New to Honda's buying used trike, some Questions???

[Peacerider]

As my right knee is starting to give me more problems, looking to move onto a trike. Considering a Goldwing, been riding 2 wheel Harley's most of the time. Need more comfort for co-pilot and driver. Looking for guidance on things to check for on a used bike, I.E. if it shows this or that don't buy unless you want to pay for major repairs later. What potential issues i need to look for?? What options you should have on the bike?? Already decided on the trike converisions I am considering. Looking for a little help, Thanks.

 

[75GL1000]

As my right knee is starting to give me more problems, looking to move onto a trike. Considering a Goldwing, been riding 2 wheel Harley's most of the time. Need more comfort for co-pilot and driver. Looking for guidance on things to check for on a used bike, I.E. if it shows this or that don't buy unless you want to pay for major repairs later. What potential issues i need to look for?? What options you should have on the bike?? Already decided on the trike converisions I am considering. Looking for a little help, Thanks.

Buy one that is already converted you'll save money. That said i would look at 2006 or later, low mileage (there's lots of them). Look for aftermarket seat, I've replaced every seat on my wings (7 now). Paint is always a good indicator of care. You'll love a triked wing, the longer the wheelbase the better.

 

[Gold Rush]

As my right knee is starting to give me more problems, looking to move onto a trike. Considering a Goldwing, been riding 2 wheel Harley's most of the time. Need more comfort for co-pilot and driver. Looking for guidance on things to check for on a used bike, I.E. if it shows this or that don't buy unless you want to pay for major repairs later. What potential issues i need to look for?? What options you should have on the bike?? Already decided on the trike converisions I am considering. Looking for a little help, Thanks.

Howdy Ron and WELCOME to Trike Talk!! You will find a load of experience and member very willing to share that with you. Best trike bulletin board there is!!...:clapping: :clapping:

For the most part the same things you would watch out for on any bike will apply to trikes. Since you are interested in more comfort I'd steer clear of any solid axle trikes. Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) bikes just ride better!!! The longer the wheel base will give the smoother ride. Notice where the rear wheel is in relation to where the passenger sets. The further behind - the smoother the ride. Goldwings are shaft driven and so will the trike be also. That has always been a place where problems will show up (worn and loose U-Joints mostly). I'd also check for looseness and leakage in the drive axle CV Joints. Unless you have lots of upper body strength a rake kit is a must. The ease of steering is night and day better.

Back to the bike for a bit. I don't know anything about GL1500s so don't know what to look out for there. The GL1800 has a couple items that can be irritating. The reverse is electrically activate instead of manually on the GL1500. Sometimes the activation mechanism can be finicky. I have found the main culprit to be easily fixed with a generous amount of spray silicone. The other thing I'd watch for is the transmission. It's usually not a big problem but some riders lack coordination and fall pray to the "Ghost Shift" issue. If they abuse it the transmission suffers.

As for options: Let you wallet be your guide. Having adjustable rear suspension to me is important. Some kits will delink the Goldwing front to back and back to front brake system. As long as it works either are just fine. Add on accessories is another topic. The two best (and least costly) accessories would be a set of Baker Hand Wings and Baker Trike Wings. Both will make your wife much happier and help protect the rear fender paint.

Again Welcome to the gang Ron. Post some pictures when you settle on a trike. :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[mhgoldwing]

Already decided on the trike converisions I am considering. Looking for a little help, Thanks.

We could offer more specific and accurate information if you would name the conversions you are considering including any options you require.

 

[tfdeputydawg]

2006 to 2010 Gold Wing
On board Nav and Comfort System is a joke! After market GPS much better. Seat does not really get hot enough hot enough/palms get warm w/heated grips but, it's the back of the hands that get cold. Heated gloves is the answer.
I know what you said about conversions but, please consider a Hannigan.
Extended wheel base produces a very smooth ride.
Simple suspension design and straight drive shaft makes for very little maintenance and no problems.
Don't forget a rake kit to ease the steering.

 

[FRR]

I agree with the comment about looking at Hannigan, don't know anything about the navi system, but do love the heated seat and grips. The grips keep my hands warm, ( and my hands from hurting) and the seat is great but many do not understand that the seat warmer doesn't activate until the outside temp gets under 50 F.

2006 or up would be good, and your passenger would greatly appreciate a kit with IRS as opposed to solid axle. Good hunting!

 

[Doctorbob12]

2006 and up

I think the one of the reasons the Experts on here are telling you 2006 and Up on the Gold Wing. In 2006 Honda up graded the cooling system.
Some of the early 1800's had some issue with over heating. There was also a frame recall on some of the early 1800's. The Older 1500's were great bikes but the extra power and the fuel injection on the 1800 is the way to go. Warming the 1500 up and playing with the choke was great back in the day. Good luck.

