Another 1800 vs 1500 question

[Marc H]

I know this has been asked before but given comparable miles on the trikes is a 1800 really worth the 5-10k more than a 1500?I'm vertically challenged anyway so legroom isn't an issue either way.Wife is 5'3 and can't handle much wind buffeting due to injuries so is either one better in than respect given the different windshields and Baker wings available.Any advice or help is appreciated.Yes we are getting closer to finally being on 3.

Marc

 

[Gold Rush]

Howdy Marc,

What would be the price difference if you compared a 1990 GL1500 to a 1999 GL1500? Pretty significant I bet. Yes the 1500 and 1800 are both touring class bikes but the 1800 is such a huge step above there is really now just way to judge the differences.

If you and your wife can live with the big difference in power/performance I suppose all the other things could be overlooked also. I'd suggest you find one of each that are pretty much the same functional and accessory level then ride both. I've ridden a couple GL1500 trikes and several GL1800 trikes. To me it's a "No Brainer".

 

[mhgoldwing]

buying today I would not even consider a 1500. The 1800 is far better in so many ways including power, fuel injection, electronics, handling, etc. The other main concern I would have is age related problems and the fact that many places will not work on bikes more than 10 years old, particularly if it is not a current model. The 1800 is still current. Also, the newer and much better kits have been designed since the 1800 introduction in 2001.

Good luck.

 

[skuuter]

"1800"...have owned all of the Gold Wings in 2-Wheel Versions over the years, and ridden many, many Trike Versions over the last 3+ years of the 1500 and 1800...again, in my opinion..."1800"..... ThumbUp

 

[eagle1]

ck out the calif. side car trike company . just saw this trike this week-end. sure looked fantasticly beautiful.

 

[Marc H]

Looks like I've got more coin to save up.Haven't seen anything but pics of a 1500 but have sat on a few 1800s.They sure are nice.Thanks for the opinions guys.

 

[87Trike1200]

I agree with with all the "1800 is best" comments except that "budget considerations" have not been mentioned. If it's 1500 now, or "in a couple of years" save up that extra $5 or 10k for an 1800, I'd go for now. Whatever reasonable price you pay for a 1500 now, kept nice, you'll probably get all or most of your money back when you swap (or whatever) for the 1800 later. In the meantime, your riding. So, if it's "now or later", a 1500 works for me.

 

[John Luciano]

I own a 1500. I have ridden an 1800 quit a bit. I agree with 87 trike 1200 . If it means you can't ride for 2 years to save $5,000 than get a 1500 and ride. My 1500 is no dog. It is no NIGHT & Day difference between a 1800 & a 1500 . I can still top 100 MPH with ease. I pull a 500 + pound trailer riding two up and have no trouble. Only draw back I see is Carbs over FI. After a logo winters nap, the 1500 ( carb) will be a little hard to start.after that if you ride it at lest once a week no problem at all. The 1800 ( FI) will always fire right up. I do not know what electronics they refer to. ABS. Will almost always be deleted when converted. The Nav if you buy a 2008 or older will be outdated . I buy a new GPS. Every 3 years to stay current. Throttle response is quicker off the line with the 1800. Just guessing 0 to 60 is about 1 1/2 seconds faster.
Windshield and backer wings... I have a 4F extra tall and baker wings. My wife can smoke a cigarette while we ride at 60 MPH. Heck she even falls a sleep for an hour or 2.
Have you ever ridden a trike or a Gold Wing?

 

[Lunchbox1983]

As a 1500 owner I will say John L is right on tract. As a tall person I fit the 1500 way better than the 1800, my knees are not hitting the faring. I added a trunk bracket and pushed the trunk back 4" so my pillion has more space than a 1800 now.

 

[Marc H]

I haven't rode either John.My situation is this the wife has bulging discs at C4&C5.She will not even consider riding on 2 anymore due to the jarring effect on her back and the wind buffeting she gets causes her alot of pain.If it gets her out again I can deal with any bike and am not bothered by being on 3 at all.She doesn't like going over 60-65 anyway so speed isn't a consideration.I do my own wrenching and carbs don't scare me.We probably would take very few multi day rides mostly be day stuff 3-500 miles of mostly country roads.I parked the V star for all of 2 mths the past 2 yrs. so long winters park doesn't really apply cause with the wind protection of the wing I feel it will be a yearound ride for me.GUess I should have put all this in my original post.Plus like you said if I did need to sell I figured a 10-15k trike would be a much easier sell than 20-30.

