Harley Trike or Goldwing

[tulsadutch]

Okay I've finally had to face reality that a Trike is in my very near future but there lies the problem. Harley or Goldwing, I like what I see in the Tri-glide but I've been told the H-D engine is not going to last very long mileage compared to a Goldwing.<br />
My question to you is since I ride about 20K per year with a mixture of slow twisty hill riding and long highways, I'm afraid of rebuilding a motor after 60 to 80K. My goldwing riding buddies say I'll get 200K or more out of the Goldwing.<br />
I know that unplanned things occur, but what is the average miles I can expect before major engine work on the Tri-glide

 

[roadrumble]

Both are great trikes. Very different but both nice.
For me, i love the sound of a V twin. And not the purr of the Honda.
Icertainly would not make the decision on someones biased opinion of which will.go 200k.
If that is what you want buy a toyota!!!8

 

[Don 1800]

I have had both hd & goldwing I riding a goldwing now with a motor trike conv. I fill that a water cooled motor is going to last a lot longer than air

 

[eagle1]

i own a '09 t/g nad have had very few problems, but have had to spend a-lot to get it up to speed.ie S&S 511 cam2k,performance machine stage 1 rear brake kit, 1400.00 <br />
ecm tuner 4-800.00.all this h-d should have done before i bought it. but that wasn't a option. and already spent over 34k for the bike, and it runs and is a great bike. the main reason was i wanted a major manufactured company to make the bike, and in '09 h-d did.but if i would have to do it again i would go with a new goldwing.<br />
and have it triked. good luck.

 

[patriot]

I too have owned both. I would still have my Goldwing with CSC conversion had I not had electrical problems. The electrical problems was a result of the installer and I will not go into that right now. I only have 500 miles on my Tri Glide, I like it but it isn't a Goldwing. The only way I could have afforded another Goldwing would to have run across a 2007 or newer GW with less than 20,000 miles under $14,000. The conversion would have cost $14,000. Then I wanted accessories like heated grips, heated seat, and the list goes on and on. The Tri Glide provised some things I really like; $30,000 for a trike that is warranted by the company, CB, rake disigned into the build, and the list goes on. I have added some accessories and most likely by the time everything is done, the cost of the trike and accessories will be around $32,000. Oh, I love the Harley's electronic throttle control; none on the GW. But the power and life of the GW engine can not be beat.

I ride with some GW trikers with over 200K and still going strong. Got to make your own decision.

 

[Bruce]

I've had Harleys all my life and i currently own a 2010 Tri Glide and love it. I bought it because of the factory warrenty. I've got 25 k on it and haven't had any real problems with it -- but ---- if Honda made a factory trike I would own it in a heart beat -- I would still have a harley but would do my traveling long distance on the Honda

 

[patriot]

I've had Harleys all my life and i currently own a 2010 Tri Glide and love it. I bought it because of the factory warrenty. I've got 25 k on it and haven't had any real problems with it -- but ---- if Honda made a factory trike I would own it in a heart beat -- I would still have a harley but would do my traveling long distance on the Honda

We will soon find out about the long distance riding. Actually, Atlanta to Fort Wayne is not all that far, but is will be our first test. In 2007, we rode Minneapolis - Phoenix in 4 days. You can do the math. It was not all that bad even with a bad back. I know, there are Iron Butt riders who make this look short, but to each there own.

 

[Bruce]

We will soon find out about the long distance riding. Actually, Atlanta to Fort Wayne is not all that far, but is will be our first test. In 2007, we rode Minneapolis - Phoenix in 4 days. You can do the math. It was not all that bad even with a bad back. I know, there are Iron Butt riders who make this look short, but to each there own.

we've been to myrtle beach twice, virginia beach twice and maine once on the tri glide and comfort was not a problem ( from way up state NY ) i was just saying i think the honda motor will last longer than the tri glide.

 

[M.A.T.]

The same, in other context, question has ben asked about H-D vs other manufacturers since motorcycles have been around. This is a great forum to ask such a question because of the diversity of members, unlike other forums that are brand specific. There you will surely receive a more biased answer. Your question though is not so much brand specific but more asks which engine will last longer. I myself am not an expert on engine longevity in either brand but I do know enough to know that unless a side by side test in a controlled environment under exacting conditions you will only have the reports of actual users to rely on.<br />
<br />
No two riders are the same. No two motorccycles are the same. I bet I could destroy either as fast as anyone and set a record for it. A lot of what goes into longevity then depends on you. Simply put. I'm sure that for every GW owner you find that tells you his or her machine is best there is a TG owner willing to do the same.

