Freewheeler vs Triglide Steering

[TGCarol]

Hi guys,

Any of you Freewheeler owners also tried out a Triglide? I am trying to find info on a comparison of the two when it comes to steering force. Does the Freewheeler have lighter steering because of the lighter front end?

Thanks.

Oh. Just to add, my dealer doesn’t have any Freewheeler on the lot right now for me to see for myself.

[Jack Klarich]

I felt the Triglide was top heavy and took a bit more arm to steer

[TGCarol]

Thanks for the reply Jack. Was it a huge difference?

[Jack Klarich]

Thanks for the reply Jack. Was it a huge difference?

Not really, I just wasn't expecting it

I am pretty spoiled with the Freewheeler and its Hot Rod attitude

I did ride a Triglide first, I liked it tho I did not want all the extras

[Peter A.]

Not really, I just wasn't expecting it

I am pretty spoiled with the Freewheeler and its Hot Rod attitude

I did ride a Triglide first, I liked it tho I did not want all the extras

Jack, that is exactly why my Wife/I bought the Stree Glide model back in 2010;We did not want all the EXTRA garbage on-board.......many people now confuse them with the Freewheeler - we LOVE our trikes!

[LadyonaMission]

Jack, that is exactly why my Wife/I bought the Stree Glide model back in 2010;We did not want all the EXTRA garbage on-board.......many people now confuse them with the Freewheeler - we LOVE our trikes!

That's not a bad thing.

[TGCarol]

Not really, I just wasn't expecting it

I am pretty spoiled with the Freewheeler and its Hot Rod attitude

I did ride a Triglide first, I liked it tho I did not want all the extras

Hmmmm. Ok. Not really that much easier.

[Jack Klarich]

Hmmmm. Ok. Not really that much easier.

Nope, I was expecting a much harder steer with a faring, then I remembered that ALL bagger type front ends steer pretty darn good

Carol, if you get a chance to ride a Freewheeler I think you will like how it handles as it seems to me to be a bit more nimble but it could just be me

[TGCarol]

Yes. I’m definitely going to test ride one.

[paws]

Carol....

How would you compare the steering ease of the Spyder you used to have with your current trike? AND .... after you have driven the Freewheeler please let us know how it compares to the Spyder also. Thanks! Have fun driving your research!

[FuLong]

At first, I have no experience with a Freeweeler, but I think, there is no big difference.

In my opinion, the most force is needed to hold the handlebar in tight corners with speed, then the trail and the total mass of the bike works against the steering. This is founded in the steering geometry of a bike used on a trike, which is nearby the same on both models (rake 26° and trail 3,96 vs 3,94 in.).

Probably a rake kit makes more difference then changing from the Tri Glide to a Freewheeler.

[TGCarol]

At first, I have no experience with a Freeweeler, but I think, there is no big difference.

In my opinion, the most force is needed to hold the handlebar in tight corners with speed, then the trail and the total mass of the bike works against the steering. This is founded in the steering geometry of a bike used on a trike, which is nearby the same on both models (rake 26° and trail 3,96 vs 3,94 in.).

Probably a rake kit makes more difference then changing from the Tri Glide to a Freewheeler.

Thanks for the reply. Just did a search on “rake” and there is so much to read Might take me a while. Will definitely order from Zook if I decide to go with it

[Free Bird]

I only test drove a Spyder. They are very different than my Freewheeler. The Spyder steers with less effort. Kinda like our farm fourwheeler. But I bought the Freewheeler. I just have a thing for Harleys...new and old. My first bike was a 1947 G Model Servicar. Compared to that.... The Freewheeler is a Cadillac

[FuLong]

Nice to hear, that you have some interesting lecture now ^^

I look forward, to read about your experience with such a kit.

[Brummbar]

I have a 2015 Freewheeler and have test rode a 2017 Tri-Glide. I have to say that at normal highway speeds, I saw no difference in the amount of arm-strength it took to steer either. But, when I was initially in the parking lot messing around, getting on the Tri-Glide initialing I thought it a bit stiff at low speeds - maybe because it was new (?) but then out on the road...that was gone. And, I did not feel it when I cam back to the parking lot either....

What was very different was the 103 vs the M8.....

So, I think its about equal for both in the steering department...IMHO

Brummbar

[TGCarol]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I’m really surprised that the Freewheeler requires pretty much the same steering force. Interesting.

[dannymax]

I found the stiff arm technique to be an effortless way to steer my Freewheeler, it's like making your arm an actual steering component. You lock the elbow on your outside arm (turning left - lock the right elbow....turning right - lock the left elbow) and let the centrifugal force on your body apply turning pressure rather than shoulder muscle.

[FuLong]

I tried the elbow lock technique today on a very windy mountain pass.

Needs less muscle grease, but misses steering accuracy, so I stick with the pulling technique (and a well trained biceps and latissimus looks good )

[Red Dragon]

Hi, I purchased a 2017 Freewheeler with the new M8 last year and didn't like how hard it was to steer!!! I mentioned it to my brother-in-law and he said to put a 1 1/2" lift kit on it would make a world of difference. He has a Tri-glide (worked for him), and thought it should work for the Freewheeler as well. Guess what? I am one happy rider now. The steering is soooooooooooooooooooooo much easier now, I actually can turn curves with one hand if I wanted to. No more aching arms!!! hahahaha Needless to say, free beers were on me for his recommendations! Hope this works as well for you as it has for us....