First Impressions

[TonkaDriver]

Took my first real ride this morning, about 40 miles. Its been 35+ years since I was on two wheels and due to balance issues from chemo I would not feel confident on two now at all. I always wanted a Harley and started seeing TriGlides around and thought that might be the ticket.

I think I made the right choice. The first ride gave me a number of things to pay attention to right off the bat. I was surprised at how much of an impact riding posture has on the comfort/confidence in handling. The bike tracks very true on it's own. I should have checked the shocks before I left. The ride seemed rough and since there was no air in the shocks that would be about right. I put 25 psi in and will adjust from there. I also need to find a balance between push/pull on the handlebars when steering as well as throttle control through curves. Overall I am thinking that it won't take long to become comfortable. None of the roads around here are straight so there is ample opportunity for cornering practice.

 

[mirider]

Kurt - Congrats on your Tri Glide. Like you, I splurged a little over a year ago on mine for medical reasons with my wife and couldn't be happier. We think we've added 10-15 years to our riding ability with the Tri. The more you ride it the more comfortable you will be....we did over 8K miles last year including a trip to Sturgis which we never could have done on two wheels. Our first Harley also. Enjoy !

BTW - where is Bagdad Az ?

 

[rhino 2]

Took my first real ride this morning, about 40 miles. Its been 35+ years since I was on two wheels and due to balance issues from chemo I would not feel confident on two now at all. I always wanted a Harley and started seeing TriGlides around and thought that might be the ticket.

I think I made the right choice. The first ride gave me a number of things to pay attention to right off the bat. I was surprised at how much of an impact riding posture has on the comfort/confidence in handling. The bike tracks very true on it's own. I should have checked the shocks before I left. The ride seemed rough and since there was no air in the shocks that would be about right. I put 25 psi in and will adjust from there. I also need to find a balance between push/pull on the handlebars when steering as well as throttle control through curves. Overall I am thinking that it won't take long to become comfortable. None of the roads around here are straight so there is ample opportunity for cornering practice.

I hope you are using a no-loss air gauge/pump thats made just for air-shocks... If you are using a regular air gauge , You could be letting all the air out just checking it...:Shrug:

Harley should make that gage standard, Or at the least when you buy a Tri-Glide the dealer should tell the buyer to get one..

 

[vito]

Took my first real ride this morning, about 40 miles. Its been 35+ years since I was on two wheels and due to balance issues from chemo I would not feel confident on two now at all. I always wanted a Harley and started seeing TriGlides around and thought that might be the ticket.

I think I made the right choice. The first ride gave me a number of things to pay attention to right off the bat. I was surprised at how much of an impact riding posture has on the comfort/confidence in handling. The bike tracks very true on it's own. I should have checked the shocks before I left. The ride seemed rough and since there was no air in the shocks that would be about right. I put 25 psi in and will adjust from there. I also need to find a balance between push/pull on the handlebars when steering as well as throttle control through curves. Overall I am thinking that it won't take long to become comfortable. None of the roads around here are straight so there is ample opportunity for cornering practice.

Welcome aboard! I switched to trikes for the same reasons. Driving a trike is different than riding a bike but just as much fun in its own way and provides much the same feeling of being connected with nature. I find that going in a tad slow then lightly accelerating through a corner works best. Enjoy!

 

[PosseRider]

Kurt - Congrats on your Tri Glide. Like you, I splurged a little over a year ago on mine for medical reasons with my wife and couldn't be happier. We think we've added 10-15 years to our riding ability with the Tri. The more you ride it the more comfortable you will be....we did over 8K miles last year including a trip to Sturgis which we never could have done on two wheels. Our first Harley also. Enjoy !

BTW - where is Bagdad Az ?

60 miles west of Prescott... Bagdad is a copper mining community and census-designated place in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States, in the western part of the state. It is one of only two remaining company towns in Arizona. The population was 1,876 at the 2010 census

 

[Jack Klarich]

The push pull will come natural the more you ride

 

[Rooster57]

...........when going into a sharpish' curve = lock your arm and push arm with torso = makes turn easier and less tiring.....after a while, it just becomes second nature and you wont even think about it.

...........at least thats how I was taught to control the TG turns.........

Cheers!

 

[graygoat]

Congrats on your trike! In addition to the push/pull mentioned above, also press your outside foot down more on the floorboard, that helps your steering leverage also. In a tight corner, I will even lean in with my upper torso for increased leverage.

Stretch your arms out wide to your sides, that gives you an idea of how wide the rear end is around gas pumps & curbs.

Enjoy your ride!

 

[Rev J]

I have no medical issues to speak of. Wife and I test drove a Triglide out of curiosity and next thing you know it followed us home. I will say it was a learning curve but it gets easier as the miles rack up. With a little over 5000 miles it is second nature now. Just take your time, learn at your own pace. Ride safe, Rev. J.

