Rookie Querstions on the Triglide

[Guiderider]

Hi Everyone,

This is Guiderider. I have posted before, but I am still a new Trike owner (just bought the HD Triglide back in March) and I have some basic questions for all you veteran Trikers out there. So here goes!!

My wife and I just got back from an 1800-mile trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountains aboard my Triglide and have some questions/comments. I met many wonderful Trikers along the road and many of the discussions revolved around suspensions. The Triglide is basically rigid and you really feel the bumps. Is an independent suspension a better option for a Trike and are there any advantages over the ridged?

While looking at the rear breaks on my Trike I noticed how small they were compared to the front discs and also compared to other conversion Trikes. Did HD just skimp on the rear breaks? They actually don’t seem to stop that well. In fact I could just use the front all the time for as much stopping power as I got from the rear. Is this unusual? Something I should have looked at? Please understand I also have an Ultra and have ridden for 40 years and understand the use of front and rear breaking. The Triglid’s rear breaks seem pretty bad?

Does anyone know if there are after market covers that would protect the lower part of the front fenders? They take lots of hits from road junk and I am afraid they will eventually start to get chipped. Speaking of chips, Has anyone run into problems with the paint chipping on their Triglide?

Has anyone seen a complete road test and unbiased evaluation on the 09 Triglide written anyplace? What kinds of Trike magazines are out there?? I already subscribe to about 5 rags as it is!

Last question, promise! Like a dummy I pulled to close to the side of a gas island and scuffed up the side of the left rear fender. It basically needs to be repainted to look like it was when new. My dealer tells me they can’t be repainted, because you can’t match the Harley Paint (Sun Glow Red) and that I should buy a new fender from the factory. ($850)!! What’s the real deal?? Is Harley Sun Glow red some closely guarded secret that body shops can’t buy? Or am I getting BS from the dealer??

As always thanks for your help and patience with the new guy.

Guiderider

 

[PopDukes]

Hello Guiderider,

I can only speak to two of your questions.

Fender protection: InvisiGARD paint protection film Fenders Kit for a’09 H.D. Tri-Glide Item number 30029686

Have not used it but hear many have and are happy. Yes, I have road nicks and a couple in the rear fender from a couple of driveway scrapes. I do plan on painting it some day, maybe two-tone, so not to concerned.

The brakes have been an issue for me. Replaced all at 1200 miles. Now at 2300 they will need to be replaced again. Something is not aligning properly, and the discs are skweaking when gliding and no brakes are used. Found deep grooves in the discs again. Took to Harley shop today because of trans leak (loose screws found) and clutch cable leak from bad crimp. Awaiting replacement parts now.

Dealer called Harley about brakes again and we await their reply.

Though when using the combination of front/rear braking, I have felt I had the necessary stopping power. I live in LA and have had to brake hard a few times, but at speeds not exceeding 35-40mph. Of course have never tested in an extreme condition.

Color matching could be a problem. Maybe you can contact Harley cutomer service and see if a touch up system is available.

Enjoy your trike. I have had many issues, but still love it!

 

[Nana]

I don't have a Triglide, but I can share that you certainly will chip your fenders if you don't protect them, and it won't take rocks to do it---even the bugs will!
I didn't want to cover the color of my fenders, so I opted to use the 3-M clear protectant. Ziebart custom cut and applied it for me, and it works wonderfully.

About the paint... Harley has always sold their current paint colors to body shops in the past for repairs. I wonder if your dealer means the repaint without Harley's factory technique might not look the same???? I can't imagine that your body shop couldn't buy the paint from the factory!

And the gas pump thing.......OUCH! I hate to hear that! I have to remind my husband every time he rides my trike, as he forgets!!!! I'm terrified he is going to scrape my fenders. LOL!

 

[Guiderider]

Thanks to both of you! I truly appreciate your help! The gas pump thing was just my own stupid fault! Nice to hear I am not the only one who has breaking concerns. Don't get me wrong the Trike stops, but the rear binders are very weak! I looked at them compared to the custom packages and my rear calipers look so small compared to the others. The rotors are so small, yet there is plenty of room for a larger rotor. Thanks for the info on the fender cover. PS I live in NJ and stop and go traffic is the norm! Sometimes more stop than go!

Thanks Folks!!

 

[Gorilla]

Guiderider, Any good body shop that has a good computer paint mixer should be able to do the paint, unless that color is so new it has not gotten around yet. My neighbor has such a shop and he matched my Harley paint for my conversion died on. Harley colors were on his system.

