First Road Trip - Observations and Impressions

[ultrafxr]

I am new to trikes having purchased my first (a 2018 Tri-Glide) in mid-September. Having put just over 1,000 on it with local day rides we headed out on Halloween day for a fall leaf ride in the Arkansas Ozarks and Boston mountains - a little over 900 miles of glorious twisties and beautiful scenery. Here are some things I learned and experienced about my trike. First the good:

It is really not difficult to ride in any condition. I heard all the horror stories about how much effort is required to muscle a trike through the curves in the mountains. OK so it did take some effort but nothing I couldn't handle easily . . . and it was FUN. I was leading a group of four riders and the other three were on two-wheelers so I was a bit apprehensive about keeping up my speed through the turns so they could enjoy the lean and exhiliration of riding the twisties. No problem as a couple of them told me they had a bit of difficulty keeping up with me!

Thank goodness for DK Custom Products and Kevin for the great Pro-Action 14" TSS shocks I put on a couple weeks ago. The trike's ride is improved incredibly. My wife and I simply could not believe it was the same vehicle. And my friends riding behind me said it seemed to handle like a sports car through the curves with no bouncing, body rolling, etc., just flat and smooth through the turns. If you're still riding on the OEM air shocks do yourself a favor and get a set of these shocks from DK.

Now something I need to improve:

Packing the trunk. Oh I have a lot to learn here. Tried a couple different approaches and am making progress. Just wish the trunk could be about four feet higher when packing and unpacking as my old knees and back don't like that bending down to load and unload.

Some deficiencies that could be addressed I guess but doubt will be:

Poor fuel mileage. I was having to fuel up with my buddies (who were also riding two-up and loaded) still had many miles of fuel range left. I'm guessing the extra weight of the trike and the lower gearing making it run higher rpm is the reason for the differences. Not a big issue as I didn't buy it for economy but I would like a bit more range. When full to the brim it usually shows about 215 to 225 fuel range while my friends were showing 60 to 70 more miles range.

I would like another gear! I guess the Baker 7-speed would do it but really don't want to spend the bucks for it. With the lower gearing (30 tooth sprocket vs 32 tooth on the two-wheel touring models) it has great low end grunt but it get a bit busy for my taste once you get above about 60 mph. But over time I'll probably acclimate to the difference.

I've been riding Harley CVO Ultras and Limiteds for the last 10 years. They have a 4" exhaust that I thought would be more performance oriented and maybe a bit louder but the trike's factory exhaust is definitely louder than the 2017 CVO Limited I just came out of. Not that it sounds bad at all but it is a bit too loud for my taste. My hearing isn't good - probably due to loud pipes and wind noise before I got smart and started wearing ear plugs. But funny as it seems even though I don't hear as well as I used to I am more sensitive to noise. One of my buddies thought perhaps the trike body could have an influence on the exhaust sound but I don't see how. Maybe I'll score a set of CVO mufflers from one of those guys who thought theirs weren't loud enough and replaced them.

So all in all the slight deficiencies did not detract from the fun and enjoyment of riding the trike. My wife and I were very pleased with how it performed on the road trip and are looking forward to many adventures on our new Tri-Glide.

 

[PosseRider]

I am new to trikes having purchased my first (a 2018 Tri-Glide) in mid-September. Having put just over 1,000 on it with local day rides we headed out on Halloween day for a fall leaf ride in the Arkansas Ozarks and Boston mountains - a little over 900 miles of glorious twisties and beautiful scenery. Here are some things I learned and experienced about my trike. First the good:

It is really not difficult to ride in any condition. I heard all the horror stories about how much effort is required to muscle a trike through the curves in the mountainous. OK so it did take some effort but nothing I couldn't handle easily . . . and it was FUN. I was leading a group of four riders and the other three were on two-wheelers so I was a bit apprehensive about keeping up my speed through the turns so they could enjoy the lean and exhiliration of riding the twisties. No problem as a couple of them told me they had a bit of difficulty keeping up with me!

Thank goodness for DK Custom Products and Kevin for the great Pro-Action 14" TSS shocks I put on a couple weeks ago. The trike's ride is improved incredibly. My wife and I simply could not believe it was the same vehicle. And my friends riding behind me said it seemed to handle like a sports car through the curves with no bouncing, body rolling, etc., just flat and smooth through the turns. If you're still riding on the OEM air shocks do yourself a favor and get a set of these shocks from DK.

Now something I need to improve:

Packing the trunk. Oh I have a lot to learn here. Tried a couple different approaches and am making progress. Just wish the trunk could be about four feet higher when packing and unpacking as my old knees and back don't like that bending down to load and unload.

Some deficiencies that could be addressed I guess but doubt will be:

Poor fuel mileage. I was having to fuel up with my buddies (who were also riding two-up and loaded) still had many miles of fuel range left. I'm guessing the extra weight of the trike and the lower gearing making it run higher rpm is the reason for the differences. Not a big issue as I didn't buy it for economy but I would like a bit more range. When full to the brim it usually shows about 215 to 225 fuel range while my friends were showing 60 to 70 more miles range.

