Would like test ride advice

[jaxbobg]

Curiosity got the best of me, so I contacted a local Harley dealer to inquire about a test ride on a Tri Glide. Salesman was very helpful, started asking questions about my riding experience, so I told him I've been riding for years, am a member of TOI and read the H-D sub-forums all the time.

Have ridden a bunch of 2 wheelers, including H-D, owned a Suzuki Lehman trike, a BMW K1200 Hannigan, and now a Goldwing Roadsmith. Since my wife died I mostly ride one up.

Now what should I look for on a TG test ride?

I like the idea of the extra cooling since '14, the new stereo system and linked braking system.

Now the questions ---
Does the new TG have an IRS rear end? Or an option for it?
Is it easy to do routine maintenance (oil, filter and fluid changes, etc.)?
Is there a front compartment for driver stuff (sunglasses, garage door opener, papers, maps, etc.)?
Auxiliary power source to charge a GPS?
Easy access to battery and harnesses for accessory wiringl?
Is the stock windshield adjustable?
Does it still need an add-on oil cooler and fans?

Oh, yes, and for touring I really like having an auxiliary fuel tank. Yes?

I'm sure I'll have other questions when I get on the trike, but you guys and gals have a wealth of experience and I would appreciate any pointers for me before I actually take out the TG for a ride.

Thanks in advance.

[Keystone]

Now the questions ---
Does the new TG have an IRS rear end? Or an option for it?

Solid rear. No IRS from MoCo


Is it easy to do routine maintenance (oil, filter and fluid changes, etc.)?

About as easy as it gets.


Is there a front compartment for driver stuff (sunglasses, garage door opener, papers, maps, etc.)?

Small one on the faring for ipod etc. Garage door opener might fit.

Auxiliary power source to charge a GPS?

Yes there is. Left side of the fairing.


Easy access to battery and harnesses for accessory wiringl?

Right below the seat.
Is the stock windshield adjustable?

No.


Does it still need an add-on oil cooler and fans?

That would depend on who you ask. IMO the answer is no.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Does it still need an add-on oil cooler and fans?

That would depend on who you ask. IMO the answer is no.

I would agree with everything you said ... including the oil cooler. I rode mine in 104* temps and engine temp as read by the sensor only got to 255* and oil temp as read by the digital dipstick only got to 245*.

Having said that, I've been looking into oil coolers, just cause I like to keep things cool. So far I'm learning it's either not gonna be pretty, mounted on frame vertically near the lowers. Or, not gonna be easy, mounted somewhere near the back. Can't do the low mount due to water pump.

Kevin of DK did some playing around with one down low and found he needed to add "scoops" (made from cutting a funnel in half, ingenious really) to get any real cooling from them cooler, and he's still not getting what he thinks he should.

[Gorilla]

no auxiliary gas tank. I have not even seen an after market one.

[Zammy]

It will probably ride like a rock from the dealership with the air they pump in the tires, the book calls for 36# front and 26# in the rear tires. I think you'll find most of us here adhere to the 36 up front but run between 22-24 in the back, makes a world of difference. Also have them check the air shocks, mine came with about 8 pounds, definitely not enough, the Misses and I ride with around 35 in them.

[jaxbobg]

no auxiliary gas tank. I have not even seen an after market one.

I guess that explains why Kevin carries a gas can with him on the road trip, especially in Canada.

It will probably ride like a rock from the dealership with the air they pump in the tires, ....... Also have them check the air shocks, mine came with about 8 pounds, definitely not enough, .....

Good point. Hadn't thought of that, but will check it before riding.

[rhino 2]

My dealer when i asked about a test ride [2011] said... Rent one from our rental fleet for a week, And if you like it and buy a new one we will wave the entire rental fee...
I just took one out for about 5 miles..Turned around came back and said, Set up a new one for me, And i'll be back tomorrow with a check...

[Fredward]

Do not test ride this bike-unless you are prepared to buy! I was curious. A week later I owned one.