Sorry I can not help with the brakes my Harley Trike is a conversion and my brakes are just fine. Ted

 

[John Luciano]

Some body shops even have scanners that can adjust for fade. System of painting, no problem. I had a friend have his Bushtec trailer pained to match his Yellow 1800 Honda Wing at it is perfect took 7 coats (White, Yellow,Pearl, Clear yellow , and 3 coats of clear ) but Honda sent the step by step paint procedure

 

[ben721364]

Hi Everyone,

This is Guiderider. I have posted before, but I am still a new Trike owner (just bought the HD Triglide back in March) and I have some basic questions for all you veteran Trikers out there. So here goes!!

My wife and I just got back from an 1800-mile trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smoky Mountains aboard my Triglide and have some questions/comments. I met many wonderful Trikers along the road and many of the discussions revolved around suspensions. The Triglide is basically rigid and you really feel the bumps. Is an independent suspension a better option for a Trike and are there any advantages over the ridged?

While looking at the rear breaks on my Trike I noticed how small they were compared to the front discs and also compared to other conversion Trikes. Did HD just skimp on the rear breaks? They actually don’t seem to stop that well. In fact I could just use the front all the time for as much stopping power as I got from the rear. Is this unusual? Something I should have looked at? Please understand I also have an Ultra and have ridden for 40 years and understand the use of front and rear breaking. The Triglid’s rear breaks seem pretty bad?

Does anyone know if there are after market covers that would protect the lower part of the front fenders? They take lots of hits from road junk and I am afraid they will eventually start to get chipped. Speaking of chips, Has anyone run into problems with the paint chipping on their Triglide?

Has anyone seen a complete road test and unbiased evaluation on the 09 Triglide written anyplace? What kinds of Trike magazines are out there?? I already subscribe to about 5 rags as it is!

Last question, promise! Like a dummy I pulled to close to the side of a gas island and scuffed up the side of the left rear fender. It basically needs to be repainted to look like it was when new. My dealer tells me they can’t be repainted, because you can’t match the Harley Paint (Sun Glow Red) and that I should buy a new fender from the factory. ($850)!! What’s the real deal?? Is Harley Sun Glow red some closely guarded secret that body shops can’t buy? Or am I getting BS from the dealer??

As always thanks for your help and patience with the new guy.

Guiderider

"Is an independent suspension a better option for a Trike and are there any advantages over the ridged?" Think of it this way. Most passenger cars have independent rear suspensions and most trucks have live axles.

"In fact I could just use the front all the time for as much stopping power as I got from the rear." I can't speak to the brakes that H-D/Lehman use but front brakes supply 70% or more of the braking power on most all highway vehicles.

 

[roadkill]

have u checked the air in the shock ?
i know there is a chart in the owners manul

 

[1550vt]

I don't have a TriGlide and have learned to keep my mouth shut concerning the problems others have with it. I do have a TG front end on mine to take advantage of the genuine HD raked trees and parts. I have a 2000 FLHT with a Lehman Renegade kit, which in all but name and a few bells-n-whistles...is practically a TG. It has a straight axle (Lehman no-lean suspension) and may not ride as comfortable as those with independent suspenisons, but the solid axle machines have fewer components....and I mean a LOT fewer. There are pro's-n-con's for each.

I can talk about rock-pecks and self inflicted wounds due to gas islands and garages. I have a lot gathered-up from all over the lower 48 and Canada. I discovered a cute little trick from a friend of mine. My bigger "little marks" have been covered with bullet-hole decals. They work very well and draw attention. I look just like I have been shot-at 3 times. Two on one fender and one on the other. Of course...I would not suggest this for a design concept, but it does make those little dings serve a purpose until it's time for a paint job or touch-up.

 

[John Luciano]

I went to an upholstery shop and told them what I wanted $75.00 later I drove off with them on. I have I R s and yes it rides a lot smoother. I have ridden the Champion and the motor Trike and my wife has ridden on the back for many miles and she agrees . Brakes are fine I have the original honda disk

 

[BinIdaho]

I went to an upholstery shop and told them what I wanted $75.00 later I drove off with them on. I have I R s and yes it rides a lot smoother. I have ridden the Champion and the motor Trike and my wife has ridden on the back for many miles and she agrees . Brakes are fine I have the original honda disk

John,

Are you talking about fender bra coverings for the fenders?

