Unhappy Harley owner

[Hoghead]

Hello Everyone, I am the unhappy owner of a 2012 Harley Tri Glide because of heat and unfixable noises which the Dealer can't identify or fix so he puts in 60Wt. oil to disguise the noise but that is not what this thread is about. I am looking for a Honda Trike at this time and wondering which kit is the most favorable? I have looked at all of them but I will have to say I think Harley looks better than any I looked at but everyone knows the problem there, so if you would please tell me the pros and cons of all the brands of the Honda kits and which do you prefer and why....Jack

 

[HarleyMac]

Get A Motor Trike

 

[Gorilla]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Hoghead</strong>
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<div class="message">Hello Everyone, I am the unhappy owner of a 2012 Harley Tri Glide because of heat and unfixable noises which the Dealer can't identify or fix so he puts in 60Wt. oil to disguise the noise but that is not what this thread is about. I am looking for a Honda Trike at this time and wondering which kit is the most favorable? I have looked at all of them but I will have to say I think Harley looks better than any I looked at but everyone knows the problem there, so if you would please tell me the pros and cons of all the brands of the Honda kits and which do you prefer and why....Jack</div>

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</div>Why not get a 09 or older touring HD and have it converted. Air Cleaner muffler and a fuel module and you will be happy and have the look that you like. I love my "07"

 

[hbrogan57]

I seriously considered the 2012 Harley trike when I was shopping around. Even went so far as to have a deal made. That is until the dealer came at me with a $$ 42,000 out-the-door price for one. And then was NOT willing to negotiate on a cash deal.<br />
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So, I went with a 2001 Hannigan conversion from Coach Rice Trikes and could not have made a better choice. But that's just me. There are a kt of different kits available. Shop around and I am sure that you will find one to your liking.<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Hoghead</strong>
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<div class="message">Hello Everyone, I am the unhappy owner of a 2012 Harley Tri Glide because of heat and unfixable noises which the Dealer can't identify or fix so he puts in 60Wt. oil to disguise the noise but that is not what this thread is about. I am looking for a Honda Trike at this time and wondering which kit is the most favorable? I have looked at all of them but I will have to say I think Harley looks better than any I looked at but everyone knows the problem there, so if you would please tell me the pros and cons of all the brands of the Honda kits and which do you prefer and why....Jack</div>

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[trucker]

I love my Roadsmith.
Great customer service.
Just check out a good installer.
You can buy a great trike kit but if you get a bad install..............you have problems.
Ask your installer for references.

 

[Nana]

If you love the look and "sit" of the Harleys, definitely look into a conversion. The TriGlide is only one small option available to you when you look for a "Harley Trike". Your options suddenly expand to include everything from a full dresser trike (final appearance similar to a TriGlide) down to a Sportster trike. Then you can take a look at mine -- even a V-rod trike! So many beautiful choices.... So little time!!! <img src="images/smilies/grin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="big grin" class="inlineimg" />

 

[msocko3]

Lots of options, I owned a 2010 Triglide for 3 years and 21,000 miles. It was a great looking trike but I just had to try something else, so I bought the 2012 GL1800 in my sig pic. I like the looks of the Hannigan conversion for the 2012 plus I like the looks of their suspension, so I'm going to go with the Hannigan when I'm ready to do it.

 

[barnabus]

I looked at the 2012 HD Triglide and talked to several people who owned them and they were disappointed because of lack of power and the heat issue.Some said they didnt want to ride from July to Oct because of the excessive heat . I talked to several HD dealers and they lied thru their teeth when I brought up the fact that there is heat issues with the bike.They denied it even though its all over the net.Like many, they told me if I didnt wanna pay retail there were people standing in line to get one.I told them to pretty much kiss my*%*%*^& and went and bought a 2012 Goldwing and installed a MotorTrike kit and spent $32000 and couldnt be happier.I know I have more power, its not underpowered like the HD. HD says you can spend another 3K to help,not fix the heat issue so you can ride it..huh? Id sell that turd and get a Goldwing and be done with it.

