Harley Freewheeler Trike Owners Thread

[Papa Zook]

If you have a Harley Freewheeler Trike (or are considering buying one) please post your pics, mods, questions/comments here.

 

[screwball]

Some pictures. I will be installing the GoPro camera mount when it gets in, along with the wiring for the MP-3 player, and GPS. Wife and I have SMH-10 Bluetooth intercoms, so the helmets are wireless to the MP-3 players.

 

[Brentwood Bob]

I'm strongly thinking of buying one so the more info the better.

 

[RickDeVon]

I am waiting on feedback on how it does in the rain with the short front fender and the bobtailed rears...The Freewheeler does have the cool factor going for it...I can see it with a crash bar and lowers...

 

[0pini0nated]

I'm NOT a Freewheeler owner . . . . yet.

My comments are an extension of the thread "2015 Freewheeler..... Am I the first???" of 9/03/2014. I'm currently selling my Lehman Raider trike on craigslist.org, and plan to buy a Freewheeler -OR- a BRP F3 this winter.

As we all know, the Freewheeler is out and at dealerships now, while in my market area (Philadelphia, PA) Spyder F3's will be available to test ride in mid-November.

I expect to test ride a Freewheeler at York PA Harley Davidson Open House 9/18~20, or one of the many local H-D dealerships on Saturday, 9/27 (I have 5 to chose from in this area) I'm also anxiously waiting for rider reports on the few Freewheelers in-the-wild (like Screwball :wave4

Then I have to wait until mid-November for an F3 test ride. It'll be like waiting for Christmas to arrive.

 

[screwball]

I'm not going to be able to offer much advice and council on riding in the rain, I live on the Southern California desert, we average 6" of rain a year. Most of our riding is in the South-West (California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah) We have been caught in thunder showers, but rarely. The Freewheeler feels and rides like my old '03 Dyna Wideglide, or wife's '09 Deluxe. You won't get any more front wheel spray than you get on a Sportie, Dyna, or FX Softail. I'm sure there will be rear will rooster tails with the flaired fenders, but who cares, you are in front of the flair.

It handles better than my old '09 Tri-Glide, and my wife's '11 Tri. Clutch pull is easier. I like the 10" mini Apes, but I had them on my Dyna and Sportie. No comment on the seat until the riders backrest comes in. My butt feels fine, back hurts, but again, no backrest at this time.

I covered the dash with VELCRO and have a GPS, MP-3, and radio that I can stick to it for toons.

All are Bluetooth, as are my SMH-10 intercoms, so I have tunes up the wazoo.

I always preferred ear buds or headsets to speakers, I can listen to my music loud enough to make my eyes bleed, and not bother the guy next to me.

The scoot has plenty of power (for me) so I won't be adding any performance stuff. Muffler tips are slash cut (down) and don't scrape my steep driveway so no lift kits. Besides, Harley lowered the trike an inch, seems wrong to fool with that. Too soon to tell if I'm burning too lean, will check the plugs after a couple more tanks of gas. I run premium, there isn't any ethanol sold out here, Cal Air Resources Board says that is a no-no. We have the Grandchildren this weekend, so no long rides planned. More to come.

 

[RickDeVon]

Screwball I use a Kury windshield mound for my GPS on my Road King and my phone is full of tunes with Bluetooth...

 

[screwball]

Actually, my MP-3 player is my old Samsung Galaxy II phone. Even without a SIM card, all the other apps work, and I have a ton of music loaded.

 

[Brentwood Bob]

I'm not going to be able to offer much advice and council on riding in the rain, I live on the Southern California desert, we average 6" of rain a year. Most of our riding is in the South-West (California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah) We have been caught in thunder showers, but rarely. The Freewheeler feels and rides like my old '03 Dyna Wideglide, or wife's '09 Deluxe. You won't get any more front wheel spray than you get on a Sportie, Dyna, or FX Softail. I'm sure there will be rear will rooster tails with the flaired fenders, but who cares, you are in front of the flair.

It handles better than my old '09 Tri-Glide, and my wife's '11 Tri. Clutch pull is easier. I like the 10" mini Apes, but I had them on my Dyna and Sportie. No comment on the seat until the riders backrest comes in. My butt feels fine, back hurts, but again, no backrest at this time.

I covered the dash with VELCRO and have a GPS, MP-3, and radio that I can stick to it for toons.

All are Bluetooth, as are my SMH-10 intercoms, so I have tunes up the wazoo.

I always preferred ear buds or headsets to speakers, I can listen to my music loud enough to make my eyes bleed, and not bother the guy next to me.

