Honda Gold Wing Trike Kit – Should You Buy One?

If you're considering a Honda Gold Wing trike kit, you're likely weighing the pros and cons of adding this three-wheeled vehicle to your garage. Trikes can be fun and practical, but there are some things to consider before making your purchase.

In this article, we'll mainly take a look at the good and bad aspects of installing a Honda Gold Wing trike kit so that you can make a well-informed decision as to whether or not it is a great idea to proceed with it.

The information presented here includes the following:

• Honda Gold Wing Specs
• How the Trike Kit Works
• Price
• Compatibility
• Pros and cons of the trike kit

Honda Gold Wing Specs

The Honda Gold Wing boasts a long production history tracing back to 1974 when its first-generation model, the GL1000, was introduced. Besides that, it poses bragging rights of being made by a company that's considered to be one of the pioneers in passenger car and motorcycle development.

The Honda Gold Wing is a powerful touring bike that can be appreciated by riders no matter what their skill level is. It has an engine displacement of 1,832 cc with a liquid-cooled, six-cylinder layout with four valves in each cylinder and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC). Fuel is fed via a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system. Meanwhile, the airflow is managed via a 73 mm bore and 73 mm stroke, and thermal efficiency is optimized with its compression ratio of 10.5:1. The configuration of the engine is good for 126 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque.

Some of the other specs that are worth mentioning include the fact that the Gold Wing is equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission, electronic cruise control, and an adjustable windscreen. The bike also comes with heated grips and seats, which will be perfect for long rides in colder weather.

Another feature it boasts is its advanced sound system providing you and your passenger with an immersive audio experience. And thanks to its aerodynamic design, the Gold Wing will be able to reach high speeds with ease. For its top speed, the bike can reach up to 140 mph and its best 0-60 mph sprint is at 2.35 seconds only.

How Does the Trike Kit Work?

In its factory configuration, the Honda Gold Wing already makes an amazing ride. But if you are looking to elevate your riding experience with it or you want to upgrade its utility, a trike kit is certainly a great way to upgrade it. A trike kit is an aftermarket accessory that can be installed on a Honda Gold Wing to convert it into a three-wheeler.

There are a few different ways that you can go about when converting your Gold Wing into a trike. The most popular method is to use a kit, which will come with all of the necessary parts and instructions for completing the conversion, including the frame, wheels, and suspension.

Another option is to have a professional shop do the conversion for you. This will likely be more expensive as they will charge you some money for labor, but it will also ensure that the job is done properly and that your vehicle is safe to ride. This option is better in the long run, too, because if you lack the skills, you may end up screwing over your Gold Wing or messing up the kit. Both of which can have costly repercussions.

If you decide to tackle the conversion yourself though, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and supplies on hand before starting the project. Second, take your time shopping around for the best trike kit for your ride.

Follow the instructions provided by your trike kit manufacturer carefully. See to it that everything is bolted properly and all the wirings are in check.

And finally, be sure to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. With a little preparation and caution, you should be able to successfully convert your Gold Wing into a trike.

Compatibility

The Honda Gold Wing trike kit is compatible with all the trims offered by the present generation of the bike, the GL1800. To get the most out of it, however, we highly suggest installing it with the Gold Wing Tour Airbag Automatic DCT trim that has all the bells and whistles that the model offers, including a 61-liter travel trunk, airbag, walking and reverse mode, and electronic preload suspension.

Specially made trike kits are also available for older models like the GL1500, Valkyrie, and all the way back to the first-generation's GL1000. The last one though will seriously cost you. But then again, we strongly suggest that you just leave the GL1000 out and just enjoy its stock design because it is a classic piece that holds so much importance in motoring history. If you own one, have it restored instead and enjoy the feel of the 70s touring with it.

If you are interested in converting your Gold Wing into a trike, be sure to choose the kit that is compatible with your specific model, and have the conversion done only by professionals.

Price

The cost of a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle varies depending on its make and model. In general, they are relatively expensive. The 2022 model of the touring motorcycle costs between $25,300 and $32,800 if bought directly from Honda. Prices can easily go north of the mentioned values if you avail of optional kits for it.

If you wish to settle for a used Gold Wing, you can probably score a 2005 model for around $8,000, a 2010 model for approximately $10,000, and a 2015 model for about $16,000. The estimates may not be that accurate though because of some factors that may influence the pricing like the mileage, issues, and wear and tear of the bike you are looking to buy.

Adding a trike kit varies depending on the make and model of the bike. The kits commonly cost somewhere around $10,000 and $15,000. This is surely a hefty price to pay for the added convenience and fun that a trike can provide.

This is definitely a significant investment, but the added convenience and performance that a Honda Gold Wing trike provides may be worth the cost.

Pros

On the plus side, a Honda Gold Wing trike kit can add a lot of stability to your ride. It's ideal for riders of all skill levels. Even if you've never ridden a motorcycle before, you'll be able to safely and easily operate a trike. And because they have three wheels, trikes offer more stability than motorcycles, making them ideal for beginners.

If you live in an area with inclement weather or poor road conditions, a three-wheeled vehicle can give you increased traction and provide you with the control that you need to have a safe journey. It's also great for long-distance touring, as the extra storage space can come in handy when packing for a trip. Better yet, a trike allows a more convenient way to travel with a companion.

There are many other benefits to owning a Honda Gold Wing trike. Trikes are incredibly convenient even in a halt because they have better balance, and they're less likely to tip over. Additionally, trikes are much easier to park than motorcycles.

Cons

On the downside, a trike kit can add more weight to the Gold Wing, which may diminish its performance. It significantly alters the aerodynamics of the motorcycle, too.

Then, Honda Gold Wing trike kits can be expensive. In addition to the cost of the kit itself, you'll also need to factor in the cost of shipping and installation. And, if you plan on using your trike on really long trips, you'll need to invest in some extra storage solutions to make sure all your gear fits, especially if you are traveling with a companion.

As mentioned earlier, it may be ideal for all models of the Gold Wing but not necessarily advisable for classic models, especially with a well-maintained first-gen GL1000, as you may risk ruining their vintage aesthetics.

The modification is permanent, so if you ever change your mind after the completion of the project or midway around it, there's certainly no going back. Well, there could be a few remedies to revert it, but it will entail more professional work and added expenses that will make the task impractical because it will mean more trouble than good.

Lastly, since Honda does not provide Gold Wing trike conversions, your only choice is to have it done by aftermarket brands. That would mean losing the warranty of your touring motorcycle from Honda once you proceed with the conversion. With that, think carefully before you even begin with your project.

Verdict

If you're looking for a fun and practical way to enjoy the open road, a Honda Gold Wing trike kit may be right for you. A Honda Gold Wing trike can be a great addition to your garage - but it's important to do your research and weigh the pros and cons before making your purchase.

These kits are relatively expensive, their added weight will surely affect the performance of your bike, and they require advanced skills to install. However, they can be rewarding in the long run because they definitely provide years of enjoyment and added utility to your ride.