 

[DWATC]

I ride a Hannigan, however when I bought it I was planning on a Roadsmith. I rode every different trike I could ride and did a lot of research. I would buy a Roadsmith in a minute it was just that the one I rode (according to the manufacture) the forks were out of adjustment by a few MM and it was tending to pitch me forward. I'm not pushing any one brand it's like buying a car what you are most comfortable with is the best for you.

 

[Dude]

I don't think with a Goldwing there are a lot of things to watch for, these are solid machines, with that said there have been some issues with some bikes in every year, there have been recalls to address issues but over all they are great bikes. If I was buying another one today I would want to know if there were any recalls for that year and if they had been done, mileage, under 30K for me on the bike, do they have service records on general maintenance. I personally don't think that there is an issue with one before 06 unless your worried about the age but then I am riding an 01 and plan to for a long time. As for the trike part I like the longer wheel base and IRS as well, have never rode one without the rake kit but know I would not want one to be hard to steer. I have a Roadsmith kit on mine and I am really pleased with it but I think that part is personal preference as I don't think any of them are bad. Not sure if your post meant you were going to get a bike and trike it but I agree it would be cheaper to buy one already triked. Good luck on your search and selection.

 

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard, sorry I'm a Harley Guy so no help on the wing except what they mention above. The wing is a great bike and they make a great trike. I'm just not comfortable on a wing. Love my TRI glide but it is far from stock.

 

[jfreelan]

kd cycle.net

If u are looking for one completed and able to ride KDcycles has about 25 completed and ready to ride, from 2016 back to 1998 low mileage . This is a roadsmith dealer or he can trike yours in a day. Located in northeast AL.

 

[Peacerider]

Thanks

As my right knee is starting to give me more problems, looking to move onto a trike. Considering a Goldwing, been riding 2 wheel Harley's most of the time. Need more comfort for co-pilot and driver. Looking for guidance on things to check for on a used bike, I.E. if it shows this or that don't buy unless you want to pay for major repairs later. What potential issues i need to look for?? What options you should have on the bike?? Already decided on the trike converisions I am considering. Looking for a little help, Thanks.

I apperciate all the comments, leaning towards Roadsmith as for as a trike, looking for a used bike, instead of new, going to look under 50k miles or less depending on trike price etc. Not opposed to others except motor tirke, friend had one and had nothing but trouble. Do want IRS, thats my main reason looking at Goldwing, would consider Harley if it has IRS, rake etc. But most likely will end up on Goldwing, for one main reason - co-pilot!! got to keep her happy!!! Thanks for the excellent tips, have been looking at different locations (dealers) but open to all possible trikes. So I will do some more research and then make the decisionn on excatly what I will lokk for then start looking seriously. Again thanks for the help.

 

[G.W. Viper]

Don't forget to check out CSC Conversions. I recently ordered mine. A lot of members here on T.T have the CSC, and all like them. May I add I beleive they have the best warranty in the business... 5 years, that has to say something ThumbUp

 

[Haste Maker]

I have a used Road Smith for sale with a custom one of a kind paint job for sale...can be seen here...http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/33091-2008-Level3-with-2015-HTS-RoadSmith-Trike-Kit

 

[paid4c4]

I still ride my HD ultra when riding solo. Earlier this year I purchased a 2006 GW1800 Motor Trike with 21K miles. I bought the GW so the wife and I could ride together. The GW is a totally different bike and ride but one that I find pleasant. At first I was really cramped leg wise as the GW is very confining compared to my Harley. The addition of road pedals solved the problem. we've put about 2,000 miles on the trike and one overnight trip. We found this one owner GW about 3 miles from the house in a front yard with a for sale sign. We've been very happy with our GW. Good luck with your search. Please PM if I can be of further assistance.
Bill

 

[welmack]

Motor Trike

Wife and I had a 2007 GL1800 with a CSC kit. Always had trouble with the left axle shaft leaking. We liked it but had to sell for health reasons. Now we are past the problem and wanted another trike. I had an '88 1500 before the trike and liked it a lot. The 1800 was tricked out with about every thing you could add and was a beautiful red, but it seemed cramped up and I was never able to get the rear suspension right. Earlier this year we bought a '98 1500 with Motor Trike Coupe conversion (affordability was a big concern). I was also concerned about the solid axle but it rides very comfortable and the suspension is air adjustable. If you look at any 1500's try to stay with the 98-2000 models. There were some changes that elevate these models over the older bikes. Just MHO. Fuel injection is nice but I still remember how tickle a carbed bike every morning. I'm almost 76 and my wife is 73 so this Motor Trike with 100,000 miles will run longer that we will. Whatever you look at you will find that some people had problems with that brand or model. Good luck and just ENJOY whatever you get. God Bless and ride safe.

