GW trike Vs Venture Trike?

[craigatcsi]

I have been planning to Trike my 07 Venture that I bought new, for the last year or so. Now, it seems that money should be right for the project come next spring.

 

But, this past w/e at a local casino, we saw a GW Trike trike that really looked nice. It really got my with thinking and searching Craig's list.

 

Now, I am wondering if simply trading mine for a finished trike would be the better way to go.

If I Trike MINE, I still have the classic cruiser styling, I KNOW my bikes history.

 

If we buy a used GW Trike, I have a, (no offense intended), more modern looking 'retired mans', Bike that is VERY Reliable, I can buy absolutely ANY accessory, more power, etc.. Another thing about the GW Trike is that there are MANY GW Trikes vs the fewer Venture Trikes.

 

Opinions?

[IronMike]

In all my motorcycle travels I stopped and talked to countless riders, Never once heard of a dissatisfied GW owner or GW trike owner, Did talk to a GW trike that had just traded the GW in on an HD trike, Had to call somone to pick up all the stuff in the GW that would not fit in the HD trike, then he had to have someone help back it up, he bought the HD thinking it had reverse like the wing.

 

My vote would be go for the wing, There is a place in NC that will give good trafe and they sell and trike all the time. He has 20 trikes right now and he will have that manmy when your ready

 

http://www.schroaders.com/Store/index.php?cPath=1&osCsid=b5a1b9762889e22cef5f459bd7866ac7

[EERO]

Had same dilemma 2 yrs ago. Bought 08 GW and put a California kit on it with aquashields and it is a really nice trike. The leg room and sitting position isn't as comfy as the 09 RSV that thankfully I still have? I'm 6-3. I stopped by Hannigan and rode a triked RSV that I liked, but realized that GW power noticeably missing. Also during a short test drive of the RSV I missed the GW reverse feature.

Also I miss the 2 wheel handling of the Venture when on the trike. It's just that we can carry more and have a safer feeling when on a trike. If you go trike ride them all before buying.

Another thing is the front trike tire. I have had a Michelin Pilot that gives a harsh front end feel and also a Bridgestone Battax . Both are hard compound tires and they convinced me that my next front tire will be a regular motorcycle tire with softer compound and won't transfer every little road bump to the grips.

I think the GW has a good sound system but no CB. I'm happy to have the RSV and have been tempted to sell the trike. Still can't say that I'd trike the Yamaha just cause I like the motorcycle feel. Sorry to ramble on.

If you are in the KC area give me a call or call anyway if you'd like to talk bikes vrs trikes.

 

Craig

Mobile 816-674-6227

Independence, MO

[IronMike]

On the CB edsets sells systems for bikes that have all the new features.

[Skid]

Go with the extra power and get a wing.

[craigatcsi]

First off, thanks for the replies and keep them coming. I would like as many opinions as possible - even if they are all the same.

 

Since my initial post, I thought of a couple other issues:

Besides the power being different how is the gas mileage between the two? We get an average of 35ish on our Venture. I have to believe that a venture Trike is going to be 25ish at best.How is the Goldwing Trike?

Another question.... I have been known to sneak a little higher than the speed limit at times. On a rare occasion into the triple digits. How fast can one go on a Trike? Are they a death trap above ??? MPH?

 

Is the Venture real 'dog' as far as power once Triked? I don't race it, but when I want to pass someone, I don't want to downshift 3 gears hoping I can get around them quick enough.

 

Don't hold back, PLEASE tell me what you think.

 

Craigr

[EERO]

No power issues with GW on the California trike. Steady as a rock at 85 & with the hydraulic suspension pumped up its great in th Ozark mountains. That eliminates lean in the curves and can keep up with the peg scrapers. Expect 30 mpg at most any I-state speeds.

All experience is based on two up.

[BuckShot]

http://www.hannigantrikes.com/

 

Take a look at the turnkey inventory.

[Cougar]

Remember what ever you decide on GW, RSV , HD

Hannigan will make it for all three and even others.

Hannigan will be the only rear that has the 5 foot wheel base as well .

 

I don't ride fast anymore , I have no problem passing others.

 

I have had my trike up to about 90 I would say. not sure if it will do 100.

 

Fuel adjust will be about 25 to 28.. some say they only get 20

 

whatever you decide I wish you luck and you most likely never go back

 

Hannigan has reverse now as well.

