[Grandpot]

I'm going to be buying a Goldwing trike within the next year. Been riding a long time and currently have a 1999 Valkyrie.

Are there any particular years or models to stay away from or go to? How about features that are "must have" or not worth it?

 

[trike lady]

Some conversion companies have gone out of business and you don't want those. Lehman is gone and Champion trikes closed their doors but has been purchased by another individual and hopefully they can provide parts to the originals. CHAMPION TRIKES OF ARIZONA | MOTORCYCLE TRIKES | TRIKE PARTS | TRIKE KITS
Companies in business: Motortrike, CSC, Hannigan, & Roadsmith.
Do you want long wheelbase or standard?
If you plan to travel, you'd want an auxiliary fuel cell.
Raked triple trees for steering are a must.
Do you want a GL1500 or a GL1800 trike?
Solid axle or independent suspension?
Independent suspension gives a smoother ride, as does the long wheelbase conversions.
Take a test ride on a few trikes at a trike shop and see what you feel comfortable with.
Take your time and you'll find the one you want.

 

[Grandpot]

Some conversion companies have gone out of business and you don't want those. Lehman is gone and Champion trikes closed their doors but has been purchased by another individual and hopefully they can provide parts to the originals. CHAMPION TRIKES OF ARIZONA | MOTORCYCLE TRIKES | TRIKE PARTS | TRIKE KITS
Companies in business: Motortrike, CSC, Hannigan, & Roadsmith.
Do you want long wheelbase or standard?
If you plan to travel, you'd want an auxiliary fuel cell.
Raked triple trees for steering are a must.
Do you want a GL1500 or a GL1800 trike?
Solid axle or independent suspension?
Independent suspension gives a smoother ride, as does the long wheelbase conversions.
Take a test ride on a few trikes at a trike shop and see what you feel comfortable with.
Take your time and you'll find the one you want.

Thank you for all that info.
Go Navy. IC3

 

[giumbyredd]

Just my personal preference, but if I were looking for a Gold Wing trike it would have to be 2006, or newer..My 2006 Gold Wing level 2 or similar newer model would do nicely. I would probably go with a raked Roadsmith trike.
gumbyredd.

 

[NJMike]

Eddie and I agree that we would go to a ‘21 or later DCT trike. That way you get DCT and a little bigger tour pak.

 

[Afghanpilot]

Good morning Grandpot.

I posted the same in your intro: A friend of ours is selling their low-mileage blue 2018 GW. Not sure which company made the conversion. PM me if you’re interested.

-Ollie

 

[f27897]

Hello,
I would also add if you are going to purchase a older trike look into finding a shop that can work on them. In my area they are few and far between and usually booked out for quite a while. Good luck on your search.
Davey

 

[Grandpot]

Hello,
I would also add if you are going to purchase a older trike look into finding a shop that can work on them. In my area they are few and far between and usually booked out for quite a while. Good luck on your search.
Davey

That's good advice. Fortunately I have been blessed with the ability to wrench. I own an auto repair shop and except for tires and exhaust, do my own work.

Regards,

Keith

 

[Burnerboy]

Just besure that the trike that you purchase has at least a 5.5% rake'd front forks, it will be like power steer'n, Easy Peesy to ride, w/o this Rake'd forks , it will be very hard to steer.. Just a suggestion here

Ronnie
2/13/23

 

[Grandpot]

Thank you. So far I have three "must haves." Rake, independent rear suspension, and 2006 or newer.

 

[ETC]

I'm going to be buying a Goldwing trike within the next year. Been riding a long time and currently have a 1999 Valkyrie.

Are there any particular years or models to stay away from or go to? How about features that are "must have" or not worth it?

Are you looking at a back wheel or front wheel trike? If unsure I would recommend you try out several before making a decision as they do handle quite differently. Try the ride on a spyder and then any of the major brands of rear wheel trikes focus on the handling and softer ride of a front wheel setup. Just an FYI there is only one company doing front wheel conversions here in the US. Thats all I can say about that

 

[RayJ]

My wife rides a 2010 from Roadsmith. It is a great machine. We knew it from riding with George and Norma Henderson. I personally ride a 2015 two wheel. The post you made about the requirements is what I would list. For me I would try to find one 2012 or newer. Those are the last generation of the 1800 and all of them were made in Japan. My 15 looks a little different than our 10 but. Or a real big deal. Depending on budget and how long you plan to ride it k e if the new DCT machines might be the ticket. Good luck and I think you will enjoy the machine.

 

[Thomas303]

I am looking to purchase a 2014 CSC GL1800 trike. Low miles and meticulously kept. Thoughts on the CSC Viper built by CSC as a new bike. What are every ones thoughts on CSC?

 

[Cantankerous]

California Side Car (CSC) is one of the better units.

 

[Burnerboy]

I've only ridden my Roadsmith model, SOoooooooooooooooo I have no commits........BUT I will say that I'm very happy with R/Smith...

Ronnie
3/19/24

 

[FL_RedWing]

Just returned from the sparsely attended Goldwing Florida District Rally (remnants of geezer guard GWRRA - now EWMA), and had a most informative chat with exhibitor KD Cycles (Altoona, AL). Although not interested in a purchase, asked staff about trike conversion cost, quality, tips, etc. Seems Roadsmith has the longest wheelbase [most stable], and best styling, but suffers somewhat from excess weight (non-aluminum frame), and limited storage capacity. Independent suspension, and front rake are essential. The best comment was "remember this is a niche market so expect the unexpected." Companies go out of, and into business every day. Very impressive, and honest people. They were giving demo rides and everyone came back with a big smile. FWIW.