 

[hbrogan57]

I would have to agree with you. After seeing the numerous postings about both the heat issue AND the under-powered nature of the Tri-Glide I am extremely happy that I did NOT get one. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that they gave me such an outrageous quote.<br />
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I still find it amazing that one needs to spend so much money JUST to make something "rideable". It would seem to me that the powers that be at Harley would be aware of some of the issues and would work to get a solution out there. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case.<br />
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I'll stick with mine. I have had GoldWings in the past and know their reliability. The ONLY Harley I ever owned was the biggest piece of crap I ever owned. And THAT'S out of <b><i><u>ALL</u></i></b> the vehicles I owned....including cars and pickup trucks.<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>barnabus</strong>
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<div class="message">I looked at the 2012 HD Triglide and talked to several people who owned them and they were disappointed because of lack of power and the heat issue.Some said they didnt want to ride from July to Oct because of the excessive heat . I talked to several HD dealers and they lied thru their teeth when I brought up the fact that there is heat issues with the bike.They denied it even though its all over the net.Like many, they told me if I didnt wanna pay retail there were people standing in line to get one.I told them to pretty much kiss my*%*%*^& and went and bought a 2012 Goldwing and installed a MotorTrike kit and spent $32000 and couldnt be happier.<b>I know</b> I have more power, its not underpowered like the HD. HD says you can spend another 3K to help,not fix the heat issue so you can ride it..huh?

Id sell that turd and get a Goldwing and be done with it.</div>

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[Gold Rush]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Hoghead</strong>
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<div class="message">Hello Everyone, I am the unhappy owner of a 2012 Harley Tri Glide because of heat and unfixable noises which the Dealer can't identify or fix so he puts in 60Wt. oil to disguise the noise but that is not what this thread is about. I am looking for a Honda Trike at this time and wondering which kit is the most favorable? I have looked at all of them but I will have to say I think Harley looks better than any I looked at but everyone knows the problem there, so if you would please tell me the pros and cons of all the brands of the Honda kits and which do you prefer and why....Jack</div>

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</div>Howdy Jack,<br />
<br />
I'm not about to address the HD/Goldwing debate but if you do make the final decision to go GL1800 then maybe I can shed some light.....<br />
<br />
First let me say that I don't think there is a perfect kit and also there is no "BAD" kits. There are several really bad installers though so do as much research on the installer as you do the kit.<br />
<br />
Secondly, GL1800s are not for everyone. Yes they have ample power but not the most comfortable for some. If you are tall or fairly large you will have to tweak things to get that comfort. There are aftermarket products to achieve that so don't let it turn you off -- just wanted you to be aware up front.<br />
<br />
I don't care how much upper body strength you have the rake kit is a must. It cures/prevents soooooo many issues. Some installers talk their customers out of the rake kit because it is time consuming to install and they don't get paid a lot to do it.... That is a real disservice.<br />
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Motor Trike makes the shortest and narrowest kit.

That makes it better in tight twisties and places where maneuverability is important. Hannigan and Road Smith are the longest so they smooth out the bumps better. California Side Car (CSC) is close to the Hannigan and Road Smith. Then come Champion and Lehman. They are in between all the others. <br />
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Independent rear suspension (IRS) is state of the art and will smooth out the ride some but the old solid axle kits are still a viable option.<br />
<br />
My best advise is to ride as many trikes as you can. Even to identical kits may not ride exactly the same. If you buy an existing conversion you have a better idea if it's installed quality but it still is a good idea to buy from a known "Good" installer.<br />
<br />
Hope all that helped some. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There is a lot of experience and knowledge on this bulletin board!!!

GOOD LUCK.

 

[Hooker 6]

Howdy Jack,

I'm not about to address the HD/Goldwing debate but if you do make the final decision to go GL1800 then maybe I can shed some light.....

First let me say that I don't think there is a perfect kit and also there is no "BAD" kits. There are several really bad installers though so do as much research on the installer as you do the kit.

Secondly, GL1800s are not for everyone. Yes they have ample power but not the most comfortable for some. If you are tall or fairly large you will have to tweak things to get that comfort. There are aftermarket products to achieve that so don't let it turn you off -- just wanted you to be aware up front.

I don't care how much upper body strength you have the rake kit is a must. It cures/prevents soooooo many issues. Some installers talk their customers out of the rake kit because it is time consuming to install and they don't get paid a lot to do it.... That is a real disservice.

Motor Trike makes the shortest and narrowest kit. That makes it better in tight twisties and places where maneuverability is important. Hannigan and Road Smith are the longest so they smooth out the bumps better. California Side Car (CSC) is close to the Hannigan and Road Smith. Then come Champion and Lehman. They are in between all the others.

