Trike to buy?

[sekanbob]

Was wondering reasons why people bought the conversions they did. I have looked at Champion, CSC and RoadSmith. Is it better to buy one that is also a Honda Dealer if you are buying a new or used Goldwing at the same time? Thanks for your help.

 

[rmrc51]

I,,,, wouldn't say so. I can think of three trike dealers that I would have no problems doing business with. From what I've seen and I could be wrong, I'd imagine that you would be paying a premium buying a trike from a Honda dealer. Now with that said, although I had no issues with my trike after I bought her, I did bring her to my trusted Honda dealer for a front to back inspection. She passed with no issues.

My point is that I'd rather go with a trike dealer that has a good reputation and deals with performing trike conversions on a continual basis.

 

[John Luciano]

Just because they are a Honda dealer does not mean they build a better trike. They can pick any brand of trike to build, none are sanctioned by Honda. I would think the opposite. I would go to a trike installer. As anything else you do it over and over you get better. I would look for an installer that someone said was good or they were happy with. Also one that does your brand bike
( If he does more Harley's than Honda and you have a Honda I would look for one that does more Hondas)

 

[FRR]

I agree with John... Look for a business that specializes in building trike conversions. Dealers do it as a sideline oftentimes with their employees "doing it when they have time". When I first decided to buy into the three wheel thing I picked a guy in Louisville who installs all brands and know them inside out. He has proven to me that he knows his business and the 2 different kits that I have owned, CSC and Hannigan, both have spoken highly of him.

Go with the kit that you feel comfortable with. One that you like the styling and the ride. The key is the installer, that is for sure. Check with folks who used the company.

Good hunting. I'm sure you will love whatever model you decide to get.

 

[Lucky]

The Honda dealers here don't even carry Goldwings. Like all other businesses there good and bad just have to find the rite one. RIDE SAFE

 

[Solidbob]

Kansas, bad state for trike installers sorry. Your best bet for a quality installer that should have demo trikes is:

GENE’S GALLERY INC.


Trikes Sidecars Trailers
3230 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802
Greg McNabb
800-728-4363
gregg@cland.ne
http://www.genesgallery.com


Located in Springfield, Missouri - They do Championn & Hannigan I believe, not sure on Roadsmith though, but a phone call will tell you.

 

[skuuter]

Read a lot here at TRIKE TALK.com ....Lots of testimonials from Trike Owners giving various Pros and Cons about various Trike Dealers. There are some really good Honda Dealer/Trike Builders, as well as really good "Trike Only" Builders......Bazooka/Randy here at TRIKE TALK.com is a Great Guy to start Your search with..."Mr. Trike Guru".....ThumbUp:10:

 

[Missouri Charley]

From your location I would check with Russellville Honda in Russellville, Ar. Horizon Trikes just north of there builds their trikes. They always have a large selection of new and preowned units to choose from.

 

[lgjhn]

From my experience, I would chose one as close as possible, yet reputable. IF anything goes wrong, you won't have to make long, overnight trips to get it fixed like we had to. Also, talk to others that have had work done there and make sure they'll do it right the first time. Try to get to know who exactly will be working on your trike as you will be trusting your safety to this person to tighten every bolt. Missouri Charley is probably steering you in the right direction.

 

[sekanbob]

When we get back from California, I want to go to Russellville and check out the three brands thy sell.

 

[craiglarmon]

Was wondering reasons why people bought the conversions they did. I have looked at Champion, CSC and RoadSmith. Is it better to buy one that is also a Honda Dealer if you are buying a new or used Goldwing at the same time? Thanks for your help.

I recently purchased a new 2013 Goldwing Hannigan Gen II Trike from a Honda dealer. In addition to the Hannigan, I test rode a 2014 Goldwing Road Smith, and my wife has a 2010 Goldwing Motor Trike. In my opinion, the Hannigan performed better than both the Road Smith and Motor Trike. The wider Hannigan trike also has generous trunk space, and the floor boards were more solid than the Road Smith I test rode. Then there are little things like closing the Hannigan trunk - like closing a door on a luxury car - solid.

 

[sekanbob]

I haven't looked at a Hannigan yet. Saw a picture of the rear of one at Russellville web site but didn't care for the backend. I saw on Hannigan site that they didn't look like that though. I want to check out all trikes. Thanks for your input.

 

[wehrme]

I just purchased a MotorTrike Razor. I bought it, well, because all the other trikes look the same to me.

I looked at a GenII Hannigan... not for me.

 

[craiglarmon]

I just purchased a MotorTrike Razor. I bought it, well, because all the other trikes look the same to me.