The scoot has plenty of power (for me) so I won't be adding any performance stuff. Muffler tips are slash cut (down) and don't scrape my steep driveway so no lift kits. Besides, Harley lowered the trike an inch, seems wrong to fool with that. Too soon to tell if I'm burning too lean, will check the plugs after a couple more tanks of gas. I run premium, there isn't any ethanol sold out here, Cal Air Resources Board says that is a no-no. We have the Grandchildren this weekend, so no long rides planned. More to come.

I'm likening it more and more Steve. Thanks for the feedback

 

[Sloufoot]

Something to consider if anyone is thinking of changing the mufflers on the Freewheeler, The original muffs are 3" shorter than standard Touring slip-ons . I doubt there is much of a choice out there as yet.
They match the 3" shorter trunk.

 

[screwball]

I'm likening it more and more Steve. Thanks for the feedback

When I first saw pictures I got to thinking. We do 2 or 3 long trips a year, the rest of the time it is short hops (100 miles) day runs, dinner runs, bar hopping. Of all the Harleys we have owned, our best times were on my Dyna and her Deluxe. No frills scooters. I still have the take off windshield from her Deluxe that has never been used. We have traveled all over the south-west with our 'stuff' bungeed to the back seat. Been out 3 weeks and had a great time. I'm wiring a power plug for my electric jacket for winter, and 4 USB plugs for camera, GPS, and MP-3 players, I HATE to have batteries go dead half way between here and there, also running a USB into the trunk to keep stuff charged when not in use. Other than that I'm leaving the 'Wheeler alone.

 

[Rod69]

Sounds like a great plan. Been thinking along the same lines.

 

[kubotajim]

When I first saw pictures I got to thinking. We do 2 or 3 long trips a year, the rest of the time it is short hops (100 miles) day runs, dinner runs, bar hopping. Of all the Harleys we have owned, our best times were on my Dyna and her Deluxe. No frills scooters. I still have the take off windshield from her Deluxe that has never been used. We have traveled all over the south-west with our 'stuff' bungeed to the back seat. Been out 3 weeks and had a great time. I'm wiring a power plug for my electric jacket for winter, and 4 USB plugs for camera, GPS, and MP-3 players, I HATE to have batteries go dead half way between here and there, also running a USB into the trunk to keep stuff charged when not in use. Other than that I'm leaving the 'Wheeler alone.

Thanks for the help with comments man,, Brand new to this site.. I have 2013 ann tri.

it was ok but even after several thou dollars of mods it kust didnt scream me,, seen the freewheeler and had to have it,, so we ordered 2 of them.. im 6ft 2 with knee replacements.. will i like it man
\

 

[Brentwood Bob]

When I first saw pictures I got to thinking. We do 2 or 3 long trips a year, the rest of the time it is short hops (100 miles) day runs, dinner runs, bar hopping. Of all the Harleys we have owned, our best times were on my Dyna and her Deluxe. No frills scooters. I still have the take off windshield from her Deluxe that has never been used. We have traveled all over the south-west with our 'stuff' bungeed to the back seat. Been out 3 weeks and had a great time. I'm wiring a power plug for my electric jacket for winter, and 4 USB plugs for camera, GPS, and MP-3 players, I HATE to have batteries go dead half way between here and there, also running a USB into the trunk to keep stuff charged when not in use. Other than that I'm leaving the 'Wheeler alone.

Great idea. I never thought of multiple usb jacks.

I feel the same way about the use of the Freewheeler. I don't go on long hauls usually so this trike would be perfect for medium and short rides and maybe a long one every now and then.

 

[pcombe]

Some pictures. I will be installing the GoPro camera mount when it gets in, along with the wiring for the MP-3 player, and GPS. Wife and I have SMH-10 Bluetooth intercoms, so the helmets are wireless to the MP-3 players.

Im really curious, How do you like it so far?
Does it have ant outstanding characteristics?
It looks pretty sharp. old school and reminds me of my miss-spent youth.

I guess my questions have been answered. Thanks for you posts.

 

[screwball]

Just finished the wiring. Installed the HD Cigarette Lighter socket to the Aux cord under the left side cover. NOTE: on 2014 and up you need an adapter cord! Plugged in a USB power converter and a 4 way bridge. Ran a female extension to the trunk, and micro USB plugs to the dash and handle bars. Now I can run my MP-3 player all day without killing the internal battery, and ditto my GoPro camera.

