I just bought a 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion and the rear end is trashed! Bought the bike new, it has 2000 miles - advice? Anyone with a similar problem. I had very high expectations for this conversion and am sorry that I picked it. In addition to that - the rear trunk leaks water like a colander, my odometer is 9% off as is the the speedometer!
Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
- Thread starter Vardoggs
- Start date
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Now's the time for your dealer/installer to 'step up to the plate'!
Keep us advised how you make out!
Now's the time for your dealer/installer to 'step up to the plate'!
Keep us advised how you make out!
- Admin
- #3
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
You say it has 2000 miles...is that on the bike or the trike? Did you buy it already converted or have it converted? Have you taken it to your installer yet to have it checked out? Roadsmith has an excellent reputation for building a top quality product and for standing behind what they sell and I am sure they will promptly make this right. I understand your frustration, but anything man made can malfunction. The first step BEFORE trashing a manufacturer or their product with your first post on this or any forum is to talk to your dealer/installer or Roadsmith and allow them the opportunity to troubleshoot and repair the trike.
You say it has 2000 miles...is that on the bike or the trike? Did you buy it already converted or have it converted? Have you taken it to your installer yet to have it checked out? Roadsmith has an excellent reputation for building a top quality product and for standing behind what they sell and I am sure they will promptly make this right. I understand your frustration, but anything man made can malfunction. The first step BEFORE trashing a manufacturer or their product with your first post on this or any forum is to talk to your dealer/installer or Roadsmith and allow them the opportunity to troubleshoot and repair the trike.
Roadsmith Trikes
SPONSOR
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
vardoggs, so sorry to hear about the issues with your new trike! Please call the Roadsmith factory at 800-331-0705 as soon as possible so that we can identify and help resolve the problems. Thanks!
vardoggs, so sorry to hear about the issues with your new trike! Please call the Roadsmith factory at 800-331-0705 as soon as possible so that we can identify and help resolve the problems. Thanks!
- Thread starter
- #5
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
I purchased the bike from a Honda Dealer and it was already converted. It has been taken to the installer who is a Roadsmith dealer. I am aware of the reputation of Roadsmith which is why I purchased one of their conversions. I have no intention to trash Roadsmith nor did I trash them - I am simply reporting the condition of the conversion that I purchased that has the problems that I stated and was wanting to know if anyone had any advice.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
There you go! Can't ask for much more than that. Rather quick response and an offer to help make it right. Good Job Roadsmith!
There you go! Can't ask for much more than that. Rather quick response and an offer to help make it right. Good Job Roadsmith!
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
The 9% speedo off is a jap bike thing. Has nothing to do with Roadsmith. They all do it. My Suzuki Volusia did it. My Honda VTX does it. If the speed limit is 55 drive 60. Just add five and live with it.
The 9% speedo off is a jap bike thing. Has nothing to do with Roadsmith. They all do it. My Suzuki Volusia did it. My Honda VTX does it. If the speed limit is 55 drive 60. Just add five and live with it.
- Thread starter
- #8
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Update. I called the 800 number and talked with Doug - sounds like he is the the #2 guy there - Very helpful. Looking to see what actions are taken now and expecting that I will be impressed. I'll keep you posted.
Update. I called the 800 number and talked with Doug - sounds like he is the the #2 guy there - Very helpful. Looking to see what actions are taken now and expecting that I will be impressed. I'll keep you posted.
- Admin
- #9
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Doug Lindholm is actually the son of company founder Dick Lindholm who is now retired. Doug grew up in the business and is the current company owner along with partner Jim McGurren, both of whom are fine fellows. You talked to the man in charge and he WILL take care of you.
Doug Lindholm is actually the son of company founder Dick Lindholm who is now retired. Doug grew up in the business and is the current company owner along with partner Jim McGurren, both of whom are fine fellows. You talked to the man in charge and he WILL take care of you.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Very good Roadsmith - impressively fast response!
Very good Roadsmith - impressively fast response!
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Vardoggs
This is my third Gl1800 and the speedo was out on the first two and I suspect the third one! I never drove it as a two wheeler before getting the CSC conversion.
The speedo now is right on the money and matches my GPS.
Vardoggs
This is my third Gl1800 and the speedo was out on the first two and I suspect the third one! I never drove it as a two wheeler before getting the CSC conversion.
The speedo now is right on the money and matches my GPS.
- Thread starter
- #12
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Calgary,
So if I understand you correctly - the CSC conversion has the same issue you suspect? What type of conversion did the first two trikes have?
Vardoggs
This is my third Gl1800 and the speedo was out on the first two and I suspect the third one! I never drove it as a two wheeler before getting the CSC conversion.
The speedo now is right on the money and matches my GPS.
Calgary,
So if I understand you correctly - the CSC conversion has the same issue you suspect? What type of conversion did the first two trikes have?
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
No, I did not have the first two 1800's triked.
The third 1800 was triked (I never rode it as a two wheeler) with the CSC kit and the speedo is accurate!
No, I did not have the first two 1800's triked.
The third 1800 was triked (I never rode it as a two wheeler) with the CSC kit and the speedo is accurate!