Independent rear suspension (IRS) is state of the art and will smooth out the ride some but the old solid axle kits are still a viable option.

My best advise is to ride as many trikes as you can. Even to identical kits may not ride exactly the same. If you buy an existing conversion you have a better idea if it's installed quality but it still is a good idea to buy from a known "Good" installer.

Hope all that helped some. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There is a lot of experience and knowledge on this bulletin board!!! GOOD LUCK.

ThumbUp - What he said, especially the installer part.

 

[oahe]

ThumbUp - What he said, especially the installer part.

I would agree, with one exception. It bothers me to hear people universally recommend rake kits. They are simply not for everyone. The impression is often given that unraked trikes steer like an old pre-pover steering Mack truck. Incorrect! They are simply different and unless you have severe upper body strength limitations may offer no advantage. They simply have a different feel and some such as me prefer unraked. I believe that I have more control resulting from a better "feel" of the road. My advice is to test ride with both versions and select the one you like best.

 

[JohnC]

Buy Victory! Buy American!

California Side Car makes an awesome trike kit for the Victory Cross Country bike. If this was available at the time I was trike shopping, I would not have purchased a TriGlide.

The Victory Cross Country is a beautiful bike. If you are a taller rider, you will appreciate the tons of leg room it offers. It's a bike you site down into rather than on top of. The 106" motor has great power and torque right out of the box.

I know this is a Honda thread but I am just throwing that out there as another option to consider.

(click on picture for full-size image)

 

[Konrad]

Consider what it is you wish to do with your trike: long distance, cross-country? Camping? Pulling a trailer? Carrying the significent other?

For all of the above I chose the RoadSmith. Wider and longer. Smoother ride. Built-in trailer hitch. Super trunk with large opening. Five gallon auxiliary fuel tank. (About 390 mile range - came in very handy out west where stations are few and far between!) IRS - smooth ride! I also had a rake kit installed. I've ridden the Tail of the Dragon twice with zero problems in the twisties.

As others have said - find an installer who does a lot of Roadsmith conversions and has a good reputation: that's the secret "accessory".

Most certainly there are other very fine kits out there but none seem to offer everything thast Roadsmith does. At least for my needs. Your mileage may differ

 

[Bikerbozo]

And just to throw it out there. Do you have any other HD dealers in range? Maybe another shop wouldn't be as useless as you current one.

 

[Rowdy]

Howdy Jack,

I'm not about to address the HD/Goldwing debate but if you do make the final decision to go GL1800 then maybe I can shed some light.....

First let me say that I don't think there is a perfect kit and also there is no "BAD" kits. There are several really bad installers though so do as much research on the installer as you do the kit.

Secondly, GL1800s are not for everyone. Yes they have ample power but not the most comfortable for some. If you are tall or fairly large you will have to tweak things to get that comfort. There are aftermarket products to achieve that so don't let it turn you off -- just wanted you to be aware up front.

I don't care how much upper body strength you have the rake kit is a must. It cures/prevents soooooo many issues. Some installers talk their customers out of the rake kit because it is time consuming to install and they don't get paid a lot to do it.... That is a real disservice.

Motor Trike makes the shortest and narrowest kit. That makes it better in tight twisties and places where maneuverability is important. Hannigan and Road Smith are the longest so they smooth out the bumps better. California Side Car (CSC) is close to the Hannigan and Road Smith. Then come Champion and Lehman. They are in between all the others.

Independent rear suspension (IRS) is state of the art and will smooth out the ride some but the old solid axle kits are still a viable option.

My best advise is to ride as many trikes as you can. Even to identical kits may not ride exactly the same. If you buy an existing conversion you have a better idea if it's installed quality but it still is a good idea to buy from a known "Good" installer.

Hope all that helped some. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There is a lot of experience and knowledge on this bulletin board!!! GOOD LUCK.

Of all the kits mentioned you neglected one of if not the best. DFT. It definitely deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with Hannigan and Roadsmith.

 

[John Luciano]

Took the words right out of my mouth.( DFT ) I have had mine 12 trouble free years , it is on a 1500, ( I find the 1500 has more room and is more comfortable ) also when talking Goldwing 95 HP ,1500 or 110 1,800 is still more than enough. 6 cylinder is electric smooth. ( 30mph to 100 in 5th gear ) The DFT utilizes all the Goldwing rear components ( brakes ,driveshaft, gears etc. ) it has one of the largest trunks in the industry, ( trunk extends behind the tail lights fender to fender, 54" wide , only Champion is the next largest. OMHO of course .

