2012 TG First Riding Impressions

[Retcsm07]

Thought I'd throw in my initial thoughts. New 2012 TG sat in our garage for a month while the weather warmed up, then a week ago we got to ride it 3 times. First impression is that it is much different than testing a ride at the shop or trying out a friend's ride. It's ours, so the smiles started pretty quickly and just kept getting bigger.

First time out was by myself, to get oriented somewhat, and to do some of those things recommended by the experienced riders - start slowly, maintain posted speeds on curves, and even found that empty parking lot to do circles and figure eights, some of it with the left hand in the pocket. Keeping the feet up came quick. Pushing and pulling to steer is one thing, but keeping the right hand steady on the throttle takes some getting used to. I would say it was a very worthwhile afternoon.

Next two times the SO was along, watching the middle line and reminding me about the "big rear end". I even welcomed the additional eyes and some of the reminders about what I was doing, was not doing, or should be watching.

We both noticed the additional heat (and it was only about 78-80 degrees), but it was not yet unbearable. And we both have decided that the stock exhaust is pretty miserable sounding, even compared with my 2004 Ultra Classic which had stock on it. I may even consider earplugs until we decide what to do with it. She says the ride is good (40 lbs in shocks and 24 lbs in tires for now) and feels very comfortable.

So for now the ride is good, and the more miles the better it will be. It's going to be a very nice summer with a lot of smiling.

I have read a lot of these threads about the heat resolutions others have done and the risers and wind deflectors. So as the summer gets hotter and we ride more there will be those other things to consider.

Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!
Bingse

[Nana]

What a great report from a new trike rider! Well done on the adjustment to a trike, and congrats on the new baby. You are correct..... the smiles are going to get wider and wider!

[Gorilla]

Great Job with getting on board with a trike. Gets better with every mile

[TNTriker]

When I first started riding my hand would cramp rolling the throttle and trying to steer, but hubby got me a "Throttle Rocker" problem solved. Glad you are getting some time in the seat!

[iaff84]

You are going at it right. Best modification to your TG now is putting on some miles. Best way to find things for your TG is to talk to other TG riders and you find them on the road and right here on this forum. Look and listen and you will not go wrong. What is right for me or others may be totally wrong for you.
One thing we all agree on, these are great machines, hands down.
Dennis

[Oldmsocko]

I totally agree with iaff84. What is good for some may not fit your wants or needs. Ride it awhile and see how it fits you. If there is something you don't like and want to change and want some opinions you can certainly find them here. I certainly LOVE my TG.

[Minnesota Dick]

I just got my Tri Glide on 2/29/2012 and was also concerned about the exhuast sound of the stock mufflers, but now that I have about 950 miles on it the ehaust is sound much better. It is getting a deeper rumble and a little louder. So I have decided to wait until I have about 5000 miles on it to dedide if to change it to something else. I may de-cat it at about 3000 miles and see what that sounds like.

Best of wishes with you new bike as I love mine.

[TheBobs]

I just got my Tri Glide on 2/29/2012 and was also concerned about the exhuast sound of the stock mufflers, but now that I have about 950 miles on it the ehaust is sound much better. It is getting a deeper rumble and a little louder. So I have decided to wait until I have about 5000 miles on it to dedide if to change it to something else. I may de-cat it at about 3000 miles and see what that sounds like.

Best of wishes with you new bike as I love mine.

I have a Fuel Moto headpipe on it and retained the stock mufflers. Originally had a set of jackpots on there, but put the stockers back on. I was really surprised at how the sound changed by not having a CAT.

[Retcsm07]

Good suggestion by TNTTriker about the "Throttle Rocker". I had one on an earlier bike and it worked well. It took some of the stress off of the throttle hand. And Minnesota Dick's comment about the exhaust sound changing with use is great. I hadn't thought about that. A good break-in may change some of the dynamics.

I have decided that there is no hurry to get all sorts of "stuff" (bling?) right now. We need to get it broken in and ride it a while and find out what we'd really like (or need) to change or add and what those priorities would be. As you have so aptly stated, "what works for one doesn't work for all", and there is all kinds of stuff out there.

Thanks for the comments and input.
Ride safe.

