Solid Axle vs Independent Axle

[GARYD]

I remember back in 2011 when my dealer had trike demos. DFT had just brought out their Harley TG replacement IRS. Cost at that time was estimated at $5000. Just to replace the rear end. That's when I said it's not worth it to me.

Even $1000 is too much for me. I'm a cheap bastard.

[Strohkr]

I remember back in 2011 when my dealer had trike demos. DFT had just brought out their Harley TG replacement IRS. Cost at that time was estimated at $5000. Just to replace the rear end. That's when I said it's not worth it to me.

Even $1000 is too much for me. I'm a cheap bastard.

HAHAHAHAH!!!!!
Yeah, I'd like to do it and see how the old Tri-Glide handles with IRS. But I guess the DFT conversion is over $6k now!! That's NUTS! I kinda wish the MoCo would have offered an IRS option - I might have done that. I suppose the solid is a lot cheaper & easier to manufacture and the good ole MoCo is all about the $$$$ these days.

[Copasetic]

Proven it to who?


Ride and enjoy whatever you ride. And stay safe.

Proven it to myself! The only one I care about proving it to. Since I've owned both I have an actual basis for comparison.

And nd I agree with you wholeheartedly... Ride and enjoy whatever you ride and stay safe.

[blcbiker]

Ride them both and make your own decision.....I personally prefer the SA

[John Luciano]

The co rider can tell the difference more than the rider. My wife on the back of a Champion and a Motor trike ( both straight axel ) winches every time we hit a bridge separation or pot hole. I hear ugh come from the rear seat. With my DFT she usually sleeps on long trips.
The DFT I have now is 14 years old. I guess I should replace all the. Worn parts. I have only greased it 2 times since I owned it. Never had one problem with it.
Cornering is the only problem I get a headache from Honey banging me on the helmet and yelling slow down. ( that's why when she sleeps it is good times roll )
Roads up here ( and the people that attended the NE TT rally this year can attest to this ) are anything but smooth. When the roads get rough the I R is what to have.
Also going with a kit over the Tri Glide is u get to choose a body style. It is your $$$$$ so it is your choice. No one can do that for you. Big key lower your rear tire pressure to 24 lb max. I like 22 but them me and Honey tip the scales at 270lb total.

[roadking2]

Ride them both and make your own decision.....I personally prefer the SA

Did you try them both? I did and I'll stick with IRS.

[trikermutha]

The co rider can tell the difference more than the rider. My wife on the back of a Champion and a Motor trike ( both straight axel ) winches every time we hit a bridge separation or pot hole. I hear ugh come from the rear seat. With my DFT she usually sleeps on long trips.
The DFT I have now is 14 years old. I guess I should replace all the. Worn parts. I have only greased it 2 times since I owned it. Never had one problem with it.
Cornering is the only problem I get a headache from Honey banging me on the helmet and yelling slow down. ( that's why when she sleeps it is good times roll )
Roads up here ( and the people that attended the NE TT rally this year can attest to this ) are anything but smooth. When the roads get rough the I R is what to have.
Also going with a kit over the Tri Glide is u get to choose a body style. It is your $$$$$ so it is your choice. No one can do that for you. Big key lower your rear tire pressure to 24 lb max. I like 22 but them me and Honey tip the scales at 270lb total.

I was hearing them same noises with my Gal on the back when driving the straight axle bike!!

[Ultra fred]

Well I just bought a 2014 Tri Glide with 3700 miles on it black in color , has a lot of extras put I also own a 2007 Ultra Classic with a Hannigan trike added , I was extremely impressed with the solid axle on the tri glide , will be riding the Tri Glide in Florida , for the winter.

[GARYD]

I tried them both and prefer the solid axle.

When hitting an expansion joint it is the same whether it's a solid axle or a IRS. Only difference is when an obstacle is hit one wheel at a time. That's the whole idea of IRS only one wheel is effected when hitting an obstacle and not both = not as much jarring.

No difference on smooth roads which is where I spend 95% of the time.

[arnie]

Well Fred, We all know that BLACK triglides ride better & are much faster then the others!

[tfdeputydawg]

Proven it to who?

Nobody is disagreeing about the IRS being smoother then a solid axle. What I'm saying is it's not worth $5000 more

Comparing apples to apples
Lehman base price for straight axle kit for GW = $8,545
Lehman base price for IRS kit for GW = $8745

Champion SA base = $7245
Champion IRS, add $1,000=$8245
Prices copied from each companies web sight.

Just wondering where you got $5K difference from?

[rap47]

I tried them both and prefer the solid axle.

When hitting an expansion joint it is the same whether it's a solid axle or a IRS. Only difference is when an obstacle is hit one wheel at a time. That's the whole idea of IRS only one wheel is effected when hitting an obstacle and not both = not as much jarring.

No difference on smooth roads which is where I spend 95% of the time.

+1

[GARYD]

Well Fred, We all know that BLACK triglides ride better & are much faster then the others!

Especially at night