How To Help A Tri-Glide

[hogcowboy]

I'm trying to help a friend that has a 14 Tri-Glide. He says he's considering taking his losses and trading for a 15. His complaints is he feels it's under powered and seems to flex a lot with bumps and twisties.

I though maybe the forks was the problem with the flexing and thought maybe the Superbrace would help but see that model isn't even offered or I don't know how to read the specs correctly. I also saw a kit that would change his solid axle to independent. I told him about that but he's baulking at the $6k price tag plus installation.

As far as power goes, I'll have to check but I'm betting it's still stock. So a Stage 1 should help there but he's claiming, and I've not looked, that the 15's have much more power stock.

So with you that are already knowledgeable with the Tri's, do you have any suggestions that won't break the bank that would improve his ride? Maybe a 15 really is the best solution. Just thought I'd ask and see what ya'll thought. I'd learn something too as I sort through my options going to a trike. I'd just suggest he sign in here but he is not by any stretch computer savvy.

 

[KJB]

Maybe I'm totally clueless but I thought the only difference between my 2015 and a 2014 is what it says on the title. So there truly are differences between the two years?

 

[Keystone]

Maybe I'm totally clueless but I thought the only difference between my 2015 and a 2014 is what it says on the title. So there truly are differences between the two years?

You are correct. Other than color options they are the same.

Correct air pressure in the shocks could be part of the issue.

 

[cavie]

Harley is what it is. It comes by it's nickname honestly.

 

[Bikerbozo]

A good tuning makes a big difference. Took HD 2 tries, but they finally got ECM set up right. Gas mileage lowered and power went up (on my '10, anyways).

 

[geezerglide11441]

Fuzzy, Power is Torque!!!epper:

Roger

 

[DK Custom Products]

I'm trying to help a friend that has a 14 Tri-Glide. He says he's considering taking his losses and trading for a 15. His complaints is he feels it's under powered and seems to flex a lot with bumps and twisties.

I though maybe the forks was the problem with the flexing and thought maybe the Superbrace would help but see that model isn't even offered or I don't know how to read the specs correctly. I also saw a kit that would change his solid axle to independent. I told him about that but he's baulking at the $6k price tag plus installation.

As far as power goes, I'll have to check but I'm betting it's still stock. So a Stage 1 should help there but he's claiming, and I've not looked, that the 15's have much more power stock.

So with you that are already knowledgeable with the Tri's, do you have any suggestions that won't break the bank that would improve his ride? Maybe a 15 really is the best solution. Just thought I'd ask and see what ya'll thought. I'd learn something too as I sort through my options going to a trike. I'd just suggest he sign in here but he is not by any stretch computer savvy.

14's have the same powerplant and suspension as the 15's.

If he's seen or felt a stock 15 that is stronger than his 14, something could be wrong with his 14. It should still be under warranty. He should have it taken in to the dealership and have them do a leak down test to make see if there is some warranty work that can be done to the engine to give it more power.

On suspension, he could lower his rear tire pressure to 22 PSI and experiment with the PSI in his air shocks. That can make a HUGE difference in the ride.

If his leak down test is good on his 14, then he can do a good Stage I and have enough power to light up the tires or pull a wheelie at will. Here's a LINK to some good choices on Stage I's.

Kevin

 

[msocko3]

A good tuning makes a big difference. Took HD 2 tries, but they finally got ECM set up right. Gas mileage lowered and power went up (on my '10, anyways).

:Agree: They need help to perform, but you shouldn't loose fuel mileage when tuned properly. Some tuners think they have to throw fuel at it. My dad just pulled 38.5 mpg running 5th gear at 60 mph on a 2 lane with his 09 on our trip to Wellsboro. This is with the compression set at a true 10.1, ported heads and Head Quarters HQ-525 cams. I still have a little tuning to do with the TTS when I get some free time.

 

[hogcowboy]

Well I hope I didn't blow it and he has a 13. That sure would explain why he says the 15's are better. Now you got me trying to contact him to find out for sure. Dang! Stand by.