[ssw1]

We have a black 2011 TG and love it. Just under 5,000 mi. Someone once commented to me that the reason they thought I bought a trike was they heard I had health issues. I responded, "Not that I know of." We chose the trike for what it is, how it looks and how it suites me and the wife riding two-up. No regrets, great machine. Glad you are enjoying yours! Ride, ride, ride and you will quikly master the subtle control issues and adapt accordingly.

[Phu Cat]

M Dick, Before ya gut the cat, ya might want to check out how much an after market set of head pipes are. If they start crackin down on motorcycle emissions (it wouldn't surprise me with this administration) and ya have to buy a new cat chamber, it's gonna set ya back $787. Keepin your old cat in the attic may be the hot tip.

Phu Cat

[TheBobs]

+1 Phu Cat!

[Minnesota Dick]

Phu Cat
Thanks for the tip about the cost of a new HD head pipe. With that kind of price for a new stock head pipe, I guess I will go with and de-cated after market head pipe if I decide to do the de-cating.

[GARYD]

I changed the A/C, Fatshotz slip ons and a Race Tuner installed. I also have a pair of leather thigh coolers, and floor board extenders. I'm hoping that will be all I have to do for the heat problem. I really really don't want to touch the head pipes, but if i do I will do as Phu Cat suggested. The one thing I'd like to do but can't is remove the lowers because my woofers are in them.

[rooster]

I changed the A/C, Fatshotz slip ons and a Race Tuner installed. I also have a pair of leather thigh coolers, and floor board extenders. I'm hoping that will be all I have to do for the heat problem. I really really don't want to touch the head pipes, but if i do I will do as Phu Cat suggested. The one thing I'd like to do but can't is remove the lowers because my woofers are in them.

Try just taking out the adjustable doors, makes a difference and easy to do.

[grapenuts]

Put some miles on and then install a pair of 1¼” lift brackets on the shocks. It’s the only way to really know what a fine and necessary mod it is. If I did only one thing to my trike (yeah, one mod, who am I kidding?) it would be this. Enjoy.

[jcolson]

Hey Dennis, haven't talked to you for awhile. Had both hands operated on a week ago friday. Wish I could've rode down to see you since it was so nice out. This is the way spring should be. Not snowing & blowing until the middle of may. Do you know where these people are getting the EZ pull things to make the clutch lever easier to pull in? Mine has always been real hard since they built the motor. It has the SE clutch spring in it. Even with good hands I had to put it in neutural at stop lights. Hope things are good with you. Jim

[msocko3]

Hey Dennis, haven't talked to you for awhile. Had both hands operated on a week ago friday. Wish I could've rode down to see you since it was so nice out. This is the way spring should be. Not snowing & blowing until the middle of may. Do you know where these people are getting the EZ pull things to make the clutch lever easier to pull in? Mine has always been real hard since they built the motor. It has the SE clutch spring in it. Even with good hands I had to put it in neutural at stop lights. Hope things are good with you. Jim

These are the folks who make them AIM Corp*::*VP Clutch (70T, 84T, 92T)*::*VP70T, Up To 88" motor If you can get in touch with Ultra Boy he may have some in stock.

[jcolson]

I looked at the add on line you gave me. It says you can't use them with the SE spring. If I could, which one should I get? I'm not a woose, it's just hard to hold at long stop lights. I asked the dealer today about the reduced pull fom HD. The parts guy told me mine came with one from the factory. My 2004 Ultra was like butter. Jim

[msocko3]

I looked at the add on line you gave me. It says you can't use them with the SE spring. If I could, which one should I get? I'm not a woose, it's just hard to hold at long stop lights. I asked the dealer today about the reduced pull fom HD. The parts guy told me mine came with one from the factory. My 2004 Ultra was like butter. Jim

The VP70T will work with the SE Spring, I also know the VP84T will work with it also because I run the SE spring and the VP84T. Your dealer is correct part of the easy pull is installed from the factory. The complete easy pull as it was designed is a different clutch ramp and a 300 lb spring. The Triglide comes with the ramp but it uses the same spring the CVO bikes use which is around 330 lb. The SE spring is 380 lb which is why your feeling the extra effort.