Unhappy Harley owner

[Hoghead]

Thanks to everyone and their opinion. I have looked at Trikes on Ebay in Sercy Ark. and another Dealer West of Little Rock and also been told there is a Dealer North of Huntsville, Ala. called Tony's Trikes. Doesn't sell new bikes I don't think, just installs the kits. Has anyone heard of these folks or has any experience with them?.......Again THANKS

 

[Livin2Ride]

If you are going to travel to Ark. to look at and try out trikes I suggest you try this dealer Arkansas, Honda, Motorcycle, Dirtbike, ATV, Scooter, Watercraft, Generator, Dealer, Honda of Russellville, Parts. I have never dealt with them, but have family members who have and they are very happy with this dealer.

Sam

 

[Memnoch451]

First off.. Honda is by far the Best Touring bike in the universe.. hands down! The older Honda 2001 - 2010 make great trikes for far less then the new 2012 0r 2013. The GL1500 offers a little more room than the 1800's and if you can find a good donor bike you're in like Flynn.

Tikes Kits.. that's another story!


If you are going to get Independent rear suspension I would go with either a Motor Trike, Champion Sidecars or California Sidecars at this time they have been in the game the longest and are all good products. While it's nice to have a great riding bike/Trike you can't discount the looks either... so take plenty of time looking and if you can test drive at least one of each..that's the way to go.

Someone else in this thread pointed out the the most important thing in the installer or dealership that you get you trike from.. I agree %100

I ride both a Harley( 2010 ) and Goldwing( 2012) conversion trike... I am not a big fan of the Tri-Glides in any shape or form... and yes I have Rode those too.

Hope this helps... But remember if you can't walk out to your garage and say wow for at least 5 years... don't buy it!!!

 

[saab9k]

First off.. Honda is by far the Best Touring bike in the universe.. hands down! The older Honda 2001 - 2010 make great trikes for far less then the new 2012 0r 2013. The GL1500 offers a little more room than the 1800's and if you can find a good donor bike you're in like Flynn.

Tikes Kits.. that's another story!


If you are going to get Independent rear suspension I would go with either a Motor Trike, Champion Sidecars or California Sidecars at this time they have been in the game the longest and are all good products. While it's nice to have a great riding bike/Trike you can't discount the looks either... so take plenty of time looking and if you can test drive at least one of each..that's the way to go.

Someone else in this thread pointed out the the most important thing in the installer or dealership that you get you trike from.. I agree %100

I ride both a Harley( 2010 ) and Goldwing( 2012) conversion trike... I am not a big fan of the Tri-Glides in any shape or form... and yes I have Rode those too.

Hope this helps... But remember if you can't walk out to your garage and say wow for at least 5 years... don't buy it!!!

May add it is important that the manufacturer stand behind the warranty on the kits.
Dealer or professional installers need support to be able to get the right and not defective parts.
Some there install themself in their buisness is sometimes more qualified than the employe at the dealer ship.

 

[FrostBite]

Thanks to everyone and their opinion. I have looked at Trikes on Ebay in Sercy Ark. and another Dealer West of Little Rock and also been told there is a Dealer North of Huntsville, Ala. called Tony's Trikes. Doesn't sell new bikes I don't think, just installs the kits. Has anyone heard of these folks or has any experience with them?.......Again THANKS

Tony's in AL has a good reputation. I have a CSC kit on a GL 1800 and it works exactly as designed. When it comes time I may change to a Hannigan because I hear they offer a better ride for the passenger, but no complaint about the CSC.

 

[Hoghead]

If you are going to travel to Ark. to look at and try out trikes I suggest you try this dealer Arkansas, Honda, Motorcycle, Dirtbike, ATV, Scooter, Watercraft, Generator, Dealer, Honda of Russellville, Parts. I have never dealt with them, but have family members who have and they are very happy with this dealer.

Sam

Honda of Russelleville was the other Dealer I was thinking of but Ark. is a long way to drive to look at these trikes. I am 300 miles East of Memphis....Will try to go to Tony's or maybe a Honda dealer in Chattanooga.......Again, Thanks

 

[trucker]

Go read the forums and see what trikes they are talking about with problems........I bet Roadsmith is one of the least talked about trike (nobody talks about a great trike only the ones they have problems with).
But if you do find a problem Roadsmith are Johnny on the spot sending you what you need.
Also Roadsmith has the largest usable trunk with a door that will open to the trunks opening not a small door that you can not get a large item in your trunk.
I'll tell you what a person told me............they had a trike and went on a trip and while on their trip they decided to buy a helmet.
They could NOT get the helmet (in the box) in their trunk.....the door would not allow the box to fit through the opening.