 

[slug]

Biketoberfest is right around the corner in Daytona Beach. Most of the trike manufactures will be there. Go there and spend the day looking and test driving. I am a builder of Eurowing trikes and own 2 Eurowing trikes. I know they will be there. Another thing to consider is finding a reliable dealer for your trike that has a good reputation. Even a good trike is bad if you don't have a good builder/dealer for that trike.

 

[Haste Maker]

I can help with del. on this one....

http://ocala.craigslist.org/mcy/5757823374.html

 

[Peacerider]

New to Honda buying used trike.

This past weekend I rented a California side car trike put over 400 miles in it, the first day my knees hurt bad, main thing was trying to get comfortable, did have highway pegs, they help. but getting the feel of movement to get back to brakes and gears, wow! 2nd day wasn't no as bad. Nice ride, really enjoyed but need to see how to get it more comfortable for me to ride, (big guy 6'1" 265 and big feet!!!!). So know rethinking choice of Goldwing vs Harley??? Any suggestions, research shows on Goldwing can change seats, drop controls some, can any big guys offer some suggestions?? Now I know Harley I can get comfortable on but I think the wife would be happier on the wing??

 

[Ozarkryder]

Someone above mentioned an aftermarket seat. Good idea, but if possible don't get one already on the bike or trike you buy. There are a bunch of seats available. "Off the shelf" seats like Ultimate, Saddleman, Corbin etc can come in different set-backs and shapes. A small change in the saddle design and rider position can make a big difference in comfort. The other option is custom made seat built to your measurements. We have one and feel it was well worth the money.
Also for her comfort,a change of passenger backrest will help. The 1800 backrest leans back at sort of a strange angle, and many, if not most, find the aftermarket more upright passenger backrest much more comfortable, and roomier.

 

[Pegasus1300]

2 thoughts come to mind. If you currently like the Harley you own all the trike companies you mentioned make a conversion for Harleys.

Thought #2 look at a Can Am Spyder. They are purpose built trikes,they are comfortable, they have lots of room(I am 6'2" 260lbs) the new (2014) 3 cyl engine is great and a reliable drive train. I have 26000 on mine and no problems.

 

[cjmitch]

I can only speak on Mtrike as that is what I have.
what to look for..
Independent OR solid axle - look for the NEW drive shaft it will be green in color. If the bike does not have it, either walk away, OR ask the owner/dealer if they will order and install it.

Rake... well that is a hot topic. I would consider it an option with a motortrike, because of its shorter wheelbase. not so much an option with the longer WB models.
More than likely it will have a Rake, most people seem to think they need one.

If its a motor trike and a straight axle check the rear and see if its Drum or Disc brakes.

Drums - You dont want them, not that they are bad, but why buy older style brakes when disc are available (even for the 1500)

Disk brakes - Motor trike had 2 versions of calipers. Check and see if they are the larger auto sized pads, or 2 smaller pads in the caliper. the larger ones are the newest. if they are the smaller, again ask the owner it he will have them put on.

If the pads are the disc brakes (either style) it is imperative that you check the play on the back brake pedal.
Let it roll and press the pedal, if that pedal travels far (more than an 2 inches or so), then you can be assured that there is air in the line left over from the disc brake upgrade. OR the Honda rear master cylinder recall. Have them get that pedal tight.

Front right pocket (depending on year of the bike)
Check to see if the air pressure gauge for the airbags is the old style (analog dial) or the new style which will be digital with a volt meter as an add on.
If its digital you will be good.
If its the analog rotary gauge, test out the pressure button. that dang button has been known to stick closed, not shut off the air pump, and blow up airbags. the older the conversion the more likely this will be to happen. When you click it you will know if its bad, the switch WILL feel bad.

IMPORTANT: If you let it go and the air pump keeps going then immediately press the little small air release valve located on the rotary dial. The key may not shut it off as I have seen that gauge wired directly to the battery. If it latches on you have got to get to that battery quick and disconnect it... (You wont make it). holding that release valve will release the air until someone can disconnect the battery or jiggle the switch

Straight axle - go to the rear and stand facing next to the right side rear tire (passenger side of a car) facing forward. Now with your left thigh nudge the body of the trike back and forth. if you hear ANYTHING like a mechanical clunk , or feel a catch or clunk then you probably have a heim-joint on the rear out of alignment, or worn out, (and I would guess its the one on top of the pumpkin).

Generally push pull on the rear, if you hear anything like a rub or a clunk, then something is worn or out of adjustment.

Have someone get on the bike and drive it away from you. If the back does ANY, and I mean ANY kind of shimmy as it pulls off then either the Drive shaft is out of timing or that previously mentioned heim joint (or the bar its on ) is out of adjustment or worn.
Look at the bike is the rear end REASONABLY level (within say 3/4 inch), then you should be ok, if not... it needs adjusting.

thats about all i can think of for now.

good luck