And I'm sure we could just as easily find instances of both that have milage beyond the limits of what you have been told are the norm.<br />
<br />
So what it really boils down to is personal preference. Compare everything just like you would any purchase.<br />
<br />
My first street bike was a Honda CB 650. I was only 23. My second bike was a 82 XLS Roadster. When I bought this bike it was right after my introduction to the family of H-D owners that would later call me one of their own.<br />
<br />
Fast forward over 25 years and now 4 Harleys later. Before purchasing this Tri-Glide Ultra I was actually contemplating giving up the sport altogether for reasons that aren't relevant to this dsicussion. But I will tell you this, I knew if I did that a part of me would be lost forever. Its in my blood and will cease to exist only when I do. Please do not get wrong impression of me. I am not some iron butt super rider and as a matter of fact probably put fewer miles on my bikes than anyone I know.

But I don't believe miles equal loyalty or passion. These can only be obtained from experiencing what can only come from being part of the H-D family.<br />
<br />
This "family" like presence has obviously grown over the years in brands besides H-D and is very prevalent on this forum but nothing can compare to what comes with a H-D. Myself, I have never discriminated and feel a motorcycle is a motorcycle. I'm sure no matter what your choice you feel that way here.<br />
<br />
Buy what you feel is the best choice for you, and ride it forever!<br />
<br />
Rob

 

[msocko3]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>tulsadutch</strong>
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<div class="message">Okay I've finally had to face reality that a Trike is in my very near future but there lies the problem. Harley or Goldwing, I like what I see in the Tri-glide but I've been told the H-D engine is not going to last very long mileage compared to a Goldwing.<br />
My question to you is since I ride about 20K per year with a mixture of slow twisty hill riding and long highways, I'm afraid of rebuilding a motor after 60 to 80K. My goldwing riding buddies say I'll get 200K or more out of the Goldwing.<br />
I know that unplanned things occur, but what is the average miles I can expect before major engine work on the Tri-glide</div>

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</div>If you can find a HD dealer close to you who rents the Triglide I'd take one for the day and bust out all the miles you can. If you can't find a rental maybe they would allow you to test ride one. I'd do the same with a Goldwing conversion, try to find an installer who will let you ride one. You are correct when you say the Goldwing will go many more miles than the air cooled HD will, the HD engine will need replaced or major work when the Goldwing will just be hitting its stride. <br />
<br />
If I was to buy another new trike I would lean heavily towards the Goldwing, the main reason is it is not as fragile as the air cooled Harley in a traffic jam and it had more power and torque right out of the box. I pull a trailer loaded to the gills and ride 2 up the majority of the time, I like to set the cruise control 5 mph above the posted speed limit and expect the trike to maintain, I had to spend about $1,500 on my 2010 Triglide to make that happen. I will however say the final drive ratio is much improved on the 2011 and later Triglides once HD got the message from all the people raising cane about the trike being a dog in 6th gear.

 

[rap47]

After my surgery I had to make a choice, sell my 2010 Ultra and call it quites or trike it. Tried the Tri Glide and was hooked. Had a gentleman that wanted my Ultra, so it all worked out timing wise. Now this is just my personal thoughts, but to me the Goldwing trike is just a car with one less wheel, and the Tri Glide is a motorcycle with one extra wheel! And if I'm going to drive a car, well I'll take four.

 

[John Luciano]

People we are drifting away from the original question.
What motor will last longer, not what sounds better ,or has a better warrantee.Riding a trike even 10,000 miles will not answer the question. I have only 70,000 on my Gold wing . Original plugs . Only oil changes and a few batteries so far. Have a friend that is on his 4th wing all went over 200,000 . Now riding his 2002 with 220,000 . He sold all his old ones to his buddies who ride with him to Sturges and Daytona every year . I am in Conn. I agree a Goldwing will do 100,000 right out of the box with out breaking a sweat.

 

[Lakeman]

Well said rap47!

 

[gunner7243]

Hi
I have only had Hondas but I think you would like what every you pick, they both build
great bikes. But now with Honda moving the goldwing back to Japan I would have to buy a 2010 goldwing or go with a Harley. Good Luck

 

[tulsadutch]

I want to thank everyone that has replied so far to my message, I guess what I'm asking is what is the average miles I can expect. I know that most folks that has had a Harley know that at a certain point in miles you can expect to see major things. I know a Tri glide is going to be around $35K and a Goldwing around $40K. My gut says I want the Harley since its a factory made trike but if I'm going to have major costs I have to decide if those costs makes sense when compared to the goldwing. I figure I will have the trike for many years to come so the long term dollars is something I have to weigh in.

 

[mopar]

I've had both. I had to sell the Goldwing due to knee and hip problems. The seating position caused me alot of pain after riding 100 miles or so. However goldwing is a fine bike. I can't say anything negative about it as far as power or reliability.

