After many unusual delays (dealer was having trouble with his diesel pickup), they delivered my 2014 Blackened Cayenne Sunglo Tri Glide yesterday evening. I watched the orientation DVD and then removed the warning stickers from the air cleaner and the mirrors. I then removed the rear shifter lever and used the little chrome spacer I had from a previously owned Ultra.
Today, I took her for her maiden voyage. Since this is my first trike, I went over to the empty parking lot at Rocky Top Sports Center and did three figure eights around two light poles. I parked it in a slot going downhill and tried out the reverse which worked just fine and was easy to use. I then took some scenic back roads over to Sevierville and returned through Pigeon Forge and then on up the spur to Gatlinburg and on home.
Wow is my first impression. What have I been waiting for all these years. The steering and handling felt very natural to me and it was easy to develop a trust in the way it was going to handle the curves. The hardest thing for me to get used to was not putting my feet on the ground at each stop.
The ride totally surprised me. I'd always heard the Tri Glides were rough riders.
My 2014 has a very good ride, plusher than the last Ultra I rode which was a 2012. I also loved the large screen on the GPS/Boombox combo. I could clearly read it even with my sunglasses on. I really like the foot operated emergency brake that works like the one in my truck.
By the time I was coming back on the spur between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, I was feeling quite at home pulling myself through the turns while gently increasing the power. I know I may be a little biased since I just bought it but I'm quite impressed. The size seems just right and that classic Harley sound makes it still seem like a "bad ass" motorcycle.
Tomorrow is the real test. My co-pilot will be riding with me. Wish me luck!