What gives the best ride?

[screwball]

Oops, Tri-Glides don't do well underwater.

 

[adaptolife]

Wow! I really love the ride on my 03 RG with Ghost Wheels! She rides and handles like Harley FL should!

 

[GARYD]

Screwball, Trent beat me to it. If you turned left you really would get wet - screw the rain. ROFLMAO.
I do disagree with you about the DFT standard bodies though. I can't stand them, but I do like the DFT Harley designed one.

I decided to buy a new TG instead of converting my 2010 Limited because I wanted a ground up factory designed trike not something I would have to heavily modify and hope it rode well.....and get a 7 year factory warranty to boot.
I bet I would only be able to count on one hand how many times in the last 50 years that an IRS would have been worth having.

This is just me now, but I can't see spending $8000+ just so I can ride over a pothole or two maybe once in a week or month. I do not ride on bad roads-as a rule-granted there will be times I can't help it, but I will slow down while I'm on it. When I encounter a road hazard, pothole or manhole cover, etc. I will hit it with the front wheel and NOT the rear wheels. It's so much softer that way believe me. That was the very first thing I learned.

If it was a $900 option, I probably would convert a Tri Glide.

Those with back problems I don't blame you for a minute on wanting to do whatever it takes to be able to keep on riding. That's why I bought a trike in the first place - so I can ride till I'm 80+ GOD willing. ThumbUp

 

[KRUZR]

Screwball, Trent beat me to it. If you turned left you really would get wet - screw the rain. ROFLMAO.
I do disagree with you about the DFT standard bodies though. I can't stand them, but I do like the DFT Harley designed one.

I decided to buy a new TG instead of converting my 2010 Limited because I wanted a ground up factory designed trike not something I would have to heavily modify and hope it rode well.....and get a 7 year factory warranty to boot.
I bet I would only be able to count on one hand how many times in the last 50 years that an IRS would have been worth having.

This is just me now, but I can't see spending $8000+ just so I can ride over a pothole or two maybe once in a week or month. I do not ride on bad roads-as a rule-granted there will be times I can't help it, but I will slow down while I'm on it. When I encounter a road hazard, pothole or manhole cover, etc. I will hit it with the front wheel and NOT the rear wheels. It's so much softer that way believe me. That was the very first thing I learned.

If it was a $900 option, I probably would convert a Tri Glide.

Those with back problems I don't blame you for a minute on wanting to do whatever it takes to be able to keep on riding. That's why I bought a trike in the first place - so I can ride till I'm 80+ GOD willing. ThumbUp

To bad, your Limited would have made a really good looking Trike with a California Side Car Conversion and the ride quality would have matched what it looked like. I converted my Street Glide and I really glade I did. Yes it was expensive but an amazing result. After riding a Tri Glide in Sturgis and several other Trike Conversions, converting really was the only way I could see riding a Trike! Maybe we'll see you on the road some time, Ride Safe!

 

[GARYD]

Kruzr, more then likely we'll bump into each other at sometime.
I thought about sidecars too and all the different add on wheel kits, but decided on the new TG. What else am I going to spend my SS checks on? LOL


As an old Corvette saying goes = "Save the wave"

 

[Chubby Tom]

I've got a camp about 70 miles north of where I live. I ran into my neighbor from camp. He's the GM of a local large Harley Dealership. He just returned from a dealer meeting. He said mid year 2012 or first 2013 TriGlides will be offered with dealer installed DFT IRS to begin with. No talk of making them at the factory now. One of the main complaints about the TG, he says is the rear suspension system. He said the TG is actually a Lehman conversion, which I was unaware of, and the trees or frame is raked an additional 3*.

He thinks the DFT conversion should run in the 5-7K range. I guess if you're paying that kind of ching for a trike, 5-7k isn't really that much more. It's probably not economically feasible to change production to all DFT bodies (IRS Standard), at this time, but who knows what the future will hold.

Trust me(and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way),there is no comparison between a solid axle and IRS. In fact, if it wasn't for IRS, with my back problems, I would not own a trike any longer. The punishment from the solid rear end made 25+ mile rides almost impossible plus a two day recuperation period. Most I've done on one day since the DFT, was 120mi and I was ready to break dance after the ride. Could have doubled it without any problem.

My 2 cents

Tom

 

[rap47]

Interesting.....Our local Harley dealer has had two DFT trikes on the showroom floor in the last six months. Both trade-ins on new Tri glides!:Shrug:

 

[Chubby Tom]

I've fractured L3, had a discetomy done at L4 and most recently a lamenectomy with an impending fusion right around the corner. My neighbor brought me a TG to try out last august. Same problem...after sustained riding, lots of lower back pain.

The trike I have now was purchased at a federal marshalls auction. I bought it without riding it(so cheap, resell at a profit would be no problem, so I took a chance). It draws crowds wherever I go. It's got more power than I'll ever need. I will never sell it. Remember though, my situation is extreme and it's the best fit for me.

Tom

 

[meredog]

I have been running 16 # in my rear tires for the past 6 months or so--- can't believe the difference in the ride and i can see no wear on rear tires
I have ridden a lot of miles with IRS and solid axle both and actually prefer the solid axle for stability---the difference in ride i found to be neglidgable----in fact i think i would pay extra for the solid axle if i had to.

 

[Memnoch451]

I have been running 16 # in my rear tires for the past 6 months or so--- can't believe the difference in the ride and i can see no wear on rear tires
I have ridden a lot of miles with IRS and solid axle both and actually prefer the solid axle for stability---the difference in ride i found to be neglidgable----in fact i think i would pay extra for the solid axle if i had to.

