Don't know what to do

[hitime]

I have had the GL1800, and '05 Yellow one, for 3 years now. The wife is in love with it. She won't ride it herself, but once in a while will sit up front and let me relax on the pillion (I know - I do it where my friends won't see) but only for a little while. Usually less than an hour with hands on the bars for her.

Here's the issue: I have never liked it. I like the stability of the trike, and I like that the Goldwing has so many bells and whistles. But I have never been really confortable on it. And I don't, as a general rule, like the Goldwing. I would much prefer a Road Glide Ultra with a trike kit on it. I think the ergonomics would fit me better, and the bike would fit my personality a little better. I wanted to trike the Suzuki Intruder that I have in the garage, but it would cost way more than the bike is worth, so that is off the table. I was looking for a second trike that I could ride when I am solo, and that she could ride sometimes to get more comfortable with the controls. She just nixed that idea, and wants a small boat as an alternative. I think I am stuck with a Goldwing that I don't really like, which is probably ok, since she rides with me more than she ever did no 2 wheels.

I don't suppose this is the place to find any answers, but I just had to get that off my chest. We now return you to your programming, already in progress.

 

[Gold Rush]

Boy is that ever a two edged sword. There are times I wish soooooo much that my wife could still ride with me but that's never gonna happen so we have resigned ourselves to the fact. On the other hand -- she sure slowed me down back when she did ride. I guess in a perfect world we could get some of both...

Sorry you aren't comfortable on the GL1800. You aren't alone and I wish I knew how to help. There are a number of modifications that can help some but I think they are all partial fixes. As long as you can live with the Wing "Mama" is happier and that can be a real plus!!!

 

[rmrc51]

Hitime,

Regarding your statement about 'the ergonomics would fit me better' on the Ultra, I'm assuming that you're mainly referring to the foot position. And,, I have to agree with you! The 'foot forward' position on the Harley's is much more comfortable rather then the leg/foot straight down position on the Wing.

When I decided to get a trike again, my initial thought was to go for a Harley mainly for that same reason. The Wing became more of a contender once I also considered the power and supposedly the cooler operation being I hate the heat so much. And as you also mentioned, the Wing's Bells & Whistles, which I'm a push over for. What really tipped the scales towards the Wing was when I saw that Roadsmith just recently came out with their 'Comfort Controls' specifically made for the Wing. Although they don't move your feet as far forward as a Harley cruiser, they do place your feet forward and down enough to have a more natural sitting position. It's definitely a compromise, but for me, this recent option by Roadsmith was just enough to sway me towards the Wing with everything else being considered. I don't know if this might be a possible, or partial solution for you but it might be worth looking into. That being said, if money wasn't an issue, I'd still have my present Wing but there would also be a Harley trike by it's side. I hope my short story helps in your situation. Ride safe! ThumbUp

 

[Gorilla]

sell the wing, build the HD. As the passenger she should be happy as long as the ride is close to the same.

 

[americanbadass]

Sounds like part of the problem could be psychological. You are a Harley dude at heart-and your seemingly stuck with a wing. I have a plan for you, free advice. Go to your local HD dealer and test ride a tri-glide, if you really fall in love. Sell your wing-you might even have to fib a little about how much you get out of it, but thats fair because you psychological health is at stake. Sometimes a man has to get creative do what he must. If you need help with fabricating a believable story, PM me and I will coach you. I am an expert at this having bought and sold over 20 bikes in the last 10 years, and having no less than three in the garage at any one time!!ThumbUp

 

[Bikerbozo]

Let me explain to you about women........oh, come on, was anybody actually expecting a serious answer from a clown. If I knew ANYTHING about women, I probably wouldn't be such a clown. I just do what the boss says and then go kick a mouse (not allowed to kick cat either. I'm only 3rd in line in my house).

 

[hitime]

Thanks for all the responses.

Let me just say that I would rather ride the wing with my dear wife than to ride anything else alone all the time. I am very happy that she is riding with me as much as she is, so I tolerate the Wing.

There are some things that I will do with the Wing to make it more comfortable: I am going to have the seat made more comfortable. It won't change the ergos, but will at least save my @$$ when I ride longer periods. I am also waiting for the helibars aftermarket handlebars that are expected late 2012 or early 2013. They will have multiple adjustments and I should be able to find a comfortable position with them. I may see if the Roadsmith "comfort controls" are available without buying a trike kit. Since I already have a MotorTrike kit on it, I don't want to spend that much. But at 6'1" and a 32" inseam, my legs are bent at greater than 90 degrees when I am on the seat. More like a street bike posture than anything else. I will check with my builder (who also does Roadsmith) and see if they are available.

Again, thanks for all the ideas. Even the clown....

 

[rmrc51]

Thanks for all the responses.

I may see if the Roadsmith "comfort controls" are available without buying a trike kit. Since I already have a MotorTrike kit on it, I don't want to spend that much. But at 6'1" and a 32" inseam, my legs are bent at greater than 90 degrees when I am on the seat. More like a street bike posture than anything else. I will check with my builder (who also does Roadsmith) and see if they are available.

Again, thanks for all the ideas. Even the clown....

The Comfort Controls are available separately, without having a Roadsmith conversion installed. They should offer you some relief. I can honestly say they made a difference for me.

Also, not knowing how much you want to spend, Ultimate Seats makes a "King Seat" for bigger fellas for the GL1800 that also moves you back and also raises you a bit. Between the Comfort Controls and the Ultimate King, you should definitely get more room and comfort. Just a suggestion.

 

[Shimpy]

That legs forward layed back position feels great, like a easy chair, but for long distance all day riding it puts weight on your tail bone and becomes very uncomfortable. That's the reason for the wings upright position being a touring bike not a cruiser. It took me a short time to get used to the wings upright position. To vary my position on long rides I use a backrest and highway pegs and this gives me a layed back position for a change.

 

[hitime]

With the stock seat and stock controls, my feet go to sleep within 20 - 30 minutes of riding if I don't use the highway boards. If I could get them in a comfortable position, I would use them more, but I have to keep switching back and forth.

Really, I think the handlebars will make the most difference. I'm just hoping they are not outrageously overpriced.

 

[Lunchbox1983]

I am also a 32' inseam at 6'3, here what i did. I removed both pegs and use the hydra shield for a foot rest. So my feet go all over the place. It only took a ride to get use to finding the brake or shift lever.