I'm using a deactivated Samsung Galaxy II cell phone Velcro'd to the dash as an MP-3 player, GPS, and remote monitor and controller for the GoPro, so the power cord is kind of necessary as I keep the screen on all the time.

 

[iaff84]

Where are you mounting the Go Pro and what mount are you using?
Dennis

 

[screwball]

Where are you mounting the Go Pro and what mount are you using?
Dennis

I used the same RAM handlebar mount I had on the Tri-Glide, except I bought a short extension. I had the long one on the Tri to 'look' over the fairing. On the Tri I had the ball clamped next to the reverse button, on the Freewheeler it is clamped next to the handlebar clamp.

 

[RickDeVon]

Is there an accessary plug under the seat on the FW like most touring bikes???

 

[screwball]

Is there an accessary plug under the seat on the FW like most touring bikes???

Yes, there is. BUT it is under the left side cover (clutch side). Also a plug for the aux passing lights. All Harley Davidsons changed the plug, so if you want to use the HD cigarette lighter socket you need an adapter cord to go between the plugs.

 

[0pini0nated]

My wife and I went to York Pennsylvania Harley Davidson Open House on Friday 9/19. We were the third and forth people in queue to test ride the FLRT Freewheeler demo that morning. My wife tried the trike test ride too, as I value her opinions ~ she and I ride side-by-side on two-wheel motorcycles, so I debriefed her after her demo ride.

All our impressions are filtered through my two years of riding my Sportster XL1200 / Lehman Raider trike. H-D in York set up a demo circuit (on local roads) that were smooth and well-paved. The only rough surfaces I encountered were manhole covers ~ not much of a 10 minute "test" ride to base a $30K purchase on. It was more of a "scratch and sniff" then a real test ride.

We both liked the power. The 103 cu in engine pulled from any gear. I got up to up to fourth gear; she claims she got up fifth, although the test circuit was limited to 35 MPH. No pinging, and LOTS OF TORQUE, even more than my FXST!

We appreciated the great brakes, esp. the rear brake pedal linked to the rear and (two) front disk brakes - smooth and powerful.

We both liked the *luxury* of 2 cu ft of storage.

We both commented on the fact we could lock two helmets IN THE TRUNK epper: The Lehman Raider "trunk" was more like a glove compartment in a car ~ it was tiny. My Softail had *no* place to store anything, and my wife has a small set of saddlebags behind her V-star.

My wife liked mounting and dismounting using the passenger floor boards. My Lehman Raider passenger pads were much lower and to the rear, forcing the rider and passenger to step-though directly over the saddle. The FLRT was configuration much better.

My wife liked the clutch lever pressure. The new hydraulic clutch made her clutch effort as light as her V-star Classic.

I gave the steering a mixed review - no wobbling or handlebar shake, but it wasn't very easy to steer. I compared it to my Lehman Raider / Hawg Halter 5° rake kit, which made my Sportster very light to steer. The FLRT was relatively cumbersome, which gave me the impression that the whole machine felt heavy.

The other thing I couldn't gauge was the rear suspension ride. I did encounter a few minor bumps on Arsenal Road, and it didn't seem very smooth. The demo ride manager commented on air-adjustable rear shocks pressures, tire pressure, blah, blah, blah.. I didn't want to get into a discussion about air pressures, so I'll have to wait until I get a longer ride, or better yet, a day on a rental FLRT.

In MY opinion, I didn't like the missing bits and pieces AKA "options" H-D quotes a price as $25K, but I needed more "options" just to make it usable.

No windshield? - add $250 No sissy bar and back pad? = add $360 A thicker seat? = $350 Add those essentials + sales tax, and it adds $1K to the price.

Also, in MY opinion, although I've commented on the fenders before, the "Rushmore" team must've been out to lunch when H-D voted to use the fenders on the FLRT. But it's nothing a third-party fender vender can't correct . . . . with more $.

Lastly, we saw a line of Amber-colored Freewheelers at the plant ~ up until now, I'd only seen Vivid Black. *Very* pretty ThumbUp

 

[Stan66]

I'm using a deactivated Samsung Galaxy II cell phone Velcro'd to the dash as an MP-3 player, GPS, and remote monitor and controller for the GoPro, so the power cord is kind of necessary as I keep the screen on all the time.

OK, I'm curious...how does the Galaxy II act as a controller for the GoPro? I do not have a GoPro (yet), but am interested in just what can be controlled.
Stan66

 

[screwball]

OK, I'm curious...how does the Galaxy II act as a controller for the GoPro? I do not have a GoPro (yet), but am interested in just what can be controlled.
Stan66

OUTSTANDING!!! Load the GoPro app, pair the camera to the Galaxy and you have a viewfinder on screen, and can change from 1 function to any other. With a new GoPro you are working with a little window and 2 buttons to work through the menus. With the App and a smart phone it is a lot easier.

