First Tri Glide Purchase Advise

[Rushie]

Howdy All,

I’m a new member to Trike Talk, in fact my first forum post. I’ve been reading a lot on this forum and have been impressed with the plethora of knowledge shared amongst members.

While not new to motorcycling, I’ve not had the privilege of riding a trike yet. I’m considering the purchase of a Tri-Glide and was wondering which model year was considered the better choice, all things considered ? Cost is a factor, and I’m not likely to purchase a 2017 or newer due to cost, so let that guide your recommendation.

I started my riding career rather late in life (56), but making up ground ever since. First bike was an 09 Yamaha Midnight Tour Deluxe which I purchased in 12 and then rode to Sturgis, after that I was hooked. I rode out an engineer and rode back easy rider...it awakened my soul. In 15 I traded the Yamaha for a 12 HD Electra Glide Ultra Classic and rode that until May of 18 when I went down while on a charity ride for a friend. It’s taken me a year to mend, 7 surgeries and a couple more to go. I’ve ridden over half this country on 2 wheels, through weather and roads you wouldn’t drive a car through, then go down (with a few others), on a wet country road with an oil slick on it. I’ve met people from all over the world and made more friends and memories on a bike than I ever did with a slide rule. Since the accident I’ve taken my time to heal and reflect and decide whether it’s worth being a biker. Everyone keeps asking me if I’m done and I just tell them I haven’t crossed that bridge yet. So as I’m writing this I guess I’m crossing that bridge now...saying...no...hell no. I miss my motto “Live To Ride...Ride To Live.

Sorry for the diversion, would appreciate your recommendations to model year. I was thinking 14 due to that model years water cooled heads, LED lighting as stock, and the display, figuring that’ll save a $1k on lights and a cooler running motor at a price I could manage.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I would concur on the 14 an above ... the 103 is peppier, thew water cooler heads help, the led lights are great, and the infotainment center will keep you entertained for months or years ... just trying to figure it out ... LOL

[johno]

First of all welcome. I ride a 14 and its everything I could ask for, plenty of power pretty comfortale after new rear shocks good lighting and can be found at fairly decent price if you spend the time looking. I came close to getting a 19, but it didn't give me enough to make it worth the bucks. A 14 thru 17 would be a great place to start. But you have already started by joining this forum, a lot of great folks and answers to pretty much any question you might have.

[radismukes]

To the Trike Talk Family! FROM SOUTH Angleton, TX

Howdy Phil! I am not a HD guy haven't owned one in many years. However, I believe your choice is a good one.

Just remember the Motto we share "Live to Ride Ride to Live" God bless and keep you well!

Robert

[Dave59]

Hi Phil, Welcome from Wisconsin!!!

[LadyonaMission]

Phil, welcome aboard from San Antonio, Texas.

[ShapeShifter]

Phil, Welcome aboard.

2014 was Harley's introduction of their Project Rushmore Models. If you like, you can read an old Cycle World article that talks about the Rushmore enhancements.

[Zammy]

Phil, I'm in agreement that anything from 14 on up will serve you well. We have a 15 and are very satisfied with the almost 20.000 miles we have racked up, the only snafu was a water pump replacement around the 15,000 mile mark.

[Fearless]

Phil we have an 09' first year production model I'm the third owner previous owners dumped a pile of money on bling that came to me with 7,872 miles four years old. We have no plans on trading ours for a newer model the model year is what you perceive it to be, and the different options available. Find what you like and ride it like you stole it, enjoy the three wheel world. Riding a Trike is not a compromise it is an enhancement of ride pleasure. Good luck in your search ride safe Fred

[JamesP]

Hello Phil;

Welcome welcome.

I've posted elsewhere that "the Minster of War and Finance" (i.e. the Wife) and I decided on a 14 as a good balance of cost/return. Most of the desired features of the 'newer' trike without the price tag of a new or nearly new trike. In addition I really like the dual cam 103 engine; a zillion miles overall on that platform and very mature product. Not implying anything wrong with the newer power plants, just let them mature a bit.

