Need to learn a bit about Trikes
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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Need to learn a bit about Trikes
Wife wants me to get a trike. I not against them but never really wanted one. Her reasoning has me at a disadvantage. Unlike some I want my wife riding with me. She loves the sidecars but they have disadvantages that can not be over come.
I am not giving up the sidecar,she agrees with that.
I do not want a TRI Glide I want RG faring. Free wheel comes up short on a few things..
Hannigan makes a great Trike but they are a bit larger than I want.
Kool trikes has been around a long time and has a great reputation. They are also 25 miles from me. Independent suspension also.
What memory I have of riding a trike is limited. I always felt they handled better than a sidecar and more stable at higher speeds.
My 2020 RGL is in great shape. Already has Reverse already has raked tree. 22x Cam stage 2. A good conversion like Kool trikes would not eat up the checking account.
Once done I would start searching for a RG to mount the sidecar back on.
All ears ready to listen.
I am not giving up the sidecar,she agrees with that.
I do not want a TRI Glide I want RG faring. Free wheel comes up short on a few things..
Hannigan makes a great Trike but they are a bit larger than I want.
Kool trikes has been around a long time and has a great reputation. They are also 25 miles from me. Independent suspension also.
What memory I have of riding a trike is limited. I always felt they handled better than a sidecar and more stable at higher speeds.
My 2020 RGL is in great shape. Already has Reverse already has raked tree. 22x Cam stage 2. A good conversion like Kool trikes would not eat up the checking account.
Once done I would start searching for a RG to mount the sidecar back on.
All ears ready to listen.
Last edited by smitty901; May 19, 2024 at 04:07 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,978
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I found my self in a similar dilemma several years ago.
At that time I owned a '13 CVO Ultra and wanted a trike.
I considered three option:
1. Converting it into a trike.
2. Buying a Voyager unit.
3. Buying a Tri-Glide and then either keeping OR selling the Ultra.
Not really liking the looks of the Voyager option, I started seriously considering the cost of converting the Ultra to a trike.
At that time. the Ultra was 6 years old and the with it's current value, combined with the costs of the "conversion" would be a "neck-in-neck" cost with that of a new Tri-Glide.
Since you have your current bike set up as you like it I would suggest that you keep it (for now) and get yourself a new Road Glide 3.
I tell folks that all you gain with a trike is stability and you lose everything (ride, handling, performance. MPG's) else.
I did the rear lift kit and I dropped the PSI in my rear tires to 22#'s and it does ride and handle better.
I've never ridden a newer Tri-Glide or FW or a Road Glide 3 but I'm assuming that they have made some improvements since then but personally the ride (on most roads) is tolerable for me
I eventually bought an '18 Tri-Glide in early August. '18 (end of model) and got a great price.
I held onto the CVO Ultra for 5 more years and actually sold it for more that I was offered on trade-in or an outright sale before I got the Tri-Glide.
At that time I owned a '13 CVO Ultra and wanted a trike.
I considered three option:
1. Converting it into a trike.
2. Buying a Voyager unit.
3. Buying a Tri-Glide and then either keeping OR selling the Ultra.
Not really liking the looks of the Voyager option, I started seriously considering the cost of converting the Ultra to a trike.
At that time. the Ultra was 6 years old and the with it's current value, combined with the costs of the "conversion" would be a "neck-in-neck" cost with that of a new Tri-Glide.
Since you have your current bike set up as you like it I would suggest that you keep it (for now) and get yourself a new Road Glide 3.
I tell folks that all you gain with a trike is stability and you lose everything (ride, handling, performance. MPG's) else.
I did the rear lift kit and I dropped the PSI in my rear tires to 22#'s and it does ride and handle better.
I've never ridden a newer Tri-Glide or FW or a Road Glide 3 but I'm assuming that they have made some improvements since then but personally the ride (on most roads) is tolerable for me
I eventually bought an '18 Tri-Glide in early August. '18 (end of model) and got a great price.
I held onto the CVO Ultra for 5 more years and actually sold it for more that I was offered on trade-in or an outright sale before I got the Tri-Glide.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Snow Hill, NC
Whit a bike like a 20 RG I would probably lean towards converting it. I was almost going to pull the trigger on a CSC conversion but my bike was 2007. I opted for a TG. After the new suspension it rides pretty darn good but I believe sincerely that a IRS would make it way more comfortable. Kool trikes seems like a solid platform. I looked at all of them until I was blue in the face. CSC was closest to me. I visited them. If i was to convert I would Not hesitate.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,136
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From: backwoods
I'll be real curious to hear your thoughts on each. I only have heard people talk. Some people think sidecars maintain the bike feel. But the downside I have heard is the passenger should ride in side car. OL does not want that.
Downside of trike i have heard is the are fatiguing on the arms.
What I find interesting about both, in addition to three wheels, can probably survice a deer better. Better on gravel, and maybe light snow, but you got the salt.
I would have thought a unit built to be a trike would be better. Built for that purpose. What I have heard, which is disappointing, is the read fenders are not solid. I thought would be good place to mount luggage racks.
OL thinks it might be more comfortable. But I would think a seat is a seat, when talking FLHs.
Downside of trike i have heard is the are fatiguing on the arms.
What I find interesting about both, in addition to three wheels, can probably survice a deer better. Better on gravel, and maybe light snow, but you got the salt.
I would have thought a unit built to be a trike would be better. Built for that purpose. What I have heard, which is disappointing, is the read fenders are not solid. I thought would be good place to mount luggage racks.
OL thinks it might be more comfortable. But I would think a seat is a seat, when talking FLHs.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: backwoods
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 461
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From: Vancover Island
The Freewheeler and RG3 are poor choices if your main objective is passenger comfort. I suggest a Tri Glide even though the fairing mount is not your favorite. It is your most expensive option but will hold a high value. You should also take a trike driving course and/or get some serious solo practice miles before any ideas of suspension mods. You will find the trike's ride will smooth out nicely as your skills and muscle memory develop. Keep your eyes open for a slightly used trike as there are often very low mileage ones available.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
Have Hannigan convert your Road Glide to a trike. You have a good relationship with them it sounds like and a independent rear suspension should ride better than a Tri-Glide. Not sure if they handle the twisties as well as I've never had the chance to ride one.