Barbara

 

[John Luciano]

YES I am see my album . black fake leather

 

[evileagle]

where in NJ we are in Clifton

 

[BinIdaho]

YES I am see my album . black fake leather

John,

I'm new to the site...where would I find your album?

Thanks, Barbara

 

[John Luciano]

Go to any place you see my name and click on it like where my name is in blue here then look at my albums.

 

[Guiderider]

Once again thanks to everyone for your suggestions and helpful ideas. I like the bullet holes idea and the upholstery shop is where I am going to start looking. I have a good one just down the street! Do any of you subscribe to any Trike only magazines? I do the usual Cycle World, Rider and most of the rest (they love me at recycling), but I can't seem to find any Trike only publications out there. Also how about any books on riding a trike, like the Proficient Motorcycling books?? Any suggestions?? Thanks again everyone!

 

[Nana]

Guiderider, There aren't many options out there for trike-focused magazines as yet. The only one I have seen is published in the UK: Trike Magazine. A Trike Magazine Built for Trikers

Hopefully someone can point you (and all of us) to something closer!

 

[TheJimer]

<in-part>

Hi Everyone,

This is Guiderider. I have posted before, but I am still a new Trike owner (just bought the HD Triglide back in March) and I have some basic questions for all you veteran Trikers out there. So here goes!!

While looking at the rear breaks on my Trike I noticed how small they were compared to the front discs and also compared to other conversion Trikes. Did HD just skimp on the rear breaks? They actually don’t seem to stop that well. In fact I could just use the front all the time for as much stopping power as I got from the rear. Is this unusual? Something I should have looked at? Please understand I also have an Ultra and have ridden for 40 years and understand the use of front and rear breaking.

The Triglid’s rear breaks seem pretty bad?

Guiderider

<in-part>

Guiderider,

There has been a considerable amount of discussion on another forum about the adequacy of the Tri-Glides rear brakes. There are those that think that the TG's rear brake is just fine therefore are dismissing an ever growing number of us that thing that TG rear brake is “Marginally Adequate”!

As I stated on the other forum; over the years I have driven many different size and weight vehicles; therefore, I am able to distinguish good braking from marginal braking…”my TG has MARGINAL BRAKING” at best! Unless I apply a ton of pressure on the rear brake, the TG will roll backwards down a hill when stopped at a stop light. No one will ever convince me that is correct!!!

Harley customer service claims that they had not heard of any braking problem and now they are saying that there is no braking problem. I am advocating that if Harley continues to ignore this serious safety issue; that we take our complaint directly to the U.S Department of Transportation!

Stay Safe Out There!!!!

Jim

 

[ben721364]

I have no experience with the brakes that H-D/Lehman uses on the TriGlide but remind you that like other two axle vehicles, the front supplies most of the braking power (70%++) If you look at most cars and light trucks as well as other motorcycles, the rear braking surface and hydraulic parts are smaller than the front. It is also prudent, as you know to use both the front and rear brakes to stop the vehicle.

If you believe your brakes are unsafe and if dealers and the manufacturer do not provide satisfaction, it would be in order for you to contact the NHTSA/DOT and share your concerns.

 

[Ozarkryder]

<in-part>

Unless I apply a ton of pressure on the rear brake, the TG will roll backwards down a hill when stopped at a stop light. No one will ever convince me that is correct!!!

Jim

Now that ain't right. :no: Shouldn't have to apply so much pressure on the brakes either front or rear by themselves just to keep from rolling. I would think that, when standing still, the rear brakes provide 2/3 of the braking. More if the rear of the trike is down hill and wanting to roll backwards.

 

[Dwight]

Sooooo, did your salesman forget to tell you that the brakes actually need broken in? Burnished, I think they call it. I don't have my owners book at hand so can't check it but I think they address this problem there. Brand new the rear brakes don't offer much stopping power, (my salesman warned me about that). I'm up to 2100 miles on mine and the rear brakes are working much better. I can lock them up with a little effort. I don't think there is a problem here, its just a matter of time and riding style. The front brake is very good, capable of locking up the wheel (with two fingers) at speeds over 60 mph (tractor with bale forks pulled onto the hiway in AR in front of me). Heavy use of the back brakes before they have been broken in results in a glazed surface on the discs and this reduces stopping power. Perhaps softer brake pads may help but I haven't seen the need.

OK, I should probably note that this works for me but may not work for everyone else.

