Am I jumping the gun here ?

[G.W. Viper]

Hi all, My name is Keith, i'm 65 , in a few months will be 66. Getting up there, and time sure does seem to fly ! I currently own a 2012 Street glide. I love to ride it. I'm in pretty good shape, but do have lower back problems. I added a back drivers back rest to the street glide, and that really helps. I used to have my wife ride with me years ago. But the last couple of years she refuses to ride with me on 2 wheels. Doesn't feel safe. Can't say I blame her. I myself don't have any problems on 2 wheels. I recently started checking out the tri glides, and I must say, I am impressed with them. I asked my wife if she would ride with me on the trike and she said yes. So now the decision...do I trade my street glide in for a new H.D. Tri Glide Trike. Recently had a friend stop by ( John ) and he said he didn't know if he would trade in my street glide. He thought it was really clean. As far as the money part, not too much of a issue right now. Do you guys really like the different type of ride the trike gives you over 2 wheels ? Do any of you regret making the switch ? Any information would be very much appreciated.
Keith

 

[Trikin]

Have you rode a tri glide yet? Go test drive one just to see how it feels, heck you might even get a freebie from the dealership just for test riding one. It's usually a better deal to sell your bike outright instead of trade, but you can always see what numbers they come up with. My mom was the same way with my dad, she didn't like to ride on his 2 wheeler, but now that he's got a trike she rides with him everywhere.

 

[G.W. Viper]

Have you rode a tri glide yet? Go test drive one just to see how it feels, heck you might even get a freebie from the dealership just for test riding one. It's usually a better deal to sell your bike outright instead of trade, but you can always see what numbers they come up with. My mom was the same way with my dad, she didn't like to ride on his 2 wheeler, but now that he's got a trike she rides with him everywhere.

I did test drive one at a dealer ship for about 15 minutes. Not very long, i know. It felt fine for that short time.

 

[Loiterer]

You might consider keeping both if possible.

If you need the lean on long curves, you will not get that. If you get the urge to share lanes in traffic, not the best idea.

If you want to enjoy the ride from here to there, just as fun.

My other half did not like riding two wheels, just did not feel safe around large trucks and such and my legs are not what they use to be. She will grab a helmet in a heart beat now.

My first Harley was a 52 three wheel service cycle so I knew what I was getting with a Freewheeler. (I like the lower profile)

If 15 minutes is not enough maybe rent one for the day.

I enjoy mine and plan on having it for a while.

 

[G.W. Viper]

You might consider keeping both if possible.

If you need the lean on long curves, you will not get that. If you get the urge to share lanes in traffic, not the best idea.

If you want to enjoy the ride from here to there, just as fun.

My other half did not like riding two wheels, just did not feel safe around large trucks and such and my legs are not what they use to be. She will grab a helmet in a heart beat now.

My first Harley was a 52 three wheel service cycle so I knew what I was getting with a Freewheeler. (I like the lower profile)

If 15 minutes is not enough maybe rent one for the day.

I enjoy mine and plan on having it for a while.

Larry,
Thanks for the advice. I see you live close to me in Fontana. Maybe some day we can meet up ?
Keith

 

[Loiterer]

That could be doable, I noticed you were close when I posted.

 

[Retired Army]

I find that keeping the wife happy while riding on the trike with me requires more finesse in the corners because of the lateral forces. After all she did write the check for the trike farkel.

 

[J.T.M.]

If you like your 2 wheeler and know it is in good condition I would consider triking it. I had a Hannigan Transformer kit installed on my Ultra Classic and would never go back. With my conversion I have a larger trunk, longer wheel base, independent suspension and it has a look of it's own.

 

[Motorcycle Mike]

I didn't realize the 2102 models had hit the market yet.
I'm in the "have one of each" camp. My knees give me a hard time holding me the bike and the wife up at stops. Almost dumped the wife a couple of times so my Yamaha RSV became a trike.
No problems when riding solo so I kept my Honda VTX as a two wheeler.
I know everyone can't afford the luxury of two bikes so do whatever gets the wife back on board.

 

[G.W. Viper]

I didn't realize the 2102 models had hit the market yet.
I'm in the "have one of each" camp. My knees give me a hard time holding me the bike and the wife up at stops. Almost dumped the wife a couple of times so my Yamaha RSV became a trike.
No problems when riding solo so I kept my Honda VTX as a two wheeler.
I know everyone can't afford the luxury of two bikes so do whatever gets the wife back on board.

corrected mis type :clapping:

 

[Gorilla]

I agree in your case a day or weekend rental is needed. Make sure the tire pressure is at around 24 in the rears and 38 to 40 in the front. The shock pressure start at around 25 lbs. If you want to take the time to vary the shock pressure til you get a comfortable ride. Then go put some miles on it on as many different surfaces as possible. As you know street glides are very popular so you should be able to get a good deal with a trade that saves money on taxes and you don't have the hassle of selling it.

 

[Bikerbozo]

I find that keeping the wife happy while riding on the trike with me requires more finesse in the corners because of the lateral forces.