 

[Rooster57]

reply to Kurt

Hey Kurt!

..regarding ride comfort =something you will soon notice is how a little bit of air pressure in those rear tires makes a BIG difference in how smooth that TG rides!

....every time you take it to the dealer (at least where I'm at), they will over inflate those rear tires to whatever is on the side of the tire!!!! ...the next few miles will then make for a nasty-stiff ride to be sure!!!!!

............Your book likely states rear tires to be 26 PSI.............I recommend no less than book to give a decent ride.

......BUT, many of us (NOT all) will drop those rear tires to or near 22 PSI (I won't go any less).....every 1 lb of pressure seems to make a comfort difference on those back car tires on the TG.......YOU DECIDE.

......Your front tire is a motorcycle tire = run book manual PSI.....or damn close!

...for me = 22psi Rear ......and book recommended 36psi front (sometimes 34 if I'm lazy, but no less) For you =? (you decide)

............Anyway thats how I roll......and this is entirely my personal opinion only!

...Cheers!

 

[pcombe]

Took my first real ride this morning, about 40 miles. Its been 35+ years since I was on two wheels and due to balance issues from chemo I would not feel confident on two now at all. I always wanted a Harley and started seeing TriGlides around and thought that might be the ticket.

I think I made the right choice. The first ride gave me a number of things to pay attention to right off the bat. I was surprised at how much of an impact riding posture has on the comfort/confidence in handling. The bike tracks very true on it's own. I should have checked the shocks before I left. The ride seemed rough and since there was no air in the shocks that would be about right. I put 25 psi in and will adjust from there. I also need to find a balance between push/pull on the handlebars when steering as well as throttle control through curves. Overall I am thinking that it won't take long to become comfortable. None of the roads around here are straight so there is ample opportunity for cornering practice.

There is a learning curve but after not riding for so many years they shouldn't be an obstacle because there is not so much unlearning?

The tri-Glide has a solid axle suspension and you will notice some roughness on city streets but should smooth out on the highway.

Your rear tires are part of your suspension i set mine at 26 PSI and run a full 40 PSI in the front to prevent wind from moving me around.

I run a rear tire the exact same size as the front tire turned backward rotation and have incredible mileage with no handling issues whatsoever.

As far as steering?

It is an exercise in push pull. Learn to lock the elbow you are pushing with so you are pushing with your upper body and shoulder instead of your arm it makes a big difference in how you feel at the days end.

Should you need too shift your butt on the seat as you would on a snowmobile so you are putting more weight on the outside foot board, It will give you a more solid balance and less of a feel that you may be thrown off.

Result? Smoother high speed corners and more control.

My bike handles quicker than the tri-glide and may weigh a little less?

25 PSI in my rear shocks would be too rough unless i am riding double.

 

[TonkaDriver]

I hope you are using a no-loss air gauge/pump thats made just for air-shocks... If you are using a regular air gauge , You could be letting all the air out just checking it...:Shrug:

Harley should make that gage standard, Or at the least when you buy a Tri-Glide the dealer should tell the buyer to get one..

Fortunately for me I found this site when I started researching trikes. As a result I purchased a pump from Harley before I got to Texas to pick up the TriGlide. I also see a DK Customs Comfort Lift and shock kit in my future along with just a couple of other upgrades. It doesn't need anymore chrome as the original owner took care of those upgrades.

In the meantime I am going to adjust the tire pressure in the rear tires and play with the shock pressure. Anyone that is curious about where Bagdad is I posted a pin on the members map.

 

[7125]

Fortunately for me I found this site when I started researching trikes. As a result I purchased a pump from Harley before I got to Texas to pick up the TriGlide. I also see a DK Customs Comfort Lift and shock kit in my future along with just a couple of other upgrades. It doesn't need anymore chrome as the original owner took care of those upgrades.

In the meantime I am going to adjust the tire pressure in the rear tires and play with the shock pressure. Anyone that is curious about where Bagdad is I posted a pin on the members map.

DK customs shocks and lift a must 14 shocks worth ever penny

 

[Rooster57]

I totally agree with 7125 on the DKCustoms Products

[h=2]Combo Package - 14" Harley Trike Series Shocks™ & Comfort Lift™ Pro-Action[/h].........This is the kit I used................one of the best things I've done for the 2016 TG in my personal opinion............wish I'd done it when I first bought the trike! (do your research and get other opinions too.....but sounds like you already have)

Cheers!

 

[TonkaDriver]

Second Ride

Tried it out with some air in the shocks and was much happier with the ride. I am still working on steering and the suggestion for stiffening my push elbow is a big help. I am doing my best to avoid developing bad habits and the advice has been appreciated. The roads around here are pretty twisty with a lot of elevation changes. Sure is a challenge to say the least.

 

[GARYD]

Hey Kurt!

