Renting a trike for 5 days

[Lu..]

Instead of rushing into selling or trading my 11 RGU for a pre-Rushmore Triglide, I found a Harley dealer in my state to rent a Triglide for 6 days so I can join my buds on a road trip next month.

Due to my health issues, I haven't taken a long trip for a while, so I'm really looking forward to it.

My thougths are if I like the M8 TG rental, I'll wait till the 2018s are out to see if I should get a leftover 17, or a new 18 TG.

I've ridden trikes in Americade only and will be demo riding a TG soon in an open house at my dealer, but looking for any advice and tips from the TT community on things I should look out for.

looking forward to your responses.

 

[Capt.Bob]

Luis, If you feel comfortable telling about the physical limitations that are making triking more appealing, it would help with suggestions. I have back/hip problems and one of the things I really need for the seat are the Air Hawk air bladder seat cushions to take out some of the dish of the stock seat and to better protect my spine. Stock Tri Glides tend to ride a bit rough, especially over rough roads and railroad crossings. You will want to have the HD dealer set the front tire at 36 psi but more importantly, set the rear tires at about 21-22 pounds max pressure rather than the 26psi HD recommends which is WAY to much pressure. Finally, you might want to have them loan you a hand pump during your trip to be able to adjust the rear shock air pressures for the amount of weight you will have on the trike. I ride with my rear air shocks at only 16psi but I also have added a DK Custom Lift Kit to the rear shocks that allows for lower shock pressures and a more supple ride.

 

[Fearless]

Some of the things are learned like planting outside foot firmly on floorboards on outside of fast curves or possibly hug fuel tank. Push and pull with arms turning it really helps with control, which works for me. Watch for clearance on curbs and islands (fuel intersections and such) even going in and out of garages. I have a lift on our Triglide ride 99% with two up, our air shocks are 38-40 lbs. that you will have to spend a little time figuring out what works for you. Pot holes will get your heart rate up ride some rough roads to prevent surprises on the road good luck. travel safely Fred

 

[30glock]

Instead of rushing into selling or trading my 11 RGU for a pre-Rushmore Triglide, I found a Harley dealer in my state to rent a Triglide for 6 days so I can join my buds on a road trip next month.

You will probably hate It, stock trikes are horrible and need the minimum upgrades.

 

[LadyonaMission]

You will probably hate It, stock trikes are horrible and need the minimum upgrades.

I rode my Freewheeler for some time with only the addition of a windshield.

 

[Lu..]

Luis, If you feel comfortable telling about the physical limitations that are making triking more appealing, it would help with suggestions. I have back/hip problems and one of the things I really need for the seat are the Air Hawk air bladder seat cushions to take out some of the dish of the stock seat and to better protect my spine. Stock Tri Glides tend to ride a bit rough, especially over rough roads and railroad crossings. You will want to have the HD dealer set the front tire at 36 psi but more importantly, set the rear tires at about 21-22 pounds max pressure rather than the 26psi HD recommends which is WAY to much pressure. Finally, you might want to have them loan you a hand pump during your trip to be able to adjust the rear shock air pressures for the amount of weight you will have on the trike. I ride with my rear air shocks at only 16psi but I also have added a DK Custom Lift Kit to the rear shocks that allows for lower shock pressures and a more supple ride.

Thanks Capt, I have a hand pump that I use for my 11 RGU, will this work on the 17 TriGlide?

In addition, will my Mustang Seat fit in the Triglide?

Thanks for all of your feedback.

 

[Fearless]

Thanks Capt, I have a hand pump that I use for my 11 RGU, will this work on the 17 TriGlide?

In addition, will my Mustang Seat fit in the Triglide?

Thanks for all of your feedback.

They both should work no problem good traveling enjoy the trip. Air pressure in shocks may take a little to get right but time well spent. Get rear tires down to 22-21 that will help ride a lot. Ride safely Fred

 

[DK Custom Products]

Luis,

I hope you have a great trip! Trikes are a bit different, there are a ton of things about them that make a longer trip really enjoyable.

Kevin

 

[rhino 2]

Thanks Capt, I have a hand pump that I use for my 11 RGU, will this work on the 17 TriGlide?

In addition, will my Mustang Seat fit in the Triglide?

Thanks for all of your feedback.

For the Air-Shocks you'll need an air shock no loss pump...

 

[Lu..]

For the Air-Shocks you'll need an air shock no loss pump...

I have part 54630-03A. Just checked the Harley parts website and it lists both my 11 FLTRU and the 17 Triglide in the Fitment tab.

question for all of you, I'm used to removing the left saddlebag to access the valve to add air to the air shocks, where is it on the TriGlide? is it easy to reach?

 

[Fearless]

Inside right side cover top left corner tuff to get to but do able. make sure you pad the foot rest side cover will usually bang against it. travel safely Fred

 

[Lu..]

Is there a recall on the oil pump for the M8s? I just called the HD dealership to confirm my rental of the Triglide for next week and they had to redo my reservation because they said the Triglide was not listed in their fleet due to it being out for service for the oil pump recall.