 

[hogcowboy]

I honestly don't think he's done a thing to it. Afraid to void warranty. I'm just starting to get him to think instead of lose money on a trade. I'm thinking a Stage 1 for sure with a tuner but you know how some people are. New is the only answer. It maybe a while before I know exactly what year he has. Maybe tomorrow as we have an escort for Iron Soldiers to do. If he's there for that I find out then. If not it could be sometime as he is not a iPhone or computer guy at all.

 

[sandrooney]

I did heads and cams on both of our 10's and they are awesome. Of course pipes, ac, and tuner as well.

 

[trikermutha]

Start with a good tune.. Find a good tuner in his area.

Then if that works out look at the rest of his issues later.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Well I hope I didn't blow it and he has a 13. That sure would explain why he says the 15's are better. Now you got me trying to contact him to find out for sure. Dang! Stand by.

The 14's and 15's are stronger than the pre 14's. But you can still make good power with them.

Here's a Dyno of my '11 TG that has the Performance Plus Stage I Kit.

It makes good power.

Kevin

 

[hogcowboy]

I don't believe it, I actually got hold of the guy and I was wrong. He does have a 13. So I guess that explains why he's thinking of trade instead of tuning and possibly changing cams. Cams is what he was originally thinking but I think he needs a tuner as well. Which then gets back to where he is, which one is the best. By the time you add all the expenses for tuner, cams and switching to an independent suspension(6k right there) maybe taking a trade-in loss might be the way to go after all. The thing is he does have a Heritage he could ride while upgrading.

I haven't asked straight out but I think he's got this $6k limit he's imposed on himself. With a few thousand added in trade he just keeps his same basic payments on the thing.

So with that info, what's the best and yet cheapest way to get more power AND help the ride? He's already added a lift kit which helped some but says he still sees a lot of flex with bumps. The independent conversion kit is probably the answer but that is $6K and what, maybe $2k more for installation if we can even find a installer nearby. Then add tuning kit and I guess I can see where he's at. $9 - $10k or just trade?

EDIT:
I guess one thing I should add is he likes the stock look for some strange reason. He's refused to change air filter for that very reason. Even though I showed him mine which still "looks" stock but is high flow. He's just stuck on stock. But he is entertaining cams which means he's coming around a little. I want him to dump the cat and stick a tuner on it. Will that really get close to a stock 15? I have no idea! Really, I don't. Never rode one.

 

[trikermutha]

Let some air out of the tires to help the bumps that's a cheap fix..Others here have done that option.

 

[GARYD]

I rode both IRS and stock solid axle trikes. Yes, the IRS is great for going over bumps, but how often do you ride over bumps and is that worth $6K???
To me , not on your life. Since I ride on decent roads 99% of the time, I'd be stupid to spend $6K for an IRS - that's just me. No way near worth it.

Power? I've always been completely satisfied with the stock bikes - I never needed more power - why would I - I can break speed limits all day long if I wanted to on a stock bike. BUT!! I just came back from doing the Route 66 trip with my dealer. Going through the mountains was OK, but it took me a little longer to catch up. The I had a Street Glide for a loaner for a few days. Now I'm thinking on going over to the dark side and have pipes, mufflers, A/C, and Race tuner installed. I never thought I'd be saying that.

Dealer said the Cobra pipes and mufflers, Screaming Eagle A/C and the Race Tuner will give me a great boost in power. A chapter member told me not to let them talk me into true duals but to get the 2 into 1 into 2 setup for better low to mid range. Anyone agree with that?

 

[Gorilla]

On nthe exhaust 2 into 1 is considered best. But most of us do not want to give up the 2 tailpipes so 2 into 1 into 2 is the next best step. True duals really hurts the low end torque.

 

[rhino 2]

On nthe exhaust 2 into 1 is considered best. But most of us do not want to give up the 2 tailpipes so 2 into 1 into 2 is the next best step. True duals really hurts the low end torque.

Not always' if you baffle them correctly... I went with true duals.. With 175's [rush] I Got the noise everyone seems to like but like you said lost the low end torque. A set of thunder torques, Solved the problem..Toned down the noise and picked up the low end torque.ThumbUp

 

[screwball]

Gee, how many times have we heard "My trike feels under powered and it steers funny"

After riding my Ducati, my Freewheeler feels sluggish and steers hard. Wonder if I put a rear tire on the front rotating backwards could I pull Wheelies in 2nd gear.....................