Ride safe! Enjoy!

JamesP

[cowboy472]

Hi Phil

Welcome from Massachusetts! I have to agree with the consensus. 14 an up would be a great choice and if it has add

features. Like a lift kit with after market shocks would be a great enhancement. Good shopping!

[1dn5up]

Phil, what ever ya choose, ride safely.

[consitter]

Welcome to Trike Talk from eastern Kentucky!

I would suggest a rake kit. The steering will be so much easier.

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Welcome to Trike Talk Phil,my first trike was a 16 Tri Glide that i purchased new and rode it a summer then traded for a 17 M8. Now JMO i wish i had my 16 back this M8 has been in the shop 8 times for warranty work so i am not overly impressed with it.Now others have had zero issues so thinking about a 14-16 is a good decision as far as i'm concerned. There are lots of low mileage trikes out there,so good luck in your first purchase.Oh and by the way take your time getting used to it and once you do you will love it.

[ol' school]

Hi Phil! Welcome to Trike Talk! I think you are on the right track. Enjoy whatever you decide on. Three wheeling is a blast!

[ISP-FL]

Welcome. For information on Harley Trikes you came to the right place. I certainly have learned a ton from the guys/gals on here since joining.

I switched over from regular 2 wheel Harleys to a trike in 2016. Last year traded for my current ride and still love the TG model.

My reason for staying on a TG is different than some I guess. Prior to retiring my DW would only ride with me once and awhile. A couple years into retirement she wanted to start going all the time. She can do anything from taking a nap to jumping jacks while riding behind me and it never effects the bike. Plus we can always load more of our crap to take along. It will be 3 wheels for us from here on out.

[tbird71]

Hi, welcome to the forum!

I just bought a 2014, like you I really wanted a rushmore model, (still own my 2015 FLHTP)

My advice is find one with 15-35K miles still in good shape dealers will negotiate a good price

you should be able to get a nice one like that for really close to 20K plus taxes and fees. (For a really low mileage one you'll pay closer to 25-26K)

Pay no attention to the prices on dealer websites, cash is king, and if you're buying one straight out they're more than willing to deal. Before I found mine I could have bought this 2014 (below) with 34K miles for about 21500 OTD but it wasn't as nice as mine.



https://www.spacecoastharley.com/Pre...50002?ref=list

Keep in mind I got mine in FL and the fees are outrageous (some dealers charge up to 1200 in fees here PLUS tax title reg and tag so on a 20k purchase here we're looking at closer to 23K OTD. Your fees in IN will be MUCH cheaper and the prices may be a bit higher, it's all relative. And if you find a private individual you may be able to get an even better deal.

I never really thought I'd own one as the prices were crazy and my trade wasnt worth anything, but now with the improvments on the 2019s dealers have quite a few trade ins and you should do ok if you buy. As in my other post, if you find one you like and you or the wife want to listen to Sirius XM make them throw the $350 module in on the deal. If you don't care no big deal.

You really cant lose buying a 2014 as they have devalued about as much as they're going to. it's tough to buy even an 09 for much less than 20K in good shape with low miles as you've probably seen

Good Luck, and let us know what you find!

[graygoat]

Welcome aboard, Phil! Put me in the 14 - 16 group as well. Seems to be some issues with the 17s & 18s that make me a bit cautious. IF I were to trade up it would be to the 19 with the 114 motor, but I don't want to spend what it would take to get there. So, it is me & my 16 for the forseeable future. Good luck in your search!

[rhino 2]

I made a few bonehead moves in my days... The worst was trading my 2011 Tri-Glide for a 2017 Tri-Glide..............

[DK Custom Products]

Welcome to the Forum!

Like others, if not going to a M8 model (17+), then a 14-16 is what to look for.

I had an '11 and then a '14. Here's a LINK where I go over the difference between the pre and post 14's.

Kevin