Would You Buy a New Harley Trike?

Just traded in my RG3 on a 2024. I was looking hard at a newer Goldwing on a CSC, and also a 5th Gen on a Roadsmith. Both were nice trikes but I was really interested in the 2018+ DCT. Been riding riding Harley's (and a few Honda's) for decades so no reason for the DCT, just like the idea of trying one.

The Gold Wings have a good rep, but the first two things I would need to change are the seat and windshield. This is a popular upgrade for many and sitting on them I can see why. I didn't like the riding position of either but the older Gen was the better of the two.

In the end I bought a Tri Glide and I'm happy. If I understand correctly, all Harley trikes share the same chassis, but the Tri Glide rides much better than the RG3. If the only difference is the tire profiles than it's a hell of a difference. I had the RG3 suspention set at 5.5, and settled on 6 with the Tri Glide running 22lbs in the rears. Niether of these two trikes have a smooth transmission, in comparison my 2005 RKC shifts like butter. I get an occasional poping noise when I pull in the clutch on both trikes, not sure what that's about. Took the RG3 to the dealler and they of course said everything is as it should be.

I tend to just load up and disappear for a few weeks, and it's nice knowing there's a Harley dealership on every corner should I need it. I should have bought a 2023 because I like a couple of the colors, but I wanted to try the RG fairing. The 2024's only had one color I like but I wasn't will to pay the 4K upcharge, so I settled on a color I'm not crazy about. Also, I really couldn't convince myself that the Gold Wings look nice. I'm sure the other Harleys in my stable would have been wondering how that Klingon warship got into the garage.
 
Bottom line Rodger is are you happy when your out riding. When you really get down to it you make it yours Enjoy
 
No. New trikes are overpriced. Also, there’s plenty of clean low mileage trikes on the used market, many of which with warranty remaining.
 
I test drove a new TriGlide earlier this year at my local dealer as I was going to trade my 2020 Ultra. The TriGlide rode terrible, they didn’t want to give me anything for my bike, and they didn’t want to deal on the TriGlide.

Shortly after, I started doing some research and found this forum. After reading through several threads, I surmised that I could either trade my bike and then have to drop a lot more money in to making it ride nice, or I could just convert my bike that I really loved.

It then came down to 3 conversion kits. CSC, KoolTrikes, or a RoadSmith. I really liked the suspension on the KoolTrikes, but they kept blowing me off every time I tried to place an order and said it would be several months. Then I spent a lot of time researching between the CSC and RoadSmith. Basically, I felt the CSC looked a bit nicer, but the RoadSmith was built better underneath and had a LOT of positive reviews.

After installing the RoadSmith on my bike, REALLY happy how it turned out and rides. My local dealer isn’t very happy as several in our group who rides trikes are now are asking them questions and are contemplating selling their TriGlide and doing a conversion kit like mine. I’ve already got 2 guys wanting me to do conversions for them this winter.IMG_0598.jpeg
 
It turned out beautifully. I think I said it before, the main reason I stuck with Tri Glide is dealer support. Nothing against the CSC or Roadsmith but a lot of dealers won’t touch the rear of the bike if something happens. I plan on traveling a lot at retirement so I might buy another Tri Glide.
 
It turned out beautifully. I think I said it before, the main reason I stuck with Tri Glide is dealer support. Nothing against the CSC or Roadsmith but a lot of dealers won’t touch the rear of the bike if something happens. I plan on traveling a lot at retirement so I might buy another Tri Glide.
That makes perfect sense and I get that. I weighed that decision if I broke a belt for example on a long trip and you’re right, HD dealers won’t touch it. I figured I’d load it up in a U-Haul to bring it back home and fix it myself anyway as I don’t like dealers working on my stuff unless it’s warranty.
 
I absolutely love my Tri Glide and it’s provided much enjoyment with both riding and adding components. I would never trade it or sell it at this point.

With Milton a short distance off the coast at this moment, I would replace it with another Glide if disaster struck and something happened to it. Hoping that doesn’t happen.
 
That makes perfect sense and I get that. I weighed that decision if I broke a belt for example on a long trip and you’re right, HD dealers won’t touch it. I figured I’d load it up in a U-Haul to bring it back home and fix it myself anyway as I don’t like dealers working on my stuff unless it’s warranty.
I worry about that if I’m riding in Canada or Colorado… I weighed th3 options both ways, it’s all good.
 