Get independent susp.a much smoother ride.

 

[John Luciano]

I can fit 2 full helmets in my DFT with plenty of room. One of the only , Champion is the other, trunks that is fender to fender full 56" wide. I am talking about the rear trunk not the tourpac. I get 3 in if I count the top trunk too.
I agree also buy what you like to look at and what feels good to you. If I could I would buy one of each and make a trike out of the good features each has. There is NO perfect trike.

 

[Oldmsocko]

I can fit 2 full helmets in my DFT with plenty of room. One of the only , Champion is the other, trunks that is fender to fender full 56" wide.

I can do the same with my TG and then some.

 

[trucker]

I said helmet in the box!
I am just passing along what a man told me when I was looking at trike kits.

 

[Chazzman]

Thanks to everyone and their opinion. I have looked at Trikes on Ebay in Sercy Ark. and another Dealer West of Little Rock and also been told there is a Dealer North of Huntsville, Ala. called Tony's Trikes. Doesn't sell new bikes I don't think, just installs the kits. Has anyone heard of these folks or has any experience with them?.......Again THANKS

I was a Tony's Saturday to take a peak at my 2012 GL1800, Tony is my builder and I am buying the new 1800 with 1.0 mile on it. Tony can get new and used. He is a down to earth country boy and Hannigan recommends him... He also does Roadsmith that is an excellent kit and a couple more.

He is doing a lot of acessories for me and some LED's, I used to do all that myself but his installed price is as cheap or cheaper that what I can buy on line for. I believe you would be very happy with Tony, he also takes trades and gives better pricing than the dealerships.

 

[oahe]

I said helmet in the box!
I am just passing along what a man told me when I was looking at trike kits.

If you really want to keep the box just break it down so it folds enough to fit. Otherwise toss it. Buy the trike you like, not the trunk you like! ThumbUp

 

[Jim Smyth]

I came off a Harley FXSTC 2 bikes ago. I now have a 2002 GW with a Lehman conversion. Rides great and having a lot of fun with it. Smoothest best riding bike I have owned and this is bike #11.

But I have to tell you these GW's also make A LOT of heat around the lower leg area on the hot days. So your not going to escape the heat issues with a wing. On both sides of the front fairing you also have radiators the expel the heat from the motor. If you have the air diverters you can use that to your advantage on cold days but no way to get rid of it on the hot days.

 

[ricks08]

I have a Motor Trike on my Harley, I have found the installer is a major issue. Motor Trike has stood behind its kit to the max. One thing I have found that when doing the upgrades to engine the best money is spent on the cams. Also changing the gear ratio on the drive of a Harley also makes the 6 speed worth having. You lose a little top end but the pick up is well worth it. Another issue is if you have a tour pack, the farther it is towards the back it allows the passanger more room but also helps in the handeling of the bike when weigh is a concern.

 

[Pegasus1300]

Since u mentioned Goldwing trikes to begin with Yamaha Royal
Star Venture may not have been mentioned. If you like the look
Of the Harley check into an RSV / Hannigan conversion. They r very
Good looking IMHO. Royal Stars come with a 5 year transferable
Warranty so buying used is not a concern. Lots of power (V 4 motor)
& stone axe reliable. A Hannigan kit with aux tank & rake kit (both
Must haves I think) can b had for around 13500 installed. Add 10,000 to 12000 for
A good used RSV & U should be home in the mid 20,000s. Yamaha's V4 engine
Has been around since 1983 & is very reliable often going 200k+
Without major work, only regular maintenence.

 

[hbrogan57]

O.K...so....here's what I see.....

With a Harley.....
Upgrades to the motor for more horsepower
After-market kit to level the bike out
Add on an oil cooler to HELP with the heat issue
Vibrations..well..no real solution for that.
Change the gearing for better gas mileage


Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki et al.....
Get on and ride.....

 

[Gabby Hayes]

Don't forget that some older model Honda 1500cc--especially the VALKYRIE is one sweet bike that can be had for very reasonable prices. They are very sharp when converted to three wheels, and they are virtually bullet-proof for at least 300,000 to 400,000 troublefree miles and they are so much stronger. Although they were only made for just a few years, Joe Boyd made a difference in giving everyone a different bike to enjoy !!!

