Honda Trike Questions?

[barnabus]

Im considering building a trike come spring.I have looked at the Harley Ultra but am not willing to spend another 2k to deal with the heat issue.So.....Im considering a Honda conversion.


Here is what I want for the wife and I. COMFORT!!!!! We are getting old!

I want plenty of power so I assume I need a 1800 Goldwing?

I still want the trike to look like a motorcycle and not a scooter so I dont want all the running boards and such.If I had it my way it would look like the basic Harley Trike.Heres the problem that I have with the Honda is that it looks like something out of a science fiction model with all the running boards,shark fins and such.Can I buy a Goldwing and have it without all that extra stuff on it?

If so, What would I expect to pay for a new Goldwing and then have a basic conversion with a lehman kit and IRS? Can I get into a Goldwing conversion for the about the same price of a Harley Ultra?

Does the Honda trike have the heat isuue that the Ultra has or is this non existent?

Also Does the Honda trike conversion come standard with a reverse.I live in SC and dont know where to start looking for a Honda Trike.My honda dealer knows nothing about trikes or who builds them.Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Barnabus<><

 

[Nana]

Hi Barnabus, and welcome to TrikeTalk!

I do know that there are heat issues with the Harleys from '07 and onward, but if you found an '06, they are not the problem, so you might want to consider that.

The GoldWings are wonderful bikes -- generally very reliable and comfortable for sure, but they do have the look you say you don't want. There are big cruisers made by Honda though, and you might consider those -- the Valkyrie for instance. With the right seat, you will still have great comfort.

Why don't you call Randy at Adventure Trikes in Dothan, AL and discuss some options with him. He is very knowledgeable and builds both Harley and Honda trikes. He will be able to give you a lot of pros and cons as you consider your decision.
His shop#: 334-792-7444
Cell#: 334-648-0157

 

[tfdeputydawg]

Im considering building a trike come spring.I have looked at the Harley Ultra but am not willing to spend another 2k to deal with the heat issue.So.....Im considering a Honda conversion.


Here is what I want for the wife and I. COMFORT!!!!! We are getting old!

I want plenty of power so I assume I need a 1800 Goldwing?

I still want the trike to look like a motorcycle and not a scooter so I don't want all the running boards and such.If I had it my way it would look like the basic Harley Trike.Heres the problem that I have with the Honda is that it looks like something out of a science fiction model with all the running boards,shark fins and such.Can I buy a Goldwing and have it without all that extra stuff on it?

Not sure what you mean by "shark fins"? If you're referring to the openings in the sides of the fairings. Those are for the radiators and all 1800's have them.

If so, What would I expect to pay for a new Goldwing and then have a basic conversion with a lehman kit and IRS? Can I get into a Goldwing conversion for the about the same price of a Harley Ultra?
You can look at the Honda motorcycle web sight and get the MSRP's on all Wing models. Then google Honda dealers to see what the going prices are.
Cost compared to a Tri-Glide depends on which Wing level and which conversion you pick

Does the Honda trike have the heat issue that the Ultra has or is this non existent?
On very hot days there is some heat felt on my Wing. However, nothing like the Ultra I had. There are items such as Baker Air Wings that can direct air onto you and a vent in the windshield for those warm days.

Also Does the Honda trike conversion come standard with a reverse.
All 1800's come w/reverse as 2 wheelers.

I live in SC and don't know where to start looking for a Honda Trike.My Honda dealer knows nothing about trikes or who builds them.Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Google Motorcycle Trikes. There's a bunch of them all over the country.

Barnabus<><

I would suggest you search this forum and the trike section of gl1800riders about concerns going on w/Champion IRS units!
I took over 3 years to study, test, discuss not only which conversion I wanted but, which installer to use. The installer is just as important as the right conversion for you.
One last piece of info for you and this is debated all the time. Expect to have no warranty on the bike once you install a trike conversion! Especially on drive-train and motor failures.

 

[Big_Steve]

I wonder if you should consider a Valkyrie trike? Big engine, and not all the hoopla that goes with the Wing. Can't offer any experience in that regard, but it was the first thing that crossed my mind.