I not only would, I DID! I've had 10 new Harleys in the past 40 years and really never had a serious problem with any of them! This is my first trike but at 75 I'm ready for one and I love it. Not what I expected at all, it isn't a compromise really. It is a barrel of fun and actually a lot safer. Had I known what a trike was really like I would've bought one 10 years ago!
 
When this thread started four years ago I would have answered differently.

Since buying my first Harley trike I have averaged just over 9,000 miles a year on them. My wife never rode much on my previous 2-wheel motorcycles, however she loves the trikes. I still don't have any physical disabilities that would require me to own a trike over owning a 2-wheel motorcycle. In reality traveling on a trike is much easier. Even running daily errands on the trike is practical.

One of the things I did miss was having less torque and horsepower with a Harley trike. In Feb 2023 I had my motor rebuilt. Had the bottom end sent up to Darkhorse. When it came back Four Rivers Harley (Paducah) rebuilt the whole thing using a 130ci T-Man kit. They are experts at matching the perfect cam and headers to rebuild exactly what type of motor you are looking for. So now my trike actually feels like some of the old 2-wheelers I used to ride. Actually, I have to be careful when speed shifting into 2nd and 3rd because it will definitely pull the front end up off the ground.

So, no sir, I would not purchase a new trike. I will eventually have mine painted, but I'll run this motor for at least 100,000 miles.
 
When this thread started four years ago I would have answered differently.

Since buying my first Harley trike I have averaged just over 9,000 miles a year on them. My wife never rode much on my previous 2-wheel motorcycles, however she loves the trikes. I still don't have any physical disabilities that would require me to own a trike over owning a 2-wheel motorcycle. In reality traveling on a trike is much easier. Even running daily errands on the trike is practical.

One of the things I did miss was having less torque and horsepower with a Harley trike. In Feb 2023 I had my motor rebuilt. Had the bottom end sent up to Darkhorse. When it came back Four Rivers Harley (Paducah) rebuilt the whole thing using a 130ci T-Man kit. They are experts at matching the perfect cam and headers to rebuild exactly what type of motor you are looking for. So now my trike actually feels like some of the old 2-wheelers I used to ride. Actually, I have to be careful when speed shifting into 2nd and 3rd because it will definitely pull the front end up off the ground.

So, no sir, I would not purchase a new trike. I will eventually have mine painted, but I'll run this motor for at least 100,000 miles.
I will have my 21 upgraded eventually I think unless I trade fora newer one but the 114” performs like I want it. I really don’t need more power but to bump up the cam and have it tuned might be “Funner”. Lol
 
I will have my 21 upgraded eventually I think unless I trade fora newer one but the 114” performs like I want it. I really don’t need more power but to bump up the cam and have it tuned might be “Funner”. Lol
I had a couple buddies that did the T-man kits and rebuilt theirs. To be honest I wasn't going to spend the $5,000 to $6,000 for the upgrade. As luck would have it my M8 blew up so I had to rebuild anyway. I decided instead of rebuilding stock I might as well invest a little bit and enjoy the increase. After I got it back it was like having a totally different motorcycle. It is just much more enjoyable to ride IMHO.
 
I had a couple buddies that did the T-man kits and rebuilt theirs. To be honest I wasn't going to spend the $5,000 to $6,000 for the upgrade. As luck would have it my M8 blew up so I had to rebuild anyway. I decided instead of rebuilding stock I might as well invest a little bit and enjoy the increase. After I got it back it was like having a totally different motorcycle. It is just much more enjoyable to ride IMHO.
I bet. T man has some badass setups.
 
I have not seriously looked at new Harleys in several years, yesterday I vistited my friend Kristen, service manager at Mancuso Crossroads HD in Houston. Harley has obviously stepped up their game, big time...the line up has substantionally changed accross the board, most noticabally in engine size, styling and options.

The trikes though are the least changed so far as developing a better suspension, better cooling, and more engine and styling or comfort options. The options for better HD branded factory seats, pipes, handlebars and paint schemes that are available on the Dynas, Streetglide, Ultra and Roadglides are not available on the trikes. Not sure why that is.
 
