First real ride on the 1300 Trike

[jc1300]

Different....Not sure if I will or can make the transition from 2 to 3 Wheels after 48 years. Coming off {Still have for me} a 103 CI Harley, the torque is the big difference. Surely understandable with 600 less CC's and draggin' a trike conversion. But that's why we bought this one to see if Triking is for us.

But all I really want to say is that I am so sorry. I didn't believe that the stock seat could possibly be as bad as everyone says. 350 miles and I thought my entire body was going to explode. The numbness traveled from ass to back to neck to shoulders and then my eyes started rolling back in my sockets!!

Bike actually ran fine....but Monday morning.....NEW SEAT! Good God what a POS that thing is!!!

 

[Lucky]

Hoping it will get better for you. Hard to have fun when you are not comfortable. RIDE SAFE

 

[Gorilla]

Different....Not sure if I will or can make the transition from 2 to 3 Wheels after 48 years. Coming off {Still have for me} a 103 CI Harley, the torque is the big difference. Surely understandable with 600 less CC's and draggin' a trike conversion. But that's why we bought this one to see if Triking is for us. But all I really want to say is that I am so sorry. I didn't believe that the stock seat could possibly be as bad as everyone says. 350 miles and I thought my entire body was going to explode. The numbness traveled from ass to back to neck to shoulders and then my eyes started rolling back in my sockets!! Bike actually ran fine....but Monday morning.....NEW SEAT! Good God what a POS that thing is!!!

Well glad you are keeping an open mind. What you should be looking for in my opinion is riding 3 wheels solve the issue of why you are looking at 3 wheels. Does the different way that you need to use to ride the trike something that works for you. With that being said then you need to look at what trike fits you. Going from a 103 HD 2 wheeler to a 1300 trike as you are aware is not a good comparison or ride or performance. My TRI modified to my liking performances better and rides better then all my previous HD 2 wheelers. So decide if the way you need to ride a trike is what you can handle then get one that fits your likes. Good Luck.

 

[jc1300]

Well glad you are keeping an open mind. What you should be looking for in my opinion is riding 3 wheels solve the issue of why you are looking at 3 wheels. Does the different way that you need to use to ride the trike something that works for you. With that being said then you need to look at what trike fits you. Going from a 103 HD 2 wheeler to a 1300 trike as you are aware is not a good comparison or ride or performance. My TRI modified to my liking performances better and rides better then all my previous HD 2 wheelers. So decide if the way you need to ride a trike is what you can handle then get one that fits your likes. Good Luck.

I agree with everything you say Gorilla...We rode Harleys - Goldwing and CanAm trikes during our search. My problem is / was.....I was afraid to drop 40K into a bike, ride it for 4 months and hate the experience. All the other trikes where superior in most ways. But the 2005 1300 VTX with Champion Conversion and only 4500 miles set me back 11K...PLUS A SEAT!! If the decision is that we can make that change, then we can afford a "nicer" trike {selling both the Harley and the Honda} No option of having a 40K trike and my Harley. Retired means fixed income...LOL.

Any thoughts on the Mustang vintage Touring seat or Saddleman Explorer line? My other options are the Russell or the Ultimate. With the Russell there is a long down time. Any real world suggestions would be appreciated....and soon!! LOL

Thanks

 

[Gorilla]

I have a friend that has a 1300 VTX with a Mustang seat. She loves it. I have not been on it just her opinion. Seats are tough because what I like you may not. Our rears are all different.

 

[ferg]

That brings back painful memories. I had the same experience in my VTX days also. I can't understand how Honda can't put better engineering into a seat. My first VTX, I could barely log 50 miles before my body ached.
I replaced my seat with a Mustang seat and my butt was happy. Then I put on handlebar risers and my shoulders and neck quit hurting.
My next VTX, I treid an Ultimate seat. That seat along with risers was my perfect combo. Made many all-day rides, stopping only for gas and bathroom.
Both of these seats are well worth the bucks.
Ferg

 

[jc1300]

That brings back painful memories. I had the same experience in my VTX days also. I can't understand how Honda can't put better engineering into a seat. My first VTX, I could barely log 50 miles before my body ached.
I replaced my seat with a Mustang seat and my butt was happy. Then I put on handlebar risers and my shoulders and neck quit hurting.
My next VTX, I treid an Ultimate seat. That seat along with risers was my perfect combo. Made many all-day rides, stopping only for gas and bathroom.
Both of these seats are well worth the bucks.
Ferg

I decided to order the Ultimate seat. The Russell has a 2-3 month backorder and as they use your pans the bike is down at a bad time. Both have a money back guarantee. And you get to use the seats for a few weeks to make sure. Kind of a no brainer. I'll let you all know my opinion of the seat later on. Thanks

 

[cavie]

Be sure to add a backrest to your new seat. Backrest it a must on any cruiser. I have Mustangs on my VTX 1300 and they are wonderful. Had Mustang and backrest also on my Suzuki 2 wheeler.
I run 20 lbs air in the rear tires and 41 up front. Your shocks are also adjustable but I guessing you know that.

 

[driver10]

Mustang seats are great and the Hondas suck. we put a mustang on the wifes trike ,

 

[jc1300]

Mustang seats are great and the Hondas suck. we put a mustang on the wifes trike ,

At my size I opted for the Big Boy seat from Ultimate. I like the 14 day ride it guarantee. It's wider than the others. It does move me up about an inch - But as it's a trike.....

 

[werewolf]

The stock seat on a Yamaha Roadstar isnt a winner either

If we trike it, the wife has already said the factoryseats have to GO!

 

[jc1300]

Da SEAT has arrived!!

I am gonna love this seat! Lot's of rain at the moment - So a short 15 minute ride and I didn't pass out from the pain!! More input to come. Thanks for all the suggestions gang
jc

 

[jc1300]

LOL - The existing pillion seat has been modified for her already. Better tilt and padding....but that said, if their pillion is as comfortable as the saddle, I'm sure she will be suggesting and upgrade. The real question is will we decide to stick with a trike.

jc

 

[Gorilla]

jc trikes you got to give it some time. Most of us that have been on them awhile will tell you at least 400 to 500 miles to just get comfortable and depending on how much you ride up to a year to really get that somewhat mastered. With that being said there are some that really don't like trikes and did give it a fair shot. Most do though.

 

[jc1300]

jc trikes you got to give it some time. Most of us that have been on them awhile will tell you at least 400 to 500 miles to just get comfortable and depending on how much you ride up to a year to really get that somewhat mastered. With that being said there are some that really don't like trikes and did give it a fair shot. Most do though.

I do plan on giving it the summer...We get to put between 10-12K on a year, so dividing up the time on each I should be able to make up "Our" mind. If we do go trike, the VTX will probably go to purchase an all out touring rig. In the back of my mind I keep thinking that the 1300 will be fine and then keep both. But if we want the BIG rig, surely can't afford a 40K trike and the Harley....and that will just break my heart...