What are the Differences?

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I'm not trying to start anything, but could I get some information on what the differences between the Harley Davidson based trikes and the Gold Wing based trikes? Based on your experiences, why would you choose one over the other? What do you like or not like about them?
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

I consider it a personal preference. I am happy with my '10 HD TG. 55k miles and never any road breakdowns. I like the HD network if problems do happen on road. Come close a couple times. Was still able to ride it to shop.
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

Uh-oh.... :)

LOL, kinda like the difference between Ford, Chevy, Dodge. All are good products, all have their good & bad points.

That being said, my reason for choosing the Honda was the cooler engine operating temperature (liquid cooling) resulting in longer engine life. And I must admit, the initial outlay of funds for the purchase. Since I bought used, Honda was cheaper, HD has historically held value better than off-shore brands.

I ride with many HD owners, and we all have fun.
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

1. Harley TG is factory made and warranteed - Honda isn't.
2. How many "old" Hondas are still on the road?
3. How easy is it to get parts for a 10, 20, 30 year old Honda?
4. Harley = better resale value
5. I love the sound of a real motorcycle (Harley)
6. More movies with Harleys then Hondas
7. I don't have a heat issue now
8. How many 70/80 year olds come up to you and start a conversation on how they "Use to ride one of them there Harleys back in _____." Very interesting stories.
9. I've owned a Honda, many Yamahas and a Kawasaki before buying a Harley because I was getting tired trying to find parts and service for the older models. (I really had problems finding parts for my 5 year old XS850 Special).

I have always said we need the Japanese bikes to help fight anti motorcycle politicians with there numbers(please join the AMA or ABATE). If it was just Harley there wouldn't be enough voices to get the attention of politicians. So all bikes are family even if we do kid each other once in a while. And the competition is healthy. ThumbUp There's room for all of us.
Save the Wave!!
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

I own a 97 wing
No trouble getting parts
67,000 trouble free miles
Go to Americade and see 1,000 of 1988 and older Wings
I could say the same thing about OLD Harley's most are 2000 or newer..
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

Oh boy....here we go again. Y'all be nice now. :behave:
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

Ya know what Tanker? Z-Man is correct. .... There are too many differences between the two brands to even have an informative or civil (for some) conversation about it here. I think the best way to find out these differences is just go to the GW forum and then the TG forum and start readin'. Both have their good things and bad things, and you can get a good idea about both if you just read a bunch of the different threads, of which there are plenty of subjects to soak in.

Just my not so humble, but honest opinion. Now,,back to the Crown.
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

GARYD said:
8. How many 70/80 year olds come up to you and start a conversation on how they "Use to ride one of them there Harleys back in _____." Very interesting stories.




just for fun, I had to comment on #8

most of the 70 to 80 year olds that come up to me when I'm out riding are on "Goldwings" :wave4:
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

Oh boy....here we go again. Y'all be nice now.

C'mon now Zook,,, Let them Dawgz growl & bark & bite! :D

Heck,,, Anybody with half a brain knows the [Insert Brand YOU Own Here] is The Best and beats the crap out of [Insert Brand(s) YOU Don't Own Here] Hands-Down anyways... :p
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

I love my Harley's but be honest, how many Harley's out there have in excess of 200,000 miles on the engine without it being opened up and the top end re-built.

When stuck in a very long traffic jam with a Harley you have 2 choices, pull off and shut it down and wait while the traffic clears, shut it down and push. With the Wing you just go with the flow because it won't over heat like the air cooled Harley. The air cooled engine needs a minimum speed of 25 mph to keep enough air over the cylinders to keep it from over heating, not ride 50 yards and stop for 10 minutes.
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

I grew up on Harley's. Started with them when the left hand grip was a spark advance. Road them until I bought my first wing. Have never looked back. Ex: I was in my local motorcycle shop to get my Wing serviced. The only one certified on the wing is the owner who was not there at the time. I asked them what kind of oil they used, cause of the wing being a "sump" type engine. He asked what I meant, I said the oil in the engine also serviced the trans and clutch. The wrong oil would coat the clutch and ruin it.

How many miles on your wing he asked? 60,000 I said. How many clutches have you put in it? NONE, is said and his eyes popped wide open, along with two Harley riders. I love the Harley, I love the sound, somewhat muted, but the lesser of the maintenance dollars and the comfort of ride are my two main considerations. Wing it is.
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

I have long legs and the GW cylinders are right where I want to put my feet.

