Will A Tri Glide Run???

[Okie]

A friend of mine bought a new Tri Glide and it has the 103 motor and all he can get out of it is about 65 MPH. Is this normal? Harley told him he just needed to break it in.
Okie
Broken Arrow, Okla.

 

[1550vt]

Tell your friend it has 6 forward gears and he needs to go on past 3rd. Of course it will run faster than 65 and should easily cruise at 80-85 all day long. Top-end ought to be 100-or-better, if he has the guts to take it there.

He either does not know how to operate it, the trike has a real problem, or the HD mechanic is a complete idiot. (One of the above will always be true).

 

[Gorilla]

Sounds like he has a particle blockage of the exhaust system to me. Or maybe the air filter is blocked. A Tri-Glide should do in the low hundred right out of the box. See a new mechanic that one is just a useless block head. Ted

 

[Ozarkryder]

1550vt sez:

He either does not know how to operate it, the trike has a real problem, or the HD mechanic is a complete idiot. (One of the above will always be true).

Must agree with that. And add that the first 2 are easy to change. The third.....well as Ron White says, "You can't fix stupid."

 

[1550vt]

Amen there Ozark. Seriously though, he could really have a problem or may be hung-up on the break-in procedure. To be honest, I don't know what the current one is, but they use to mention not over-reving and keeping the speeds down for some period of mileage. If he is trying to ride in 6th. gear at 1800 RPM, it ain't going to pull very well. He needs to get his 500-miles on the odemeter and then stretch the thing out and see what happens.

 

[John Luciano]

Not sure if much over 100mph. Had a race with a 2004 2 wheel HD Duce that couldn't keep up with me when I hit 100 mph. But over 80 or 90 should be no problem.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

ride it like ya stole it. give those rings a good opportunity to compress into the cylinder walls during the first 1000 miles, rev it up. treat it like a baby and it will preform like a child. if you have to blow it out then park it cause you aren't ridding it properly....

ever here all those before? i'm a believer in them. don't have to speed but some RPM's will do a motor good.

:2cents:

 

[Mr.Wizard]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Okie</strong>
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<div class="message">A friend of mine bought a new Tri Glide and it has the 103 motor and all he can get out of it is about 65 MPH. Is this normal? Harley told him he just needed to break it in.<br />
Okie<br />
Broken Arrow, Okla.</div>

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Okie.. some of the TG's have had to be reflashed due to pinging or it just not running correctly. The guys are making a good point... talk to someone else. I've never had a Harley not be able to haul butt right out of the box. I have an older 103 SE and they are one of the best engines HD built. Very strong.

 

[Okie]

Well, number one the guy knows how to ride. He also has a Fatboy that he has had for a number of years and he keeps his stuff like new. I don't thinke the thing has enough power to even try to use 6th gear.
I had a 06 Heratige and it took it a while to break in but it still had more power than that. Although it would not run 100 mph when it was first broke in. It limbered up later but it stayed stiff for a while
He may have more stuff on it than it is able to carry. He has about everything that is made for one on it.
Maybe time will tell.

 

[BlueTrinity]

Okie,<br />
<br />
After shelling out some $30k for the thing; if it would only do 65, there are two things I would absolutely do.<br />
<br />
First I would get it back to the dealer and make the reflash it and don't take no for an answer.<br />
<br />
The other needs done anyway. That's to install a free flowing air box. Harley doesn't build these things to breather properly. And if finances will permit, slip on a new set of les restrictive pipes for the same reason.<br />
<br />
Those items are far more important than any chrome doo-dads and should be at the top of the priority list.<br />
<br />
Good luck!

 

[Mr.Wizard]

to follow up Dave above...

If you do add the free breathing air cleaner and new less restrictive pipes then the 103 will run hotter than before as it will lean the motor. This is why others will add a fuel management system to add more gas to cool the motor.

I am not 100% sure of my next statement so... this is third party information. OK?

The new ECM reflash for the TG is simply a stage 1 flash for the 103 motor which increases the fuel in certain areas of the map.