Gabby

99Valk I/S green/silver CSC conversion

 

[hbrogan57]

Don't forget that some older model Honda 1500cc--especially the VALKYRIE is one sweet bike that can be had for very reasonable prices. They are very sharp when converted to three wheels, and they are virtually bullet-proof for at least 300,000 to 400,000 troublefree miles and they are so much stronger. Although they were only made for just a few years, Joe Boyd made a difference in giving everyone a different bike to enjoy !!!

Gabby

99Valk I/S green/silver CSC conversion

I agree. The 1500 Valkyrie was one of the best looking bikes Honda made. I owned a 2000 Blue/Silver model and was always impressed with it's agility.

They do make for a fine trike. The only drawback is that no reverse was ever standard on that model.

 

[msocko3]

I came off a Harley FXSTC 2 bikes ago. I now have a 2002 GW with a Lehman conversion. Rides great and having a lot of fun with it. Smoothest best riding bike I have owned and this is bike #11.

But I have to tell you these GW's also make A LOT of heat around the lower leg area on the hot days. So your not going to escape the heat issues with a wing. On both sides of the front fairing you also have radiators the expel the heat from the motor. If you have the air diverters you can use that to your advantage on cold days but no way to get rid of it on the hot days.

Maybe when its triked it's different, I haven't had any heat to speak of on the 2 wheel 2012 Wing I have. I was caught in a traffic jam with the fans running and never felt anything blowing on me while sitting still.

 

[jcolson]

I have no heat issues with my 2011 tri-glide. Of course I have quite a few engine up grades. But I feel it was well worth it. I'll stick with my Harleys. I like the feel & sound of the Harley. Nobody can duplicate the sound. GW are just too quiet for me.

 

[Hoghead]

I have no heat issues with my 2011 tri-glide. Of course I have quite a few engine up grades. But I feel it was well worth it. I'll stick with my Harleys. I like the feel & sound of the Harley. Nobody can duplicate the sound. GW are just too quiet for me.

I have a 2010 Electra Glide Classic with no noise issues at all. Love the way it sounds and runs. Gets 50 miles per gallon. Now comes the 2012 Tri Glide. I don't see why the owner should have to spend $1500.00 or more in order to get rid of the heat when Harley built the bike in the first place. They should get rid of the heat and noise issues before delivery. The only way I would buy another Harley is if they come with a liquid cooled engine. I can't even go to Gatlinburg because of getting caught in a traffic jam and the engine shutting down. Honda's don't do that....

 

[Jim Smyth]

Maybe when its triked it's different, I haven't had any heat to speak of on the 2 wheel 2012 Wing I have. I was caught in a traffic jam with the fans running and never felt anything blowing on me while sitting still.

That was the initial question in this thread regarding getting a Honda trike. Mine is a Honda GW trike with the full fairing below the engine. I can tell you first hand your legs from the knees down get smoking hot if there not on the Highway pegs and the temps are above 85 degree's. I don't get the air flow from the knees down (like a 2 wheeler) because of the Lehman front/lower floorboard sections.

 

[Tom Trike]

I have a 2010 Electra Glide Classic with no noise issues at all. Love the way it sounds and runs. Gets 50 miles per gallon. Now comes the 2012 Tri Glide. I don't see why the owner should have to spend $1500.00 or more in order to get rid of the heat when Harley built the bike in the first place. They should get rid of the heat and noise issues before delivery. The only way I would buy another Harley is if they come with a liquid cooled engine. I can't even go to Gatlinburg because of getting caught in a traffic jam and the engine shutting down. Honda's don't do that....

Conversions don't have the power to perform like a Cheetah, a fully automatic transmission with reverse or the easy steering of a Cheetah. Choose how much power you want for your Cheetah's performance from our very select 4, 6 or 8 cylinder engines. When you test-ride a Cheetah, you experience the power, performance, cornering, handling, smooth automatic transmission with reverse and very easy steering that you only get riding a Cheetah. The hot air that is drawn through the Cheetah's rear-mounted radiator, exits behind the trike and the riders get none of it.
Watch our Cheetah video and call 812-256-9199 to schedule and come test-ride a Cheetah.
Whatever you choose, I hope you get what ultimately suits you.

Praise God and follow Jesus,
Tom and Chilita Walters
Cheetah Trikes, Inc

 

[rap47]

hbrogan57......Well you only got two out of three right. The TriGlide comes with an oil cooler. No vibration except at idle. And the 2011 on up have perfect gearing.

