Harley vs Wing

[Ragnarok]

OK, I know this is a firestorm-starter...so have fun with it

I am the proud owner of a new Motor Trike Valkyrie ('97) and I love her....but I know I will want to move to either a Wing or Harley trike in the next year or so, so I'm culling these hallowed pages for opinions ( yeah I know, they're like ****, everyone has one)

So for ~$30-35K, would you buy a Goldwing trike ( and by whom) or a Harley TriGlide or an Ultraglide Trike conversion (by whom) ??

Let the slinging begin! And thanks!

 

[Keystone]

A new HD Trike comes with a Factory Warrenty.

Conversions don't.

 

[skuuter]

I can hear the Gold Wing and Harley Cannons bein' loaded.....:laugh::laugh::laugh:

 

[Big_Steve]

OK, I know this is a firestorm-starter...so have fun with it

I am the proud owner of a new Motor Trike Valkyrie ('97) and I love her....but I know I will want to move to either a Wing or Harley trike in the next year or so, so I'm culling these hallowed pages for opinions ( yeah I know, they're like ****, everyone has one)

So for ~$30-35K, would you buy a Goldwing trike ( and by whom) or a Harley TriGlide or an Ultraglide Trike conversion (by whom) ??

Let the slinging begin! And thanks!

The Val looks pretty big. Why do you want to move up?

 

[katfish16]

Ok, the first thing I would do is ride both units and see which one u and ur corider like the best... as far as the Harley goes if U get it new (and I think that is a smart idea) u only have on choice for kit.. now the Goldwing I would ride as many differnt kits as I could and also find out if there is a installer close to where u live..

Both are excellent machines.. and the Harley does come with a warrenty as stated above.. Honda voids the warranty when they find out it is triked.. If U look at Goldwing there are a lot of good used 1800's out there in that price range...
The only difference in a Goldwing and ur Valkrie is the reverse.
Good luck and great question...

 

[jim peacock]

The gold wing is better suited to be triked then a harley.
I belong to a trike club here and we have harleys and gold wings I know of a couple of them that had harley trikes that after they took long trips especially out west in the mountains went to the gold wing.
The harleys just do not have the power the gold wing does.To me a harley has to be the most beautiful bike out there,but I know people who have two wheel harleys and some that are trikes,and have had serious problems with the engine even 2010 models.
Harleys are a beautiful bike and they have come a long way in the last few years but as for as I am concerned they need to go to the v-rod engine in all their big bikes it has plenty of power and it is my understanding they have had no mechanical problems with it.
Their current engine design is over a hundred years old,it is way past time to put it on the shelf and move on with a modern engine like the v-rod engine before they start having the problems that got then in trouble before.

 

[Nana]

Ok, the first thing I would do is ride both units and see which one u and ur corider like the best... as far as the Harley goes if U get it new (and I think that is a smart idea) u only have on choice for kit.. now the Goldwing I would ride as many differnt kits as I could and also find out if there is a installer close to where u live..

Both are excellent machines.. and the Harley does come with a warrenty as stated above.. Honda voids the warranty when they find out it is triked.. If U look at Goldwing there are a lot of good used 1800's out there in that price range...
The only difference in a Goldwing and ur Valkrie is the reverse.
Good luck and great question...

Actually, katfish, I think all the main kit maufacturers make one for Harleys as well as Wings, so there are many options for triking either an older or new Harley. The limited option on that is only if you buy the from-the-factory TriGlide or StreetGlide trike that HD is producing themselves.

 

[katfish16]

Nana, I was talking about if he bought a new tri-glide.....

Maybe I was confusing on that point..

 

[Nana]

Nana, I was talking about if he bought a new tri-glide.....

Maybe I was confusing on that point..

I love it when we agree...... . And just look at us.... one on a fine GW, one on a fine HD :beerchug:!

 

[Nana]

Nana, I was talking about if he bought a new tri-glide.....

I love it when we agree...... . And just look at us.... one on a fine GW, one on a fine HD :beerchug:!

 

[ThirdWheel]

Nothing against Harley or Honda, they are both fine as trikes, but they are becoming more and more common on the highway. They both have a lot of the similar styling, like the majority of the cars you see on the road. I think for my next one I leaning toward something like the Rewaco. I like the different styling.

 

[skuuter]

Nothing against Harley or Honda, they are both fine as trikes, but they are becoming more and more common on the highway. They both have a lot of the similar styling, like the majority of the cars you see on the road. I think for my next one I leaning toward something like the Rewaco. I like the different styling.

...I'm really disappointed George...really hard to picture You as bein' different....coulda' swore You followed the masses like I do.....

 

[robandlyn]

The next big surprise from Harley will be their 1st step into the watercooled world.
And it will be on their biggest HEAT SINK they sell ! The HD Trike !
It will be a 110 motor and it will be water cooled (no I am not guessing
but was hinted to what is most likely in the works).
They didn't stop Leman from making the trikes because Leman did not know how.
I guess you will have to Bookmark this post to re-read one year from now ;-)
Rob .....