 

[1852cc]

Don't forget the $500.00 additional dollars for a race tuner, plus dyno time with a real tunner not the HD Shop canned map jockies.

If you change air cleaner, pipes etc. the above is the only way to truely tunne the bike, no stored HD map will work, as all motors are different, a 103 is not a 103, each different, individual tunning is the only to truely tune a motor.
I have seen a family member of mine that was ready to sell his 96inch street glide because it quit at 80 miles and hour, but you would have to steal it from him after a real tunner was done with it, 18 more hp and 20 ft lbs of torque after tunning and better gas mileage as a bonus.

Mike

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Don't forget the $500.00 additional dollars for a race tuner, plus dyno time with a real tunner not the HD Shop canned map jockies.

If you change air cleaner, pipes etc. the above is the only way to truely tunne the bike, no stored HD map will work, as all motors are different, a 103 is not a 103, each different, individual tunning is the only to truely tune a motor.
I have seen a family member of mine that was ready to sell his 96inch street glide because it quit at 80 miles and hour, but you would have to steal it from him after a real tunner was done with it, 18 more hp and 20 ft lbs of torque after tunning and better gas mileage as a bonus.

Mike

+1

This conversation could go on for hours couldn't it Mike...

Dave did a great job of explaining things here

Not to mention each rider is different too... If you are happy with your bike/trike the way it is, no matter the manufacturer then each of us can respect that. If you are looking for me then read Dave's article and find a great, not a good, tuner. Yes, it will cost some money but I'll guarantee you will be happy with the cool results.

Good post Mike

 

[1852cc]

Reksul,

Yes, it could go on for ever, but the reality does not change the "RULE",
leave it stock and deal with it, leave it stock, and tune it to perform, alter it and tune it to perform.
My tunner is the best I have ever seen in over 40 years of HD motorcyles.

Mike

 

[Bones]

Hand brake on?

 

[trikermutha]

My 2010 Tri Glide runs fine at all speeds and can go past 65 with no problem. It really likes the cooler air temps and runs even stronger. Sounds like you have issues with your Tri Glide,sounds like the dealer needs a clue and listen to there customers.

 

[Gorilla]

My 2010 Tri Glide runs fine at all speeds and can go past 65 with no problem. It really likes the cooler air temps and runs even stronger. Sounds like you have issues with your Tri Glide,sounds like the dealer needs a clue and listen to there customers.

welcome aboard trikermutha.

 

[Bikerbozo]

My '10 Tri-Glide is stock. I was very careful to keep the RPM's low for 1st 500 mile break in period. Then I started going up. To date, I've had it up to 90 MPH with no problem. Do not even THINK of using 6th gear if you are not at at least 65 MPH on level road with no headwind. Otherwise, it will bog down.
I would tend to agree with all the others that mention re-flashing. And don't forget the parking brake.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

There will be no bogging down if you do this.

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/harl...ifications-abc-s-removing-rider-heat-b-c.html

BTW...

The old SEPro Tuner, the one that you could use to modify your ECM calibration yourself or use for a Dyno tune, is no longer available. HD has stopped selling in at most dealerships. Now there is a new product called the SE Street Performance Tuner or SEStreet for short. I believe it is a part number 41000008. Screamin' Eagle® Street Performance Tuner Kit | Genuine Motor Accessories | Harley-Davidson USA

This new SEStreet tuner will not allow you to load any calibration except for HD Street Legal calibrations. The owner of the bike can't do the flash anymore, you must take it to a dealer who has a USB key token in their possession. The digital technician can't be used by the dealerships anymore to flash to the ECM, you must have the SEStreet tuner and the token. There is no possible modification or tuning allowed with the SEStreet tuner.

So, for you guys that want your dealer to upgrade your ECM calibration... well, read between the lines and start thinking TTS or PCV with auto or the TMax with auto.

 

[Oldmsocko]

There will be no bogging down if you do this.

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/harl...ifications-abc-s-removing-rider-heat-b-c.html

BTW...

