Questions about trikes

5960 Views 14 Replies 13 Participants Last post by sarge205, Dec 29, 2014

HDKen

Discussion Starter · Jul 29, 2014

The wife and I have been talking about getting a Trike but dont know anyone who owns one,how are they to ride?I have read at slow speeds they are hard to turn,how is the power?also read some are running in fifth gear up to 75 mph before shifting into 6th gear,some have said they run in fifth gear up to 60 mph before shifting into 6th gear,seems to me the motor would be screaming. How does everyone like the straight axle on the HD Tri Glide? I think independent suspension would be better.Have looked at after market kits with independent suspension just not sure I want to put one on my 2013 Ultra Limited or go with a new Tri Glide that has more power and torque.I have Vance&Hinse power duals with slash cut slip on mufflers,power commander V on my 2013 Limited now,its putting out more power and torque then stock so does this make my motor close to what the 2014 103 is putting out? Thanks for :feedback: Ken

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TIMBRR

· #2 · Aug 18, 2014

Trike Riding

There are a couple of on line sites that have a good deal of information on Trikes. You might want to start. there. Its totally different from two wheels but a real blast to ride.

Thunder~Struck

· #3 · Aug 18, 2014

We have a few Triksters on here HDKen.
Give them some time to see your post. Am sure you`ll get some opinions.

Side by Side

· #4 · Aug 19, 2014

HDKen said:
The wife and I have been talking about getting a Trike but dont know anyone who owns one,how are they to ride?I have read at slow speeds they are hard to turn,how is the power?also read some are running in fifth gear up to 75 mph before shifting into 6th gear,some have said they run in fifth gear up to 60 mph before shifting into 6th gear,seems to me the motor would be screaming. How does everyone like the straight axle on the HD Tri Glide? I think independent suspension would be better.Have looked at after market kits with independent suspension just not sure I want to put one on my 2013 Ultra Limited or go with a new Tri Glide that has more power and torque.I have Vance&Hinse power duals with slash cut slip on mufflers,power commander V on my 2013 Limited now,its putting out more power and torque then stock so does this make my motor close to what the 2014 103 is putting out? Thanks for :feedback: Ken

I just purchased a 2014 Tri Glide, I love it, still getting use to it, turning at 30/40mph on up has some resistance, but I wouldn't want it any other way. The ride is great,power seems more than I'll ever need, and I've been keeping under 3000rpm's. Haven't got into 5 or 6th gear, staying mostly on back roads until I get the "feel" and can stop holding on to the grips with a death grip. Love the reverse and not balancing at stops.

eagle1

· #5 · Aug 19, 2014

i own a '09 t/g and am really happy with it, but if i had to do it again i would find a ultra classic with low miles and have a local shop install a frankenstein kit.
just google it. they are made in selina,ks, and are a very solid bike. cost 4500.-7500. depending on chrome pkg you want. they have several different widths. and normal 500.00 installation cost.
haveing a 5* rake really helps handling too.

wwalton259

· #6 · Nov 17, 2014

I have a 2012 and we really like it we rode a 2015 a few weeks ago and there are some good changes to the 14 & 15 . They do push a little harder at first but all becomes second nature after a while. We can even run through the cures at good speed now. All I can say is just do it learn it and love life even more while traveling the great land we live in.

ARIZONA MISFIT

· #7 · Dec 20, 2014

Ken: We bought our 2014 TRI GLIDE a few months ago. Best thing we've done in yrs. Its a BLAST to ride. Corners are nothing to handle. The whole Trike thing takes a little while to get used to. BUT it's WELL worth it. WE both enjoy our New toy. Both of us have had 2 wheelers in the past ( 7 ). Just remember to watch out for the rear fenders when pulling up to anything. Like a gas pump ATM machines. Aim your front tire down the center of the lane & you'll be OK. Ok got to go. # other Trikes are showing up at our home this morning. To hit one of our local HD shops. :thumbsup

SCHMIDTY

· #8 · Dec 20, 2014

They take a little getting used to. I've got 4 customers that switched to the Tri Glides last year for different reasons and are happy with them.
Shift to 6th above 60mph or the engine lugs. The Tri Glide has more drive train than a 2 wheel touring model and lugging the engine can take it's toll.