 

[JaysGone]

While not a complete comparison. I own both. I have a 1999 Valkyrie and a 2010 GW.
The Valk is much easier to work on in every dept.
Has almost the same useable power, get similar mileage.
Given a choice though the 1800 is less likely to need any work done to it.
But when it does.
As simple as changing the oil on the 1800 is a task.
The air filter near impossible for the home do it yourselfer.

What Im trying to say is that given the choice between the 2.
If any work needs to be done.
Ill take the 1500 any day.

For me newer isn't better.

 

[oldbear]

I haven't rode either John.My situation is this the wife has bulging discs at C4&C5.She will not even consider riding on 2 anymore due to the jarring effect on her back and the wind buffeting she gets causes her alot of pain.If it gets her out again I can deal with any bike and am not bothered by being on 3 at all.She doesn't like going over 60-65 anyway so speed isn't a consideration.I do my own wrenching and carbs don't scare me.We probably would take very few multi day rides mostly be day stuff 3-500 miles of mostly country roads.I parked the V star for all of 2 mths the past 2 yrs. so long winters park doesn't really apply cause with the wind protection of the wing I feel it will be a yearound ride for me.GUess I should have put all this in my original post.Plus like you said if I did need to sell I figured a 10-15k trike would be a much easier sell than 20-30.

Given the above comment about the wife's back, I would suggest that the issue is not 1500 vs 1800, but RIDE comfort. Many of the older trikes are "solid axle" and you may find the ride somewhat rough. I would strongly suggest you take a decent ride on any model you're looking at to be sure that comfort isn't an issue. I have a '10 Wing with a Roadsmith and we love it. I haven't by any means ridden "all" the rigs out there, BUT I have ridden a couple that were rough riding. Get what works for YOU and wife, but check it out ride wise Before you buy....... Good luck and ride safe!

 

[Bill Reber]

I can compaire the ride on 3 to the ride on two , two is far better no side to side jar . so if a better ride is what your after JMHO a trike is NOT what you need , maybe look into "landing gear if holding the two wheeler up is a problem. I ride a Trike due to some age related health and the wife feels safer on a trike so she ride with me more ...a good thing.Not to mention it's more fun the longer you ride one.

 

[jackpoet]

+1 on "OldBear", Be sure you get a kit with independent suspension. I didn't know when I bought my 1500 alread triked. It has a solid axle. I have made it a lot smoother than when I bought it, with 24lbs in the rear tires and softer in the Air suspension. I also moved the trunk back 3 inches for the wife. Made it much better for her. Also, had some foot rests made for her and they made a big difference. Full set of Baker wings and my final step will be to purchase a F4 windshield. That is the best I can do because of the straight axle. As this is a major problem with your wife, get the independant.

 

[Marc H]

Thanks for all the info guys.Its all good and appreciated.Her back problem is her neck.I know that makes the straight axle rigs less desireable cause of the side to side motion and makes the wind protection to the head much more important.All are great points you've made thanks a bunch.


Marc

 

[cjmitch]

Given the above comment about the wife's back, I would suggest that the issue is not 1500 vs 1800, but RIDE comfort. Many of the older trikes are "solid axle" and you may find the ride somewhat rough. I would strongly suggest you take a decent ride on any model you're looking at to be sure that comfort isn't an issue. I have a '10 Wing with a Roadsmith and we love it. I haven't by any means ridden "all" the rigs out there, BUT I have ridden a couple that were rough riding. Get what works for YOU and wife, but check it out ride wise Before you buy....... Good luck and ride safe!

I agree... I would look at the Hannigans, or Roadsmiths... (not sure about Calif sidecar) they BOTH have extended wheelbases and will get the rear axle from under the wife.

 

[Marc H]

All 3 of those are the longer wheelbase.All the suggestions are being put into the equation and I realize just like alot of things theres just no replacement for good ole get out there and ride a few.My question to that would be are trike dealers more open to test rides than regular bike dealers cause the ones around here want financing approved and complete or you don't even test ride.