The only thing I don't really like about my 2015 is the drive train noise and the clunk of the shifter. What about you guys?
What don't you like about your Free?
- Thread starter Exnavyabfc
- Start date
Deleted, didn't read the topic properly. My bad. :cxtv:
Not much, I have steadily changed things as the need came. I will say I sat an a stock free this past weekend and wondered how I bought this trike. The low reach seat puts me on the tank stock bars are way low. My custom Corbin seat and apes made the free mine and made it fit Me. Love it
Not much except for the reverse
The only thing I don't like about mine after a year of riding it is the reverse. They had to replace it once already. It's pretty weak. You really have to pay attention to where your backing. Other than that I love it.
The only thing I don't like about mine after a year of riding it is the reverse. They had to replace it once already. It's pretty weak. You really have to pay attention to where your backing. Other than that I love it.
The main 2 things are the wind buffeting and the passenger backrest is too far forward. The backrest could have been 2" - 3" further back and still allow the trunk to open. I have ordered the JES wind deflectors so maybe that will take care of the buffeting. There are a couple of weld shops in town that I will check with to see if they can fab a new back rest that will move it back giving the wife more room. Probably won't be cheap.
Sunman
Sunman
Since riding is built around personal preferences, I think Harley has done a fantastic job with the FW. A few 3rd party companies are doing a terrific job in working to fulfill our various needs. DK Customs deserves a shout-out for sure with the work they are doing for the FREE World. All of the issues in this thread can or will be solved in time. The shift "clunk" mentioned is 100% a Harley trait that most HD owners like.
My issue is the V-Twin 103 motor running lean out of the factory. Many HD mechanics & sales reps have denied this to my face. I found even when the air/fuel mixture is balanced out, I am not getting the horsepower and throttle response (torque) I know is there. I purchased a tuning module (mfg. name withheld) with an app for the V-Twin 103 motor thinking this would get it done. I found that these modules are for the most part tuning to a generic chart. In other words, even a tuning module on a stock Road King will produce different numbers on a dyno than the Freewheeler. Same engine different results. This is because the are averaged out and typically the computer chips are created and assembled off site from the actual dyne site and if they fall into a +/- error area they are considered sellable.
THE GOOD NEWS: I spent some money and time having a tuning module developed EXCLUSIVELY for the Freewheeler! After I log a few hundred miles more, I will post a complete review including photos and video of the process. So far the results are far more than I expected. I in no way work for this company nor am I compensated in any way. I'm a semi-retired graphic designer. Making my expensive trike run and hum at its peak was personal with me. Stay tuned for a review. Might be a couple of weeks.
My issue is the V-Twin 103 motor running lean out of the factory. Many HD mechanics & sales reps have denied this to my face. I found even when the air/fuel mixture is balanced out, I am not getting the horsepower and throttle response (torque) I know is there. I purchased a tuning module (mfg. name withheld) with an app for the V-Twin 103 motor thinking this would get it done. I found that these modules are for the most part tuning to a generic chart. In other words, even a tuning module on a stock Road King will produce different numbers on a dyno than the Freewheeler. Same engine different results. This is because the are averaged out and typically the computer chips are created and assembled off site from the actual dyne site and if they fall into a +/- error area they are considered sellable.
THE GOOD NEWS: I spent some money and time having a tuning module developed EXCLUSIVELY for the Freewheeler! After I log a few hundred miles more, I will post a complete review including photos and video of the process. So far the results are far more than I expected. I in no way work for this company nor am I compensated in any way. I'm a semi-retired graphic designer. Making my expensive trike run and hum at its peak was personal with me. Stay tuned for a review. Might be a couple of weeks.
1) No analog tachometer for a Freewheeler
2) I cut the 'trigger switch' cap in half ~ the cap kept changing the digital tachometer to the odometer, trip meter A, trip meter B, etc.
3) I spent a year complaining about the windshield height (H-D only sold 16" or 20") but I *bought* a new FLRT Clearview shield to fix that problem.
After 1+ year, and about $2,400 in both H-D and non-H-D parts and accessories to address various deficiencies, I kinda' like it.
PS: When the electrical reverse dies, IF it's out-of-warranty, I'm buying a geared reverse instead.
2) I cut the 'trigger switch' cap in half ~ the cap kept changing the digital tachometer to the odometer, trip meter A, trip meter B, etc.
3) I spent a year complaining about the windshield height (H-D only sold 16" or 20") but I *bought* a new FLRT Clearview shield to fix that problem.
After 1+ year, and about $2,400 in both H-D and non-H-D parts and accessories to address various deficiencies, I kinda' like it.