Better to jump the gun rather than the shark.
I like to take corners fast. So I usually yell out to the wife to get a grip on her golden bozos. Then I take corner slower than I would by myself. I'm not a complete fool (don't ask her opinion on that).
Having a backup bike is a good idea also. Never know when trike is in shop and you really need to ride.

 

[Sloride]

For myself (61 years old), once I started questioning myself riding two up, on two wheels, some of the fun went out of it. 90% of my ride time is two up

Learning to ride and trust (trust takes a while) this trike has increased my happiness with it.

Having that third wheel makes for a lot more worry free riding these days.

Not having to worry about a mistake by me, hurting the love of my life has let me enjoy riding two up again

Glad I made the decision to go with 3 wheels

 

[G.W. Viper]

I agree in your case a day or weekend rental is needed. Make sure the tire pressure is at around 24 in the rears and 38 to 40 in the front. The shock pressure start at around 25 lbs. If you want to take the time to vary the shock pressure til you get a comfortable ride. Then go put some miles on it on as many different surfaces as possible. As you know street glides are very popular so you should be able to get a good deal with a trade that saves money on taxes and you don't have the hassle of selling it.

Thanks, I totally agree with ya

- - - Updated - - -

For myself (61 years old), once I started questioning myself riding two up, on two wheels, some of the fun went out of it. 90% of my ride time is two up

Learning to ride and trust (trust takes a while) this trike has increased my happiness with it.

Having that third wheel makes for a lot more worry free riding these days.

Not having to worry about a mistake by me, hurting the love of my life has let me enjoy riding two up again

Glad I made the decision to go with 3 wheels

At 65 I don't feel I lost anything yet. Knock on wood. If I did question myself and skills ect. I would be on a trike now. I don't take any chances when it comes to safety. Thats why i'm trying to figure out which direction to go. At least for now , I know I have time....

 

[clint44]

Our 2011 Street Glide went from this:

To this:

Just another option if you really like your FLHX and don't want all the extra bells and whistles.

 

[G.W. Viper]

Our 2011 Street Glide went from this:

To this:

Just another option if you really like your FLHX and don't want all the extra bells and whistles.

Looks Great ! Nice job ThumbUp

 

[Dave59]

My wife wasn't comfortable on 2 wheels any longer. And also has problems with a knee replacement that she had a few years ago. We traded for a "16" Tri Glide over the winter. So far we like it a lot, if I were riding solo all the time I probably wouldn't have gotten one yet. (57 yrs. old) But if that what it takes to keep us riding together then that's what we"ll do. If she feels the need to shift a little because of her knee pain, it's not a big deal like it was in the past. Much easier for her to get on and off also. Ride safe!

 

[G.W. Viper]

My wife wasn't comfortable on 2 wheels any longer. And also has problems with a knee replacement that she had a few years ago. We traded for a "16" Tri Glide over the winter. So far we like it a lot, if I were riding solo all the time I probably wouldn't have gotten one yet. (57 yrs. old) But if that what it takes to keep us riding together then that's what we"ll do. If she feels the need to shift a little because of her knee pain, it's not a big deal like it was in the past. Much easier for her to get on and off also. Ride safe!

So now that you have ridden both, do you have a preference ? Do you miss the 2 wheels ? Was there much of a learning curve ?

Thanks

 

[roadking2]

I went the conversion route. I test rode several trikes, including the tri, a Roadsmith, CSC, Lehman, and a Champion. I would have tried a Hannigan, but there were none available in my area to test ride. The Freewheeler wasn't available then either. I went with the Champion. What I didn't like about the Triglide was the solid axle, the electric reverse, and the overall comfort. The solid axle is a harsher ride and the seating position felt cramped to me. The Champion gave me a larger trunk, IRS, mechanical reverse, and the same comfort that my Roadking had pre-conversion. There are many really quality conversions available, and in my opinion you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't at least entertain the possibility of going that route. It's your dime, but if you are happy with the seating,etc. of your current bike, why not convert? I rode 2 wheeled Harleys for about 45 years before I converted and my one and only regret is that I didn't do it a couple years sooner. The day I took my first ride on my converted Roadking, I thought to myself "what have you done to a perfectly good bike?" After a couple hundred miles I wondered why I waited so long to do it.

 

[G.W. Viper]

I went the conversion route. I test rode several trikes, including the tri, a Roadsmith, CSC, Lehman, and a Champion. I would have tried a Hannigan, but there were none available in my area to test ride. The Freewheeler wasn't available then either. I went with the Champion. What I didn't like about the Triglide was the solid axle, the electric reverse, and the overall comfort. The solid axle is a harsher ride and the seating position felt cramped to me. The Champion gave me a larger trunk, IRS, mechanical reverse, and the same comfort that my Roadking had pre-conversion. There are many really quality conversions available, and in my opinion you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't at least entertain the possibility of going that route. It's your dime, but if you are happy with the seating,etc. of your current bike, why not convert? I rode 2 wheeled Harleys for about 45 years before I converted and my one and only regret is that I didn't do it a couple years sooner. The day I took my first ride on my converted Roadking, I thought to myself "what have you done to a perfectly good bike?" After a couple hundred miles I wondered why I waited so long to do it.