 

[jim peacock]

The lehman kits are solid axel and handle real good,the csc has irs. as well as the hannagan as well as the champion and I thing a couple of the others and they ride a little softer.
If you do not want the foot boards you may want to look at the csc trike kit.
I have a 96 1500 with a 06 lehan kit with floor boards I went with the lehman because you can stand on the floor boards.
All of the trike kits are pretty good the main thing is the installer.
A new 1800 with any of the trike kits is going to be over thirty thousand dollars.You may get a little better price then that if a dealer has a left over 2009 some may even have a left over 2008 but my undersanding is most of them are gone.
After that the sky is the limit you can easly get over forty thousand dollars tied up in a trike in a harley or a gold wing depending on what all you want on it.
All 1500s and 1800s out side of the 1500 interstate have a reverse on them.
Personley I feel like the gold wings 1500s or 1800s are better sutied to turn in to a trike.
Have you thought about finding a used 1500 in a late modle are a used 1800 that is already triked are even a two wheel late model 1500 are a 1800 and then have them triked.You could easly save your self ten thousand dollars.

 

[Lunchbox1983]

Barnbus


Not sure who your SC Honda dealer is but for Goldwings Sumter Honda is in the top 10 in the Nation and the largest Goldwing dealer this side of the Mississippi for sales. He also does a LOT of trikes that he builds. Any dealer in SC would have to know that. HE always has 5 to 10 trikes on site to look at, sit on or test ride. He will also have at least that many wings. Small ratty looking building but a good dealer in my opinion.

As suggested above the valkrie maybe what you are looking for. Basically a Wing more or less without the plastic. They are getting harder to find, but used ones are around just keep looking. The Valkrie is one smooth ride, and great power, plus you cannot beat that chrome engine look. What you miss out on is all the gadgets the wing has. To each his own.

 

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard Barnbus. If you really like the Harley look. I would suggest a used Harley conversion. As Nana states the HD heat issue really stated around 07 with the 96 c.i. engine. It was easly fixed up through 08 because the cat in the exhaust was in the mufflers and they were easily changed. In 09 the cat was moved to the header pipe making it a lot hotter closer to your right leg. So a used HD 08 or earlier is a good purchase. Most conversions are every bit as good as the factory build and many times better. The GW is a great bike/trike and is liquid cooled so it does not have thew HD heat issue. I like you do not like the plastic body look. I love my HD. I have riden both and they each have their pluses and minuses. Consider a used HD conversion.

 

[meredog]

I had the same "needs" when it came to getting our trike--i wanted it to maintain the motorcycle look. I opted for the Honda Vtx 1800 --has the look---rides good --water cooled --and fuel injected.
I have been wanting to discuss the pros and cons of the vtx vs the Harleys with some Harley folks but they are always to far behind to be able to carry on a conversation

 

[Nana]

You haven't ridden with me yet, Herb...... Just sayin'
However, since mine is also yellow, that might have something to do with it.

 

[Big_Steve]

I had the same "needs" when it came to getting our trike--i wanted it to maintain the motorcycle look. I opted for the Honda Vtx 1800 --has the look---rides good --water cooled --and fuel injected.
I have been wanting to discuss the pros and cons of the vtx vs the Harleys with some Harley folks but they are always to far behind to be able to carry on a conversation

My 1300 doesn't shake me to death. But I have to assume a Valk or wing must (??) be more comfortable on a tour then a V-twin.

 

[jfingalls]

Welcome Barnabus, Check out the "Harley vs Wing" discussion in the postings, it has a lot of information that you may appreciate. Good luck

 

[meredog]

You haven't ridden with me yet, Herb...... Just sayin'
However, since mine is also yellow, that might have something to do with it.

But of course, everyone knows that the number one accessary to add for "get up and go" is yellow paint

 

[WalterM817]

My wife and I rode 3 of the Honda Trikes locally and opted for the Harley triglide.
The Hondas did'nt seem to track as well for me over rough surfaces, sidewinds etc. probably the amount of surface involved as to the wind.

The Honda Goldwings have a lot more std. equipment on them such as heated grips,seats etc. The Trike Conversions I rode were set up by Niehaus Cycles in Litchfield Ill. These folks know their onions about Hondas.

I've ridden Honda motorcycles all my life so to prefer a H-D was kind of a shock to my friends.

