Greetings one and all!

Jul 11, 2017
2
5
Mission, Ks. USA
Yep...here's another new guy. And I'm on a fact finding mission in my life. I have been recently forced into retirement so I'm beginning a new phase of my life. And in that new phase is GOING TO BE a Honda Goldwing trike! Old farts need a happy toy and it looks to me like a trike pretty much fills the bill. I have never been a rider as it was never an ambition of mine. But now things are different. I have always liked bikes and trikes and the idea of having a comfortable touring machine appeals to me greatly. And since I'm on a fact finding mission, You folks here seem to be a good resource of quantifiable information. (and thank you up front for that) So my story so far is this.

After being FORCED TO RETIRE and feeling all butthurt about it, I was talking to a friend who has a trike and he told me that I, too, should have one and then me and my Mrs. could go riding with him and his Mrs. Well hell, even without drinking that sounded like a great idea. And he has a Goldwing so he has been filling me in on the features and benefits of them. And he took me for a ride. And guess what? They're pretty spiffy. So it's time to see what I can find out.

Say what you will, you gotta love the internet as it is a wealth of information. And as I started looking...I stumbled onto the Harley Tri-Glide. Ya'll know it...Ya'll seen it. WHAT A MACHINE! And I responded in typical "you have my attention" male fashion. And watching videos of "Gino here at American Motorcycle Trading Company here in Arlington Texas" only piqued my interest further. They're pricey little buggers but come on...It's a Harley. There is only one! Cool look, cool sound, and it might even make my old butt look at least somewhat cool. (haven't been in years) Had to look into this much more.

As I said, I have never ridden and especially something this heavy. And since I have an understanding of physics regarding mass and velocity, perhaps going to a local Harley dealer in my area (and there are numerous) would be advantageous. And perhaps even see about a test ride.

And here is where my tale turns sad. Not one dealer (no not one) was interested in even talking to me if I wasn't going to plunk down the money then and there. No info, no test ride, no thanks for coming out. NOTHING! I was completely amazed as with the price of those things, the potential for a sale should be inspiration for customer service. But, alas, it was not to be.

And it gets even better. I decided to contact Harley headquarters and inform them of my plight. And again, I was stunned. There was no way to send them an email. Only snail mail inquiries. OK...fine. I know how to do that. And since the bar didn't seem to be set to high in this endeavor, I politely explained my situation and desires and asked if they could perhaps assist me.

I included in my letter all my contact information and even included an SASE to make it easier. (OK...that was kind of a dig but I was not having any luck getting anyone's attention) That was 14 months ago and to this day I have yet to receive a reply. (I guess they don't want me at their cool kids table) So, staying on the bright side of life, they have made my decision for me. A Honda Goldwing it is!!!!

And from the standpoint of a new to the lifestyle person, I'm good with that. From what I've seen, a Goldwing trike is probably the best fit for me. Would like to get an 1800 but I can probably make due with a 1500. The only thing I'm kind of fussy about is getting one with an independent rear suspension. I have no preference in the trike kit package as CSC, Roadsmith, Lehman, et al have great styling in their own rite as well as usable features.

So I'm looking for a used one as they seem to have longevity and I can save a few bucks while I become acquainted with the machine. I like the red ones but the yellow is also very nice. But whatever one I find, I can assure the seller it is going to a good home where it will be loved and ridden with vigor and enthusiasm.

So that's my story. I'll be lurking on this forum quite a bit to glean information and perhaps find a seller within a 600ish mile radius so I can have a nice long highway ride as my introduction. (I'm an old road dog so 600 miles ain't a thing) I'm going to get me one and do this. It's only a matter of how and when. And someday I will be on the back of my trike enjoying myself up in Hill City SD.

Is it possible to strap a buffalo onto a trike and take it home? I want one of those also.

Ole Rich
 
Hi Richard,

:welcome: to Trike Talk from South Florida.:wave4:

You are on the right path.ThumbUpThumbUp
 
Welcome from Pennsylvania

welcome to the forum I'm sure you will enjoy the Hondas. travel safely Fred
 
welcome aboard Richard. 1500 are getting harder to find as the years go by. Been over 15 years since the last one was made. Ebay Craigslist might be good places to start to look. Depending on how much you have available to spend GW 1800's can be had at reasonable prices. There are several available from members here. While your waiting I get the impression that your going to need to get a motorcycle or 3 wheel endorsement on your DL so you might want to get that out of the way. Depending on your state laws it can be cumbersome.

Wish you were closer to Florida because I know a Harley Dealer that would just love to do the test ride and take their time with you. Keep checking most if the Harley is still in your sights. They just do not have IRS only straight axle. There are Harley conversions that have IRS

Good Luck
 
Welcome Richard to TT. I viewed your profile, you are not OLD. You are 6 years younger than I am so you need to get a grip, a pair of grips actually and hit the road.

If you get a motorcycle license you will have more luck with the salesmen because they will view you as a potential buyer and not a dude wasting time hanging out at the dealership.

You also stated that you need to get your wife on board with the trike idea. Perhaps you need to get your friend with the Gold Wing trike to take her for a ride so she can see for herself what she has been missing. I am a long time Harley owner, my Freewheeler is my 5th Harley but I have had the pleasure of riding as a passenger on a Gold Wing trike with independent suspension which was very comfortable. When you do get your license, you could test ride a few trikes and let your wife help in the selection so she finds a comfortable backseat.

Good luck and I hope to meet you and your wife at a TT gathering someday.
 
Me again

Thank you one and all for responding to my post. I'm in short supply of friends and kudos these days. So I will start at the beginning. Don't know if Dorothy made it or not. She DID say that there is no place like home, but she obviously has never been to Cody Wyoming in June where they rodeo every night rain or shine. Beat that Miss Sparkle-shoes. :cool:

BTW...I DO have a motorcycle endorsement on my license. Had it since 1977. Too embarrassed to say why...but I got one. And please do not be offended by my Harley tale of woe. This is America and we have the right to run our business as we see fit. And like I said...Tri-Glides are just cool! Also, once I can get down there again my plan is to have my friend take the wife on a ride. She just really likes vehicles that have heat and air conditioning. Can't fault that. But it's not looking good folks. Day by day the dream slips further away. And it would definitely not be my first disappointment in life. We all have them. It's quality that makes life worth living. Not our possessions. I've got a pretty nifty small wood shop, a pickup truck and untold tomorrows. That ain't bad for how my life has been.

But again...thank you one and all for responding and liking my post. I'm still cruising Cycle Trader for deals in case I get smiled upon. (it could happen) It is our ability to dream of a better tomorrow that separates us from the animal kingdom.

Take care and be safe on the roads.

Ole Rich
 

Welcome to the Trike Talk Community

Join our vibrant online community dedicated to all things Trikes! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, this is the place to share experiences, tips, and stories about your three-wheeled adventures. Explore modifications, maintenance advice, and rides, all while connecting with fellow trike enthusiasts from around the globe

Forum statistics

Threads
55,556
Messages
807,234
Members
24,108
Latest member
Dragon warrior
Back
Top Bottom