Looking for trike info

[NHBAGGER]

New guy but been riding about 40 years. Considering a trike for spring but looking for info. Right now looking at used 2011 to 2014 so I can keep my bagger a while. Any advice appreciated.
Also wondering what to expect for gas mileage if I stay on side roads and only run 50-55 most of the time?
Anyone running a 21 up front? Saw a tri for sale with one on it and wondered how they handle that way? He did have the rear lifted and also better shocks.
Thanks guys, looking forward to learning and gathering info.

 

[screwball]

Hope I can help. Bought my first Triumph motorcycle in 1962, first Harley in 1970. Between my wife and I we have had an '09, '11, '14 Tri-Glides, and a '15 Freewheeler. We started on trikes when wife had a bout with cancer, and the chemo left her feet and legs numb. She couldn't hold up her Deluxe anymore. I went to a trike after my second heart operation and couldn't hold up my Ultra anymore.

So much for the reasons for triking. We have kept the trikes nearly stock. We don't usually keep toys more than a couple years, and you can't sell a vehicle in California with the Cat removed. After a short learning curve, a trike is fairly easy to ride. No more splitting lanes, gutter-balling, or riding on the sidewalk. There is very little wind problems, and trucks don't 'suck' you across the lanes.
OH, they do draw a crowd. Good Luck and happy hunting.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Trikes are a lot of fun. Easy to ride, & a more relaxed ride.

I had an 2011 that I was very happy with, and now have a 2014 that I am a bit happier with. There are some significant difference.

You can check out the thread at the link below where I have outlined most of the difference between them-

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/thre...-lots-of-pics-and-thoughts-on-the-differences

As far as MPG, I have a heavy wrist and average 33-34 mpg. I have run a few tanks at a more conservative pace and gotten into the low 40's. I would think running country roads at 50-55 you could expect to get in the high 30's to low 40's if there are not a lot of stops and starts.

I've never ridden one with a 21 inch, so can't give any input there.

Happy shopping!

Kevin

 

[Lucky]

Welcome glad you joined us. Think you'll like a trike. GOOD LUCK! RIDE SAFE

 

[Steve on 3]

Having had a pre Rushmore and a Rushmore 2 wheeler, ,I can tell you that with all their problems, the Rushmores are better bikes. The same probably would hold true with Trikes. This is my first so I really can't give definitive experience but Kevin is certainly qualified to do so. Several others on here are worthy of reading their helps and hints on riding.

The learning curve is scary at first. My first experience with a clover leaf onto the interstate had me convinced that I had made the worst mistake of my life. Now, it's just pull with one hand and push with the other and try not to run over the cars. Twistys are different now too. I look at curves now like I was driving formula one and try to apex them. much smoother and faster. You can give the cruiser motorcycles fits. Sportbikes not so much. No worries about gravel or sand, traffic, red lights, or the wife leaning the bike for you.

Soon , you will catch yourself wondering why you didn't go to three sooner. Only problem, I make it look so easy, the wife wants to learn to ride and have me ride b*tch. AIn't happening

Good luck, come back and post pics of that new ride.

Steve

 

[NHBAGGER]

Thanks Steve, you have the exact one I really like. Just not sure I want to get in that deep $$$wise since I am keeping my other bike for awhile.

 

[Stan66]

Thanks Steve, you have the exact one I really like. Just not sure I want to get in that deep $$$wise since I am keeping my other bike for awhile.

What? You planning on taking it ($$) with you when you go? You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. Your "window to ride" will close sometime, ya know. I'm 70...got 7 bikes, latest is the FW to go with the XXX. Do it, bother.
You won't regret it.
Stan

 

[Steve on 3]

I am with Stan on this. Can't take it with you.

seriously, you won't regret it

steve

 

[Gorilla]

I have a 13 TRI that has a 21 in front wheel. It handles just about the same as the stock setup. Maybe a small increase in leverage needed but its really hard to tell. The front looks bunches nicer though. Mine also has the rear lift brackets with progressive 440 shocks. I have over 80k miles since I switched to 3 wheels on several different trikes. You will love it.

 

[Moe55]

Have about 30 years of riding 2 wheels, my wife has MS and did not feel comfortable on 2 wheels wanted something more stable. We bought a 2014 trike, the day I rode it home my first thought was what the hell did I do now I am uncomfortable? Did not take that long to get the hang of it. More fun every time we go out, we are having a blast, have awakened a new passion for riding.

For the past several years we rode between 5,000-6,000 miles a year. First year of owning a trike we rode 10,900 miles and November to April we could not ride. Not bad for an old guy and a women in a wheelchair!

 

[NHBAGGER]

Thanks for the replies. Was wondering, if I end up with a pre-14, what would you do for upgrades that may make it closer to the 14 overall? Is it a suspension difference? Performance? Or....??

 

[luzierg]

I have been riding all my life. Finally went with a TG in '11 and loved it. We put on 76k miles on it and in September traded it for a '15.
Our '11 had all the goodies, including a power commander, autotune, stage 1 air, and decatted pipes.
The '15 is so much nicer. More power ( stock) , better riding comfort, water cooled head.
In my opinion you would be making a big mistake with a pre '14 TG. Take a test ride before making a decision.

Good luck and welcome to forum
Gary

 

[Crossroads Trikes]

Being a trike conversion shop my response will be colored by my own experience...

I suggest you take a test ride on an independent rear suspension conversion before you lay your money down on a TriGlide. You may decide you want the TG anyway, but the experience is worth it. You could probably find a pretty good price on a low mileage used HD conversion this time of year. If we can be of help, let me know.

Our customers often go to a trike reluctantly due to medical or other issues. I have asked many of them if they would go back to two wheels. So far the answer has been a unanimous, "NO!" Welcome to the world of three. You'll love it.