 

[rhino 2]

This is the first Harley i've owned, [11 T/G] love the sound and the feel there's just something about the engine that puts a smile on my face the second i hit the starter. ThumbUp
Tracks as steady as a rock on the highway. But on the secondary roads here in Jersey pot holes, sunken manhole covers, and any street where the utility company's dug up and repaved, It is just one terrible harsh ride, The Tri and my back are taken a beating.

 

[donjack]

All said and done, it's what you want, your the one paying for it. Harley has the edge on holding value at trade in time.

 

[sandrooney]

I don't know on the trikes but there are Harley 2 wheelers out there with well over a 100 thousand miles on them. There are also some that don't make it that far and I am sure that there are Hondas that don't make it that far as well. Get an extended warranty on which ever you decide.
SR

 

[rmrc51]

I've had both. I had to sell the Goldwing due to knee and hip problems. The seating position caused me alot of pain after riding 100 miles or so. However goldwing is a fine bike. I can't say anything negative about it as far as power or reliability.

The seating position on the Goldwing (and Valkyrie for that matter) is a problem for some riders with your legs straight down. I also prefer the 'feet forward' design that the Harley's have as do most other bikes.

 

[cscsonny]

Great discussion and comments in this post.When someone ask "HD or Goldwing" this post could go on forever and every reply would be interesting to read as a good novel.
What does not interest me is the question of which will last longer?
Every motorcycle I have owned my first question to myself was "how long will this motorcycle last me and will it be the last motorcycle I will ever buy?
That never happened.I have owned 39 motorcycles and will never get one of my Harley's out of my memory.
I only ever owned one bike that I came close to putting 100,000 miles on,until I walked into a garage to look (?) at a bike for sale and fell in love.Because I keep my bike in "as new"condition,both in looks and roadability,I was able to sell that near 100,000 mile bike for $500 less than what I paid for it and bought my new love.
Point is,if your disission will be based on how long it will last,its rare that most owners will keep a bike,of any brand longer than 40,000 to 70,000 miles.Just look at the milage on any used bike in the dealers show rooms.
Dealers don't want us keeping bikes to high milage or they wouldn't have a market for new ones.They want you to walk in and see all the new gidgets and gadgets and so much for that bike you planned on keeping forever.
I also don't believe a couple hour or all day "test ride" will decide how long you will keep a bike.Three to six months from buying you may find that the bike is not suited to you or your co-rider and off you go looking for another bike to buy.
Now,if I could just get this GoldWing to sound like my old Harley,I would keep her forever!
Good luck with whatever brand you decide on and just get out there and ride.

 

[M.A.T.]

That the response I was looking for. I knew someone could attest to it cscsonny.

 

[KRUZR]

Okay I've finally had to face reality that a Trike is in my very near future but there lies the problem. Harley or Goldwing, I like what I see in the Tri-glide but I've been told the H-D engine is not going to last very long mileage compared to a Goldwing.
My question to you is since I ride about 20K per year with a mixture of slow twisty hill riding and long highways, I'm afraid of rebuilding a motor after 60 to 80K. My goldwing riding buddies say I'll get 200K or more out of the Goldwing.
I know that unplanned things occur, but what is the average miles I can expect before major engine work on the Tri-glide

Harley Engineered the Evolution Motor to last about 100,000 miles. The Twin Cam design intent is 200,000. Of course you have to maintain it. So don't deside Harley or Goldwing on input like you'll have to replace/rebuild the motor @ 70 to 80,000 miles. I live in the Mid West and ride about 12,000 a year and never have had a motor problem that required a rebuild. Lifters are another issue.

 

[boots]

I own one of each. My wife rides the Harley and I ride the Goldwing. They are two completely different animals. I have riden 800 mile days on both and I will have to admit that the Goldwing seems to handle the long days better with less work from the rider. If I am going to run erands I will always take the Harley. There is somthing about the sound of the Harley and the attention that soothes my inner beast.

I have owned 12 Harleys and 3 Hondas. I do all the maintenece work. We ride around 8,000 miles per year and have not noticed any more maintenence on the Harley. Have never had a Harley leave me stranded on the road.

My two cents worth is a bike should not be purchased for how long a motor will last but how many smiles per mile they put on your face.

