I don't know the percentages, but I have an 02 with 70 K Triked, and have had none of the problems you mentioned,,,,,,:shrug:

As far as warranty goes,,that is a crap shoot unless you have a dealer that told you they would work on a Trike, some will, and some will try to void the warranty,,,,,:shrug:

Mine was inspected for both issues.

 

I have an 04 that I bought in 07 with 11,000 miles on it I triked it in 08 with a MT kit when I had 31,000 miles it now has 48,000 and I have not had any problems.

 

My is a 02 with 52 k on it I had all the recall done before I triked it in 05 everything is going OK

 

If my 2003 had less miles on it, (95K) I would have triked it. The frame weld was done long time ago and all the service bulletins were caught up. If you find a lower mileage one that you like, maybe have a dealer run the VIN #. I think any warranty work would be listed.

 

I would want to make sure any frame recalls required, were done. Would also look at the frame areas that are pron to cracking.
After being triked, Honda won't stand behind frame problems.
Have not had any overheating issues with my 03.
Honda says they will stand behind any warranty issues not caused by triking. The issue is they seem to get to determine if the issue was caused by triking.

Have only had the trike kit about a year but am no longer worried about the frame. If it happens to brake, will address it then.

I went through the frame concerns but decided I would take the chance. Would do the same again.

If u are not sure u will like a trike, getting a 1500 trike might be the way to go. That way u would probably be able to sell it for what u invested easier than a 1800. I like the trike but also have a 2 wheeler to fall back on.

 

Good to hear. 100% early model owners happy so far! Hopefully some more will chime in. Would also be nice to know if anyone has found any NEW cracks AFTER having the frame welded.

 

out of the trikes we have done. we have had no frame problems. not saying we won't. but so far none!!

 

Thinkin - all that hype about frame cracks is pretty much that - Hype and a lot of talk from those that have little knowledge or actual experience - just opinions gleaned from internet heresay. First, yes, there was a recall for cracking - Honda changed the welding practice in 02, some frames cracked, and they went back to the original welding later. They recalled the entire fleet for an inspection, and a reweld some it it was required. Second, even with all that hype, there were about a dozen that actually failed in use, and even then there we no fatalities, just controlled stops.

Second, no, Honda will not warranty trike conversions on Goldwings. That would be asking them to stand behind something they did not make, did not install, and did not engineer. Just as Ford is not going to warranty Toyota gas pedals.

Overheating issues do occur when operating at reduced speed because the cooling fans are speed actuated, not temperature controled. That was a running change in the later models, and in the older ones they do get warm, but it is not that big a problem. How much time are you going to run at 14 MPH miles on end in 100 degree heat? I have over 40K on a trike, and had the temp guage leave the mid way mark only three times. Twice I just slowed down to let it cool, and once I actually stopped and let it idle to cool - took a whole five minutes.

All in all, the Wing is pretty much a bulletproof bike. Engines will last a lot longer than the bike will, they are about as comfortable as it gets, and they will run coast to coast without breaking into a sweat. Because they can be a status symbol, you can pick up used ones eight or nine years old with four or five thousand miles on them. Prople buy them, polish them, impress the neighbors, and are too busy to ride them. Oh, Well.

By the way, my first 1800 I got new in October, 2000, put 100K+ on it, and then bought a used 05 MotorTrike converted on in 07. One of those worn out ones that had just under 5K miles....

 

I have had everything you have spoke of and then some. Took care of it as it popped up and have many smiles too prove it after that. Do a search on my adventures for more details. The more time you sit on a stool with a shovel in a room filled with horse manure the less time you have finding the pony and riding it.:nojoke::wrong:

 

I bought a 02 in o4 that had been wrecked it had 7k and got it , looked like it had slid down then tires dug in and rolled, I rode it for about 8 months, I have a friend that is shop mgr at local Honda shop that ran the vin and found out that it had been inspected and all recalls preformed so I decided to trike it, I have 40k scince I built the trike and no problems. It comes down to how you feel about it. Larry

 

ThinkinTrike writes: So, those of you with GL1800 trikes in the 2001-2004 years, what's your experience been? Do I stick with my current "feelings" about avoiding those years or throw caution to the wind and disregard the issues?