I did check into champion, which is about 50 miles from me. They quoted me $15,000.
Can you shoot me some pics of your now converted trike ? No problem if you cant.
Thanks for the post

 

[roadking2]

I did check into champion, which is about 50 miles from me. They quoted me $15,000.
Can you shoot me some pics of your now converted trike ? No problem if you cant.
Thanks for the post

No problem with the pics. I should probably also mention that there were several other things I didn't care for with the Triglide. First off, I don't need or want a radio. I don't care for tour packs, and I don't particularly like lowerseither. The Triglide had a lot of bells and whistles that I don't care for. I realize many guys want or need the things I don't like, but I felt like I was paying a steep price for stuff I didn't particularly like or want.




I included pics with and without the windshield, with and without the luggage rack, and a before conversion pic which for some reason didn't come out full size. Oh well! I have modified a couple things since these pictures. I have new bars and grips on it now and I replaced the break/turn signals on the back end with LEDs. I normally have the windshield ON and the luggage rack obviously, is permanent. I also replaced the driving lights. The headlight is next but I'm still making up my mind what I want to get.

 

[G.W. Viper]

No problem with the pics. I should probably also mention that there were several other things I didn't care for with the Triglide. First off, I don't need or want a radio. I don't care for tour packs, and I don't particularly like lowerseither. The Triglide had a lot of bells and whistles that I don't care for. I realize many guys want or need the things I don't like, but I felt like I was paying a steep price for stuff I didn't particularly like or want.

View attachment 36682View attachment 36683View attachment 36684View attachment 36685


I included pics with and without the windshield, with and without the luggage rack, and a before conversion pic which for some reason didn't come out full size. Oh well! I have modified a couple things since these pictures. I have new bars and grips on it now and I replaced the break/turn signals on the back end with LEDs. I normally have the windshield ON and the luggage rack obviously, is permanent. I also replaced the driving lights. The headlight is next but I'm still making up my mind what I want to get.

Nice job Ken! I like it a lot. Looks very clean.... I also like your whitewall. Makes me want to do this sooner then later...
Thanks again, Keith

 

[roadking2]

Nice job Ken! I like it a lot. Looks very clean.... I also like your whitewall. Makes me want to do this sooner then later...
Thanks again, Keith

Thanks a lot. I always say that Harley saw my trike and built their version of it and called it the Freewheeler. For me, converting sooner would have been better. I kind of wish I had done it a couple years sooner. It started life as a Roadking and I always loved it the way it was. As a trike it's a whole different animal, but it's just as good and I probably love it even more than I did before. The difference between 2 and 3 wheels is like the difference between sky diving and base jumping. Both are thrilling and fun, just in a different way and if you like one you would probably like the other one too. I say, go for it! Tri, or conversion. Either one won't disappoint. It was conversion for me, but you won't go wrong either way.

 

[G.W. Viper]

Thanks a lot. I always say that Harley saw my trike and built their version of it and called it the Freewheeler. For me, converting sooner would have been better. I kind of wish I had done it a couple years sooner. It started life as a Roadking and I always loved it the way it was. As a trike it's a whole different animal, but it's just as good and I probably love it even more than I did before. The difference between 2 and 3 wheels is like the difference between sky diving and base jumping. Both are thrilling and fun, just in a different way and if you like one you would probably like the other one too. I say, go for it! Tri, or conversion. Either one won't disappoint. It was conversion for me, but you won't go wrong either way.

Thanks Ken ! I appreciate the feed back ThumbUp

 

[clint44]

Sometimes,I think I'd really like to build me a radical big motor/big tire Softail. Then,I realize there is so much more I want to do to our trike.

 

[alienwulf]

Roadking2 that is one of the best looking trikes I have seen it's just such a clean looking style. Love the black looks almost as fast as red..I like red.
If Hishog5 can get a Champion conversion for 15k total by the factory not to bad a price.

 

[clint44]

I did check into Champion, which is about 50 miles from me. They quoted me $15,000.

I assume that price quote was a turn-key conversion with their IRS and most if not all the options?

 

[roadking2]

Roadking2 that is one of the best looking trikes I have seen it's just such a clean looking style. Love the black looks almost as fast as red..I like red.
If Hishog5 can get a Champion conversion for 15k total by the factory not to bad a price.

As I said in a previous post, I'm not much for tour packs, radios or lowers. I'm good with just the windshield without the fairing too. These days most of my riding is solo and the big trunk and the luggage rack do me just fine storage wise for trips. My Champion was about that all totaled. I got the mechanical reverse, raked tree and a couple other not to expensive goodies when I did mine and mine was right in the 15K ballpark. Red is pretty fast too. It's ALMOST as fast as black............but not quite.

 

[G.W. Viper]

I assume that price quote was a turn-key conversion with their IRS and most if not all the options?

Came with IRS kit, EZ Steer, reverse gear...paint...