 

[tis]

I agree with Rob, I think Harley will be coming out with a Liquid cooled engine in the near future & that will be sitting in the Tri-Glide. Right now you have the Valkerie so I would just put a tour-pack on the back. All Mfgs. warranty their kit, so you should have no problem there and a good dealer will not rule out your warranty as long as the trike kit did'nt cause the problem. It's been said many times on this board, if your not installing the kit yourself, you have to have someone reliable do the install. When it gets down to the Nitty Gritty it's what you decide, but then call me I'll set you straight. LOL.....

 

[tfdeputydawg]

The next big surprise from Harley will be their 1st step into the watercooled world.
And it will be on their biggest HEAT SINK they sell ! The HD Trike !
It will be a 110 motor and it will be water cooled (no I am not guessing
but was hinted to what is most likely in the works).
My source says the 2012 Wing will be a 2000cc Vtwin, air cooled w/belt drive
They didn't stop Leman from making the trikes because Leman did not know how.
HUH
I guess you will have to Bookmark this post to re-read one year from now ;-)
Rob .....

'''

 

[jim peacock]

When visiting a harley dealer with a friend who has a harley I was talking to the dealer and he said in the next four to five years because of epa. rules all big bikes will be water cooled about the only ones that will not be is the small off road dirt bikes and a lot of them will be water cooled to.
Because of epa. rules you are already seeing lawn and garden stuff such as weed eaters and other lawn equipment doing away with two cycle engines.
I think California has already passed epa laws were all gasoline engines no matter what size they are are what they power have to meet the same epa. standards in the near future.

 

[Gorilla]

OK, I know this is a firestorm-starter...so have fun with it

I am the proud owner of a new Motor Trike Valkyrie ('97) and I love her....but I know I will want to move to either a Wing or Harley trike in the next year or so, so I'm culling these hallowed pages for opinions ( yeah I know, they're like ****, everyone has one)

So for ~$30-35K, would you buy a Goldwing trike ( and by whom) or a Harley TriGlide or an Ultraglide Trike conversion (by whom) ??

Let the slinging begin! And thanks!

The way to go is what makes you happy. Both are good for their own reasons. Like they say different strokes for different folks. The harley "IF" tuned correctly is every bit as good as a Honda if you like the Harley style and sound. The Honda is very different in that it is quite and smooth. Harley's vibrate and have a bark to their exhaust which I personally like.

If you are looking for warrantee then the Harley is the ticket. If they come out with a water cooled trike next year it might be worth waiting to see what it is. Good Luck.

 

[msocko3]

If I had it to do over I might have gone with the Wing over the Triglide, don't get me wrong I love a Harley, just not the way they are produced now. Out of the box my 2010 Triglide was a pig that had a hard time getting out of its own way. The 1st trip I took last August with my wife to TN was a disapointment. I grew tired of having to down shift out of 6th gear each time I came to a hill, even at 75 mph. The cat in the head pipe was a real toaster oven and when I contacted customer service about the heat and lack of power they acted like there was no problem. I told one customer service rep that they really missed the boat with the gearing and 6th gear was about useless unless you were going 80+ mph. I guess they got the hint about the gearing because they changed it for 2011, shame is they have no upgrade path for those of us who have the 09 - 10's with the crummy gearing. It has taken cam's a new head pipe and tune in order to make it half ways decent, the new transmission sprocket would make it much better. I've grown bitter throwing money at solving Harley Davidsons short comings. Right now if Honda would come out with a factory built trike based on the Wing I'd be all over it in a red hot second.

 

[Big_Steve]

My practical side (from years of 4 wheeling) dictates that you don't want to buy a first year vehicle or engine. Whether Harley is designing a new engine, or modifying one to be water cooled, give other folks a year or two to be the "beta testers."

 

[1550vt]

This should be a no-brainer. Just read ALL the posts across ALL the forums concerning TG issues vs. Honda issues and you will reach a rapid conclusion.

 

[Keystone]

The next big surprise from Harley will be their 1st step into the watercooled world.

Rob .....

Harley took their first step into the WC world in 2000 with the Revolution Motor. And one could argue that it was actually their second step if you count the Nova that never made it to the production line back in the 70's.

 

[1550vt]

I had thought about suggesting the Can-Am Spyder, but as I gather information and research on the Can-Am, I am learning these owners have their own set of issues to deal with. The Rotax motor has been around a long time and it's a good mill, but it seems they have handling issues that require things like:

Tire pressure adjustment for better handling.
Straight line wandering
Swaying in curves
Jerky steering
Loss of power steering (yes..I said power steering)
Suspension component failures
Alignment issues.

Sounds just like regular trike stuff to me!

I have not read about any burned thighs, lean-running, glowing cats, puking oil out the breather, reverse motors falling off and trunk leaks yet.....but they don't have a trunk.