I have not seriously looked at new Harleys in several years, yesterday I vistited my friend Kristen, service manager at Mancuso Crossroads HD in Houston. Harley has obviously stepped up their game, big time...the line up has substantionally changed accross the board, most noticabally in engine size, styling and options.

The trikes though are the least changed so far as developing a better suspension, better cooling, and more engine and styling or comfort options.
I really hope HD steps up to the plate with. IRS & better rake out of the box. To be sure they know the suspension sucks as stock.
 
I really hope HD steps up to the plate with. IRS & better rake out of the box. To be sure they know the suspension sucks as stock.

Yep, 100% on the sucky suspension and improper rake. They are obviously keeping their costs down as it would be cost prohibitive to go to an IRS suspension, but youd think the more basic options would be there.
 
My girlfriend lost her ability to balance. It really caused issues when we rode. I have a couple of Harleys and an Indian Roadmaster. My neighbor bought a Freewheeler and had it for 3 years and never rode it. I bought it from them so my GF and I could get some saddle time. I was surprised about how much I enjoyed the three wheels. The other day I came across a really nice Tri Glide and trade the Freewheeler. I can't say how much I enjoy all of the machines. I sometimes even ride the three wheels when i am by myself just simply because of the ease of getting around. In answer to the original question, I wish I had bought a brand new one to start with and dolled it up. Ken
 
Would you buy a new Harley Trike, Why and or why not?
No. The HD dealerships for years have been trying to get me to up grade from my 2017 Ultra TriGlide but I have ridden it to Sturgis, Daytona, Maine, New Hampshire, Up sate New York with no issues; I've put on an oil cooler with a relocation kit, Legends Air shocks that makes it ride like it has an independent suspension system, a rekluse clutch, front legend shocks, up graded my front wheel to 21" inch black and read wheels to 18" black at Stugis just put in a lithium battery from Volunteer Audio. I have a 107 engine and it does over 90 with ease. No issues mechanically, engine, suspension, electronically, etc. What for I change" lol Create your own and enjoy your ride, the new trikes have items missing that I have on mine from stock! Best of all, no monthly payments! Keep what you have and up grade it as you move along the highway and looking at what works with other trikes; maybe it'll work for you as well without the added costs of purchasing a new trike.
 
I bought a practically new 2023 Freewheeler back in October with only 537 odometer miles for $26,995. I compared that to a new 2024 at a dealership which was about $33,000 or so. I also didn't have to pay a freight charge like they add for a new one.
 
Have had 2 Tri glides and would not buy a new one today. Been looking at the Freewheeler used models as I would be riding solo. Price is the biggest deterrent for me, how much they are now than they use to be. I can swing a used FW without too much trouble. My new car cost less than some of the new trikes, and I can drive that year round.
 
Coming back to this thread as I just bought and am waiting for it to arrive, a new to me 2021 freewheeler with 18 miles on the speedometer.

Billiard Teal. Sold my old FW back last July thinking I was done with riding. Sitting in the house this past 6 months has convinced me otherwise.

I had a complete new Cobra exhaust system installed, brake and hydraulic fluid flushed,3 hole fluid change out and new Avon grips. I bought a new license for my old PV3, with a new map and canbus cable. Fuelmoto are great people to work with on the tuners. I am waiting delivery on a heel shifter and floorboard extensions. I bought a Memphis Shades batwing and had it sent to Factory Match for painting. I should get that back in 3 weeks.

Found the trike on Ol' Red's Motorcycle web site through Cycle Trader they are located in Simpsonville, S.C. They are absolutely terrific people to deal with. I recommend completely. I wouldn't have or been able to buy a newer model. I tried to work a deal on a 2024 FW but could not get the price I was looking for. This bike is within my price range and new for all practical purposes. It will last me as long as I live. Trying to decide if I should buy a extended warranty from Jim Palmer as there is no warranty on this bike.

21 FW.jpg
 
The extended warranty for me was a no brained as I like to travel far once a year. I could probably repair most things except for the electronics, traction control and some of the ABS linked brakes.
 
Has Harley changed rake angle for better steering and improved ride quality on new trikes? I never see reviews of new trikes and there’s nothing mentioned on hd.com.
 

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