..regarding ride comfort =something you will soon notice is how a little bit of air pressure in those rear tires makes a BIG difference in how smooth that TG rides!

....every time you take it to the dealer (at least where I'm at), they will over inflate those rear tires to whatever is on the side of the tire!!!! ...the next few miles will then make for a nasty-stiff ride to be sure!!!!!

............Your book likely states rear tires to be 26 PSI.............I recommend no less than book to give a decent ride.

......BUT, many of us (NOT all) will drop those rear tires to or near 22 PSI (I won't go any less).....every 1 lb of pressure seems to make a comfort difference on those back car tires on the TG.......YOU DECIDE.

......Your front tire is a motorcycle tire = run book manual PSI.....or damn close!

...for me = 22psi Rear ......and book recommended 36psi front (sometimes 34 if I'm lazy, but no less) For you =? (you decide)

............Anyway thats how I roll......and this is entirely my personal opinion only!

...Cheers!

I agree 100% with Rooster. I could have posted his post. Especially about the dealer. Mine use to put in 40PSI. Each time I would tell them to leave the rear tire alone. The last time I lost my cook and had a fit. The service writer excused himself and ran to the back of the store. Came back in about 15 minutes and said "You're right, it should be 25PSI" Finally someone listened. I think he ran back to find a verification of HIS opinion and throw it in my face. It feels great to see smug employees eat crow.

I am probably one of only a handful of TG owners that "Ride it like you Stole it" I DO NOT coddle my TG. Each year on my way home from Rolling Thunder I take the Skyline Dr/BRP/Dragon. Usually I'll slip in behind 2 wheelers (mostly crotch rockets) just to see how long I can keep up with them. I don't do too badly. They can get away from me on the few straights, but I catch up on the curves. When you get done, you KNOW you've had a workout. Going to the gym every other day sure helps.

One tip I found beneficial = center your ride over obstacles (man hole covers, etc) with the front wheel instead of the rear. Way less body shake.

As Roger Hull, who published Road Rider magazine back in the 70's always ended his column with - "Save the wave"



I've started a new wave = 3 fingers up high or straight out, but only to other trikes.

Good luck with your TG.

 

[pcombe]

Tried it out with some air in the shocks and was much happier with the ride. I am still working on steering and the suggestion for stiffening my push elbow is a big help. I am doing my best to avoid developing bad habits and the advice has been appreciated. The roads around here are pretty twisty with a lot of elevation changes. Sure is a challenge to say the least.

Here is another tip as far as steering goes.

I dont run a steering damper on my front end as i seldom see a need for it.

A trike will experience what is know as head shake and it can scare you a might, Some trike more than others especially if the front end rake or tire inflation isint right but i have ridden and worked on trikes that seem to be pretty prone to front end wobble ( head shake).

What i have found is most critical with these bikes is to make sure you are always running in a gear where your engine is pulling.

It cuts way down on the chance for headshake and if it does start to wobble a bit of acceleration or backing off the throttle will stop it.

A touch of brake will do it also.

With your Harley engine it is ALWAYS a good idea to run in your power range RPM ( engine pulling ) for the sake of your engine, Lugging is never a good thing, Not good for engine compensator , trans, clutch,primary chain etc. either.

 

[TonkaDriver]

Update

Took and passed the MSF 3 wheeler course. Have about 700 miles after two trips to Phoenix and am much more confident in the handling of the trike. It really feels planted in the twisties. We are all familiar with recommended speeds through curves. I am now consistently able to stay 10 mph above those speeds so I will consider that good and will work on being smoother all the way around. I don't feel the need to try for any speed records. It really is getting to be fun.

 

[Teufelhunde]

Took and passed the MSF 3 wheeler course. Have about 700 miles after two trips to Phoenix and am much more confident in the handling of the trike. It really feels planted in the twisties. We are all familiar with recommended speeds through curves. I am now consistently able to stay 10 mph above those speeds so I will consider that good and will work on being smoother all the way around. I don't feel the need to try for any speed records. It really is getting to be fun.

Hmm.......that might not be a bad idea. Any information you can give me on said course, location, phone, cost, etc. would be appreciated.

Lon

 

[Freewheeling Ron]

A backrest helps steering also. It gives you something to push against.

 

[TonkaDriver]

MSF Course

Hmm.......that might not be a bad idea. Any information you can give me on said course, location, phone, cost, etc. would be appreciated.

Lon

Hello Lon,

I took the course through Team Arizona. They hold classes for trikes in Peoria and Gilbert. Not sure if it is still going, But Can Am had a $75 dollar special. It might have ended. The course was pricey but I believe the break on insurance will pay the $400 I spent because I wasn't aware of the special. I am guessing that you have a motorcycle endorsement and would not need a trike endorsement as the M covers both.

I get into Prescott fairly often if you want to meet up sometime. TTYL, Kurt