 

[Tony T of I V E]

I've owned Two Honda 1800 Trikes, One with straight axle and one with Independent Suspension. I now have a two wheel Harley. LOVE them both.
For me when ( and yes nana I'm going back to a Trike soon I get my Third Trike , it'll be a Goldwing. Just so much more Torque in my opinion , less heat and if you need to have the HD sound, put Cobra Pipes on your goldwing lol.
Everybody will tell you that you need to get on the saddle of both and try them out. I'm not sold on the HD trike kit yet. I like MotorTrike and or California Side Care as a kit for the Goldwing. Good luck in your search and know that you can put 200K on the Goldwing and it'll just be broken in good

 

[TNTriker]

I want to thank everyone that has replied so far to my message, I guess what I'm asking is what is the average miles I can expect. I know that most folks that has had a Harley know that at a certain point in miles you can expect to see major things. I know a Tri glide is going to be around $35K and a Goldwing around $40K. My gut says I want the Harley since its a factory made trike but if I'm going to have major costs I have to decide if those costs makes sense when compared to the goldwing. I figure I will have the trike for many years to come so the long term dollars is something I have to weigh in.

This has nothing to do with your original question, but you have these folks pushing GW and you have these folks pushing HD. I will say one thing regarding the GW...this was told to Ron and I at a TTR by a devout GW owner. There were some issues with the bike, concerning some warrenty. I don't remember the specific problem, didn't real care enough to retain it. Ron ask him if he know why Honda moved the motorcycle mfg.s back to Japan and his answer was...this warrenty thing, they wouldn't recognize and so all those that were involved with the issues started a lawsuit. Well guess what, they moved back to Japan to keep from pay out the money. He said he was one of the people in the lawsuit. I will not or will I ever support anything that is made in Japan if I can get another avenue for a purchase. Now I have no idea if this is the truth, I haven't taken the time to try to verify it, but they did pull out. I have heard another reason for this also, but I think the lawsuit was the main motivation. Just my 2 cents! :Shrug:

 

[Memnoch451]

WOW..this thread has really gone south from the original question.

What will go longer with less cost of ownership was what I took to be the question?

It's really a no brainer if we are talking simple math... The Honda Goldwing 1800. I have yet to see a Harley Davidson with 200k on the original un-rebuilt engine.

Here's what it took for a harley to get to a million miles :

Million mile Harley dresser going to Sturgis Museum was owned by local politician in Wisconsin--Ed Zein. 9 rebuilds, 2 new engines for million miles. 3 engines means average 333,000 miles, 3 rebuilds to the engine gets 4 service runs-starting with fresh engine- so 80,000 miles between rebuilds is about right. Zein put on a lot of highway miles each year.

That being said... After 80k a Honda GL1800 is still pretty new and if it died before 200k i would say it had little or no maintenance.

In short... The Honda should have a lower cost per mile of owner ship if you plan on keeping it a long time!

 

[rap47]

Hey Memnoch451.....I thought you rode a Goldwing, but it seems I've seen you post on a lot of the Harley Trike threads ( mostly negative I might add). So what is it with you? Do you hate Harleys so bad that you spend alot of your time on the Harley side just so you can add some snide remark or mayby deep down inside you really wish you had one? Come on, you know do!!!:laugh:

 

[screwball]

I can honestly say I have never bought a vehicle, car or motorcycle, based on how long until I had to rebuild the engine. Farthest thing from my mind. Your friends talk about their 200,000 mile Hondas, I can point you to 200,000 mile Harleys. Since this is the HARLEY section of the Triketalk forum, guess which direction I'd send ya.

Happy decision making

 

[GARYD]

I'm with Screwball on this. I've never sat down and thought "Which engine is going to last longer"

As I said on another forum:
I'll have to dig it up and get the actual costs, but an earlier issue of Motorcycle Consumer News ran a comparison on a Harley and a Goldwing. Naturally the Goldwing came out ahead in most areas. The one thing I did see not favorable to Honda was the first year service costs. The Gold wing was hundreds of dollars more then the Harley, because of all the body panels that have to be removed.

Personnally I want a motorcycle that LOOKS like and sounds like a motorcycle. Not something out of a Buck Rogers movie. I like 'em simple. Nobody makes 'em as simple as Harley......except Ural. LOL

I had jap (UJM) bikes for over 20 years (ones that LOOKED like a motorcycle) - nothing wrong with them. I believe if it wasn't for all bikes - especially jap bikes - motorcycles would have been banned years ago. Thanks to the number of UJM owners and ABATE and AMA we have preserviered. Hopefully we will continue to do so.

How many 50, 60, 70, etc. year old Hondas are out on the road? At lot less then Harleys. Can a farmer in the middle of nowhere work on a Gold Wing?
Air cooled or watercooled?? I think millions of VW and Porsche owners will tell you air cooled, but that's just personal opinions. Buy what YOU like and forget what others say. Are you intending on keeping your bike for over 100K miles? I doubt it. I bet 95% of buyers trade, get bored with or sell their bike way before that. Do you want to pay through the nose for scheduled services?? Then the Goldwing is your choice.
If you want the sound of a real motorcycle, then Harley is your choice. If you want to have fun, buy either trike. Trikes are just plane fun to ride.