The old SEPro Tuner, the one that you could use to modify your ECM calibration yourself or use for a Dyno tune, is no longer available. HD has stopped selling in at most dealerships. Now there is a new product called the SE Street Performance Tuner or SEStreet for short. I believe it is a part number 41000008. Screamin' Eagle® Street Performance Tuner Kit | Genuine Motor Accessories | Harley-Davidson USA

This new SEStreet tuner will not allow you to load any calibration except for HD Street Legal calibrations. The owner of the bike can't do the flash anymore, you must take it to a dealer who has a USB key token in their possession. The digital technician can't be used by the dealerships anymore to flash to the ECM, you must have the SEStreet tuner and the token. There is no possible modification or tuning allowed with the SEStreet tuner.

So, for you guys that want your dealer to upgrade your ECM calibration... well, read between the lines and start thinking TTS or PCV with auto or the TMax with auto.

IMHO I vote for the TTS or PCV if you are out of warranty or are not concerned about warranty.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

If you use the TTS the first thing you do is save your factory calibration to your computer. Save this calibration if there is a need to put it back in. It will leave no trace that the TTS was used for tuning purposes.

If you use the PCV, you simply and physically remove it from your ride again leaving no trace.

 

[TriGlide]

Ive had my 09 TG up to 92mph still had more to go. Did not want to get pinched going that fast. Can run 80mph all day long in 6th gear. I like to run 65-70mph in fifth.

 

[Oldmsocko]

If you use the TTS the first thing you do is save your factory calibration to your computer. Save this calibration if there is a need to put it back in. It will leave no trace that the TTS was used for tuning purposes.

If you use the PCV, you simply and physically remove it from your ride again leaving no trace.

Very good advice.

 

[Oldmsocko]

Ive had my 09 TG up to 92mph still had more to go. Did not want to get pinched going that fast. Can run 80mph all day long in 6th gear. I like to run 65-70mph in fifth.

While going to SD this past summer I ran 80 mph all day long until I ran into some head winds. The trike ran out of breath. Wide open was about 72 mph.

 

[trikermutha]

Sounds like the higher elevations when running the bikes are gasping for air causing the bike to not get the higher speeds. In the midwest area I can run the Tri Glide hard all day,runs even better when its cooler outside.

 

[Jwinterstein]

Okie - I just bought a 2011 and have about 750 miles on it. With my wife and me on the bike it ran up to 90 with no problem at all. It is not as strong as my 07 Electraglide with a 110 motor, but then it does weigh about 400 pounds more too. I have dumped the original mufflers and installed Reinharts which did make a difference, but 65!? No way!

On another post some were complaining that the trunk pops open while driving. Mine did too so this weekend I adjusted the latch - it can be adjusted for and aft as well as up and down. Works fine now.

Jim

 

[Oldmsocko]

Okie - I just bought a 2011 and have about 750 miles on it. With my wife and me on the bike it ran up to 90 with no problem at all. It is not as strong as my 07 Electraglide with a 110 motor, but then it does weigh about 400 pounds more too. I have dumped the original mufflers and installed Reinharts which did make a difference, but 65!? No way!

On another post some were complaining that the trunk pops open while driving. Mine did too so this weekend I adjusted the latch - it can be adjusted for and aft as well as up and down. Works fine now.

Jim

Another suggestion would be to keep it locked while traveling.

 

[Casper]

I can run 90+, 2UP, dragging a Bushtec....something wrong, very wrong
And mine is stock with exception of mufflers

 

[wriddle]

don't be afraid to run each one of the gears up 3000 or better before shifting and you well find it get to 70 and 80 quicker then you thank 6th for highway cruising 70 and 80 i too got my new tri glide in may and put 5000 miles on already and i can't get enough riding , my wife and i love it, it is a very good machine

 

[Tricycle]

Newb Here,
Just bought a 2011 Tri Glide. Mine stock would definitely run good, but not good enough. With only 175 miles on it, put a Revolution 107 CI Kit and Woods Knight Prowler 555 cams in her. 10.5:1 compression. V&H Exhaust and Air Cleaner. PCV with AutoTune. Runs like a striped a** ape now. Gonna get it dyno'ed as soon as I get some more miles on it.

Glad to find this board. Lots of good info.

Thanks,
Jim