I would like another gear! I guess the Baker 7-speed would do it but really don't want to spend the bucks for it. With the lower gearing (30 tooth sprocket vs 32 tooth on the two-wheel touring models) it has great low end grunt but it get a bit busy for my taste once you get above about 60 mph. But over time I'll probably acclimate to the difference.

I've been riding Harley CVO Ultras and Limiteds for the last 10 years. They have a 4" exhaust that I thought would be more performance oriented and maybe a bit louder but the trike's factory exhaust is definitely louder than the 2017 CVO Limited I just came out of. Not that it sounds bad at all but it is a bit too loud for my taste. My hearing isn't good - probably due to loud pipes and wind noise before I got smart and started wearing ear plugs. But funny as it seems even though I don't hear as well as I used to I am more sensitive to noise. One of my buddies thought perhaps the trike body could have an influence on the exhaust sound but I don't see how. Maybe I'll score a set of CVO mufflers from one of those guys who thought theirs weren't loud enough and replaced them.

So all in all the slight deficiencies did not detract from the fun and enjoyment of riding the trike. My wife and I were very pleased with how it performed on the road trip and are looking forward to many adventures on our new Tri-Glide.

After 1st ride on my 16 Tri, had dealer install a 31 tooth. No more screaming at 60. Takes off just fine. 20,000 miles later I still like it.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Glad you are enjoying your trike.I bought my first trike in May of 2016 it was the Rushmore model,even though we liked it we traded it for a 2017 in Sept of the same year.The difference in the 103 and the M8 are huge.As far as packing I bought a small trailer,weighs about 150 lbs,and it really makes packing a breeze.

I hadn't pulled a trailer with any bike so i was a little concerned,but all I can say now is.Like the American Express commercial says.I will never leave home with out it.Now if you are worried about your warranty you can do as I did.My wiring harness can be unplugged and the hitch removed in less than 20 minutes if it has to go in for warranty work.Hope you get miles and miles of smiles out of your trike.

 

[ultrafxr]

Glad you are enjoying your trike.I bought my first trike in May of 2016 it was the Rushmore model,even though we liked it we traded it for a 2017 in Sept of the same year.The difference in the 103 and the M8 are huge.As far as packing I bought a small trailer,weighs about 150 lbs,and it really makes packing a breeze.I hadn't pulled a trailer with any bike so i was a little concerned,but all I can say now is.Like the American Express commercial says.I will never leave home with out it.Now if you are worried about your warranty you can do as I did.My wiring harness can be unplugged and the hitch removed in less than 20 minutes if it has to go in for warranty work.Hope you get miles and miles of smiles out of your trike.

Thanks. I've had Bushtec trailers with my two wheelers for many years but sold the last one I had with my 2007 bike. What trailer do you have? Might look into getting one as it would make packing so much easier.

 

[lah2420]

Good post. We did just the opposite last year and went from AR to TN to ride for a few days through TN. One thing on the pipes I have noticed is that with my 3/4 helmet it is loud. With just a pot on top and ears uncovered, the sound seems like it goes away. It's like the helmet with ears covered amplifies the roar of the pipes.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Thanks. I've had Bushtec trailers with my two wheelers for many years but sold the last one I had with my 2007 bike. What trailer do you have? Might look into getting one as it would make packing so much easier.

Im not sure of the make the registration says home made,but it has a fiberglass body.I have sent several trailer manufactures pics but so far they all said its not theirs.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I resembles a small Cycle Mate,maybe an early one.But according to Cycle Mate its not one of theirs.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Jerry, good to hear you and your wife had a nice ride in the Ozarks.

Happy to read how you enjoyed the transformed ride with the Trike Series Shocks™.

I know before we installed them you were not 100% sure that they would do everything I said they would...it's difficult to imagine how the shocks could make that much of a change.

Thank you for the kind words.

Packing the trunk challenges- Yeah! When at home I use my little roller stool to sit on while packing. But on the road it is a real PITA. I have to get on my knees to get good access to the trunk...no fun, even with something padding my knees from the asphalt. Usually my flip-flops are the last thing to go in, so I typically kneel on those...still not ideal.

Fuel Economy- The M8 has more down low torque than the Twin Cams, so it really surprised me that HD kept the lower gearing on the M8 Trikes. I think you can do a pulley swap to go to the same gearing the 2 wheelers have with no issues. That should increase your MPG a bit.

A free flowing Intake and a better tune may increase your MPG a bit.

Some additionally cooling strategies will definitely increase your MPG a bit.

Last time I looked (could have changed) the Baker 7 speed just adds a lower 1st, but 7th is still the same as the factory 6th.

Exhaust note- Can't help you there. I like em loud. You heard my TG, and it is the quietest exhaust I've run on an HD.

One thing to keep in mind...if you pull a trailer, it is possible your exhaust note will be Louder to your ears, as it may bounce off the front of the trailer (depending on which one you get) back toward you.

