Riding a triglide with back issues
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Riding a triglide with back issues
Hi guys, Recently I really screwed up my back and I may have to switch from a Road Glide to a Triglide. Ended up with a disk issue and a badly pinched nerve. With the pain in my left leg, I cant lift the RG off the stand, let alone ride it. Im not ready to give up riding...
I guess my questions are:
* riding on smooth roads, how comfortable is the tri to spend 3 hours in and all day in. Is it as easy as say riding in a car?
* how long does it take to get used to switching from 2 wheels to 3?
* anything else?
Thank you all!
I guess my questions are:
* riding on smooth roads, how comfortable is the tri to spend 3 hours in and all day in. Is it as easy as say riding in a car?
* how long does it take to get used to switching from 2 wheels to 3?
* anything else?
Thank you all!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 24,988
Likes: 19,421
From: New York
When I switch to a Triglide, I needed to change out the stock seat and front and rear suspension for a more comfortable ride. I went with a Ultimate seat and Pro Action front fork kit and Pro Action rear shocks. You need more upper body strength while making turns. You also need to make a wider turn to clear the rear wheels and fender. I had no problems making the transition from 2 to 3 wheels, since I rode HD's Servi-Car back in the 70's. It is great you do not need to put your feet down every time you stop. When I ride my 2 wheeler(very rarely) I need to remember to put my feet down when at a stop. There are companies that make trike conversion kits with fully independent rear suspension, compare to the TriGlide rear soild axle. 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,028
From: Carlsbad, CA
No matter what ya do, it’s gonna be a more harsh ride than your RG. I too have a bad back, but with similar stuff to what 47004 did, it I was ok. Make sure to stop regularly, and stretch out. Figure out if a back rest helps. Strange…but I was better off without a back rest, so I could stretch back occasionally. Highway pegs helped to allow me to change positions as well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,809
Likes: 201
From: Wisconsin
For me the transition to 3 wheels was pretty easy. Riding a lot of snowmobiles and ATV's helped. The biggest thing I noticed the first time I rode one, was you have to turn the handle bars more than 2 wheels. The trike likes to go straight. Without any leaning, you have to turn more and sooner. Not hard to get use to, it just different. I felt comfortable right away. After 300 miles, it felt like I had riding it for years. I'll go just as fast into a turn on 3 wheels as I would on 2 wheels.
On smooth roads, it rides good. On the freeway it just wants to go. On rough roads with the stock shocks, the ride is terrible. I changed out the seat & handle bars same as I did on my baggers. This time the rear shocks were replaced. I also lowered the rear tire pressure to 22 psi.
I don't have as much time on a trike as most here. Just made the switch this summer. These are a few of the things I noticed.
I do like the trike. One last thing to remember and it sounds easy but this girl is a little big in the hips. I have to remind myself all the time, especially when pulling into a gas station. Those bollards like to get real close to the rear fenders.
On smooth roads, it rides good. On the freeway it just wants to go. On rough roads with the stock shocks, the ride is terrible. I changed out the seat & handle bars same as I did on my baggers. This time the rear shocks were replaced. I also lowered the rear tire pressure to 22 psi.
I don't have as much time on a trike as most here. Just made the switch this summer. These are a few of the things I noticed.
I do like the trike. One last thing to remember and it sounds easy but this girl is a little big in the hips. I have to remind myself all the time, especially when pulling into a gas station. Those bollards like to get real close to the rear fenders.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 403
Likes: 201
From: Menominee, MI
Ditto on all the previous comments; additionally, take the potholes, manhole covers, and other bumps head on with the front tire so the back tires will straddle it helps to keep the jolt off your back. I went with a wider and softer seat almost immediately (my choice was a Mustang Super Touring Deluxe, at 19" wide one of the widest seats out there). For me lowering the rear tire pressures helped to soften the ride the most (I'm down to 23- 24PSI). There is more FELT heat with a trike IMO; and mostly due to the air getting trapped by the extra width of the body in the back; this girl does have "some hips". Gas pumps are a breeze if you maintain the same distance as you would in your car (leaving enough room to get the door open). Hope this helps. Ride safe and keep the shiny side up.
Almost forgot, I have a friend who swears that her RG conversion by RoadSmith rides head & shoulder softer than her previous TriGlide; this is also echoed by her passengers.
Almost forgot, I have a friend who swears that her RG conversion by RoadSmith rides head & shoulder softer than her previous TriGlide; this is also echoed by her passengers.
Last edited by CWOFOR; Aug 7, 2023 at 04:26 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,859
Likes: 516
From: georgia
My second back surgery put me on a Tri Glide and haven’t looked back , my only suggestion is get a rider’s back rest and enjoy
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,682
Likes: 9,165
From: Snow Hill, NC
I went from an Electra Glide to a Tri Glide. The ride stock is rough. I upgraded to an Ultimate seat and Pro Action 14” rear shocks, it helps but isn’t as smooth as my 2 wheeler. A independent rear suspension would work way better.