PS: When the electrical reverse dies, IF it's out-of-warranty, I'm buying a geared reverse instead.
The only 2 things I didn't / don't care for are the stock seat (replaced with sundowner, much better) and 2nd is the updraft have a set of JES wind deflectors on order hopefully they do the trick, other that that I really like it.
Red
Red
I'm surprised Harley hasn't sued Honda for patent infringement. My VTX clunks with the best of them!!
I had a 929 Honda it sounded like i was hitting the case with a sledge, Especially when dropping it into First....
EVERY Harley I've owned since the first one in 1970 had drive train noise and shifter clunk. That would be 7 bikes. Wife has had 5, they clunked and made noise too. It is the nature of the beast.
Bel-Ray 85W-140 Hypoid Gear Oil is what I use in the tranny. Switch to a dedicated gear oil for Harley trannys and you will be much happier.
My Freewheeler shifts great. Make sure your primary has the full 38oz of fluid in it, mine was low 5 oz from the factory. Also try the Spectro 75/140 6 speed specific trany fluid for Harleys, its pricey but worth it. Like I said my Freewheeler shifts great.
Ride Safe,
Bill G
Yada, that first gear clunk in the morning is sure scary.
Always look for flying aluminum.
I use Redline Shock Proof, another also works product. jm2c
Always look for flying aluminum.
I use Redline Shock Proof, another also works product. jm2c
If your Harley doesn't clunk, Don't mention that fact to your dealer... :cxtv:
A NON- Clunking Harley Transmission will Void your Warrantee!
:laugh:
A NON- Clunking Harley Transmission will Void your Warrantee!
:laugh:
G
gerald martin
clunk
Try holding your clutch in for about 20 seconds before shifting into first. You will be suprised
Try holding your clutch in for about 20 seconds before shifting into first. You will be suprised
I am curious as to why you would want to replace the electric reverse with a mechanical one. It should be easy to find some one to rebuild the drive motor if it fails
You would think so..... But just like Life it isn't always that simple... Went though that with my Tri-Glide.
Thats why i went mechanical.. Do a search on the reverse motor...
I have and there were posts about getting it rebuilt. I talked to a local repair shop for generators and starters. They said take it off Bring about a hundred bucks for the rebuild. I only have about 6500 miles on mine but I use the reverse alot to park at work. I have no problems yet.
Yep there are, I pulled my reverse 3 times' First two times i repaired it myself.. third time i found a rebuilder 95$ that lasted about a year... But i was told he has since raised it to 395$ Anyway i wasn't going to crawl under the Trike again...With the mechanical i can and ''Do'' park anywhere just like with a car... PS The motor is an Hitachi...
Kind of park as if it doesn't exist. However do exercise it to keep it going. Question: what hap pens, motor goes bad? Or the gear assembly jam up?
What's reverse??? I just use my legs
I find that I use the reverse assist very very little, it is just easier and quicker to put my legs down and walk it backwards for me anyway.
I agree. I use reverse very little; only when I absolutely have to. In the 15 months I have owned my FW I have probably used reverse less than 10 times. Same on my Goldwing trike I had a few years back.
Sunman
I think I use mine more to mess with my buddies on two when they try to duck walk backwards up hills.... I grin and hit the reverse.... When I first got the free I would use it often, and blow the breaker got to the point that it would take to long I would put my feet down and do it like a man :qpnmt:
I use the reverse quit often and haven't had any problems with it so far (fingers crossed), but then I'm also a right above knee amputee so it does come in handy. If it does go and it's still under warranty I'll have HD fix it, if not under warranty I'll bite the bullet and pay to have a mechanical reverse installed.
Red,
Red,
Wife and I have rarely used the reverse on the 4 trikes we have owned. After nearly 50 years riding 2 wheelers without reverse we are pretty careful when we park. Most of the time we 'Flintstone'. Rule 1, never park downhill if you can't pull out forward
I use the reverse whenever I need to back up. My theory on the whole thing is "That's what it was put there for, so why not use it?"
- - - Updated - - -
Stuff like this is why I bought the extended warranty. And all the more reason for me to use reverse early and often.
- - - Updated - - -
Stuff like this is why I bought the extended warranty. And all the more reason for me to use reverse early and often.
Similar threads
Welcome to the Trike Talk Community
Join our vibrant online community dedicated to all things Trikes! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, this is the place to share experiences, tips, and stories about your three-wheeled adventures. Explore modifications, maintenance advice, and rides, all while connecting with fellow trike enthusiasts from around the globe
Forum statistics
Share this page
