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Trike Comfort - Or, when do you know it's time?

10952 Views 67 Replies 17 Participants Last post by  Throttle Fiend
I'll try and keep this quick and dirty because I'm usually longwinded. Just turned 51 last week. I AM able to ride my 2022 FXLRST, but I've recently started considering 3 wheels for the following reasons (When I say 3 wheels, I specifically mean a TGU. Like the Road Glide 3, but want storage and a proper throne for my queen to sit on while traveling):

  • Multiple health issues (most tied to military/Persian Gulf service) that are troubling (eyesight/tinnitus-hearing loss/arthritis in both wrists and hands/minor balance issues (not while riding) and may get worse in a hurry
  • I want to start laying down serious miles. Have a goal of 20K this year regardless of bike, so I need something comfortable.
  • Bought the wife her first big bike, a Rebel 1100. If we travel together long distances, we'll either be trailering or riding on 3 (she refuses 2-up on 2 wheels)
  • Part of me says it's better to cut to the chase now. I know it may be a few years (minimum) before I need a trike, but the logical side says just switch to a TGU and deal with the fact that I'm not the badass I used to be
More specifically, for those who came from touring models or cruisers that were set up specifically so they could do touring:

  • Is the trike more comfortable than say, a Road Glide Special or Limited or a Street Glide Special or Ultra?
  • Was the transition difficult?
  • Did you have any regrets - thinking you switched too early and should've held out on twos longer?
I typically don't care what other people think, but for anyone who switched to 3 prior to age 60:
  • How was your reception by other bikers? Did you deal with a lot of crap?
  • Are you glad you did it when you did?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm really struggling with this so info from those who know would be great. My heart says fight it as long as I can, but my head says sometimes it's better to admit you ain't got it anymore and move on with what works best.
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All you folks thinking about getting a Trike GO FOR IT ... I switched over to 3 wheels back in 2018 I bought new a tri glide
No other reason except I wanted something different no health or mobility issues with me , but solo harleys are 10 a penny here .
Riding a trike is different in fact totally different but you will get used to it and you're get used to getting caught in traffic as its too wide to filter through the traffic ( that's the bad part ) Nope I wouldn't go back to a solo Harley .
Definitely a crowd puller in the 5 years I have owned the Tri glide I have only seen 4 on the road bit different than USA I would guess ,
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Congrats on the new trike. I just bought a new 2023 Tri Glide Ultra a little over a week ago. There is definately a learning curve to riding it but I really think I did the right thing as well. (Back fusion and health issues) It is Atlas Silver, Metalic. I already put a back rest on it and looking to put highway pegs on it soon. Now I just need to get educated on the whole infotainment system. Sully View attachment 826920
Get some covers on those rear fenders or that shiney paint wont look good with stone chips .
I would prefer to have the fender showing in all its glory but better safe than stone chips
Tire Wheel Sky Vehicle Cloud
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Agreed, I haven't gotten them yet and got my first major chip the other day.

View attachment 826970
Les you need to get them pronto
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I am definately going to get the leather skins for the fenders. Thanks for the advise. It is crazy how much everything adds up when you start looking at accessories for a new ride. so far I'm looking at leather skins, highway pegs and mounts, back rest, drink holderand a cover just for starters. I'm sure I will find a few mor things to add to the list as I get to riding more. Are there any specific items I should be considering for the trike that you wouldn't need on the bike?
I added the chrome bumper , chrome rack ( didn't bother getting the light that fits in the Harley name ) on it.
I also put on the Harley adjustable driver back rest , fitted that myself because HD said it would take 2 hour to fit which I thought was way over the top especially since they have the right tools .
Anyhow I did that myself it took me 1 &1/2 hours with the basic tools I have and limited skills it would help if you have small fingers sadly my fingers are like sausages bloody huge
I had V&H pipes put on I can tell you that certainly puts a few £ lighter in your pocket .
Have you been out on your trike much would like to see some reports
OMG TF that is some bad luck right there I really hope you get everything sorted insurance wise and of course to your favour not theirs .
Do you have any particular state you are thinking of when you decide on the big move ?
Hope all things are go for this weekend weather wise collecting (y) (y) your RG3 so looking forward to a write up of your experience Good luck
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