View Poll Results: If Honda built a better tryke, would you buy it ??
- Voters
- 121. You may not vote on this poll
-
Bit of a story
About a year ago, after selling my Suzuki Borgman 650 exec, I just fancied another bike so I bought a Goldwing 1500, remembering my youth having the 1000cc version, Alas it was too heavy for me and I'm too old and weak for it.
Quite by chance I came across TOW PAC Insta trike, wanting to keep and ride the goldwing I bought the insta trike kit, loved it so much, every job on it so far is so easy, even tupperware removal. Although this bike is 25 years old I find it streets ahead of Can Am. Last week I sold my Can Am RT1330. Admitted the can am corners better, but HEY at 72 years old you don't go hacking round corners. as I travel a lot all over France, if the Can Am broke down in the middle of nowhere, what would I do? one such breakdown could bankrupt me. Any bike shop of any description would get my Goldwing going, with a Honda dealer in nearly every town I don't worry so much about breakdowns.
Loving the Goldwing, pleased to be shot of the Spyder.
2014 RT Std
Floor and Highway Boards
50$ GPS connected to oem loom
Trunk & Frunk Liners and lights
Frunk and dashboard power outlets
Front supension LEDS
Cup holders
Glovebox light
Turn signal LEDs in mirrors
12 volt coffee maker
Passenger hangrip muffs
Ignition lock light
Windscreen wiper/ baguette holder
If I wasn't so cleverI wouldn't need to be so good looking.
-
Very Active Member
Glad you are happy. After all, that is what matters, especially at your (our) age.
Joe T.
Joe T.
I miss SoCal - - - -
-
Well...there's this option as well https://endeavortrikes.com
-
Does any of the Honda reverse trike conversions have the same or similar VSS system the Spyder has?
-
Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 11-08-2020 at 05:16 PM.
2013 RT Ltd Pearl White
Ryde More, Worry Less!
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by DanY
Does any of the Honda reverse trike conversions have the same or similar VSS system the Spyder has?
Since all the available RT conversions are after market I'm sure the answer is no. A VSS would require software integration into the very heart of the Honda electronics and you can be sure Honda isn't going to disclose any such information nor would an after market supplier be deep pocketed enough to reverse engineer those systems. I think some of them do adapt the GW ABS system to the two front wheels, but I'm doubtful that each front wheel would be independently controlled.
For a truly ground up engineered VSS for a trike your choice is....... Can Am Spyder!
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
-
I test rode a 2018 Gold Wing DCT before I bought my 1st RT. The drivetrain on that thing was incredible. From the smoothness to the shifting to the sport mode. As close to perfection as you could get. BuRP and Honda need to collaborate. Put the GW drivetrain (including....well, everthing) in the RT. They could charge $5k more and they still couldn't build enough. Add the GW dash (hello, Apple Carplay/Android Auto!) and it would be hands down the perfect bike, 2 wheels or 3.
Keep the F3, F3-S and F3T as is aswell as the base RT. Only add the GW drivetrain to the F3 Limited and RT Limited. Sell 'em all day long for $35k. I'd buy one.
-
I would definitely consider buying reverse trike Honda. Prototype/concept came out five years ago as hybrid and Honda is getting all kinds of reverse trike related patents but it’s a leaner like Yamaha and not sure if I want a leaner after 10 years of spyder...
but if there are still only RT and F3 when my 15 RS kicks the bucket, I will most likely be moving on. Not a fan of RT nor F3
6 states down 42 states to go
-
Very Active Member
are these 3-wheel Honda roadsters sold at dealerships across America???
BIG F
(also a 101st Airborne veteran!)
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Big F
are these 3-wheel Honda roadsters sold at dealerships across America???
BIG F
(also a 101st Airborne veteran!)
Some, but I don't know who. Gene's Gallery in Springfield, MO was, but may be no longer, a dealer for the R18 kit from the Dutch company, Sturgis. I don't know if they were a Honda dealer. A brief dealer search on Hannigan Trikes site found a few Honda dealers listed. Most trike dealer/installers are independents.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
-
Active Member
I have been keeping an eye out for any news regarding the Honda Neowing, but so far nothing
The concept looks cool, and at the right performace as well as price range it could very well be something I'd be interesting in buying. But the lack of buzz makes me suspect that the launch isnt around the corner.
-
There is an aftermarket company that makes a tilting 3 wheeler kit for the Wing: https://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/bike/honda/
A little pricey at $14K plus installation and you supply the Wing.