 

[Rowdy]

Took the words right out of my mouth.( DFT ) I have had mine 12 trouble free years , it is on a 1500, ( I find the 1500 has more room and is more comfortable ) also when talking Goldwing 95 HP ,1500 or 110 1,800 is still more than enough. 6 cylinder is electric smooth. ( 30mph to 100 in 5th gear ) The DFT utilizes all the Goldwing rear components ( brakes ,driveshaft, gears etc. ) it has one of the largest trunks in the industry, ( trunk extends behind the tail lights fender to fender, 54" wide , only Champion is the next largest. OMHO of course .

They are a great conversion and a sponsor of this site. Anyone with an understanding of mechanics will be impressed with the engineering and design of the DFT. To the people shopping for a conversion, you owe it to yourself to check out the DFT. It is somewhat pricey but well worth it. Another really important thing with the DFT is the customer service. It is the absolute best. You will not find any better.

 

[Oesmom2]

I had to trade in my 2011 Harley triglide due to the heat! Unbearable. Now have a 2012 goldwing with roadsmith conversion. Love it. Except my paint problem. It is a white trike. The trike part has large yellowing spots. Almost like tea stains. This happened in less than a year. Needs to be repainted and I am having problems with roadsmith. Will post complete story on another thread

 

[rmrc51]

As others have said - find an installer who does a lot of Roadsmith conversions and has a good reputation: that's the secret "accessory".

As Konrad had mentioned, especially if you're considering a Roadsmith conversion, find an installer who had done a lot of installations. Being that you're located in Tennessee, not too far from you in Alabama you'll find KD Cycle. They mainly deal with Roadsmith conversions and have the reputation of being one of Roadsmith's busiest installers. PM me if you want more information.

In any event, as others have said there's no bad kits and many to choose from. ThumbUp

 

[cmore]

All of the kits have there +s and -s. I think the IRS ride a little better than the fixed but if the fixed axles are set up correctly, they ride fine. The installer is a big part of the equation. A bad one will give u a bad install. Compare and ride as many of the different kits and see what features u like about each.<br />
<br />
Power Track (EZSteer or rake kit) required for all except for maybe the DFT. Would also recommend at least the aux fuel tank, trailer hitch and parking brake as accessories.<br />
<br />
Good luck in your quest.

 

[mojogo1]

Last but not least you mighy peek at a stratoliner w/csc kit and a hoppe fairing......it might suit your fancy....(but of course I'm a yammer jammer....lol):Shrug::wave4:

 

[oahe]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>cmore</strong><br />
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<div class="message">All of the kits have there +s and -s. I think the IRS ride a little better than the fixed but if the fixed axles are set up correctly, they ride fine. The installer is a big part of the equation. A bad one will give u a bad install. Compare and ride as many of the different kits and see what features u like about each.<br /><br />
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<b>Power Track (EZSteer or rake kit) required for all except for maybe the DFT. Would also recommend at least the aux fuel tank, trailer hitch and parking brake as accessories.</b><br /><br />
<br /><br />
Good luck in your quest.</div><br />
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</div><br />
</div>Now why would you state that a rake kit is required for all? Each of us is different and have different needs. As stated previously, I prefer my MT without a rake kit. Steering is very easy! Others may discover the same.<br />
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As to the aux fuel tank again why?

I like to take breaks every couple of hours and have plenty of range.

 

[cmore]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>oahe</strong><br />
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<div class="message">Now why would you state that a rake kit is required for all? Each of us is different and have different needs. As stated previously, I prefer my MT without a rake kit. Steering is very easy! Others may discover the same. As to the aux fuel tank again why? I like to take breaks every couple of hours and have plenty of range.</div><br />
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</div>U are the first one that I remember saying that EZSteer was not a plus. Most of the posts I have rid say its much easier to steer with that installed. Same for the few that I have talked with. <br /><br />
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I like the aux tank so I don't have to stop until I want to not because I have to.<br />
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Also allows me to only have to stop when the 2 wheelers, I some times ride with do.

Another issue I have run into is occasionally gas shortages. At about 32/mpg, can't go far on just the tank. That has only happened once in the last 3 years, but did happen. <br /><br />
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U did not mention the parking brake. I like having it but most don't get it.<br /><br />
For me it works great.<br /><br />
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I probably should have worded the post a little different. Maybe something like If I were to get another trike, would want at least the 3 times I listed. But as always, every one has their preferences.