 

Keep us posted feel free to give me a call if you want to one day.

I have had mine triked about 5 1/2 years now.

 

Jeff

[Nemo]

OK, here's my 3 cents worth. Realize that I've only had my Yamaha/Hannigan conversion done just one year ago.

 

1. Average gas mileage is 30 MPG. And with a total of 12 gallons on board.

2. Death trap? Never, ever felt that way. Totally controlled feeling, even at 80 MPH.

3. Power? Easily start up and keep up or pass city traffic. I'm no speed demon!

4. Passing? Never been in a hurry, but passing slower cars on a 2 lane, no problem.

5. Comfort, riding & foot position? Wow! No way possible to be any better!

6. Reverse? Legs work fine. Always survey area before parking. Hannigan offers one.

7. Looks? (Opinion only) Looks like a real motorcycle instead of a plastic replica.

8. Triking the Yamaha. I couldn't be happier and would never trade something else. The

ride, the seated position, the secure feeling, the passengers space, that muffled rumble sound and the attention we receive. I'm a very Happy Camper!

9. Never sorry!

 

Owen

[Yammer Dan]

Go with the extra power and get a wing.

 

 

I gotta agree. Still wondering if Hannigan would do a 1st gen. Afraid to ask!!

[Cougar]

Nemo did bring up a great point. it reminded me back when I was having my

trike done at my dealer the owner let me ride his GW Trike. All I could remember

it seemed to have a bit more power almost like a crotch rocket. but the one thing

that comes to mind is the foot placement I hated it from the get go on the GW.

It was very uncomphy for me.

[Cougar]

They do NOT do the 1st gen

[bongobobny]

If you ever rode a 2 wheel Wing and a 2 wheel RSV you would know the answer. A wing trike still is not as comfortable as a RSV trike...

[motorcycle_1300]

In all my motorcycle travels I stopped and talked to countless riders, Never once heard of a dissatisfied GW owner or GW trike owner,

 

http://www.schroaders.com/Store/index.php?cPath=1&osCsid=b5a1b9762889e22cef5f459bd7866ac7

 

 

I have a 2004 Goldwing, I am going to let my wife have it triked out, because it is way too uncomfortable, compared to my 2007 Venture. If the ride is for more than an hour, I take the venture. 2004 Goldwing 15k miles, 2007 Venture 60k miles easy to see which gets ridden more the Goldwing just wasn't designed for full sized men

 

Al

[craigatcsi]

Thanks again for all of the replies.

 

I am bouncing back towards getting the Venture Triked. From the above responses, here are my feelings.

 

My personality is the kind that I like attention grabbing 'showy' bikes, like a lot of us. I usually don't go with the crowd, but more at the fringe of it. Hence - The Venture.

 

With Triking the Venture, I get to keep my 'non-typical' bike. It's not just another HD or GW. It is still somewhat rare to see a Venture anywhere. We have had ours in 34 states and rarely seldom saw others, so I like that. I am 6' and can stretch out comfortably, I like my positioning, the ride, etc. I really like the 'cruiser' look and at 50ish I am not ready to give that up, I just don't FEEL old enough for a wing.

 

With the wing, I will get more power, better MPG, 'fit in with the CROWD' of other Wingers. I can presently buy ANY consievable accessory. I will be able to buy any part for it for MANY years to come. - Do Hondas EVER breakdown!?

 

Craigr

[Hummingbird]

Thanks again for all of the replies.

 

 

 

With the wing, I will get more power, better MPG, 'fit in with the CROWD' of other Wingers. I can presently buy ANY consievable accessory. I will be able to buy any part for it for MANY years to come. - Do Hondas EVER breakdown!?

 

Craigr

 

Without a poll, I would "venture" a guess and say that the alternator would be the only common breakdown factor on a wing.

Regarding your initial question, The Venture is definitely more comfortable than a wing (for me) but the wing has so many more creature features that I don't mind giving up a little comfort. Out of the box the Venture wins hands down in comfort but it lacks in technology.

I had considered Triking my 2007 Venture until I accidentally found the 2007 air bagger GL1800 already triked w/2340 miles on it.

case closed ( except for the continual trips to Cyclemax for bling )

[craigatcsi]

You folks have been GREAT with all of your responses & opinions. You can't believe how much I appreciate all of them!!! - This is really starting to bother me as to which way to go. Like most of us, I am not rich and this will definitely be a 'one shot deal', no going back for several years.