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by WilcoJunoHotel
All conversion kits, both front and rear wheeled trikes, are in that price range.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
-
Very Active Member
Regardless of trike kit configuration or make, Plan on 18K in cost to cover kit price, needed options, installation and taxes to convert a 2 wheeler to 3. I have owned many Goldwing 2 wheelers, a Spyder RTL, and a Goldwing traditional trike so I do have some first hand experience with this. Here are my observations and opinions. I think the reverse trike (Spyder) configuration has some stability advantages over rear wheel trikes. I did a lot of research. Watched the videos of trikes traversing grassy hills, reverse races, etc. Having said that, the differences in stability and handling are not significant enough to mandate one configuration over another. Of course there are some kits that handle better than others. I own a CSC with IRS and an extra wide track of 61 inches. Yesterday I did a ride that I have done many times. I can very comfortably and confidently take 25 MPH corners at 45 MPH on my traditional trike. Those very same corners were not as comfortable for me at that speed on my Spyder even after 3 years and 30K miles of Spyder experience.
The experience of those with solid rear suspension would probably be a lot different than I have with my IRS. I find the Goldwing trike rides a bit rougher than the Spyder. But here's what I don't have......
#1 NO KENDA tires
#2 No 2 hour labor charge for oil change (Takes 20 minutes on the Goldwing)
#3 No drive belt or vibration (I have shaft drive)
#4 No DPS VSS or other computer induced limp or no run conditions.
#5 No waiting weeks for parts
#6 No waiting 2-3 weeks for a simple service appointment.
#7 No nanny stifling my riding.
What I do have.....
#1 A vehicle I can ride cross country without fear of being stuck without dealer support.
#2 A vehicle that can be serviced/repaired by many shops including independents without the need for special tools or training.
The argument about Honda dealers not wanting to service Honda trikes is moot. Many do. And most will not service ANY bike more than 10 years old, trike or not. But there are many, many independents to choose from. Not so with a Spyder. And what happens when a Spyder turns 10 and the Spyder dealer no longer wants to see you?
So, if Honda made a "better trike" (reverse?) would I look at it? Sure, I would. But I think those who are fixated on ONLY reverse trikes are missing a lot of good products and riding experiences. Maybe, just maybe, a professional rider could find advantage in a Spyder by pushing it and a traditional trike to the limits. But I have had both and I'm not so sure. My observations and experience. Offered for free and worth it at twice the price..... Jim
2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
Semper Fi
-
Very Active Member
When I was at Wing Ding in Billings in 2016 I attended a seminar put on by the owner of Motor Trike. The title was something like "Two in the front or two in the rear?" I asked him what kind of test data and engineering calculations showed that two in the front was better. He said, "I could tell you, but it'll cost you $50,000!" I took that to mean they had data that showed why two in the front was better and they had spent on the order of $50k to obtain it. Of course I could have misread his intentions, but it still was a rather interesting comment, I thought.
He also said his son, who was either brave or stupid I think, rode their reverse trike conversion on a GW around corner on a local highway at about 82 mph. It was signed for 45!
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by larryd
Too bad they screwed up the styling of the frunk. That would have a lot of potential otherwise. I think I would prefer one made on the ST1300 though.
Those who say " I can't" will always be right.
-
Active Member
Originally Posted by canamjhb
Regardless of trike kit configuration or make, Plan on 18K in cost to cover kit price, needed options, installation and taxes to convert a 2 wheeler to 3. I have owned many Goldwing 2 wheelers, a Spyder RTL, and a Goldwing traditional trike so I do have some first hand experience with this. Here are my observations and opinions. I think the reverse trike (Spyder) configuration has some stability advantages over rear wheel trikes. I did a lot of research. Watched the videos of trikes traversing grassy hills, reverse races, etc. Having said that, the differences in stability and handling are not significant enough to mandate one configuration over another. Of course there are some kits that handle better than others. I own a CSC with IRS and an extra wide track of 61 inches. Yesterday I did a ride that I have done many times. I can very comfortably and confidently take 25 MPH corners at 45 MPH on my traditional trike. Those very same corners were not as comfortable for me at that speed on my Spyder even after 3 years and 30K miles of Spyder experience.
The experience of those with solid rear suspension would probably be a lot different than I have with my IRS. I find the Goldwing trike rides a bit rougher than the Spyder. But here's what I don't have......
#1 NO KENDA tires
#2 No 2 hour labor charge for oil change (Takes 20 minutes on the Goldwing)
#3 No drive belt or vibration (I have shaft drive)
#4 No DPS VSS or other computer induced limp or no run conditions.
#5 No waiting weeks for parts
#6 No waiting 2-3 weeks for a simple service appointment.
#7 No nanny stifling my riding.
What I do have.....