We have a grand total of 800 miles on the Triglide so there are folks here with a ton more knowledge of the trike than I have.

Whatever you decide to go for be safe! WalterM817

 

[Jimsjinx]

A 1500 Valkerie is one bad ass trike. jimsjinx

 

[bigballer]

Check out Cherokee Trikes & more in Greer, S.C. #864-879-2119

 

[Lonerbtw]

We have 2 Valks a 2000 witch is my wifes with full body and mine a 98 that is more of a chopper look. I like the Valk for the smooth ride and the power of that 1500 cc flat six. Because of bad back I like the straight up seating with back rest. 500 miles in one day and did not feel all that bad. Check my photos. Good luck with whatever you get,test ride anything you can.
Loner

 

[JoJo]

We are doing a trike conversion this winter with a 2003 Valkyrie standard and a Motor Trike conversion kit. The valks are awesome bikes. Definitely check out the VRCC forum for Vakyrie enthusiasts. :yes:

General Board

 

[bigbuck]

Personally I'm a big fan of the Valkyries. Just my :2cents:

 

[JJTRIKER]

I personally have been blessed with 2 valk trikes the 97 tourer with motortrike conversion and my current valk rune. Both trikes handle well i wish i had a rake kit on my rune but,...n/a... The 97 i had was raked and extended and the handling was next to none.
There is another alternative is to find a valk interstate trike. My preference would be trike shop conversion because of the extra lenghth and irs.

 

[George Lewis]

I did not get the "aqua shields", which is a personal decision. Search the manufactures web sites for prices and look at the options. Most installers (dealers) stick pretty close to these posted prices. Installation is up to the installer and "can" get expensive, some as high as $1,500 with aqua shields, lights, etc. I paid $900 installation fee for a bare bones trike. I have had my Motor Trike for five years and relly enjoy it.

 

[carbco]

Im considering building a trike come spring.I have looked at the Harley Ultra but am not willing to spend another 2k to deal with the heat issue.So.....Im considering a Honda conversion.


Here is what I want for the wife and I. COMFORT!!!!! We are getting old!

I want plenty of power so I assume I need a 1800 Goldwing?

I still want the trike to look like a motorcycle and not a scooter so I dont want all the running boards and such.If I had it my way it would look like the basic Harley Trike.Heres the problem that I have with the Honda is that it looks like something out of a science fiction model with all the running boards,shark fins and such.Can I buy a Goldwing and have it without all that extra stuff on it?

If so, What would I expect to pay for a new Goldwing and then have a basic conversion with a lehman kit and IRS? Can I get into a Goldwing conversion for the about the same price of a Harley Ultra?

Does the Honda trike have the heat isuue that the Ultra has or is this non existent?

Also Does the Honda trike conversion come standard with a reverse.I live in SC and dont know where to start looking for a Honda Trike.My honda dealer knows nothing about trikes or who builds them.Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Barnabus<><

Contact Mtn. Trikes in South Carolina. They are wonderful people to deal with (Nancy & Stan) They have helped me with my driveline problems with my CSC driveline issues. I'm sure they'll treat you right and will steer you inthe right direction. Best of luck with your new trike. Sisters, OregonThumbUp

 

[rmrc51]

Just for some reference for the OP being that many of you have been mentioning a Valkyrie, here's a photo of my past ride. She was GREAT!!!

 

[Hoghead]

I just traded a 2012 Harley Tri-Glide to Tony's Trikes in Hazel Green Ala. He has it on his web site for sale. It has 2500 miles on it with about 3K worth of Harley chrome....But it's a Harley..And it's a Ultra....Very nice looking bike and the picture doesn't do it justice. If you want to see a good picture I have one on my Facebook site. Will be glad to send you a picture of it.....I can recommend Tony's Trikes. He done me a very good job on my GL1800. And no it doesn't have to have the side pieces on it......Call Tony and talk with him....

 

[Chazzman]

For comfort the Goldwing with a Diamond seat is as good as it gets.

Power is great... You don't have to downshift much, roll on the throttle in 5th gear at 30 mph, no problem.

Running boards are optional on most all kits. From what you have posted sounds like a Roadsmith without the running boards would be down your alley.