 

[hogcowboy]

Well this 2 into 1 is interesting to me. I've never heard of it for anything other than looks. So it does really improve performance? Like just how much? I've found out he has got ride of the cat. That really surprised me so I'm wondering if that's part of his problem now. He's secretive little guy so getting information from him is work. Sometimes I'd just like to dump him as a friend but then I probably irritate him as well. From what I gather he just has a Harley Stage 1. Which suggests to me a tuner and maybe this 2 into 1 into 2 might show a very good improvement. Would that be a correct assumption and if so exactly which pipe conversion and which tuner figuring he might at some point want to add a cam?

 

[HDB0B]

Knowing all the differences that went in to the 2014/15 Rushmore trikes .... if I had a 2013, I'd be trading it in for a new 2015 or waiting a few months for a 2016. I love my 2014. IMO that's the way to go .... especially because he likes having a warranty and is content with a stock machine. I came off a 1983 4 speed Shovelhead FXDG .... so my 2014 103 6-speed feels totally awesome to me.

Bob orag:

 

[msocko3]

Well this 2 into 1 is interesting to me. I've never heard of it for anything other than looks. So it does really improve performance? Like just how much? I've found out he has got ride of the cat. That really surprised me so I'm wondering if that's part of his problem now. He's secretive little guy so getting information from him is work. Sometimes I'd just like to dump him as a friend but then I probably irritate him as well. From what I gather he just has a Harley Stage 1. Which suggests to me a tuner and maybe this 2 into 1 into 2 might show a very good improvement. Would that be a correct assumption and if so exactly which pipe conversion and which tuner figuring he might at some point want to add a cam?

A 2 into 1 is a great pipe for making smooth low end torque, problem is nobody makes one for a Triglide. It's hard to beat the factory 2 into 1 into 2 design, a Fullsac Sport pipe http://fullsac.com/product/fullsac-sportpipe/ would be a nice upgrade if all he is doing is maybe a cam at a later date. I would avoid true duels like the plague, they're great at killing low end torque and shifting the torque to a higher RPM which is the opposite of what you want on a heavy trike or touring bike.

A good tune will work wonders at smoothing out the engine, making some more hp and torque, plus cooling it off a bit.

 

[jc1300]

A 2 into 1 will make the most HP and TQ - But the difference is minimal in the range the bike would run. I believe most pipe manufactures make a 2-1-2 setup now, and some have the same look as true duals. My only suggestion would be to look at the Rush head pipe system. In my opinion the quality is as good or better than all the rest. But for me it was that their pipes are ceramic coated inside and out. Reduces heat by a significant amount, both for you and the passenger. They will work with any slip-on I've run into, remembering that with any change you have to buy the pipe extensions. Add the Stage 1 breather and a good tuner and he will be amazed at the change. Better throttle response, better feel off the line and will pull harder all the way up the RPM range. Even if he goes top shelf on all the upgrades he will be way way under his 6K budget. Good Luck

 

[Fredward]

It's Just Me But

Okay, I'm sure it's just perspective. This is my first HD (15 Tri) and I think it is hugely powerful. Of course, I've been riding a Piaggio 500 scooter. It don't pop wheelies, but when I twist the wrist I most definitely get the speed I need on the acceleration ramp, and passing seems quite effortless. I'm sure I will mature at some point, but I'm still kinda starry eyed!

 

[gerald martin]

how to help a tri glide

If he doesn't have much power maybe is lugging it. I keep my revs up around 3000 at all times have lots of power, can cruise at 80 mph all day long and not have to gear down to pass. Get 200 miles out of a tank of gas no matter what unless its over 100 degrees out and am driving over 80 then gas mileage goes down to about 175 miles a tank but still have good power downshifting gives you 10 extra horses. My trike is stock except for cannon slip ons

 

[clint44]

Yep,quite a difference between our 385hp Boss Hoss trike and our 80hp H-D trike. :laugh:
Sure do like our Street Glide trike,though. Would be nice if it had a 120ST.