Dwight

 

[ben721364]

Sooooo, did your salesman forget to tell you that the brakes actually need broken in? Burnished, I think they call it. I don't have my owners book at hand so can't check it but I think they address this problem there. Brand new the rear brakes don't offer much stopping power, (my salesman warned me about that). I'm up to 2100 miles on mine and the rear brakes are working much better. I can lock them up with a little effort. I don't think there is a problem here, its just a matter of time and riding style. <div class="bbcode_container]

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If you don't have anti lock brakes, you might want to practice threshhold braking.

A locked wheel at 60 mph can have catastrophic consequences!

 

[TheJimer]

Sooooo, did your salesman forget to tell you that the brakes actually need broken in? Burnished, I think they call it. I don't have my owners book at hand so can't check it but I think they address this problem there. Brand new the rear brakes don't offer much stopping power, (my salesman warned me about that). I'm up to 2100 miles on mine and the rear brakes are working much better. I can lock them up with a little effort. I don't think there is a problem here, its just a matter of time and riding style. The front brake is very good, capable of locking up the wheel (with two fingers) at speeds over 60 mph (tractor with bale forks pulled onto the hiway in AR in front of me). Heavy use of the back brakes before they have been broken in results in a glazed surface on the discs and this reduces stopping power. Perhaps softer brake pads may help but I haven't seen the need.

OK, I should probably note that this works for me but may not work for everyone else. Dwight

I have around 3,000 miles on my Tri-Glide so don’t think that the problem with the rear brakes being “Marginally Adequate” have anything to do “braking-in” new brakes!

Stay Safe Out There!!!!

Jim

 

[Dwight]

Ben,

For many years I had to ride my bikes without the ability to use the rear brake. With the new electric shifters I can now leave the shift lever on the left side and operate the rear brakes. Before the electric shifters were available I built mechanical linkage to move the shifter to the right side. This makes using the rear brake a problem. For years I've been in the habit of "covering" the front brake lever with one or two fingers while I'm riding. It's become a reaction now to use the front brakes first and then add in the rear brakes. By the way, up until 2004 I was still riding two wheelers, still ride my Buell occasionaly. The Buell has an incredible front brake, stoppies are easy!:yes: This "covering" of the front brake is something i still do on the trikes and IMHO this works well for me, probably not for everyone. Riding a Harley also adds in a delay for the rear brakes because you have to move your foot to the brake pedal to use it. After saying all of this you are still absolutely correct that everyone should learn the proper braking procedures!

Jim,

I'm not doubting that you have a brake problem.

If the rear discs have glazed over though, you would have to take corrective action to make them work right, I don't think more miles will help.

If I had this problem I would take the rear wheels off, lightly sand the discs with a very fine grit emery, replace the brake pads and then try the break-in procedure again. That's just me, since this is probably warranty work your shop should be able to help you. Remember, this is an old time remedy that was used on drum brakes also, there maybe something new that works now. Anyway, I hope you get the problems fixed, it's always agravating to have trouble with a new vehicle.

Dwight

 

[ben721364]

Good post Dwight. I cover my brakes too and highly recommend it. One of the things that I especially like about touring and ST bikes as opposed to the cruisers that I have ridden is that with my foot on the peg, the rear brake pedal is right there.

As you say glazed brake rotors or drums will not heal themselves.

Ben,

For many years I had to ride my bikes without the ability to use the rear brake. With the new electric shifters I can now leave the shift lever on the left side and operate the rear brakes. Before the electric shifters were available I built mechanical linkage to move the shifter to the right side. This makes using the rear brake a problem. For years I've been in the habit of "covering" the front brake lever with one or two fingers while I'm riding. It's become a reaction now to use the front brakes first and then add in the rear brakes.

By the way, up until 2004 I was still riding two wheelers, still ride my Buell occasionaly.

The Buell has an incredible front brake, stoppies are easy!:yes: This "covering" of the front brake is something i still do on the trikes and IMHO this works well for me, probably not for everyone. Riding a Harley also adds in a delay for the rear brakes because you have to move your foot to the brake pedal to use it. After saying all of this you are still absolutely correct that everyone should learn the proper braking procedures!

Jim,

I'm not doubting that you have a brake problem. If the rear discs have glazed over though, you would have to take corrective action to make them work right, I don't think more miles will help. If I had this problem I would take the rear wheels off, lightly sand the discs with a very fine grit emery, replace the brake pads and then try the break-in procedure again. That's just me, since this is probably warranty work your shop should be able to help you. Remember, this is an old time remedy that was used on drum brakes also, there maybe something new that works now. Anyway, I hope you get the problems fixed, it's always agravating to have trouble with a new vehicle.

Dwight