HDKen

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 23, 2014

Just letting you all know we bought a 2015 Tri Glide now cant wait till spring

Miles Tequillya

· #10 · Dec 23, 2014

HDKen said:
Just letting you all know we bought a 2015 Tri Glide now cant wait till spring

Congrats. ..but we say we need pictures or it didn't happen

ARIZONA MISFIT

· #11 · Dec 23, 2014

HDKen said:
Just letting you all know we bought a 2015 Tri Glide now cant wait till spring

KEN: What color did you get ? You should come out here and ride with us. It's always warm enough to ride here. I have an ALL Black 14 Tri Glide. I make every excuse to get on it and ride some where. Has NOTHING to do with age. Believe me !:thumbsup One of the best moves I've mad in years. Hope you get to enjoy a ride before winter set in for you. Have a friend out here from Ohio. Right around the Cedar Point area. He & his wife come out here every winter to ride also. Hope you can post pics soon :thumbsup

kerhonkson

· #12 · Dec 24, 2014

In May 2013 I got a 2010 Tri-Glide and have been using it ever since as my only wheels. I rode it from New York to AZ, set up digs and have been back east once. So much for my bona fides re ride familiarity. At first my riding geometry was bad and turns, especially cornering were exciting. I fixed my riding geometry by adding Heli-Bars which are individually adjustable for each hand and arm. BIG DIFFERENCE.

In cornering, especially making a turn after a stop, you have to muscle it around and there is a tendency to increase the throttle doing this causing the trike to SURGE in the turn and it will try to go straight - into the opposing lane. Takes practice. When at highway speed do not turn the bars. Just think which way and the trike will segue smoothly.

Takes practice. I'm 75 and moved to the Tri-Glide because I had stability problems with my Electra Glide. The TG is my only wheels and I love it, but, like scotch, it's an acquired taste.

Davel59

· #13 · Dec 24, 2014

Congrats on the trike, my wife thinks we should get one. Not sure if I'm ready for one yet.

triker

· #14 · Dec 25, 2014

Most of the larger motorcycle events have demo rides from a lot of the brands.
Unless you are set on a brand, I recommend riding every trike that you can.
They all feel different.

You can also trike the bike that you have---
A lot of people really like the Frankenstein kits,
but there are a lot of good trike kits out there.

2 recommendations:
1--Get a good set of raked triple trees.
---It really makes the trikes steer a lot easier.
2--If you use a Harley, get a set of "Love Jugs"--
---These really reduce the engine temp.

Take your time and look around.
You will find the best trike for you.

Have fun and ride safe.

Happy Holidays!

Mike

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sarge205

· #15 · Dec 29, 2014

I bought my tri glide the end of march 2014, I now have nearly 17,000 miles on it and I love it. 60 mph in 5th gear- all of the time. Hell I'm just barely at 3000 rpm at 60 mph in 5th. I can't compare the independent suspension as I've not ridden one. the deal maker for me was the warranty. In 17,000 miles I feel like I'm getting used to it and find I'm taking the corners faster each time. slow speed maneuvering is a bit of a different beast but it is certainly manageable. all in all I still miss my street glide, but its sure nice to have your wife go with you and not be nervous. its sure nice to stop at a stop sign with no feet down. All the way from the State of Washington to Sturgis and back by way of Yellowstone. Had a ball and loved every mile. I've put a lift kit on it, added a aftermarket air intake, put a decat header pipe on and am running screaming eagle mufflers with a Power Vision race tuner. Very happy with the set up so far. runs a bit cooler, seems to have more power and my fuel economy improved a bit.

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