Unless you're towing a 27 foot Airstream 16lbs looks and sound like a pretty good amount of air. I think we tend to forget these are CAR tires on the back of our trikes. I'm going to try a little less air in both my trikes as I run about 22lbs right now.. the ride is not bad with the IRS Champion kits I have but, if it makes the ride a little softer for the wife.. it's worth a try!

I guess I might want to check the tires at the first few stops on a trip for wear and heat..and I think I will log the MPG at the lower pressure too as a test.

 

[GARYD]

I'm with meredog on this one. I test road each last summer. Yes the IRS is nice, but not for $7K more money. I'm only 67 and no back problems - yet.

I kinda like the slight swaying the TG does and it's rock in windy weather.

I understand you guys with bad backs have to do whatever you have to for a softer ride and price is no object. Lucky for me I pretty much ride on good roads. I ride to Canada each year for the HOG rallys. This will be the first year on the TG so I can better answer the question of long distance after I come back.
So far I only have 2500 miles on it since I bought it in late October in the Chicago area - only riding weekends.

Bad roads do take their toll. I just have to plan my trips a little better.

I have been running whatever air pressure the dealer put in. I will try lowering the pressure a little and see what happens.
Maybe someone should do a poll and see what seems to be the best pressure setting. ThumbUp

 

[Chubby Tom]

I think a tire pressure poll(if there hasn't been one) would be good. I just lowered my rears to 25lbs from 32, while keeeping might front at 41lbs. The ride is definitely better(softer and more controlled).

I think I'm going to try 20 in the rears, as they are Z-rated, with, I'm assuming very stiff sidewalls. I'm actually going to call the mfg and see what they say.

The rears on my trike are the same size, aspect, and speed rating as on a sports car I own. I keep all tires at 36lbs. I'm sure it's what goes between the tires and my butt(including air presure). I drove it from Pgh to OBX last fall with only one stop. Two days later, I drove back with no problems. I also have a 1 ton dually that I can drive forever(although usually towing a large trailer for long distances). In my wife's minivan, 60 miles and my back feels like crap

If mfg says 20 is safe, I'm going to try it.

 

[meredog]

I think a tire pressure poll(if there hasn't been one) would be good. I just lowered my rears to 25lbs from 32, while keeeping might front at 41lbs. The ride is definitely better(softer and more controlled).

I think I'm going to try 20 in the rears, as they are Z-rated, with, I'm assuming very stiff sidewalls. I'm actually going to call the mfg and see what they say.

The rears on my trike are the same size, aspect, and speed rating as on a sports car I own. I keep all tires at 36lbs. I'm sure it's what goes between the tires and my butt(including air presure). I drove it from Pgh to OBX last fall with only one stop. Two days later, I drove back with no problems. I also have a 1 ton dually that I can drive forever(although usually towing a large trailer for long distances). In my wife's minivan, 60 miles and my back feels like crap

If mfg says 20 is safe, I'm going to try it.

We came to RGV in south Tx the first of Nov and have ridden nearly everyday since then with 16 # in rear and 40 # in front. Handles great rides great and no noticable tire wear. fuel mileage unchanged.

 

[big 4]

took my trike to stergus last august had kurakin arm rests installed for the little one she loved them
took some of the bump shock out of her butt. coarse the air adjustable seat helps
a lot. can't make it any smoother or will fall asleep

 

[GARYD]

Last night I checked the tire pressure in the rears. They were at 30psi. Reduced them to 25 psi. Now I just have to ride and see how that works.
I also have the air seat, but I don't know if it makes any difference other then having more comfortable positions during long trips.

 

[screwball]

In 3 years, almost 30,000 miles I've run the rear tires from 22 to 30 pounds, rear shocks from 15 to 40 pounds. It will NEVER ride as well as a 2 wheeler. Even my lowered Softail Springer rode better than the trike. Guess it is just the nature of the beast. If anyone finds "the trick" for something reasonable let us know.

 

[meredog]

I tell you sir---lower your rear tire pressure to 15 # and you will think you are on cloud nine. FREE ADJUSTMENT AND ALL IT TAKES IS A FEW POUNDS OF AIR TO PUT IT BACK WHERE IT IS IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT. oh man just realized i had the caps on, wasn't yelling at ya.

 

[GARYD]

Rode the TG to work this morning after reducing PSI to 25. I intentionally hit manhole covers to see the difference. Yes, it was a lot softer - just hope I'm not doing any damage to the tires or the steering geometry.

Can't imagine going down to 15 PSI. Maybe I'll give that a test ride - just to get the feel.

 

[trikermutha]

Man I would worry about the sidewalls of the tires running lower air pressures.

This could create tire failure..

Still like my legend air suspension..Yea its pricey but worth the ride..

 

[meredog]

I am not concerned about the sidewalls. These tires are designed for vehicles weighing thousands of pounds, The weight of these trikes with two up do not even show the tire's sidewall buldging. Like i said i have been riding all winter with no adverse effects

 

[trikermutha]

Tire Tech Information - Air Pressure vs. Dry Performance

 

[jkchipster]

My Lehman manual says 22 psi in the rear tires.

 

[iaff84]

I am not concerned about the sidewalls. These tires are designed for vehicles weighing thousands of pounds, The weight of these trikes with two up do not even show the tire's sidewall buldging. Like i said i have been riding all winter with no adverse effects

I have been at 22 in rear of TG for allot of miles and felt it was a softer ride. Yesterday, we went out with 16 in rears. Will now ride it that way for a few weeks.
I found it was night and day different than 22 and 26. Allot softer ride, time will tell.
This all done riding two up.
Dennis