I looked at a GenII Hannigan... not for me.

I agree, the Motor Trike Razor is sharp looking (no pun intended). If I hadn't been so impressed with the ride of the Hannigan Gen II, I would have gone with the Motor Trike Razor. No bad decision with these two products. At the end of the day, its a matter of personal likes and dislikes.

 

[tom w]

I also chose by looks and picked a motor trike gladiator (also for the IRS )
at the rally in eureka springs I saw a v star with a CSC kit on it . Too bad I didn't see it sooner. long and lean looking. truly a hard choice to make. good luck.

 

[dano309]

I also bought a new 2013 (red) goldwing in march and had the motor trike razor installed......LOVE IT got me 2400 miles on it already....

 

[sekanbob]

I have been wondering what kind of service I would get at local Honda dealer if I had a problem with Goldwing or especially with trike. They sell Champion but don't have a new Goldwing and didn't seem to be able to get the new one I was interested in. Russellville would be about 600 miles round trip. I had bought my Voyager XII from closest dealer about 160 miles round trip and had quite a few minor and a few major problems during warranty period.

 

[David Gardner]

Bought my Mototrike from Island trikes in Oregonabout 120 miles from my home. Had never ridden a trike before but did my research and found nothing but glowing reports on Steve Loynachan the owner installer at Island trikes. Been oiver a year now and no problems at all with the install or the kit.

 

[Missouri Charley]

I recently purchased a new 2013 Goldwing Hannigan Gen II Trike from a Honda dealer. In addition to the Hannigan, I test rode a 2014 Goldwing Road Smith, and my wife has a 2010 Goldwing Motor Trike. In my opinion, the Hannigan performed better than both the Road Smith and Motor Trike. The wider Hannigan trike also has generous trunk space, and the floor boards were more solid than the Road Smith I test rode. Then there are little things like closing the Hannigan trunk - like closing a door on a luxury car - solid.

You brought up some good point's on the Hannigan, on both of our Hannigan's I removed the foot pegs and just use the floor boards. With the pegs removed you can move your feet around going down the road and keep comfortable on long trips. Also the Hannigan retains the Honda drive shaft in a straight line from transmission to the differential, no vibrations and no problem's.

 

[captdanwh]

I personally am not familiar with the area in which you live but if it were me i would agree with all the above remarks and find yourself a good , well known trike builder who will build you the trike you are dreaming of. I think the travel distance should be your second thought because if your trike is built well the first time you won't have to go back for maintenance and can get your regular service problems at your local dealer. I personally think you should look at trikes that are already built as all you have to do then is get on it and ride it and not worry about where you are going to have it built. Now, if you now own a low mileage bike and want to get it triked you have more options open to you as now you can pick and choose what kit you want installed. all the kits out there are good ones so do not worry about that just look at as many as you can and make your choice which is fun in itself. Good Luck and remember , just have fun and ride safe.

 

[rmrc51]

You brought up some good point's on the Hannigan, on both of our Hannigan's I removed the foot pegs and just use the floor boards. With the pegs removed you can move your feet around going down the road and keep comfortable on long trips. Also the Hannigan retains the Honda drive shaft in a straight line from transmission to the differential, no vibrations and no problem's.

I did the same on my Roadsmith. I also have Roadsmith's Comfort Controls installed moving the shifter and brake further forward allowing easier access to both controls. The combination of removing the foot pegs along with the Comfort Controls has given me much more leg room and clearly increased my comfort level. Just some additional food for thought,,,.

 

[sekanbob]

I stopped in to the local Honda dealer today for a few questions regarding warrant issues and cost of converting to a trike. They do Champion. They said under 10,000 (is that somewhere in the ballpark for not being IRS or not raked?) and discussed IRS and straight axel. He said they didn't do IRS as among other things that there is less problems with straight axle. We talked about raking it and he advised not raking it until riding it for a while because you have better control of non raked and have to continually be correcting for rake. As far as warranty he said that they don't mention to Honda that it is a trike unless they ask or want t send someone to check it out. (Mainly engine and transmission problems but said it was very rare to have any problems.

From looking at many posts on here that most are sold on raking and IRS. (Don't like that abbreviation) I still think I like the looks of Road Smith and CSC better but also discussed the ground effects and he didn't have a good opinion of them either as they are easily damaged. Please comment.