 

[msocko3]

That was the initial question in this thread regarding getting a Honda trike. Mine is a Honda GW trike with the full fairing below the engine. I can tell you first hand your legs from the knees down get smoking hot if there not on the Highway pegs and the temps are above 85 degree's. I don't get the air flow from the knees down (like a 2 wheeler) because of the Lehman front/lower floorboard sections.

I'm wondering if the redesign of the fairing on the 2012 GW will result in less rider felt heat when triked, guess somewhere down the road I'll find out when I have mine triked. Even if I get a little heat while in traffic I'll still have piece of mind it won't try and melt down since its water cooled.

 

[hbrogan57]

hbrogan57......Well you only got two out of three right. The TriGlide comes with an oil cooler. No vibration except at idle. And the 2011 on up have perfect gearing.

Well, certainly glad to see that there is an oil cooler.

Still, though, I am wondering if they are under-powered. And the 2013 models appear to have the same sagging look in the rear.

I did seriously look at the tri-glide when I was shopping. When they hit me with a 42,000 out-the-door price and weren't willing to negotiate downwards it was game over. I did go to another dealer and they only seemed to be concerned to get me to sign up for some sort of financing. Which I was NOT looking to get as it was going to be a cash deal.

Now, after seeing repeated posts from those that own them about heat issues, parts breaking on the trike kit, and many other issues I am certainly happy with the choice that I did make. I really didn't want a bike that would spend a lot of time at the dealership getting things "fixed" that shouldn't have been an issue in the first place.

I do notice a little bit of heat from the engine when I am sitting in traffic, which happens a LOT around here, but it's not the sort of heat that's completely unbearable. And it dissipates quickly once the throttle is rolled back.

 

[tkglider]

Let me weigh in.I have a 2010 TG and have enjoyed it for 13000 miles.I have added about $2500 mostly heat reduction items.I also have the TG Stuff lift kit.I enjoy my TG very much.Keep her shined up and many people come up and ask if it is a "Harley"? I say yes and it makes them happy.I looked at Motor Trike and Hannigan and CScar.These conversions make a better trike than my stock TG but add the cost,loss of warranty and the "real Harley factor"I guess I am happy.Resale seems good and at 66 with big health issues it keeps my head in the wind.

In short I like bikes and now I like trikes.Hell I even like Spyders.Just nice knowing I am not going to drop the queen and people see me better.To each his own.Get the trike YOU want.

 

[Hoghead]

hbrogan57......Well you only got two out of three right. The TriGlide comes with an oil cooler. No vibration except at idle. And the 2011 on up have perfect gearing.

You're right, they are geared perfect. The 30 tooth sprocket really helps. The oil cooler don't help any or it seems not to..But it is terribly HOT......and before it was broken in the heat on my right was almost unbearable.....as far as vibration.....just like all of them.....idle yes it shakes....above 1200rpm it is OK.....but makes a lot of clatter......even at 3000RPM it clatters......my 2010 doesn't do that.............Anyone wanna buy a Tri Glide with a year warranty left?.....

 

[hbrogan57]

You're right, they are geared perfect. The 30 tooth sprocket really helps. The oil cooler don't help any or it seems not to..But it is terribly HOT......and before it was broken in the heat on my right was almost unbearable.....as far as vibration.....just like all of them.....idle yes it shakes....above 1200rpm it is OK.....but makes a lot of clatter......even at 3000RPM it clatters......my 2010 doesn't do that.............Anyone wanna buy a Tri Glide with a year warranty left?.....

Amazingly enough Harley has a 30grand MSRP. And THEN the dealer tacks on the "extras". In my case that brought the price up to 42grand.

And THEN you have to buy extras to help with the issues that seem to be an issue on MOST Harleys.

Personally, I prefer to ride and not worry about whether or not I'll end up at the shop that day.

But, in the end, it boils down to what YOU like to ride. Honda, Harley, Yamaha, Suzuki, Can-Am...et al. It's YOUR choice and whatever makes YOU happy.

When it's all said and done I'll still ride alongside......I don't care what you ride....as long as you RIDE!!!!!

 

[rap47]

Yes, I do own a TriGlide. It is a 2011. The first thing I changed was the header to get rid of the cat. The TriGlide was 32,000 and change. I bought the package from Fuel Moto (SSHeader, Jackpot Mufflers W/Quiet baffles, SEAC, and PCV with a map installed by Fuel Moto for my set up. The trike runs great and is no hotter than any of my bikes before this. So with the price of the bike and the Fuel Moto package I'm at a little over 33,000 bucks and a very happy camper.