Second thoughts....you bet and maybe the Spyder is not the utopia to making something handle well on three wheels. The jury will remain out on this one for a while longer.

 

[meredog]

Ok, the first thing I would do is ride both units and see which one u and ur corider like the best... as far as the Harley goes if U get it new (and I think that is a smart idea) u only have on choice for kit.. now the Goldwing I would ride as many differnt kits as I could and also find out if there is a installer close to where u live..

Both are excellent machines.. and the Harley does come with a warrenty as stated above.. Honda voids the warranty when they find out it is triked.. If U look at Goldwing there are a lot of good used 1800's out there in that price range...
The only difference in a Goldwing and ur Valkrie is the reverse.
Good luck and great question...

???????????? My VTX 1800 w/Champion trike convertion (done by Honda dealer) came with a warrenty

 

[skuuter]

???????????? My VTX 1800 w/Champion trike convertion (done by Honda dealer) came with a warrenty

Yeah, "Good Honda Dealers" will get it done for You.....

 

[Tango]

Just met an old friend that owned a HD. Had it triked, and upgraded to a 103" engine from 96".. In his own words, "what a piece of sh*t!" Between all the problems with the Champion IRS kit. And the engine putting out so much heat. He couldn't wait to get rid of it. And did. Now rides a Gold Wing with Motor Trike kit. "Best bike I have ever owned"! He was grinning from ear to ear. What ever you choose, IMHO, go with one that gives you an extended wheel base for a smoother ride. And has a dealer close by to handle any problems. Tom

 

[Tango]

I had thought about suggesting the Can-Am Spyder, but as I gather information and research on the Can-Am, I am learning these owners have their own set of issues to deal with. The Rotax motor has been around a long time and it's a good mill, but it seems they have handling issues that require things like:

Tire pressure adjustment for better handling.
Straight line wandering
Swaying in curves
Jerky steering
Loss of power steering (yes..I said power steering)
Suspension component failures
Alignment issues.

Sounds just like regular trike stuff to me!

I have not read about any burned thighs, lean-running, glowing cats, puking oil out the breather, reverse motors falling off and trunk leaks yet.....but they don't have a trunk.

Second thoughts....you bet and maybe the Spyder is not the utopia to making something handle well on three wheels. The jury will remain out on this one for a while longer.

You forgot the ones that burst into flames! Tom :blush:

 

[Casper]

Well, I've owned two GW trikes, one 2002 with a Champion kit and one 2007 with a CSC kit...and now a 2010 TG.

The 2002 was very hard to ride, no rake in the trees ( said I didn't need one) couldn't wait to get rid of it. Now I know a little more about trikes and I don't place all the blame on the Champion kit...installer was the main problem.

The 2007 CSC was a great trike, smooth, handled great.

But both GW trikes had one major flaw ( to me anyway) and that's the foot position of the driver...I hated that, it killed my knees and hip...after 200 miles I was hurting.

The 2010 HD TG...and I agree with what was stated above...she's hot, not the power of the wing...but I'm more comfortable on the TG than the wing...just that simple.

If the foot position of the Wing was comfortable, I would have a new wing trike.... and I have to say the Wing makes a better platform for a trike...but I love my Harleys ( on my 27th now).....so it's a TG for me...I even looked at the Victory Crossbow and thought about a Yamaha Venture trike, all because of the forward floorboards...but that sweet HD was calling my name...

Bottom line...ride them all or a lest as many as you can...make the choice that suits you and not anyone else ( ok maybe the wife)...but that's it...

Your money, your trike.

 

[Nana]

Bottom line...ride them all or a lest as many as you can...make the choice that suits you and not anyone else ( ok maybe the wife)...but that's it...

Your money, your trike.

Wise words!!!!

 

[1550vt]

I have been a loyal Harley owner for 20-plus years....and still am. However, I am sorry to say that in the present configuration I would not trade my older kitted Ultra for a brand new TG and I really, really hate to admit that. I desired a new trike and I really was ready to purchase a Tri Glide....just could not wait to get my hands on one, until I started hearing about all the problems. I just simply refuse to purchase something that I have to spend a few thousand more dollars on to make it half-way comfortable to ride and most dealers either won't or can't fix. I really don't want a Honda either, so I will ride my kitted Ultra I have now for as long as the aftermarket parts are out there to keep it going. Harley can continue to keep their heads buried in the sand (or where ever they have them stuck).

Those TG's really look sharp going down the road and parked at gas stations, but I'll put some lipstick on this pig I have now and ride-on thank you.

 

[msocko3]

Harley can continue to keep their heads buried in the sand (or where ever they have them stuck).

Those TG's really look sharp going down the road and parked at gas stations, but I'll put some lipstick on this pig I have now and ride-on thank you.

I agree they have their heads stuck someplace dark. I love the way the TG handles and rides, I'm just PO'd at the MoCo for poor execution and even worse customer relations/service. They took something that could be the greatest thing since sliced bread and did their darndest to cheap out and think people wouldn't notice.