Stopped in at a local Trike Dealer here today. All he had in the showroom were GW's, but I got a chance to sit on one, and I have to say I agree with you. I'm used to having my feet further in front of me that the GW will allow. My usual riding position on my C50 was about where the highway pegs were on this trike.

I think they have some HD trikes at their facility in Onalaska (about 70 mi. up the road) I'll try and swing up there some time soon and see how the HD's feel.
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

Tanker, remember that the TriGlide is not the only Harley trike out there. It is the only built-as-a-trike-from-the-ground-up Harley trike, but many/most Harley trikes out there right now are still built from a 2-wheeler with a kit, just as all of the Honda trikes are.

Also, if the GW position is not comfortable for you but you want the water-cooled engine, there are a number of other Hondas and other brands out there that may position you much more comfortably when the trike kit is added -- just one example is the VTX 1300 or 1800. Do a search in the GARAGE here to find numerous pictures of VTX trikes, many of them have tour boxes added and very closely resemble the look of the TriGlide (Meredog's yellow one, for instance).

The TriGlide is a great trike and has the advantage of a warranty because it is a true factory trike. But it has the solid axle. If you find a bike you love and that fits you well, you may prefer the independent suspensions available from several of the major kit makers -- eg. Hannigan, Roadsmith, CSC are independent suspension only, Champion & Motortrike offer the option. My first trike had solid suspension (Champion) and my current one has independent (Hannigan). I have personally been equally happy with both! :)

I'd encourage you to consider adding a kit to a bike you know will be comfortable and meets your wishes in other ways, or purchasing a good used trike. You must decide what features are important to you -- water cooled (non-HD) or air cooled (HD), "traditional" cruiser look with your feet out in front, lots of chrome, and the motor visible (most HD's and many options among other brands), or the plush and more upright ride on the GW with more fiberglass. Your wish for sound will make a difference too -- the GWs are virtually silent, and many LOVE that! The HDs and many of the other cruiser style bikes have a lot more rumble, and many LOVE that!

So many choices.....and all of them are excellent! We all choose what appeals to us personally at the time, but we also value and admire all those others. That's what makes this forum such a great place to go for ideas and info as you make your own choice :D.
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

Call ahead to insure they will actually let you RIDE it for @ 25+ or so miles over varied roads, cornering, surface imperfections, stop-n-go, etc.

It may "Sit & Fit" while stationary like your favorite Lazy-Boy but unless you are wanting a Trike to park in the Living Room in front of the Tube, well,,,, You know-Make sure the RIDE, Handling, and Performance fits you 1st and foremost.

Buyers Remorse on 30+ G's (plus the thousands extra to overcome negatives) is a real, Well,,, You know that answer too.

Plus, when that overly touted perceived superiority from HD Warranty expires, you want to be left with a Trike that actually satisfies on its own Merit. Afterall, if Warranty is the main concern when buying a Trike, are you really looking at the right Trike to begin with????

Just sayin....
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

I own a 97 wing
No trouble getting parts
67,000 trouble free miles
Go to Americade and see 1,000 of 1988 and older Wings
I could say the same thing about OLD Harley's most are 2000 or newer..


John, did the dealer have the parts in stock? The parts for my 5 year old Yamahas had to be special ordered. Getting a replacement chain for my 3 year old Kawasaki Z1 was so bad I ordered one 3 months before I left for my Canadian trip. I even had to make a special removal tool because I didn't want to pay the price Kawasaki wanted for their tool.
I've had a few high milage Harleys with trouble free miles also.
Only 1000?? out of how many millions?
I don't see those 1988 Hondas on the road, just like you said, 2000 and newer ones. The same thing can be said for both.

I loved all my bikes - japanese and American - as was said they both have pros and cons.
Motorcycle Consumer News did a comparison between the GW and Harley Ultra. The one thing I noticed about the cost of maintainence was the GW was about 3 times the price of the Harley. Do to the labor of having to remove all the plastic panels. Did you know you have to remove the exhaust pipes and foot pegs to change an oil filter on a Yamaha Virago? At least Harleys are easy to repair/maintain.

I'm not saying Harleys are better then japanese bikes -just different as Nana pointed out.

The solid vs independant suspension debate, I think, would not be a factor in choosing a trike.....getting a warranty is more important.