I know there is a recent recall for the connections on the lines of the oil cooler, but the Twin Cool motors, which the Triglide has don't have oil coolers.

thought it was interesting.

 

[Lu..]

Day 1: Saturday 6/10

So I went to the dealership to pick up the rental and behold the TriGlide they gave me



After the signing the papers, I had to show I can ride it, and after initially trying to counter steer I finally mustered the strength to steer and did an awkward slow figure eight.

after riding to my house much longer than it takes me, I swapped out the seat with my mustang, and added the highway pegs from my Ultra, so I can be more comfortable in this long ride.

 

[Lu..]

 

[Lu..]

my buds had to cancel their trips, so I changed my plans to attend Laconia instead of the Smokeys. Since I was in a learning curve, I thought it would be easier to get used to the trike in highway riding then twisties. I was able to score on a nice bed and breakfast in Tilton, NH late on the eve of the start of the rally. Somebody cancelled, so looks like it was meant to be.



As as the day wore on and I was getting closer to my destination, I was getting more confortable on turns. I was using the tips from here about planting your foot on the side of the outer edge of turn to lessen the degree of inertia, it helped some. I got to the Inn with no mishaps, so it was a victory for me!!

Tommorrow the rally!!!

 

[Lu..]

Day 2: Sunday, 6/11

Rode 10 miles north to Weirs Beach in Laconia.

I must say, I've demoed the M8, but how much can u really get a feel on a 10 minute ride, this engine is superb!! Lots of power and torque and for a big rig too. Used 6th gear all the time yesterday and felt no heat on 85 degree weather. I've read here, that the M8 on a TriGlide still produces lots of heat, maybe because I'm so used to the heat on my 11 RGU, but I felt none, the only time I felt some slight heat, was when I got stuck in 30 minute traffic looking for a spot to park, I did find one though



Was surprised of the amount of trike riders. Had a great time at the rally.

 

[Lu..]

Day 3: Monday, June 12

I rode to the NH Motor Speedway to visit California SideCar.

once there, I got initially sidetracked and demoed a Slingshot



Anyway I talked to Tony from CSC in length and they let me demo a 08 Independent suspension conversion.......OMG!!

this is the way to go, and the 11 degree rake makes the steering so easy. I was blown away that I'm now considering converting my current 11RGU.



So after that wonderful experience I decided to ride around lake Winnipesaukee and then I got the "a-ha" moment. I started to lean my upper body into the turns and I felt very little inertia trying to slide me off the seat on turns. I had such a ball, was running the rig faster, and really enjoyed tight sweeping turns to the point I caught up to a few cars and bikers and was egging them on to go faster.

went I went back to the Inn a few of the guests who are attending the rally made a note that I wasn't struggling on the turns to park the TG like yesterday.

since I got the TG till Thursday, I decided to ride to Buffalo and visit my buddies. I'll post my final thoughts when I return the TG.

 

[consitter]

I rode my Freewheeler for some time with only the addition of a windshield.

You're tougher than I am...

 

[Lu..]

Well I’m back home, returned the TG back to Ocean County HD. 1,645 miles!!! I must say was very surprised how much I liked the trike. It took me three days to finally ride the trike to it’s full potential and when I did, I had a ball. Especially, when I rode the TG from Laconia to Buffalo, I rode VT-9 better than I would’ve on my 2-wheel RG Ultra.

One thing to note, I wasn’t complaining much on the rear suspension during the entire trip, in fact, I thought it was not as bad as everybody indicated here in the site, but when I returned home and before I turned her in, I reduced the rear tires pressure from 35psi to 25psi and increased the rear suspension from 20 to 30, I could not believe how much better it was to ride. I know, I know, you guys told me to check from the start, but I assumed too much, live and learn.

below is an event pic that was taken on Rt 11 north of Laconia. Was riding around lake Winnipesaukee.

 

[Casper]

Lu, glad you had a great experience riding a trike for the first time, they are different and special for sure.

I've owned four Harley trikes and four Gold Wing trikes. I'll have to say I'm a Harley guy, i like to fit and finish of a HD, like the rumble and such of the HD. Yes they will require some items to make them right, just as the two wheelers do. But that's the Harley world, right?

as for trikes I'll also have to admit the GoldWing makes about the best platform for a trike. Gobs of power and torque which a trike needs, Torque!. But for me the sitting position of the wing kills my hips and knees, feet straight under me isn't comfortable for me, but may be for you. It's a decision only you can make.

as for triking your RGU, if I were to trike a motorcycle with a kit I would choose the California Side Car, why? I just like the looks the most. There are several quality kit out there, biggest and most important decision is installer. You can buy the best kit made and if you get a lousy installation you'll have a lousy trike. I would go to Virginia and have CSC do the install, who better than the people that designed the trike kit? Motortrike, Hannigan, DFT, Roadsmith are all great kits and some will install them at the factory for you...hard decision and one not to be rushed into. Research till you're tired of looking and then research some more, talk to others that have used a kit, but take a lot with a grain of salt, no one likes to admit they made a mistake in choice...

one other thing, if it's important to you, is the factory warranty with Harley, none on a trike kit except for the kit from the manufacturer.

good luck on your choice and keep us posted..