that are willing to go the extra mile for the customer. I live in Leominster, Massachusetts. My name is Brian and if anyone is interested in the bike, please send me a personal message and I’ll be sure to get back to you.

 

[Bikerbozo]

Just from a curiosity standpoint, when going from sea level to out west mountains, how do the 1500 carburetors handle? I remember on a Harley the issues. Wondering if the GW’s are any better at it.

 

[trike lady]

I wish that trike was near me. I lost out on a GL1500 for $500.00 from a local seller, it was probably grabbed by a shop in Hobbs or Lubbock and to be sold for a lot more.

 

[CrystalPistol]

I’ve looked online and my bike with 53,000 miles on it goes for $10,000 to $14,000. I’m asking $5,000 if someone is willing and able to do the work, you can get yourself a good trike for cheap money. If you look at my original post, you’ll see that up until now, this bike has been awesome. This is pretty much the first thing that has gone wrong with it and the bike still starts right up and runs great. I agree with the post about the problem being with the dealer and not the bike. I haven’t found any shops around here that are willing to go the extra mile for the customer. I live in Leominster, Massachusetts. My name is Brian and if anyone is interested in the bike, please send me a personal message and I’ll be sure to get back to you.

I already have a '97 SE / Lehman GTL (mine has just over 93,xxx miles), but if I didn't …. I'd be headed north already. That's a great deal.

Two things I'll say, Alternator and Water Pump on a 1500 are both easy to R&R (hardest part is getting down on floor and backup)… says one who has done the change outs on both a 1200 and a 1500.

All bikes, even 1800s need some $$$ love occasionally if ridden. 1800s do have FI, but I've never been in a spot it mattered much. 1800s wil get better MPG at 75 in the southwest, I've seen 1500 trikes burn fuel at a high rate there … one two up with trailer got high 20s, but it was still cheaper than his room expense for a one special trip taken. I've ridden 1800 trikes, with IRS … it was very easy to get back on my '97 afterwards with no regrets or longings for a 1800.

I think some shopping for mechanics is in order, someone who knows GLs. Local GWRRA chapter members likely can point one or more out.

 

[brianl]

Went to eBay. Found 8 new water pumps for 1500 wing in first 2 minute search. All were Honda factory replacements with warranty. Prices range from $145 to $165. It’s a 2 hr max to remove old and install new. Sounds like a repair shop problem and not a 1500 wing problem. Don’t know who the shop but if they over price a simple water pump exchange I’d be shopping for a different shop for all my service and repairs on any motorcycle or trike I owned. Hope you enjoy your “new” 1800 wing. Post pics!!:wave4:

Definitely was a repair shop problem. Replaced the fan switch and the bike runs perfect. No cooling leaks, nothing. Unfortunately ( or fortunately) I already have the 2017 on order and will be selling this one.