 

[DocnLou]

picked up my new Freewheeler this am and went for a 200 mile ride! so much more a motorcycle than my old tri glide (which I enjoyed a lot!).
Totally impressed with ride, handling and power.
I did drop the rear tire pressure to 20 lbs and the suspension to 15 lbs. For me it was a big improvement - I ride solo.
With the rack and collapsible bag I have tons of room
for 8-9 days before laundry - fine for me.
BTW still totally stock other than windshield, rack grips etc
cant wait till tomorrow! epper:clapping::laugh:ThumbUp

 

[Brentwood Bob]

picked up my new Freewheeler this am and went for a 200 mile ride! so much more a motorcycle than my old tri glide (which I enjoyed a lot!).
Totally impressed with ride, handling and power.
I did drop the rear tire pressure to 20 lbs and the suspension to 15 lbs. For me it was a big improvement - I ride solo.
With the rack and collapsible bag I have tons of room
for 8-9 days before laundry - fine for me.
BTW still totally stock other than windshield, rack grips etc
cant wait till tomorrow! epper:clapping::laugh:ThumbUp

Sounds great, now lets see some pics. Congrats and safe riding.

 

[0pini0nated]

I did drop the rear tire pressure to 20 lbs and the suspension to 15 lbs. For me it was a big improvement - I ride solo.

I suspected as much ~ I'm hoping I can pull off to the side after the Saturday 9/27 demo ride begins, and check / adjust the rear tire pressures. 20 PSI sounds about right.

 

[stroker 23]

I looked at the bike today at an open house. Not for me, looks totally incomplete and in need of help. I bought a TriGlide for creature comfort, not the cool factor. Buy a two wheeler if you want to be kool, maybe you'll save some money. A rat bike may have more of a finished look to than the Freewheeler. Just my thoughts.
dan

 

[Stan66]

Deb picked her new Freewheeler today....

Started calling dealerships this morning after breakfast; on 4th call found a dealer with 5 Freewheelers in stock. All black except for ONE blue one. Told them to mark it SOLD, we were on our way.

85 miles up I-95 to Quantico HD, Dumfries, VA. What would normally take an hour and a half, turned into 2 and half hours due to congestion on I-95. Got to dealership at about 3pm. Deb spied the one she wanted...."That's it. Is it ready to roll?" They added the windshield she wanted, familiarized her with the changes this year, wrote it up and she wrote them a check. I asked if she wanted me to drive it back to Richmond and her drive my truck and she said, "What, are you nuts? It's my new bike and I'm riding it!".

So off back down I-95 we go. She took to it like a duck to water. Traffic? Shoot yeah, lots of it. And anybody that drives I-95 between Washington and Richmond can attest to the craziness of it! Great day, great dealer, good people to deal with. Now, up in the AM and we both ride our trikes to church on a perfect VA fall day. Life is good. Now to make room in the sheds for 3 trikes, 3 HD two-wheelers and the BMW w/hack. That is gonna be interesting!

 

[Gorilla]

Re: Deb picked her new Freewheeler today....

Started calling dealerships this morning after breakfast; on 4th call found a dealer with 5 Freewheelers in stock. All black except for ONE blue one. Told them to mark it SOLD, we were on our way.

85 miles up I-95 to Quantico HD, Dumfries, VA. What would normally take an hour and a half, turned into 2 and half hours due to congestion on I-95. Got to dealership at about 3pm. Deb spied the one she wanted...."That's it. Is it ready to roll?" They added the windshield she wanted, familiarized her with the changes this year, wrote it up and she wrote them a check. I asked if she wanted me to drive it back to Richmond and her drive my truck and she said, "What, are you nuts? It's my new bike and I'm riding it!".



So off back down I-95 we go. She took to it like a duck to water. Traffic? Shoot yeah, lots of it. And anybody that drives I-95 between Washington and Richmond can attest to the craziness of it! Great day, great dealer, good people to deal with. Now, up in the AM and we both ride our trikes to church on a perfect VA fall day. Life is good. Now to make room in the sheds for 3 trikes, 3 HD two-wheelers and the BMW w/hack. That is gonna be interesting!

congrats

 

[screwball]

She sounds like my wife. Picked up her Tri on Wednesday (2009) and rode to Las Vegas on Friday. Hope you enjoy your Freewheeler as much as I enjoy mine!