I have ridden both - yes the indy is great on real bumpy/pothole streets - on the highway where most riding is done (and most surface streets also) it doesn't make any noticable difference. And for $5K extra cost, is way out of line, for me. If you have a bad back or other physical problems then by all means the indy would probably be best for you. Personnally I just don't drive on bad roads and rarely felt I needed it when I did ride on bad roads.

That's why it's nice to have it available instead of being a standard feature. I'm sure there are tons of people that don't want to spend $5K or more for something they don't need.
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

I have the solid axel on my wing it is fine and I also can't see a major advantage to pay more for the independant unit as far as HD vrs Wing it's a matter of which makes you warm and fuzzy and that's all .
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

BTW the only reason I have a wing vrs a HD trike is my wife liked the back seat of the wing better , Happy wife = Happy rider
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

anyone that has had both types of suspension and hauled a passenger, knows the difference. :Shrug: I'll stick with the independent as long as I want to stay married. :Coffee:
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

John, did the dealer have the parts in stock? The parts for my 5 year old Yamahas had to be special ordered. Getting a replacement chain for my 3 year old Kawasaki Z1 was so bad I ordered one 3 months before I left for my Canadian trip. I even had to make a special removal tool because I didn't want to pay the price Kawasaki wanted for their tool.
I've had a few high milage Harleys with trouble free miles also.
Only 1000?? out of how many millions?
I don't see those 1988 Hondas on the road, just like you said, 2000 and newer ones. The same thing can be said for both.

I loved all my bikes - japanese and American - as was said they both have pros and cons.
Motorcycle Consumer News did a comparison between the GW and Harley Ultra. The one thing I noticed about the cost of maintainence was the GW was about 3 times the price of the Harley. Do to the labor of having to remove all the plastic panels. Did you know you have to remove the exhaust pipes and foot pegs to change an oil filter on a Yamaha Virago? At least Harleys are easy to repair/maintain.

Parts availability is a strong point of the current 1999 and later twin cam equipped Harleys, the EVO and older engines and bike suffer the same as older metric bikes. Most Harley dealers won't even service the older bikes anymore, their younger techs don't know how to work on them. I also agree the nod of ease of maintenance goes to the Harley, I can pull one a part in the blink of an eye, my 2012 GL1800 takes a little longer.

I will however say I would rather change the oil in my Wing vs any Harley's I've owned, its a much easier and cleaner process.
 
If the riding position of the stock wing doesn't fit you there are a lot of aftermarket peg configurations that you can choose from.

Like the ones on my Gold Wing trike. They are attached to the front crash bars. They let you stretch your legs out in front of you for a more comfortable riding position.

IMG_7670.jpg


A closer pic of it. By the way - this trike is for sale !!

Peg.jpg
 
Re: What are the Differnces?

NOT a Factor ????? Wait,,, That's a Joke Right ?

Again,,, If Warranty is a Primary concern when considering a Trike, are you really looking at the right Trike/Bike to begin with?

Not a joke at all. IRS is NOT a factor - extended warranty IS - for me (and maybe others), but it looks like not for you. That's fine.

You don't have to be sarcastic just because I don't agree with you. :Shrug:


msocko3, I've only had one problem getting a part for any of my Harleys and my dealer does work on evos.

The one part the dealer didn't have was an air filter for my current bike. Go figure. Must have been a big run on them that day. :)
 
Actually now that I think about it, You are quite correct and I concur 100%
In singular context pertaining to the Harley Davidson Tri-Glide Trike isolated in and of itself:
Warranty IS a Primary concern and of HUGE importance. The more incompassing and extended the time the better without a doubt.

Furthermore, since IRS is N/A* on the Tri-Glide, it most definitely is not a Factor at all. Not even a consideration.

I sit corrected and sincerely apologetic ThumbUp


*N/A=Not Available. Neither Standard nor as an O.E.M Option.
NON-O.E.M./After-Market I.R.S. UPGRADE available from DFT. ADDITIONAL cost to cure: $5,000.00 (approx.)
 
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For what it is worth, I own a 2007 Ultra and a 2004 Wing. When I considered triking one of those, which I eventually did, I knew it would be the Wing. The Harley is underpowered, and HOT in the Summer. My sister and her husband bought a 2010 Triglide and had to spend around $2500.00 EXTRA just to cool it down some so their boots didn't melt in the Summer, and beef up the engine. I understand that warranties are important. I've had 7 Harleys and 9 Wings. I've had to use the warranty for my Harleys on nearly ever one, at least for something, but in all my years of riding Wings have never needed anything other than normal oil changes and regular service. Plus, they have to power to drag a trike around with no problem and you don't burn up when you ride them after April 15 around here.

