Novice rider; will I even notice the difference?

[dloy1324]

Last time on a two wheeler was 40 years ago. Looking at getting a used tri glide. Anticipate most riding to be around town and minor group rides. Very little highway time.
Will I notice the difference between 103 - 114 cu in? Hydraulic vs cable clutch? Your thoughts are appreciated including concerns with older vs newer bikes.
Thank you

 

[pwhoever]

One other thing to be aware of is turning. I have seen over and over where folks switching from 2 wheels to 3 struggle a bit at first as they are conditioned to counter steering and leaning while turning. They get in a trike for first time and try to drive it like a 2 wheeler and can't figure out why it won't turn. It has been known to cause more than a few accidents to beginners. And you'd be surprised on just how many have suffered with this issue. Make sure to take it slow and if you can, find a LARGE open space way away from buildings and obstacles to get the feel for it. Make sure you get in the habit of actually turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go.

Oh yeah, welcome to TrikeTalk Dirk! You will find plenty of useful info and tips here to help you out.

 

[David792]

My first time on my triglide was a test ride at the dealership. Going from 2 wheels to 3 was seamless. The steering, etc... is intuitive. You will have no problem. The 103 is a twin cam, the 107 and later years are all M8 engines. My 2018 107 has plenty of power for all types of riding. I would recommend the M8 engine in any displacement you happen to get.

I LOVE my hydraulic clutch. Others love the cable. It's just a matter of personal preference. I flush my brakes and clutch according to the schedule, but really, the moisture levels are never above recommended tolerances.

If you take it to the shop, no problem. The clutch bleed can be a little tricky on the bottom end.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I have had both a 2016 Tri Glide with a 103 and currently a 107 M8. For the type of riding you are talking about in my opinion a 103 will be more than enough, along with the fact that a 2014 or 2015 will be less costly than a 114 M8.

 

[dloy1324]

Are there any reliability issues to be concerned about between the twin cam 103 or M8 engines?

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Are there any reliability issues to be concerned about between the twin cam 103 or M8 engines?

The 103 is a bullet proof proven engine. Like anything else, if it's mechanical it can break.

 

[HDUSA1]

Have had both. Hands down the 114 for running cooler, smoothness, power, and flat torque curve.

The 114 you really don’t need to do any mods as it has plenty of power stock. I’d stay away from the 2018 & 2019’s as they had sumping issues with the oil system, Google it.

The 2020’s and up fixed that plus they have a bigger and nicer glass faced touch screen. They were the last year of the hydraulic clutch which can be a bit grabby on initial takeoff. I put a Rekluse clutch slave in mine and it’s smoother than a cable now and easier to pull with my arthritic hands.

Don’t know why changing the fluid every 2 years got started, I used a tester on mine at 4 years and it was fine. The tricky part is getting the cover off to get to the bleeder screw without loosening the exhaust pipe.

And yes, a stock 4 valve M8 doesn’t sound like the older bikes even with different mufflers. The diehards I ride with poo poo’d it until this Spring. I put in a Woods WM8-22XE cam, lifters, Fuelmoto 2-1-2 catless stainless head pipe, Jackpot mufflers, open air cleaner, SE aluminum intake, NGK CR9EIX Iridium plugs, and a Power Vision PV-2B tuner last winter and holy smokes does it start, run, and sound good now!

 

[Notgrownup]

I went from a 2014 with the 103HO to a 2021 with a 114” and the difference is extremely noticeable. The heat in my opinion is more pronounced on the 114” this with both bike having the Catalytic converter removed, tuner, free flowing pipes and A/C. It is though way more powerful and smoother.

 

[Old Road Dog]

Stay away from the Twin Cam. It's the worst motor HD ever built. I started in the Pan Head era. I own one (1) TC, I buy and sell them. I don't own two (2). The M8 is a better motor. That is all.

 

[gfaltersack]

Last time on a two wheeler was 40 years ago. Looking at getting a used tri glide. Anticipate most riding to be around town and minor group rides. Very little highway time.
Will I notice the difference between 103 - 114 cu in? Hydraulic vs cable clutch? Your thoughts are appreciated including concerns with older vs newer bikes.
Thank you

Be very careful at first when arriving at a drive up post office box, gas pumps, any place you have been accustomed to getting close to with a 2 wheeler. Watch your fender very closely as it sticks out quite a bit. Otherwise enjoy the carefree no worry feeling parking on grass, loose gravel, sand, going up or down steep hills, doing a quick U turn when needed. Triglides have reverse but as a policy I still like to park when possible where I can just drive out. After 138000 on trikes they are very fun, safe, and enjoyable!

 

[ISP-FL]

Last time on a two wheeler was 40 years ago. Looking at getting a used tri glide. Anticipate most riding to be around town and minor group rides. Very little highway time.
Will I notice the difference between 103 - 114 cu in? Hydraulic vs cable clutch? Your thoughts are appreciated including concerns with older vs newer bikes.
Thank you

A lot of great information and opinions already posted. I rode 2-wheel metrics for over 35 years before I could even afford my first Harley. I am now on my 5th Harley (2nd Triglide).

Personally I really liked the 103 twin cam on my 2016 Trike. As a stock motor it lacked power and torque but with some modifications all that could be corrected plus it sounded really good. My current 114 Trike with the M8 was better stock but still not anything like I remembered from my 2-wheel metric bike days, so it has now been modified also.

My only suggestion starting back riding would be to ride solo for a few hundred miles. I'm not a fan of group rides and never have been. Do a good search for that "perfect" trike and keep in mind that folks in the northern States will be thinking about storing theirs soon which could bring down some prices.

 

[RKplus10]

Your question was “would I notice the difference?” Of course you would, but if you haven’t ridden in years, I believe you would be completely content with the twin cam. I’m not a big fan of the hydraulic clutch, but again, if you’re starting over it won’t be a problem. Get you a good deal, and ride it for a while. You can always “trade up” later on if you find you spend a lot of time riding and feel the need.

 

[dloy1324]

Thank you all for your insights and recommendations. Price may very well dictate what I purchase. I do plan on going through a dealer hoping for a certified used trike. I will also devote a significant amount of time learning to ride the trike safely.
Looking forward to getting back out there.
Thanks again.