Heat. = No Worries

Might consider a used Wing... I have seen a couple near 400K no major problems. So 30 to 50K is nothing to worry about.
If buying new some Trike builders will sell you a new bike at a smoking price and charge a fair price for the kit as well.

New Goldwings and good kits are expensive so be prepared to spend a lot.

 

[rmrc51]

For comfort the Goldwing with a Diamond seat is as good as it gets.

Power is great... You don't have to downshift much, roll on the throttle in 5th gear at 30 mph, no problem.

Running boards are optional on most all kits. From what you have posted sounds like a Roadsmith without the running boards would be down your alley.

Heat. = No Worries

Might consider a used Wing... I have seen a couple near 400K no major problems. So 30 to 50K is nothing to worry about.
If buying new some Trike builders will sell you a new bike at a smoking price and charge a fair price for the kit as well.

New Goldwings and good kits are expensive so be prepared to spend a lot.

I have to agree with everything Chazzman posted!

As much as I loved my Valkyrie, the difference with my 05 Wing is like night & day! She's a much more, "refined" ride! Very smooth, quiet, comfortable (and hopefully more so after I get my Diamond/Hartco seat this month) and very powerful. ThumbUp

 

[Hooker 6]

I have two Harleys and wanted a Harley trike because of my wife. After much study and riding however, I chose a Hannigan Goldwing conversion for all of the above. I didn't want the floorboards initially either, but after riding in hard rain 3 or 4 times, between the front fairings and the boards, we stayed very dry. No comparison to riding in rain with a Harley.

 

[Chumbly]

One thing that isn't mentioned is leg position...it may not be an issue, but... A Goldwing or Valk conversion is going to have a further back foot position, because of the motor. If you need a stretched out leg position (like me), you're going to want a "Harley style" trike, usually with a V-twin engine, that you can put your legs past. Something I also wanted to mention, while we're on the subject is- you can buy and convert the VTX 1800's for alot less money than a Harley or a Goldwing, (although you can no longer buy a brand-new one, but can buy some pretty nice, cheap preowned one).). While the Goldwing and possibly the Harley may be more comfortable than the VTX's, I believe that only the Gl1800's and possibly Nana's Vrod are in the same power range. So, you need to decide what factors are more important to you.... power, comfort, price, etc, and in what order of preference...then go from there.

 

[rmrc51]

One thing that isn't mentioned is leg position...it may not be an issue, but... A Goldwing or Valk conversion is going to have a further back foot position, because of the motor. If you need a stretched out leg position (like me), you're going to want a "Harley style" trike, usually with a V-twin engine, that you can put your legs past.

I couldn't agree more regarding the leg position on the Valkyrie and/or Goldwing which I also don't care for at all! And due to that feature, I was initially going to go for a Harley with it's 'foot-forward' design. Then, this past July, Roadsmith came out with their 'Comfort Controls'. I have these installed on my 05 Wing-Roadsmith. Now they may not give you the same foot position as a Harley or other similar designed cruisers, but they clearly do move your feet down and forward for a more natural sitting position. Having these new Comfort Controls was what swayed me towards getting a Wing. They do make a very comfortable difference! Here's the link for the Comfort Controls;

New Goldwing Product Dramatically Improves Ride Position

 

[Chazzman]

One thing that isn't mentioned is leg position...it may not be an issue, but... A Goldwing or Valk conversion is going to have a further back foot position, because of the motor. If you need a stretched out leg position (like me), you're going to want a "Harley style" trike, usually with a V-twin engine, that you can put your legs past. Something I also wanted to mention, while we're on the subject is- you can buy and convert the VTX 1800's for alot less money than a Harley or a Goldwing, (although you can no longer buy a brand-new one, but can buy some pretty nice, cheap preowned one).). While the Goldwing and possibly the Harley may be more comfortable than the VTX's, I believe that only the Gl1800's and possibly Nana's Vrod are in the same power range. So, you need to decide what factors are more important to you.... power, comfort, price, etc, and in what order of preference...then go from there.

Good point Chumbly, I am 5ft 8in so the Goldwing fits me like a glove. I think riders over 5ft 10in will need to make some modifications to be comfortable, this however can be done without too much expense, the first being the seat replacement allowing you more room.