Considering a Freewheeler and was dismayed that ABS wasn't even available as an option. Further research shows it's not available on any Harley trike. Posted this concern in the new member section but though it would be better to post here. Am I the only one who wants ABS on a motorcycle or trike? Any ideas why Harley wouldn't offer it an an option? Thanking you in advance for your thoughts and observations. This site is a real find for someone considering a 3 wheeler.
Why no ABS on Harley trikes.
- Thread starter WildWilly
- Start date
I would love ABS brakes. I suspect the reason HD doesn't put them on trikes is "the bottom line". They make too much money saving on that. Its not like the technology is new for bikes or cars.<br />
When in rain/snow, I end up pumping front brake anyways, to keep it from Locking up and sliding.
When in rain/snow, I end up pumping front brake anyways, to keep it from Locking up and sliding.
The T/G does have ABS......
I don't think so, it just has the rear to front linked brakes like the Freewheeler, IIRC.
orag:
I could be wrong' Or Harley's Spec's are...
Listed as Reflex linked brakes WITH ABS...:Shrug:
Just to add Harley says ;; Locked up tires are a thing of the past, Even on wet pavement.....
Last edited:
This is the exact question I had when deciding on a Tri Glide purchase. I knew from my research that trikes had linked braked but no ABS. The most amazing thing was that the salesman(?) did not know the trikes did not have ABS.
The lack of ABS has not been a issue, but I wonder like you why didn't HD add it. The only thing that makes sense is $35K price tag would be significantly higher factoring in the number of units sold with ABS.
The lack of ABS has not been a issue, but I wonder like you why didn't HD add it. The only thing that makes sense is $35K price tag would be significantly higher factoring in the number of units sold with ABS.
This is the first I have heard of these. Would love to test it on rain, sand and snow. Hell, I would settle for wet leaves. Actually, if this is something new on the '15's, I would wonder what a retrofit would take. If possible.
They are hydraulically linked, where their 2 wheel cousins are electronically linked. The linking only works when the rear brake is applied, no ABS on the Triglide. I'd imagine its $$$ why HD doesn't offer ABS on the trike platform.
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When HD introduced ABS they made a video explaining the purpose of it/why they did it.
Since the stated reason for ABS being offered on a 2 wheeled HD is for safety of not high or low sliding if the brakes are locked up.... and Since it is not possible to low side on a Trike, and pretty near impossible to high side on a Trike from locking up the brakes, it offers no significant safety benefit.
Related to HD being a global company, is that Europe either has, or will soon, require all 2 wheeled bikes to have ABS.
Short excerpt from HD video on ABS-
Since the stated reason for ABS being offered on a 2 wheeled HD is for safety of not high or low sliding if the brakes are locked up.... and Since it is not possible to low side on a Trike, and pretty near impossible to high side on a Trike from locking up the brakes, it offers no significant safety benefit.
Related to HD being a global company, is that Europe either has, or will soon, require all 2 wheeled bikes to have ABS.
Short excerpt from HD video on ABS-
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Long official video on ABS from HD-
I'm glad there's no ABS on the trike I do not like ABS (I had a couple issues with it on one of my cars) and don't want to pay for it. I prefer to do my own braking and I think I do a better job(my opinion).
I have no problem if it was an OPTION, just so I wouldn't have to pay for it, but others that want it could get it.
I have no problem if it was an OPTION, just so I wouldn't have to pay for it, but others that want it could get it.
Why ABS on a TG? I couldn't lock mine down if I had to.
ABS??? Why not power steering, doors, and air conditioning. At some point your fun and freedom bike/trike becomes a car. My Ultra had ABS and I didn't really care for it. New Harleys cost an arm and a leg now, I wouldn't want any more expensive doo-dads from the factory. Just my old and ugly opinion.
- Thread starter
- #16
the brakes are that bad on the Harley trike?
- - - Updated - - -
And yet you have no problem with electronic ignition, fuel injection, electric start, and a 3rd wheel? Just my old and ugly opinion.
I am not a fan of ABS brakes. I like to be in control and ABS brakes seem to make that more tricky in a car, let alone a bike. I guess if I was on ice, they may be OK - But, I have to confess I do better on ice with them turned off in my car..... And, I don't run the trike in those winter conditions - I keep a car for that.
But, the above a side, I think HD should make ABS an option that we can opt out of - if they do come out with it for trikes. I just like the option to chose it or NOT choose as I really believe some of us don't want or need it and the money is best spent elsewhere.
Springman
But, the above a side, I think HD should make ABS an option that we can opt out of - if they do come out with it for trikes. I just like the option to chose it or NOT choose as I really believe some of us don't want or need it and the money is best spent elsewhere.
Springman
Problem is if Harley does put ABS on the trike, we won't be given the choice, they will put it on all of them, and if they didn't? The dealers would only order the ones with ABS - so again no choice. :AGGHH:
KJB
150+ Posts
I would probably be more concerned with having ABS on 2 wheels more so than 3. If you lock up a 2-wheeler there is a pretty good chance you are going down. I think your chances of remaining upright are much better on a 3-wheeler but I hope I never have to find out for sure.
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Not in my experience.
I've read of a lot of guys not being able to lock up the brakes on their TG.
Personally, I have ridden several of them and can lock up the rear and front tires on all of them with no problem at all.
Front are easy...rear takes more pressure, and that's on dry asphalt, get on a slippery surface and that's when you gotta feather the brakes just like on 2 wheels to avoid locking up....thus the reason that some folks like ABS, you don't need to worry about them locking up while you're already in a "situation".
Kevin
Not So - no ABS on the Ultras Tri Glide - as was said -> only the linked front/rear brakes. Would love to have ABS on the Trike...
I like that the TriGlide has not have ABS. Sometimes you need to lock them up.
The other day, my fault, looking at the radio, picked my eyes up, guy in front
was right there. My Linked brakes worked perfectly, Locked them up, then alittle
pump saved my ass. ABS, I woulda been into his bumper.:clapping:
The other day, my fault, looking at the radio, picked my eyes up, guy in front
was right there. My Linked brakes worked perfectly, Locked them up, then alittle
pump saved my ass. ABS, I woulda been into his bumper.:clapping:
I have to disagree about locking them up being more effective than ABS, if your sliding your not stopping very well. A well designed ABS system will beat a human every time, it will for sure stop shorter than something sliding. People go wrong with ABS when they think they have to pump, just stuff the brakes on and work on a solution to get out of the mess.
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