The only mechanical problem I every encountered with my Wings was a stator issue on my 1984. When I decided to trike my Wing I asked my installer if my fenders would shake and wobble, since I had seen that many times on the Triglide. He just smiled and assured me that wouldn't be a problem, and it isn't. The sport is what it is all about, and everyone needs to make a choice that they are comfortable with. The main things is that we are happy with our decisions and we respect each other's choices.
 
Veritas44, you can get an IRS for a Harley. Either a whole rear end conversion or just a replacement for the TriGlide. It's $5K for the replacement. Quite a bit more for the conversion.

FRR, I only spent around $1500 for mine, but that included a little better sound and better breathing - not just reducing heat. There are many on this forum that have stock TG's and don't have any heat issue. Everyone seems to have a different heat tolerence. What's hot to you may not be hot to me.
My boots are no where near anything hot enough to melt them (don't know anyone whose boots have melted while in a normal riding position). I did burn the heal on my boot when I accidentally touched the exhaust header, but that will happen on any bike.

My fenders don't shake at all - not even a little bit. Don't know what you saw - maybe it was so out of tune that the whole bike shook. My mirrors don't even shake.

It was the same for me with all my (8) japanese bikes - no mechanical problems except the engine on Yamaha's new ('73 I believe) 750 triple. It only lasted a year or two before being dumped. I won't argue about the UJM's mechanical superiority. It's there.

The reason I switched to Harleys is because I had problems getting parts and I wanted a motorcycle that looked like a motorcycle - not a race bike. I also LOVED the sound (could never ride a bike I can't hear) and the lifestyle is fun too - way more activities then any other brand.

Bottom line is I like all motorcycles - I don't think there is one I "wouldn't" buy if I didn't embrace Harleys as much as I do.
Just keep riding and smiling, that's what life is all about, right? :D
 
Ya know guys an gals that when looking for a ride you want what fits best and what catches your heart an eyes.But the really important thing about any of the bikes out there is who is on top of it not what is under . One of the best parts of riding is the people you meet and ride with.My personal choice is HD as I almost bleed black and orange but I will ride with anyone unless they are a jerk and then I don't really care what they ride ....just my 2C's
 
Ya know guys an gals that when looking for a ride you want what fits best and what catches your heart an eyes.But the really important thing about any of the bikes out there is who is on top of it not what is under . One of the best parts of riding is the people you meet and ride with.My personal choice is HD as I almost bleed black and orange but I will ride with anyone unless they are a jerk and then I don't really care what they ride ....just my 2C's

Well said, Ellard! :D
 
I agree completely - about who I ride with. I don't think this thread was about who you ride with. It was about the difference between IRS and rigid suspension.
I was just trying to add MY take on the myth about IRS being the "do all know all" and everything else is no good and barbaric.

To ME, an extended warranty is way more important then IRS because I tried IRS and didn't see any advantage - especially for the much more $$$ it costs - - - to ME. I don't need to be scolded for thinking that way.

Nobody is forcing anyone into buying either one.

The best thing for any individual to do is, TEST DRIVE ALL BIKES YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN AND THEN MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND.

Ride safe and "Save the Wave" :wave4:
 
Beggin your Pardon Ya'll/Yooz but, Actually the OP asked for input on the differences in Harley *BASED and Honda *BASED trikes.
Then (for whatever reason) the 9-Point Tri-Glide Manifesto was entered into Record by The HDTG Home Office as Evidence and the Court of Public Opinions was in full swing and in session for ALL who would testify For & Against the Points as presented by The Author of His own free will & accord.

No Harm or Foul on anyone's part at all but when a person voluntarily chooses to exercise their 1st Amendment Rights in Open Forum they waive their Right to Privacy and have NO Protection or Immunity form Dissenting Opinions or Refutation what so ever. Seriously, you really didn't think that was going to go uncontested did you????:cool:
No reason or cause to get all "Chapped Up" and evoke the Rodney King & Barney damage-control thread washing Brigade. ;)

*BASED-meaning "At The Core"="Conversion From Harely/Honda to Trike"=Post-OEM Conversion.... NOT T.G. vs ALL.

Then again.... That's MY Opinion and Take and if YOU don't agree then YOU'RE WRONG and Let's Argue about it :D
 
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