#1 A vehicle I can ride cross country without fear of being stuck without dealer support.
#2 A vehicle that can be serviced/repaired by many shops including independents without the need for special tools or training.
The argument about Honda dealers not wanting to service Honda trikes is moot. Many do. And most will not service ANY bike more than 10 years old, trike or not. But there are many, many independents to choose from. Not so with a Spyder. And what happens when a Spyder turns 10 and the Spyder dealer no longer wants to see you?
So, if Honda made a "better trike" (reverse?) would I look at it? Sure, I would. But I think those who are fixated on ONLY reverse trikes are missing a lot of good products and riding experiences. Maybe, just maybe, a professional rider could find advantage in a Spyder by pushing it and a traditional trike to the limits. But I have had both and I'm not so sure. My observations and experience. Offered for free and worth it at twice the price..... Jim
Thank you for sharing your "hands on" experience with the allready existing Honda Trike. It is interesting!
Due to a niché market, I can understand why the conversion kits can cost around 18K $. But at the same time, combine that with the purchase price of the bike, and it just isnt an economically viable option for many people.
My personal hope for the Neowing was that it would also be priced somewhat competitively with the Spyders. Looking at what a "normal" 2 wheel bike costs, it should not be impossible
Also I think that the added competition in the reverse trike market would be great! I believe that would put more pressure on BRP to improve their products, total cost of ownership, dealership support etc.
-
Very Active Member
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
-
Would definitely look at one. Competition is good.
-
Here is that Motor Trike Article...
Default Wing Ding & Reverse Trikes
Wing Ding & Reverse Trikes
Reverse trikes are starting to share the limelight. Besides a number of Spyders running around the campground, parking lots, and the town of Billings, there were three different reverse trike conversions being shown.
Motor Trikes has a conversion for both the Goldwing and the VTX700 (I think it is). The latter one was discussed here just a couple of weeks ago. They had three Goldwing RTs and one VTX RT available for demo rides. I dinked around and didn't get signed up for a ride since owning one is a non-starter for me. But I wish I would have just to see how it compares to the Spyder RTS. The four RT demo units were booked solid every day from Wednesday to Saturday. That, to me, indicates the interest out there in the reverse trike configuration.
I attended a seminar given by the owner of Motor Trikes. His topic was, "2 in the back or 2 in the front?" When I asked about hard engineering data or objective studies comparing the two configurations he said that would cost me about $100,000. Obviously they have spent a lot of money developing the RT and aren't about to freely talk about the engineering behind it. He rode a Spyder shortly after they came out and didn't like the way Nanny controlled things. He also could see that the reverse trike was the wave of the future, so he set about developing a conversion for the Goldwing that would provide a top notch riding experience. For a performance comparison he cited a highway curve with a reverse camber signed at 40 or 45 mph near their factory. A two wheel Wing, and the conventional trike, can take the curve easily at 65. He took his reverse trike around it at about 82 mph. His son, who is either braver or dumber, I don't know which, rode the reverse trike around the curve at 87 mph! As for cost the kit is about the same as the conventional trike but installation labor is about 1/2 as much. The front wheel track is a bit narrower than the Spyder.
In real life the coffin design doesn't look as bad as it does in the photos, but that still ain't sayin' much! I talked to one Goldwing rider who just came back from taking the RT for a ride. He was impressed how easily it steered. It had more sway than he liked. But he was impressed enough he is considering it a real option when he's ready to move from two wheels.
Hannigan had one reverse trike available for demoes and it was booked solid. I didn't pay too much attention to it other than the nose looks kind of like their sidecar and better than the Motor Trike version.
The third one, and one that's been discussed here, is the Tilting Motor Works conversion. There were no demo bikes available, but he had a Goldwing, an F6B, and a Harley there. The owner rode the just now finished F6B from Seattle to the show. I went to a seminar put on by the owner, Bob Mighell. From the way he talked his development was keep building and revising until he had a unit that performed like he wanted, which is to duplicate the two wheel riding experience. His unit for the Goldwing looks impressive. It is narrower than the other two conversions and Spyder. It also has less body, and to me, blends in better to the Goldwing shape. The TMW conversion will allow the Wing rider to tilt far enough to scrape pegs. I asked about the gyroscopic effect of the two wheels compared to a single wheel. He said it is a little bit more and provides absolutely true counter steering. Currently his conversion disables ABS braking but he's working to develop an ABS controller that will enable ABS braking. He offers an option that will automatically hydraulically upright the bike at parking lot speeds and stopped.
If anyone wants to seriously stick with a Goldwing, but wants the stability of the three wheel configuration I suggest you take a close hard look at the TMW unit. All three conversions are in the $10k to $13k price range.