 

[Veritas44]

From what you relate of that Dealer's comments, beliefs, and "spiel",,,,,
Pick another Dealer/Installer ThumbUp

Never been a Fan of or trusted a "One-Trick Pony" to be completely knowledgeable or sincere. As I've said before, those either sell you on the only thing they have and do or they don't get your money. Their Goal is to get your Business and your Money. As such, they are going to be true to THEIR Mission & Goal and say whatever it takes to accomplish that.
Conversely, a Dealer that has several choices and Offerings can sincerely present many Options and still accomplish their Goal and get your Business. Much rather go where I have an A, B, C, or even D choice rather than a Yes or No. Better situation and opportunity to make a correct remorse-free decision as well as to receive complete, accurate, and honest information for the Buyer.
Also, how does someone who only has and knows One Product or Thing REALLY know about the Rest to even be able to credibly talk about the Rest from an intelligent and informed position?
Don't buy my Shoes from the Dude that only sells Reebok (unless I have done diligent and complete research on ALL and concluded Reebok was right for me and what I wanted and needed). Definitely not gonna buy what he has to say about Nike, Merrell, New Balance, or the rest.
*nothing against Reebok (just threw the Names out at random to represent the Point) or Champion for that matter. However,,,, like to explore ALL Options before making my own Informed and Intelligent Buying decision. Can't do that at a One-or-Done/Yes or No Location.

Good Luck and all the best in whatever you do and decide ThumbUp

 

[sekanbob]

Thanks, you made some good points. I had hoped that I could get a trike local but want to get the best I could with the children's inheritance. It seems that trikes hold resale value pretty well at least from what dealers and individuals ask for their used trikes.

 

[sekanbob]

I was on my way to Vegas today on my 2 wheeler and 30 miles out of town at 70 mph had a blowout pulling my trailer. (Checked tires before leaving and they looked good) What a ride. Was thinking how nice it would be to be able to go to Wal-Mart and buy a tire if it had been a trike.

 

[StorminNormin]

Hey Bob,

I found it interesting that the installer you were talking to said what he did about the Agua Shields. It is kinda like the whole subject of trikes even. Some people like them and some don't. Those that do, swear by them and those that don't, wouldn;t have them. Me? I think that a trike without them is not finished as I think they tie the motorcycle into the trike with smoother lines. But! That is only MY opinion. And you know how that goes.

 

[sekanbob]

I kind of feel the same. I have to go there tomorrow and see if they have a new tire for my Voyager.

 

[craiglarmon]

I stopped in to the local Honda dealer today for a few questions regarding warrant issues and cost of converting to a trike. They do Champion. They said under 10,000 (is that somewhere in the ballpark for not being IRS or not raked?) and discussed IRS and straight axel. He said they didn't do IRS as among other things that there is less problems with straight axle. We talked about raking it and he advised not raking it until riding it for a while because you have better control of non raked and have to continually be correcting for rake. As far as warranty he said that they don't mention to Honda that it is a trike unless they ask or want t send someone to check it out. (Mainly engine and transmission problems but said it was very rare to have any problems.

From looking at many posts on here that most are sold on raking and IRS. (Don't like that abbreviation) I still think I like the looks of Road Smith and CSC better but also discussed the ground effects and he didn't have a good opinion of them either as they are easily damaged. Please comment.

To me there are numerous red flags in what you are being told. You should test ride and compare different trike kits. I personally have not heard of IRS being prone to problems, or raking causing control problems. Also, the comments I have heard from others who have ridden straight axle trikes have never been good.

That being said, consider that the performance of a trike will vary depending on the make and model of the bike that is being triked. I can personally attest that a Goldwing Motor Trike performs much differently than a Victory Cross Country Motor Trike. Both are great two wheel motorcycles with similar HP and torque. I am assuming the performance difference is the six cylinder Goldwing engine versus the V-Twin Victory, but maybe there are other underlying (engineering) factors. Suffice it to say, you owe it to yourself to be aware of performance differences before you buy.

 

[Pegasus1300]

Was wondering reasons why people bought the conversions they did. I have looked at Champion, CSC and RoadSmith. Is it better to buy one that is also a Honda Dealer if you are buying a new or used Goldwing at the same time? Thanks for your help.

Check out Crossroads Trikes in Salt Lake City,Ut They are very knowledgeable and have experience installing several brands of trike kits.
www.crossroadstrikes.com

- - - Updated - - -

As to rakes and IRS vs Solid axle I ride such a machine. On freeways and well maintained secondary roads it rides just great,but if you encounter rougher roads you will notice it right away. There is a much rougher ride. As to IRS issues they are as reliable as anything and you will enjoy the ride better. My machine is also non raked and it was a stiff steer when I first started riding it in 2011.I have ridden a raked trike and it is very nice to steer and I didn't notice and problems with having to be extra attentive to the handling because of the rake.

 

[sekanbob]

Thanks, I am thankful for the response as I want to make the best decision possible.