With Triking the Venture, the Power thing is an issue for me, especially as I pull a Bushtec Trailer when out of town. Locally, within 200 miles, I 'at times' like to horse the throttle a little, so I worry that I would end up with a pooch if I trike the Venture. Also at 6' I worry about my comfort on the wing. AND, I have bad hips, which is the reason for the trike idea, so I have to be able to stretch my legs out on Highway pegs AND have a comfortable seat. With the big horizontal engine on the Wing, is there ample room for the highway pegs and room to get legs around those jugs?

I am kinda back to thinking that I WANT to trike my Venture, but am afraid that I will be pretty disappointed in the power. I soooo wish there were a Venture Trike close by that I could try, it would probably settle things for me.

craigr

[Freebird]

You might want to go ahead and install the VMAX rear and then see what you think. I think you will be amazed at the diffference and will no longer worry about any lack of power.

[craigatcsi]

You might want to go ahead and install the VMAX rear and then see what you think. I think you will be amazed at the diffference and will no longer worry about any lack of power.

 

When Doing the Hannigan Trike kit, they use a Ford T-Bird rearend, so the VMax isn't needed.

 

But thanks for the idea anyway.

 

craigr

[bongobobny]

I pull a trailer two up with no problems doing 70 - 80 all day (other than keeping it supplied with fuel). If you have an opportunity to try both out I'm sure that will steer you the right way for your needs...

[motorcycle_1300]

You folks have been GREAT with all of your responses & opinions.a comfortable seat.

With the big horizontal engine on the Wing, is there ample room for the highway pegs and room to get legs around those jugs?

 

I am kinda back to thinking that I WANT to trike my Venture, but am afraid that I will be pretty disappointed in the power. I soooo wish there were a Venture Trike close by that I could try, it would probably settle things for me.

 

craigr

 

 

 

I will hit on the wing thing again. In my search for comfort on my Goldwing I have installed Kuryakin highway pegs. these mount on the Goldwing crash bars and can be ordered with any of several extensions to move them back or out. I have yet to find a combination where I can g et my feet on the pegs without the insides of my calfs being pressed against the edge of the fairing I have tried several different length combinations. I have also switched over to kuryakin floorboards instead of the pegs. Every little bit has helped but the wing is still far from being as comfortable as the Venture

 

Al

[Cougar]

But he will have all that speed and power he wants --

 

Just kidding around with you . I hated this part when I looked into this 6 years ago.

 

Craig, this will drive you crazy for weeks, so what

YOU need to do is ride both Trikes to see what fits you in the right way.

 

My only option at the time was to try a GW trike . And there where no Hannigan RSV's

around at that time.

 

I think the worst part is all the waiting until it is finished

 

Like I said I did not feel of the GW trike. some do some don't.

Feel free to call me if you need to.

 

Jeff

[craigatcsi]

An interesting thing happened Tuesday night....

I bought a Sheepskin off of Craig's List and went to pick it up. After checking out the Sheepskin and paying for it, I noticed that he had a GW Trike, REALLY decked out, sitting in his garage. So, I started asking questions about his opinion of it.

WOW, does this guy know Trikes! He not only knows about his GW Trike, but come to find out, he used to have a 99 Venture, that he Triked with the Hannigan kit - which I am planning on!! - When I mentioned this web site, He said that he used to be a member.

He named a few different Trike kit conversions and some good and bad points about each. He couldn't say enough about the Hannigan kit and said that he knows the owners, he even gave their first names. He gave a lot of info on the kit, some of which I had already learned about from what research I have done. He named a local Trike shop and said that he knows the guy that runs it VERY well. Now, of course this guy could've been giving me a 'snow job', but if he was, he was very convincing.

He never did come out and say 'You should.... ' He never came out and said that he wishes he would've kept the Venture Trike or that he was glad to have his GW Trike. He gave good and bad points about both. Really, he seemed very glad to give as much info as he could. Before I left, he said 'you have my phone number, give me a call anytime, if you have any more questions'. - Obviously, a VERY nice guy.

Long story short, I am pretty convinced, prolly 90%, that I will be Triking my Venture, rather than getting a GW Trike.

Thanks again for all of the Replies and advice. I REALLY appreciate all of them.

craigr

[Carbon_One]

I gotta agree. Still wondering if Hannigan would do a 1st gen. Afraid to ask!!

 

They used to so may not hurt to ask.