 

[oahe]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>cmore</strong><br />
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<div class="message">U are the first one that I remember saying that EZSteer was not a plus. Most of the posts I have rid say its much easier to steer with that installed. Same for the few that I have talked with. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
I like the aux tank so I don't have to stop until I want to not because I have to. Also allows me to only have to stop when the 2 wheelers, I some times ride with do. Another issue I have run into is occasionally gas shortages. At about 32/mpg, can't go far on just the tank. That has only happened once in the last 3 years, but did happen. <br /><br />
<br /><br />
U did not mention the parking brake. I like having it but most don't get it.<br /><br />
For me it works great.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
I probably should have worded the post a little different.<br />
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Maybe something like If I were to get another trike, would want at least the 3 times I listed.

But as always, every one has their preferences.</div><br />
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</div>I started driving old farm trucks (not pickups) when I was 9 or 10 so I know what hard steering is. I don't think my dad would have bought power steering if it was available. Believe me, my trike is a breeze compared to that and I like to feel the road. I didn't get that feeling when test driving raked trikes. My preference. I have a 200+ mile range w/o an aux tank. My tired old butt needs a break at that time and even in this country I have no problems finding fuel. Again, my preference. As to the parking brake?<br />
<br />
A velcro blousing strap around the hand brake seems to work just fine and was a lot cheaper. Have fun!!!

 

[John Luciano]

I also have no rake, OH I can feel the pressure on the bars on the on ramps at 60 MPH. I like the strain on the wheel. Gives me a feeling of control. The Trike is so easy to ride on a normal winding country I can almost use one hand. I don't want it to be easy. And I agree mt 156 mile range is more than enough seat time. Most of my friends have Harley's and do not have a gage so they stop every 100 miles or so for gas. And at $4,00 a gal it is nice to top it off for $12.50 , un like the car for $65.00.if you do cross country,multi day driving I can see a + side to an extra 5 gal or so

 

[Chazzman]

I feel your pain, the new Harley's have some major heat issues. I test rode the Tri- Glide, it is a beautiful machine and they just came out with a $2500 rebate on the 2013. After a short ride I decided on the GL1800 with the new Gen II for 2012.

Since I have been on two wheels 41 years I have no trike experience so my decision to purchase Hannigan was from research. I do feel like it is one of the top kits available. my second choice would be Roadsmith then probably CSC.

But who am I to say with no experience on trikes.

Good luck on your decision. Just be sure you get a good builder.

 

[steamer]

Yamaha Royal Star Venture, Hannigan trike kit. most comfortable trike on the road. Lots of power. Lots of room. Just saying.

 

[Hoghead]

I looked at the 2012 HD Triglide and talked to several people who owned them and they were disappointed because of lack of power and the heat issue.Some said they didnt want to ride from July to Oct because of the excessive heat . I talked to several HD dealers and they lied thru their teeth when I brought up the fact that there is heat issues with the bike.They denied it even though its all over the net.Like many, they told me if I didnt wanna pay retail there were people standing in line to get one.I told them to pretty much kiss my*%*%*^& and went and bought a 2012 Goldwing and installed a MotorTrike kit and spent $32000 and couldnt be happier.I know I have more power, its not underpowered like the HD. HD says you can spend another 3K to help,not fix the heat issue so you can ride it..huh? Id sell that turd and get a Goldwing and be done with it.

That's exactly what I am going to do.....Already decided to get a trouble free machine and I don't have one now.....

 

[Hoghead]

I feel your pain, the new Harley's have some major heat issues. I test rode the Tri- Glide, it is a beautiful machine and they just came out with a $2500 rebate on the 2013. After a short ride I decided on the GL1800 with the new Gen II for 2012.

Since I have been on two wheels 41 years I have no trike experience so my decision to purchase Hannigan was from research. I do feel like it is one of the top kits available. my second choice would be Roadsmith then probably CSC.

But who am I to say with no experience on trikes.

Good luck on your decision. Just be sure you get a good builder.

Boswell's must not have heard of a rebate. Here at Boswell's(Cookeville) they are asking $34,000.00 plus for the 2013's.....That is where I got my 2012 and paid $34,000.00 out the door Tax and everything included....