I bought an '02 in Nov. '01. It was built in Sept. '01 and was not on the recall list. However, my dealer said he had several "recalls" to weld and would look at mine just to make sure. It was checked and it was okay. I rode it until Sept. '05 and then triked it. It had 18,580 on it when triked. (I have two other bikes and don't ride the Wing a lot) I now have 53,000 on the trike witn no problems.

If you buy a used Wing, have a knowledgable wrench check it out for you. Trike, ride and enjoy. Let us know what you do.

 

Harry,

Thinkin - all that hype about frame cracks is pretty much that - Hype and a lot of talk from those that have little knowledge or actual experience - just opinions gleaned from internet heresay.

While I certainly agree there are some "internet experts" that simply parrot what others have said with little or no knowledge of their own, I'm not sure I would categorize the frame cracks as just hype. If you have read the recalls, the repair effort was considerable and expensive for Honda. They issued 3 recalls for this problem, one in 2003 that included SOME 2002/2003 serial numbers and 2 more in 2005 that included 2001/2004 and the remainder serials that were not included in the initial 2002/3 recall. In each of those Honda specifically states Trikes and Sidecar bikes are excluded from the recall.
http://www.goldwinginfo.com/pdf/18/sb14.pdf
http://www.goldwinginfo.com/pdf/18/sb17.pdf
http://www.goldwinginfo.com/pdf/18/sb18.pdf

My intent with this post is to glean as much info as possible from those having experience or knowledge of 2001-2004 GL1800's, especially trikes, and I value all comments positive or not. I could change my mind, but at this point I'm not quite ready to believe the crack thing is just hype, but who knows. What has been encouraging is that there has not been a parade of negative experiences to this point. What I have learned is that there are some areas of concern that can be carefully checked before buying.

One thing that would help is if someone could comment on how easy it is to observe the frame cracks if I were inspecting a bike to purchase. Is this something you can just pull the side covers and see or is it jack up the bike and crawl under with a light and inspection mirror, etc.? The punch on the VIN plate should help, but would be good to see the actual welds.

 

I have had everything you have spoke of and then some. Took care of it as it popped up and have many smiles too prove it after that. Do a search on my adventures for more details. The more time you sit on a stool with a shovel in a room filled with horse manure the less time you have finding the pony and riding it.:nojoke::wrong:

Toolbox--can you point to specific posts? You got over 700 to browse thru!

 

Here is some more threads about the issue:
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236000&highlight=frame+welds

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232780&highlight=frame+welds

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225461&highlight=frame+welds

http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220785&highlight=frame+welds

These are a few on the subject from the search below:
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1091173
The above seems to work when I tested but if it doesn't, u can run your own search looking for words "frame welds".
Happy reading!

Before buying, I would look over a 2 wheeler just as hard as a trike.
Once u find a trike kit, give the manufacture a call and see if they have any reports of problems. I did and one said they knew of one and it was repaired by the customer by having it re-welded. They may not pass that info along but only one of the major manufactures told me of any. That made me have a better feeling about that kit. Which some say u shouldn't weld. Some also say some trike kits, lessens the pressure on some of the trouble spots. I went through a period of uncertainty and finally was at ease and decided to use my 03 VS buying a new one to trike.

 

Cmore--WOW! Thanks! I had no idea. Saw a few comments on another board and read the recalls and a couple posts on this board before I posted this thread, but had no idea the frame cracks had developed like they have until I read the threads you posted. Certainly gives me a new perspective.

 

I bought a used 03 with a champion kit. Had 38000 miles on it and now have about 58000 on it. I have not had any issues with it at all. I did check on it with Honda to see if the frame had been welded and it had. I would buy a used 03 again in a heartbeat. Good luck to you.

 

Dogz--Glad yours has worked out well as many others have noted. After reading some of the frame crack threads above, it sounds like Honda is attempting to do the right thing for it's customers, though maybe with some hesitation.

My concern is not too great if I were buying just the bike as I have faith in Honda, but since they refuse to acknowledge their frame crack issues if it has been triked---well sounds like you are on your own and it's probably very expensive.

 

That search function sure is great!:thumbup:

It would be expensive if u had to replace the frame but most, probably have theirs re-welded so that would not be to expensive. The main issue would be to find a good welder. :?

I haven't seen a posting about a trike having a frame replacement but I don't read all the posts and there may have been one that I don't recall. But this has not been a big issue that I am aware of.:shrug:

Life its self is a gamble so try to not sweat the small stuff.:lol: