2014 Triglide Suspension

[Alan Oakley]

I have been on this site for some time trying to decide the IRS vs solid axle issue. I know many of the advantages of the 14 Triglide....I currently own a 14 Ultra Limited and it really is a great bike for me but I am ready to own a Trike instead. What I am wondering is how many of you that have purchased the 14 Triglide have been disappointed after some months in the saddle regarding the solid axle. I have managed to locate a dealer that will let me have a 14 out of their rental fleet for a couple of hours at no charge or I can rent it for $150.00 a day. Either way I will at least get a feel for the suspension on the bike. Ride is so subjective and I am sure the IRS is smoother.....it is the degree of difference that I am anxious to experience. Any of your comments/experiences are appreciated in advance.

 

[trikermutha]

I have been on this site for some time trying to decide the IRS vs solid axle issue. I know many of the advantages of the 14 Triglide....I currently own a 14 Ultra Limited and it really is a great bike for me but I am ready to own a Trike instead. What I am wondering is how many of you that have purchased the 14 Triglide have been disappointed after some months in the saddle regarding the solid axle. I have managed to locate a dealer that will let me have a 14 out of their rental fleet for a couple of hours at no charge or I can rent it for $150.00 a day. Either way I will at least get a feel for the suspension on the bike. Ride is so subjective and I am sure the IRS is smoother.....it is the degree of difference that I am anxious to experience. Any of your comments/experiences are appreciated in advance.

I would ride both types for at least a couple hours and make your decision after your test rides..Some like straight versus the IRS.

Good Luck

 

[roadking2]

I triked my bike and before I selected a manufacturer, I road several trikes, I tested a Triglide, a Lehman, a CSC, Champion, and a Roadsmith. The CSC with IRS was hands down the smoothest ride of the bunch. The Tri and the Lehman, both with a solid axle were the worst. The difference to me was very noticeable. I felt almost every bump in the road with the solids where the IRS bikes were very smooth in comparison, I ended up with the Champion and after trying out both types, I doubt I'll ever have a straight axle.

What I feel and what I like might not be the best ride for you though. I liked the IRS, but you really need to ride a couple different trikes over similar or the same roads and determine which is better for you. Both cornered well and honestly, I didn't feel much difference in them in that regard, but the overall ride of the IRS was easier on me than the solids were. The Champion, CSC, and the RS had a raked tree and the Lehman did not. The Tri was stock and I liked it's handling better than the Lehman. You wanted someones experience, well, that's mine.

 

[GARYD]

I like my '14 TG with the solid axle. 3 years ago a local dealer had "Trike Days" where you could test ride both systems on the same roads. Yes, IRS is smoother on certain roads, but out on the highway and most surface streets, I could not tell any difference and for, at the time, an IRS conversion for my '12 TG was over $5000 - way more then I would pay for such little benefit - to me.
Now if I had to ride bad pot holed streets day in and day out, maybe I would go with the IRS.

If there was no price difference, I would get the IRS, just not for $5K.

Some people have to have the smoothest ride possible. In that case I say go for it - if you can afford it. I just turned 70 last Sunday and I don't mind a few bumps once in a while. It kinda keeps me awake and it's fun navigating the pot holes.

If I lived in the city of Chicago, I wouldn't own either - I'd buy a hovercraft.

The decission is up to you if IRS is THAT important to you. It's a major purchase for sure.

Good Luck ThumbUp

 

[Alan Oakley]

I have been doing a lot of reading on this forum in preparation for either buying a new Triglide or buying an aftermarket kit (Motortrike or Roadsmith) for my 2014 Ultra Limited. As I get older I just don't feel as comfortable on two wheels, especially worth low speed maneuvers.

Anyway, I have been working with a local dealer in my area and he has one in his rental fleet and he let me take it out for a couple of hours. I was pleasantly surprised. The ride was not nearly as harsh as I has been led to believe it would be. I rode (60 miles) some construction interstate and some County Roads and realized I could easily live with the ride. It is not as smooth as a former bike, 09 Wing with a Motortrike IRS, but they are two entirely different bikes. I need the peace of mind that the Harley warranty offers.....I just can't bring myself to have a 48k bike with no warranty......looking at the Vivid Black...just some of my ramblings. All of the input on this forum has been great...

 

[Lizard]

FYI, while certainly not necessary, a lift kit from tGlidestuff will make the ride even better.

 

[Gorilla]

I have been doing a lot of reading on this forum in preparation for either buying a new Triglide or buying an aftermarket kit (Motortrike or Roadsmith) for my 2014 Ultra Limited. As I get older I just don't feel as comfortable on two wheels, especially worth low speed maneuvers.

Anyway, I have been working with a local dealer in my area and he has one in his rental fleet and he let me take it out for a couple of hours. I was pleasantly surprised. The ride was not nearly as harsh as I has been led to believe it would be. I rode (60 miles) some construction interstate and some County Roads and realized I could easily live with the ride. It is not as smooth as a former bike, 09 Wing with a Motortrike IRS, but they are two entirely different bikes. I need the peace of mind that the Harley warranty offers.....I just can't bring myself to have a 48k bike with no warranty......looking at the Vivid Black...just some of my ramblings. All of the input on this forum has been great...

Go for it you will not regret it. I've had a Harley Trike since 09 and love it. I road 2 wheels for 40 years before I went to 3.

I love still having that Harley sound and feel but with 3 wheels.

 

[rholliday]

Sold our '05 Ultra in Nov of '13 and ordered a '14 TG. Also started reading and looking for what I wanted to add. Picked up in mid-March and haven't ridden much but love it! Best not to over think it.

 

[Razor]

Buy it, rip off the rear view mirrors and never look back. We test rode a 2013 with plans on ordering at 2104. After about 50 miles the vibration was causing my wife's back injury to flare up. That was a depressing return ride back to the dealer. We went with the Gold Wing and all is well accept when the wind is blowing. The buffeting is causing problems with the plate in her neck. We are experimenting with different air deflectors right now. Anything to keep riding. The difficult part of buying a Tri-Glide is choosing the color. I like them all.

They also need a Whiskey Barrel Edition.

 

[Alan Oakley]

12" 2014 Triglide Winshield

I just pulled the trigger on a 2014 Blackened Cayenne Sunglow Triglide. I am trading a 2014 Limited for the convenience of three wheels. I put a 15" Harley windshield on the Ultra within just a few days, mainly because No matter what I did I just couldn't keep my glasses from vibrating and literally making me sick. The 15" solved the problem but created a new one.....the chrome gas cap and ignition switch constantly reflect off of the windshield and it is annoying beyond belief. My plan is to put the 15" on the Triglide but if I do I will have the same issue. I can attempt to cover the gas cap with something that will stop the glare and still look decent or consider a 12" windshield. I am 6' tall and was wondering how many of you have tried the 12" and liked it......thanks

 

[MHFarrar]

Alan, I ride a 2012 Triglide and a run a Klock Werks Smoked windshield which I like a lot. I live in AZ so I never wear a helmet and have no problems with glasses. Check them out, they have several different heights.

 

[Gorilla]

I run the 12 in, like the Klock and that should send the air over your head. If you get the lightly smoked one the reflection is a lot less.

 

[GARYD]

I just got mine back from the dealer. Originally they put a 15" on and I went in to test....waaay to high for me. I'm 5'-11" So I had them put on the 12" = perfect. Same height as the stock shields I had on all my past Ultra's. I do not want to look through the shield or be too high above.
Eye level is perfect.
If I want to go higher or lower, I just push the switch on the Road Zepplin air seat.

I found out that the vent really does works. When I rode it with the vent closed my head was buffeted bad, as soon as I opened it the buffeting went away.

 

[msocko3]

I'd ride the 14 and see if the new mail slot they put in the fairing does in deed tame the buffeting.

 

[Papa Zook]

Brian Klock invented and patented the Klockwerks Flare windshield and its as good as it gets in my book, available for both Harleys and Goldwings. Its so good that Harley-Davidson along with a couple of other companies have made knockoffs.

 

[Alan Oakley]

I take delivery on my new (2014) Blackened Cayenne Sunglow Triglide on Saturday morning...everything has been dealer installed and I am ready to go! I added the upgrade amp and speakers, CB, and XM radio and it all fits and works add it should.....I also bought the DK Custom Comfort Lift kit and my dealer installed it. I had them paint the inner fairing to match the bike and it really dresses it up. No new pipes for a while....I added the trunk rack and highway pegs and heated grips....anxious to break it in and get some serious riding in......pictures will follow soon....Ride safe.

 

[Postal Trucker]

Welcome to the forum. You will enjoy the Harley. Let the modifications begin.

 

[rmrc51]

Welcome and congratulations on your new Trike! ThumbUp

 

[dcvernon]

Congratulations I hope you enjoy it for many hours and miles to come.ThumbUp

 

[Bubba49]

Congrats on the new ride. Perfect timing with the weather too. Enjoy the ride.

Bubba

 

[MICK66]

Congrats, on the new TRI-GLIDE. May you have many many safe and happy miles!!!ThumbUp

 

[Ohio Eddie]

Welcome to Trike Talk, from S/W Ohio.
Congrats on your new TriGlide, hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.

 

[Alan Oakley]

OK.....looking for comments on Clearview vs. Fastaire Vs. Harley Windshields......15" Harley Shield is too tall for me (I'm 6'0) The stock windshield on the 14 causes my glasses to vibrate way too much- I am leaning towards the 12" but I can't demo it so I am looking for your comments/experience with the height issue as well as experience with the above listed manufacturers. Thanks​

 

[GARYD]

I'm 5'-11" - yes the 15" is way to high. Had the H-D 12" put on - perfect. The top is level with my eyes - just the way I like it. Same height as the stock shields on all my past Ultras and Trike.

Windshield pouch fits with the H-D shield - not sure if it will fit with the other shields. If that matters to you. It did for me.

 

[scuba1954]

Check out www.clearviewshields.com I have their Medium on my 14 trike. It is same height as the stock shield. They also have one taller and one shorter. I have had many of their shields and I love them. They are twice as thick as factory and they have a recurve that kickes the air up over your head. If you are unsure about height you can order from them and the shield comes with plastic adhered to the shield. Install the shield leaving the plastic in place. Take the trike for a ride if you do not like the height they will let you return it for another height, no charge for returning the one you did not like.

 

[GARYD]

It's thicker, but not twice as thick, otherwise you couldn't get the inner and outer faring back together.
I don't think you can use the windshield pouches with the Clearview, can you? Those I really need.
I would make sure to order the right size from the beginning - they may take it back at no charge, but you still have to pay shipping. ThumbUp

 

[Alan Oakley]

First time to post with pictures and trying to get the hang of it. Took delivery of my new 2014 Blackened Cayenne Sunglow Triglide this morning. It is really a pretty color but very hard for the photographs to do it justice. You can see, depending on the light it can look black or, if the sun catches it just right the metallic really pops.

I left the stock pipes for now....added the adjustable backrest, CB, upgraded speakers and amp, XM, chrome bumper, DK Custom Comfort Lift Kit and fender trim. I am running 36 psi in the front tire, 26 in the rear tires and 30 in the shocks. I am in a rural area in Texas and the County Roads leave a lot to be desired so the ride is not as nearly as smooth as it is on the State Roads and Interstate....very pleased so far (120 miles)



I will be experimenting with the PSI numbers to fine tune but I really am pleased so far. This is my second trike....I had a 2009 Wing with the IRS Motor Trike kit. The Harley warranty was really important to me and I was really concerned about the solid axle but given just a little time I know I will be pleased overall...safe riding to all...epper:epper:

 

[Bikerbozo]

The different pics show some of the different colors. Congrats and enjoy the new trike.

 

[Jerry/MD]

Congrats Alan, you have great taste...I have the same color. You are right, pics don't do it justice. Although your last one of the fairing is very good. Enjoy!

Jerry

 

[Rod69]

Looks good, I am running the same pressures that you are. I have for years, runs the best on my 2009.