- Thread starter
- #14
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Thanks for the clarification. Do you enjoy the triked GL better? And the speedo thing - someone earlier had said that it is common problem for the Japanese bikes. Hard to believe but apparently true.
Thanks for the clarification. Do you enjoy the triked GL better? And the speedo thing - someone earlier had said that it is common problem for the Japanese bikes. Hard to believe but apparently true.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
It took me awhile to get used to three wheels, but now I can run with all of my two wheel 1800 buddies and love it. I had the trike built with an auxillary fuel tank so I wouldn't have to stop shy of their fuel range - I now have a range of more than 330 miles.
I have absolutely no regrets about getting my bike triked with a CSC Viper kit, but am comfortable that there are other great manufacturers out there who are committed to quality construction and good customer service.
Hang in there and work with Roadsmith - I'm sure they'll make you a happy Triker.
I love all of the 1800's - two wheelers and now the trike. Would not likely have purchased a trike but at 74 I was experiencing some left hip problems. We ride long distances and I didn't want to come to a stop one day and not be able to hold the bike up.
It took me awhile to get used to three wheels, but now I can run with all of my two wheel 1800 buddies and love it. I had the trike built with an auxillary fuel tank so I wouldn't have to stop shy of their fuel range - I now have a range of more than 330 miles.
I have absolutely no regrets about getting my bike triked with a CSC Viper kit, but am comfortable that there are other great manufacturers out there who are committed to quality construction and good customer service.
Hang in there and work with Roadsmith - I'm sure they'll make you a happy Triker.
Last edited:
bikerbillone
3000+ Posts
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Roadsmith will treat you right, they don't want bad publicity. Give them a shot at fixing the problem.
Roadsmith will treat you right, they don't want bad publicity. Give them a shot at fixing the problem.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
I don't necessarily agree that "all Jap bikes" have a speedo issue. I've had 9 Goldwings, and a few more earlier Hondas, plus a Yamaha back in the day and never remember an issue with the speedo accept possibly with my 2004 Wing.
I don't necessarily agree that "all Jap bikes" have a speedo issue. I've had 9 Goldwings, and a few more earlier Hondas, plus a Yamaha back in the day and never remember an issue with the speedo accept possibly with my 2004 Wing.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Im only assuming the MPH on GPS is more accurate bike speedometer??
Im only assuming the MPH on GPS is more accurate bike speedometer??
- Thread starter
- #19
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
All of the bikes that I ride other than the GL are Japanese bikes too but they are all ridden in the woods doing hare scrambles and they do not have speedometers on them. Yamaha and Honda is what we run. Great fun and challenging too.
Looking forward to seeing what Roadsmith does with this trike of mine. Like I have mentioned, I will keep you posted.
All of the bikes that I ride other than the GL are Japanese bikes too but they are all ridden in the woods doing hare scrambles and they do not have speedometers on them. Yamaha and Honda is what we run. Great fun and challenging too.
Looking forward to seeing what Roadsmith does with this trike of mine. Like I have mentioned, I will keep you posted.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
I have a 2008 goldwing with 2012 Roadsmith trike and couldn't ask for a better ride. My speedo is off around 10% also.
I have a 2008 goldwing with 2012 Roadsmith trike and couldn't ask for a better ride. My speedo is off around 10% also.
lgjhn
200+ Posts
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
I converted my '06 back in November to a RS.
The speedo was off like everyone else's. It's not a RS thing, it's a Honda thing.
I got used to using my GPS, which is dead on when it comes to the speed read-out, and then noting the GW speedo to get a feel for the difference....about 4 MPH less than indicated.
I had one major issue with the RS kit and the installer immediately made it right. I had a broken trunk lid right where the lower left hinge was mounted and it was broken really bad...it completely came apart at the break. They put on a new lid. All the "other stuff" was minor installer issues, not RS, and I fixed most of those myself. The rear-end/CVs in these conversions are built for cars and a GW trike should not ever be a problem, but anything mechanical can have an issue, I guess. I believe RS will do you right.
Like many, I literally hated it after the conversion and cussed myself daily for destroying a perfectly darn good GW. I probably would have sold it but it was the only way my wife can ride anymore so I kept it. I eventually got to where I tolerated it, then I sorta got to liking it, and now I love it. It's our long-distance machine since it is the only way my wife can ride. For running solo, I have a '14 Yamaha FJR....LOL. I'm 63 and people always look at me weird when I take my helmet off and get off it. One guy actually asked me how old I was and I told him. He asked me why a guy my age would be riding a "sports bike" and I said told him that I totally got off riding it...it worked better than the blue pill. He just walked away shaking his head.
Once it's fixed, I hope you get to liking it and enjoying the ride. Keep us all posted.
I converted my '06 back in November to a RS.
The speedo was off like everyone else's. It's not a RS thing, it's a Honda thing.
I got used to using my GPS, which is dead on when it comes to the speed read-out, and then noting the GW speedo to get a feel for the difference....about 4 MPH less than indicated.
