Advice on "Internet" Dealers

[SkyandTrikes]

New rider here. I'm looking for my first trike in a variety of places--used market (2008 to 2015). I'm looking in the usual places (i.e., Cycle Trader and FB Marketplace). Can anyone offer suggestions on reputable dealers who advertise on the internet/YouTube? I've viewed some trikes from places like: Bikes to Trikes of Florida and KD Cycles in Alabama.

Generally, should I stay away from internet dealers? What say you? Thanks!

 

[Arctic Fox]

We almost scammed and ripped off just over a month ago. We were online and a golf cart co had a huge inventory with several Harley Trikes at give away prices. The sales person was very difficult to understand, we filled out a sales order online and were ready to wire the funds. Our banker didn't feel comfortable with what was going on, the wire address was to a private acct and a different bank altogether. So we bagged it.
I posted the name of the Co on an earlier post on this site, and one of the individuals called the better business bureau in the town and they said it was a scam! Yet it was allowed to continue, I learned a big lesson here. I would only deal with a legit dealer or an individual, IMO. I guess I was to trusting.

 

[pwhoever]

It's kind of a hit or miss. But if the price is too good to believe, don't trust it. As far as dealers, some of the big ones are Niehaus Cycle in Litchfield, IL or even Honda of Russellville Honda in Arkansas has had a good reputation. However looking at their selection, Niehaus has a couple but Russellville only has the more expensive 2024 ones.

If you go to the California Sidecar site, they list various trikes that their various dealers are selling. Click on this link.
California Sidecar / Escapade Trailer Inc.

And just something to note, their manufacturing facility is just under 3 hours from you.

It seems like many dealers just don't have a lot of inventory on trikes. That kind of leaves the option of finding a private seller and roll the dice on how well it was used and maintained.

You could figure out which brand interests you and then go to their website and look at a list of dealers. Some but not all may have an inventory for sale. But they are usually in the business of installing kits.

Another option like I'm in the middle of now is to be patient and find a bike you like that is priced well. ( I just couldn't find a trike set up the way I wanted or the model I liked at a price I was comfortable paying. ) Then find a trike installer and have the conversion done. Even in your year choice 2008 to 2015, it's not a bad option. It may cost a bit more but if you get a good enough deal on bike price, your in good shape. With a new conversion, you will get the full warranty at least on the trike part. Just something to think about.

 

[Notgrownup]

What are you looking for? Goldwing/Harley conversion? Harley Tri Glide or Spyder. If a conversion, as stated above go to the converter website, IE, California side car, Hannigan, Motor trike and look at their classified section from their trusted vendors. Do you have a budget, brand preference, distance you are willing to travel?

 

[Pegasus1300]

iMotorsports is also a very reputable dealer who also includes delivery to your door of your purchase.

 

[hardwickbv]

I have been using this place to do service on my TG on occasion.
Seem like a good bunch of folks.
They usually have several conversions on the floor.

https://www.ajcycle.net/

 

[N8DC]

I bought used from a private seller. Its generally a hard way to go as no one wants to give out vin numbers for financing . I was all set to finance but I ended up cashing in a CD and bought mine cash and we are paying ourselves back instead of a bank. The first Freewheeler we looked at was at a dealer and I found it on line . they wanted $16,995. It was an of bike but needed a bit of paint work to make me happy with it . The salesman gave me a price of $19,250 out the door ! I said 17k a grand for tax where is the other coming from. He didnt want to tell me . I told him id think on it and we left . Just so happened the other trike was 15 minutes away. When I first contacted the dealer they wanted to sell me the bike online right then and there and said it had no issues but the front fender was scratched and was touched up in flat black on a gloss black bike. I traveled 2 1/2 hours to see that bike and glad I did.
I trust no one .
Find something you can go look at . There are new scams every minute on the internet.
Dave

 

[geol]

I have purchased from a private seller several times and out of my area. I bought my current trike from an older couple in Lubbock and flew up and rode it home. I bought another trike from a couple in East Tennessee, flew up and my wife and I rode home. Only negative was that the trike in E. TN. was owned by a guy that weighed over 400 lbs and he had the air shocks bumped pretty much max and it took me a couple hundred miles of bouncing to figure it out. IH20 is not a place for real stiff shocks and I think we went airborne over a couple of expansion joints.

 

[SkyandTrikes]

What are you looking for? Goldwing/Harley conversion? Harley Tri Glide or Spyder. If a conversion, as stated above go to the converter website, IE, California side car, Hannigan, Motor trike and look at their classified section from their trusted vendors. Do you have a budget, brand preference, distance you are willing to travel?

Thanks to all for the feedback--helpful!

WG,
Ideally, I'm looking for a Goldwing CSC (again 2008-2015), within a 250 mile radius. I'm patient. Again, thanks!

 

[Notgrownup]

Something will pop up. Ron Ayers Motorsports in a Greenville here gets them. You should email Jimmy the owner. I think it’s jimmy@ronayers.com he’s a nice guy. They are a CSC dealer and they get trade ins all the time. That is where I did the test rids when the CSC truck was there.