According to what the Motor Trikes owner said, Honda's banner year for Goldwing sales was 2008 with about 12,000 units sold. The recession hurt them, as did the introduction of the Spyder. Sales last year were about 3,000 units, a 75% drop. I talked to a Honda rep who is the sales manager for power sports for WY, MT, and the Dakotas, plus maybe some more. I asked him about the Neowing. He said, "What's that?" He did not know Honda had a leaning three wheel concept vehicle out for show. He said Honda puts out many iterations and variations of new products to gauge public reception before they finally decide what, if any, new product they will produce. So the Neowing may still prove to nothing more than a pipe dream.
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by larryd
Here is that Motor Trike Article...
Default Wing Ding & Reverse Trikes
Wing Ding & Reverse Trikes
Thanks for taking the time to find that post and copying it here. Here's the thread that I started with it. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...Reverse-Trikes. Obviously I didn't remember some details correctly since I didn't refer back to it when made my comment above.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
-
Very Active Member
I noticed mention of converting a Goldwing to a reverse trike being cost prohibitive. I'm pretty sure none of the kit manufacturers can force you to buy a new Goldwing. They would be cutting their own throats if that were a requirement. It is more likely kits are or can be tailored to what-ever Goldwing or other comparable bike you choose so long as it's not 50 years old. I've seen some used 1800 wings go for as little as $3k recently. Add a $12K kit and you could have one heck of a nice trike for $15K. There used to be a guy near Lubbock, Tx who did Goldwing conventional trike conversions. Pretty sure it was on anything from early 1500s to new 1800s. His fee was pretty high, but he did such good work, he was rarely without work. I'm wondering if he ever got into the reverse trike scene.
Those who say " I can't" will always be right.
-
Very Active Member
It would need to be built entirely by Honda. That way no warranty hassles. If you bring your wing trike to a non trike dealer it could be catastrophic. Honda can void your warranty if they find out it is a trike. They can blame the trike manufacturer for the problem. Tom
Baloo is my name. Spyders are my game. Well, it's a doo-bah-dee-doo, yes, it's a doo-bah-dee-doo, I mean a doo-bee, doo-bee, doo-bee, doo-bee, doo-bee-dee-doo. And, well, now. Ha ha! What have we here?
2020 Petrol Blue Metallic RTL
-
Originally Posted by larryd
.........
I attended a seminar given by the owner of Motor Trikes. His topic was, "2 in the back or 2 in the front?" When I asked about hard engineering data or objective studies comparing the two configurations he said that would cost me about $100,000. Obviously they have spent a lot of money developing the RT and aren't about to freely talk about the engineering behind it. He rode a Spyder shortly after they came out and didn't like the way Nanny controlled things. He also could see that the reverse trike was the wave of the future, so he set about developing a conversion for the Goldwing that would provide a top notch riding experience. For a performance comparison he cited a highway curve with a reverse camber signed at 40 or 45 mph near their factory. A two wheel Wing, and the conventional trike, can take the curve easily at 65. He took his reverse trike around it at about 82 mph. His son, who is either braver or dumber, I don't know which, rode the reverse trike around the curve at 87 mph! As for cost the kit is about the same as the conventional trike but installation labor is about 1/2 as much. The front wheel track is a bit narrower than the Spyder.
.......
My riding buddy and I have 2016 RTLs with Bajaron’s sway bar and shock adjusters added. Both of us are 65+ years young.
We have no issues riding 75-85 mph around a 45mph curves all day long. It’s a workout for your thighs for sure but the correct body lean helps to keep Nanny out of the equation.
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 11-10-2020 at 01:17 PM.
Reason: Fixed quote display
-
11-10-2020, 01:30 PM
#100
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Greven
Due to a niché market, I can understand why the conversion kits can cost around 18K $. But at the same time, combine that with the purchase price of the bike, and it just isnt an economically viable option for many people.
Applies to used also. My first plan back in 2013 was to buy a front end wrecked GW and put the conversion on my 2005 GW. When I guesstimated the costs it didn't pan out. A wrecked 'wing would have been around 6 or 7 thousand bucks. Add to that cost of shipping, cost of painting to match my 2005, cost of raking the front fork, and the market value of my 'wing, I would have had about $25,000 in it. Add to the the hours of labor to make the conversion and it just didn't stack up very well against the $15,000, delivered, I paid for a 2013 RT with 600 miles on it. And the RT was designed and built from the ground up to be three wheels. Also, the only reverse trike available in 2013 was the Tilting Motor Works one, and it wasn't yet ready for prime time as a Goldwing conversion.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|