Thinking About Getting a Trike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
I recently went the other way, from a TriGlide to an Ultra Limited. We bought the 2012 TriGlide new in spring of 12. I;had not ridden for over 20 years. And my wife and I wanted to get back in the breeze. But:
- I didnt want to have to wait several seasons (we lived in Portland, or at the time) to be ready to go 2 up
- I was concerned about my creaking knees
- I thought it would be safer
- etc.
We put over 50,000 miles on it in 5 years. Lots of fully loaded trips, and miles of smiles. But:
- it was fun, but not as fun as carving twisties on a 2 wheeler.
- no matter what people say, you arent going to keep up with your 2 wheel buddies in the twisties.
- it got crappy gas mileage, and had to stop 50 miles before our 2 wheel buddies were ready.
- you really have to muscle it in the turns. Dont believe the crap about various mods that lighten the steering. After a few hours of twisties, even gentle sweepers...your arms and shoulders will ache
- no matter what you do to it, its a rougher ride, especially for the passenger.
- turns are tough on the passenger, who gets full lateral force, and they constantly have to fight into the turns.
- it is more of a struggle in cross and gusty winds than a 2 wheeler. The broadness of it catches the wind, and rather than simply leaning, you have to fight the steering.
So, after playing with 2 wheelers for a while, we got the Ultra Limited, and sold the TriGlide. And Im now figuring, that if I cant ride the 2 wheeler for other than specific physical issues, Ill just stop riding.
Id strongly suggest renting a TriGlide for a few days, and putting lots of time in the saddle on varying road types before making the commitment.
- I didnt want to have to wait several seasons (we lived in Portland, or at the time) to be ready to go 2 up
- I was concerned about my creaking knees
- I thought it would be safer
- etc.
We put over 50,000 miles on it in 5 years. Lots of fully loaded trips, and miles of smiles. But:
- it was fun, but not as fun as carving twisties on a 2 wheeler.
- no matter what people say, you arent going to keep up with your 2 wheel buddies in the twisties.
- it got crappy gas mileage, and had to stop 50 miles before our 2 wheel buddies were ready.
- you really have to muscle it in the turns. Dont believe the crap about various mods that lighten the steering. After a few hours of twisties, even gentle sweepers...your arms and shoulders will ache
- no matter what you do to it, its a rougher ride, especially for the passenger.
- turns are tough on the passenger, who gets full lateral force, and they constantly have to fight into the turns.
- it is more of a struggle in cross and gusty winds than a 2 wheeler. The broadness of it catches the wind, and rather than simply leaning, you have to fight the steering.
So, after playing with 2 wheelers for a while, we got the Ultra Limited, and sold the TriGlide. And Im now figuring, that if I cant ride the 2 wheeler for other than specific physical issues, Ill just stop riding.
Id strongly suggest renting a TriGlide for a few days, and putting lots of time in the saddle on varying road types before making the commitment.
Last edited by TriGeezer; Apr 26, 2020 at 02:20 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
The Can Am Spyders are 10x the machine of a TriGlide. My Father had a Tri Glide, and what a pig. So slow and underpowered. The extra width (wind resistance) and weight really slow it down. Like 80mph top speed with a 25mph cross wind or headwind. And terrible fuel mileage, like 20mpg on a windy day. Definitely ride one on the slab in windy conditions before buying one. They need another 30hp, in my opinion to compensate for the extra heft.
The Spyder is much more refined, and handle way better too.
The Spyder is much more refined, and handle way better too.
nttiawwt.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
I still cant get used to how they look, especially coming towards me. Look like a snowmobile with wheels.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 271
Likes: 169
From: South Africa
OP, do what’s right for you.
I have a Freewheeler and a number of bikes, do probably 20k miles on my bikes and 5k miles on the trike per year. I love riding the trike, and I transition easily between two and 3 wheels.
As suggested rent a trike for a couple of days and see how that works for you.
Personally, if the time comes I can’t ride a bike, the trike option is a no brainer for me.
Good luck with your decision going forward.
I have a Freewheeler and a number of bikes, do probably 20k miles on my bikes and 5k miles on the trike per year. I love riding the trike, and I transition easily between two and 3 wheels.
As suggested rent a trike for a couple of days and see how that works for you.
Personally, if the time comes I can’t ride a bike, the trike option is a no brainer for me.
Good luck with your decision going forward.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 897
Likes: 539
From: Central NY
yes, that's exactly what the wife and I both thought last summer when we were checking them out. We bought a Freewheeler and we love it. I really don't care about my man card or what any 2 wheel tough guys think.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 973
Likes: 519
From: Upper East Tennessee
Like someone said go over to the Trike thread you'll learn more there. I love my TG. A lot of people that trash the trikes just don't like them, so they come in with their mind made up.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 41,407
From: Marion NC / Lake Norman NC / Panama City Fla
My dad had a 15 TriGlide he rode for 4 years. I rode it some as well and what some folks are telling you about the harsh jarring ride is true. Last year he traded it for an Indian Roadmaster and had a Mototrike conversion done to it. The great thing about the Mototrike is its independent rear suspension vs Harleys solid axel. Man what a difference the ride is over the TriGlide. Mototrike did a great job mating their components to the Indian. Im not a fan of the Indian, so they do conversions for Harleys as well. http://www.motortrike.com/
I have no connection to the company, just passing on an alternative.
I have no connection to the company, just passing on an alternative.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
It does take a bit to get use to riding a trike. But after about 500 miles it all seems natural. I like my HD trike , but a friend has a Honda trike and i gotta tell you it is smooth and very reliable. And pretty fast also. Is it for me ? No i'll stick with my harley for now. Maybe some day in the future.
I had owned several Honda's by that time and I knew they were reliable machines so I bought a new Gold Wing Aspencade .a beautiful two-tone, fully loaded model and there was nothing at all wrong with it.....except anytime that I saw or heard a Harley my eyes, ears and heart went in that direction!
Before buying my Tri-Glide, I considered a Honda trike (conversion) and I also looked at, and sat on some Can-Am's but I just could NOT get comfortable with the seating/leg positions on the Can-Am's.
Yes, the Tri-Glides (I have a 107) could use "more power" but the same could be said for most any bike, truck or car, and the suspension system needed some "updating" but overall I'm happy with my '18 Tri-Glide,,,, and I know by the feel and sound that I am riding on an American iconic machine.
THIs makes me happy but others may want or need something else and that's their right and their money!