would like to share your thoughts.

[joediver1943]

Two years ago I turned 70 and was hoping to make a 30 day trip out West while pulling a small little guy camper. Was advised that the camper would be more than my 2011 Triglide would handle. so I moteled it. Couldn't get free from work for 30 days but I did manage 14 days thru Northern Colorado, Saw tooth Mountains, Tetons Yellowstone, The Bear tooth and then into Rapid City. Went solo and had a great time. This year I managed to get free and rode thru the Southwest to California and up Highway one with a buddy thinking this 6000 miles would be my ride of a lifetime.

After getting back I started looking where I would want to travel in 2015. I made a mistake and started reading about Kevin and Mary's Alaska trip. I am now set on making that trip. The question is My 2011 has 40,000 miles on it and the Dealer would like me to trade it in on a 15. After reading about some of the roads and the potential for rock chips, I almost hate to take a new bike when my current bike already shows some of wear. Would you upgrade to the new bike are just have the older bike gone over carefully. If so what should I be looking at to make sure its ready to go. Thanks for any input.

 

[Livin2Ride]

If my 2011 is in good shape then I would check it over and make the trip, then trade if I desired to do so. That trip is rough on anything so I would beat up the older bike. On the other hand your trade-in value may drop and the new front end on the 14/15 is almost worth the $$$ to trade IMHO.

 

[Gorilla]

40k is not that many miles on your trike. If it is in good shape go with it. Then when you get back if the body took the beating that you thought then you can trade up. If not then continue riding the 11. Now if you REALLY want a 15 that puts a whole different slant to your decision. Now your desires might outway the needs. Good luck. Due what is going to make you happy.

 

[RickDeVon]

I have a 15 and you will love the newer model for the ride quality over the 11...I am sure mine will not be so new looking at 40k miles but I got it to ride...and one day may need some new paint on it...if you are worried about a nick here and there put some paint protection on it and ride...

 

[Leeb]

If I was in your shoes I would check over your present trike and ride it to Alaska.
Then when you get back go buy a new one.
I see no point in get a brand new bike tore up from the bad roads in Alaska.
I have a friend who took a new BMW up there and it was a mess when he returned.
Just my 2 cents.
Lee

 

[skuuter]

Ride the "old" One.......

 

[Trent]

Ride the "old" One.......

I am with Skuuter... Ride the old one... beat the living crap out of it, then trade it in when you get back...

 

[Peter A.]

Totally agree with most - I see no reason why that '11 won't do for your GREAT adventure - if you happen to win the lottery THEN run over and pick up a new one!
BTW - I'm 70 and my trike is a '10 - we don't hesitate on making any long trips (heading to Sturgis from California this summer), 56 + thou.
miles on it now.
:Coffee:

 

[BinIdaho]

You betcha, ride the '11 to Alaska! Then when you get home, think about trading up....who knows you may like the '16...they'll be out in 9/15! Riding alone or do you have folks to go with? Ride safe.

 

[joediver1943]

You betcha, ride the '11 to Alaska! Then when you get home, think about trading up....who knows you may like the '16...they'll be out in 9/15! Riding alone or do you have folks to go with? Ride safe.

I made a 5000 solo trip West in 2013, 6000 California trip with Buddy in 2013 but he hasn't committed to the Alaska trip yet. If I need to go Solo its OK with me.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Cool Joe, I'm betting you will love the trip on the 11 or a new one.

Depending on the road condition's (they are constantly working on them) you can pretty much be assured of some chips here and there. 3M film can go a long way in protecting the paint.

When we traded in the 11 for the 14, there were no chips so large that it had any impact on the trade-in value.

If I still had the 11, I would not hesitate to make the trip again. If I had the time and the funds, I also would not hesitate to make it again on the 14.

Whichever you ride, you're gonna have a great time!

Kevin

 

[joediver1943]

Well the plot has thickened. Dealer now has the two tone red 15 in stock. No add ons and will trade out the door for$14,600.He will give me a twenty % discount on parts this winter as I decide what I want. Dealer will remove and replace my Road Zeppelin seat, adjustable back rest and Kuryakyn adjustable passenger pegs. Present 2011 has 40,000 miles with a stage one, decatted , Rinehart's and rear bumper and air wing. Runs and looks good but will need tires all around, Battery and most likely brakes before I head to Alaska.
I haven't visited any other Dealers in the area and question if I am getting close on price. I would probably pay this Dealer a little more as I have bought two bikes from him and have always been treated very well. What do you think? :Shrug:

 

[KJB]

Well the plot has thickened. Dealer now has the two tone red 15 in stock. No add ons and will trade out the door for$14,600.

You are correct, that does add to your dilemma or at least give you more food for thought. I'm not going to tell you how you should spend your money but if I was faced with the same situation, I would go with the 2015. That's just me. I get excited with new toys. I appreciate your concern about road rash but I can't think of anything that couldn't be repaired to look like new if necessary. None of us are getting any younger. Enjoy the fruits of your labor while you can.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Well the plot has thickened. Dealer now has the two tone red 15 in stock. No add ons and will trade out the door for$14,600.He will give me a twenty % discount on parts this winter as I decide what I want. Dealer will remove and replace my Road Zeppelin seat, adjustable back rest and Kuryakyn adjustable passenger pegs. Present 2011 has 40,000 miles with a stage one, decatted , Rinehart's and rear bumper and air wing. Runs and looks good but will need tires all around, Battery and most likely brakes before I head to Alaska.
I haven't visited any other Dealers in the area and question if I am getting close on price. I would probably pay this Dealer a little more as I have bought two bikes from him and have always been treated very well. What do you think? :Shrug:

KBB has the 2011 Trade-in to dealership value at $21,700 and Retail value when purchasing from a dealership at $26,910. That should give you some hard number to compare.

Kevin

 

[joediver1943]

KBB has the 2011 Trade-in to dealership value at $21,700 and Retail value when purchasing from a dealership at $26,910. That should give you some hard number to compare.

Kevin

Kevin he's offering $22,000 trade for mime with 40,000 miles. Sounds like he's getting close. Thanks Joe