I had one major issue with the RS kit and the installer immediately made it right. I had a broken trunk lid right where the lower left hinge was mounted and it was broken really bad...it completely came apart at the break. They put on a new lid. All the "other stuff" was minor installer issues, not RS, and I fixed most of those myself. The rear-end/CVs in these conversions are built for cars and a GW trike should not ever be a problem, but anything mechanical can have an issue, I guess. I believe RS will do you right.
Like many, I literally hated it after the conversion and cussed myself daily for destroying a perfectly darn good GW. I probably would have sold it but it was the only way my wife can ride anymore so I kept it. I eventually got to where I tolerated it, then I sorta got to liking it, and now I love it. It's our long-distance machine since it is the only way my wife can ride. For running solo, I have a '14 Yamaha FJR....LOL. I'm 63 and people always look at me weird when I take my helmet off and get off it. One guy actually asked me how old I was and I told him. He asked me why a guy my age would be riding a "sports bike" and I said told him that I totally got off riding it...it worked better than the blue pill. He just walked away shaking his head.
Once it's fixed, I hope you get to liking it and enjoying the ride. Keep us all posted.
- Thread starter
- #22
Rear End Update
I had mentioned that I would keep everyone up to date on the rear end problem - and we I have found out that the pinion nut had backed itself out. Now I'm no mechanic but it seems that the fix was to tighten it back up and put some lock tight on it and we are off to the races.... They are still working on the water leak but Aaron is sure that it will be fixed before the day is out. We are gong to pick it up tomorrow and hopefully all is well. Way to go RS.
I had mentioned that I would keep everyone up to date on the rear end problem - and we I have found out that the pinion nut had backed itself out. Now I'm no mechanic but it seems that the fix was to tighten it back up and put some lock tight on it and we are off to the races.... They are still working on the water leak but Aaron is sure that it will be fixed before the day is out. We are gong to pick it up tomorrow and hopefully all is well. Way to go RS.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Question to all: If the speedo is off on many of the bikes does that necessarily mean the total mileage is off also? It seems like it would.
Question to all: If the speedo is off on many of the bikes does that necessarily mean the total mileage is off also? It seems like it would.
- Thread starter
- #24
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Absolutely, and actually, that is what I noticed first - the mileage. The group that I ride with is always asking about fuel economy and we are constantly seeing if one guy got the same miles from the last stop etc.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
I believe the early Goldwing speedo's were OK. The problems started with the 1800 wings.
Not only are the 1800 speedos off but my $35K 2009 BMW 328Xi speedo was off as well. To me, it's total BS. If they can make the speedo off by 7% they can make it read correctly.
Sorry you had a problem with your trike conversion. I'm sure Roadsmith will make it right.
I believe the early Goldwing speedo's were OK. The problems started with the 1800 wings.
Not only are the 1800 speedos off but my $35K 2009 BMW 328Xi speedo was off as well. To me, it's total BS. If they can make the speedo off by 7% they can make it read correctly.
Sorry you had a problem with your trike conversion. I'm sure Roadsmith will make it right.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
I don't have any mechanical skills, but I'm told that CSC corrects the 1800 speedo error through gearing and rear tire size.
As I mentioned before, my speedo is accurate. Perhaps I'll give CSC a call and out of curiosity, ask them about it!
I don't have any mechanical skills, but I'm told that CSC corrects the 1800 speedo error through gearing and rear tire size.
As I mentioned before, my speedo is accurate. Perhaps I'll give CSC a call and out of curiosity, ask them about it!
- Admin
- #28
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
I cant remember any vehicle I've ever owned, car, truck or motorcycle that was completely accurate, some were worse then others. I had a Dodge Dually that was off 8 MPH at 75 MPH. I finally got it spot on by going to the tallest sidewall tire I could find, much taller than the factory recommended tire size. Motorcycles have always been off, all brands. I sometimes wonder if the error is intentionally designed in to run the warranty out early...think about it. If every vehicle ever built by Honda (for an example) was off by +10%, look at the advantage to the factory in warranty repair claims. I know it seems like a stretch, but why else would every manufacturer being doing it all these years?
I cant remember any vehicle I've ever owned, car, truck or motorcycle that was completely accurate, some were worse then others. I had a Dodge Dually that was off 8 MPH at 75 MPH. I finally got it spot on by going to the tallest sidewall tire I could find, much taller than the factory recommended tire size. Motorcycles have always been off, all brands. I sometimes wonder if the error is intentionally designed in to run the warranty out early...think about it. If every vehicle ever built by Honda (for an example) was off by +10%, look at the advantage to the factory in warranty repair claims. I know it seems like a stretch, but why else would every manufacturer being doing it all these years?
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
If I have my facts correct, there would be no advantage to Honda to consistently build the 1800 with a speedo error as the warranty is based on time, not miles.
If I have my facts correct, there would be no advantage to Honda to consistently build the 1800 with a speedo error as the warranty is based on time, not miles.
Re: Rear end Problems - 2014 GL1800 Roadsmith trike conversion
Got this from the Honda Page
- [h=5]No Mileage Limitation[/h]No need to watch your odometer. Coverage will not expire at any pre-set mileage limit.
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