Kevin

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Kevin,you are right about the exhaust being a bit louder with a trailer.I am running the Screaming Eagle Street Cannons. Didn't want anything ear piercing but mellow and that's what i have.Very happy with the SE pipes.

 

[ultrafxr]

Jerry, good to hear you and your wife had a nice ride in the Ozarks.

Happy to read how you enjoyed the transformed ride with the Trike Series Shocks™.

I know before we installed them you were not 100% sure that they would do everything I said they would...it's difficult to imagine how the shocks could make that much of a change.

Thank you for the kind words.

Packing the trunk challenges- Yeah! When at home I use my little roller stool to sit on while packing. But on the road it is a real PITA. I have to get on my knees to get good access to the trunk...no fun, even with something padding my knees from the asphalt. Usually my flip-flops are the last thing to go in, so I typically kneel on those...still not ideal.

Fuel Economy- The M8 has more down low torque than the Twin Cams, so it really surprised me that HD kept the lower gearing on the M8 Trikes. I think you can do a pulley swap to go to the same gearing the 2 wheelers have with no issues. That should increase your MPG a bit.

A free flowing Intake and a better tune may increase your MPG a bit.

Some additionally cooling strategies will definitely increase your MPG a bit.

Last time I looked (could have changed) the Baker 7 speed just adds a lower 1st, but 7th is still the same as the factory 6th.

Exhaust note- Can't help you there. I like em loud. You heard my TG, and it is the quietest exhaust I've run on an HD.

One thing to keep in mind...if you pull a trailer, it is possible your exhaust note will be Louder to your ears, as it may bounce off the front of the trailer (depending on which one you get) back toward you.

Kevin

Thanks Kevin. I'm not really all that concerned about fuel economy - my buddies were just razzin' me about having to stop before them. . .but I can handle that. Like many others I'm about sick of paying the 'Harley tax' on every bike I own. I've already put a ton in this trike and really don't want to spend the $$$ to change the tranny or the tranny sprocket. The sprocket isn't very much but then it requires a new drive belt and I'm not comfortable doing the work myself so the labor adds up to a pretty good chunk of change. I'll probably just leave it alone and adapt to it. Probably won't even notice it after a few road trips.

As for the exhaust - it isn't a big issue either. I just noticed that it does seem louder than my 110" and 114" CVO bikes which I thought strange. No trailer yet, maybe one will be in the future. I pulled Bushtecs for many years and 000s of miles with my two wheelers and it just got to be a handful riding loaded and two-up so I sold it a couple years ago. May look for a smaller less expensive trailer for the trike. Don't think it would be much of an issue now that I have three wheels.

Found this vendor: https://theusatrailerstore.com/pull-behind-motorcycle-trailers/

Wonder if anyone has or has experience with the Lumina trailers. I am not familiar with them but they do look intriguing.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Have never towed a trailer with a two wheeler,but can honestly say you can't feel it behind you at least with mine.I feel no difference in handling,I just gauge my stops a little more since i have extra weight pushing me.

 

[Snickers1948]

Kevin,you are right about the exhaust being a bit louder with a trailer.I am running the Screaming Eagle Street Cannons. Didn't want anything ear piercing but mellow and that's what i have.Very happy with the SE pipes.

I have the same mufflers but with a little mod. I took Kevin’s TTI Inserts and installed them in the baffles about 3/4 in inside. Then with a little trial and error, I opened them to about 45 degrees. Quieter when cruising, but not restricting under acceleration. Still have the nice mellow exhaust! For the $40 or so, you might try the Inserts to see if they quite the exhaust reflection when pulling a trailer!

 

[BKtrike]

Glad you are enjoying your trike.I bought my first trike in May of 2016 it was the Rushmore model,even though we liked it we traded it for a 2017 in Sept of the same year.The difference in the 103 and the M8 are huge.As far as packing I bought a small trailer,weighs about 150 lbs,and it really makes packing a breeze.

I hadn't pulled a trailer with any bike so i was a little concerned,but all I can say now is.Like the American Express commercial says.I will never leave home with out it.Now if you are worried about your warranty you can do as I did.My wiring harness can be unplugged and the hitch removed in less than 20 minutes if it has to go in for warranty work.Hope you get miles and miles of smiles out of your trike.

What model trailer did you buy?

 

[Trampas]

I have a cycle mate 2000 trailer since 1999 and have pulled it many times with my 1997 softail and then I got the 2002 road king and then used it, never new it was back there, was worried the first I pulled it but after that no worries at all, it pulled really really easy. I haven't pulled it with my triglide yet, still have to get a hitch for it, when I traded the other 2 wheelers in for this 2018 I kept both HitchDocs hitches and the wiring so I can use the wiring on my triglide so I don't have to change the plug on my trailer. Wish now I would have kept the road king since it was already set up with hitch and wiring for my trailer but oh well, live and learn the hard way I guess.

All for now Trampas