2019 FW

[Wmitz]

I posted on the triglide section, MDO suggested I post over here as well. Has anyone experienced the braking/turning anomaly on the 19 FW like the triglides? Thanks

 

[GTK]

I have tried to duplicate what Kevin from DK products experienced on his Tri Glide but couldn't. Don't know if it is the tire size or me,but have not had any problems so far.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Does the freewheeler have the same new electronic systems? Always thought the Free was the sports car of Harley's trike line, so maybe not.

 

[Wmitz]

Went down and tested the 19 FW and tri back to back. The FW I couldn’t get the sensation that Kevin was talking about, but the tri, I was able to get some feed back. Last turn into the dealer came in faster than normal, braking was harder than normal started to turn, released the rear break, kept the front brake at the same pressure. When the rear released it felt like the front brake bit harder, thus the drag/plow type of feeling. Never felt unsafe, didn’t have any issues with the bike going where it was aimed. Big mistake riding the 19 tri, so much better that the 18 I had.

 

[MDO]

Went down and tested the 19 FW and tri back to back. The FW I couldn’t get the sensation that Kevin was talking about, but the tri, I was able to get some feed back. Last turn into the dealer came in faster than normal, braking was harder than normal started to turn, released the rear break, kept the front brake at the same pressure. When the rear released it felt like the front brake bit harder, thus the drag/plow type of feeling. Never felt unsafe, didn’t have any issues with the bike going where it was aimed. Big mistake riding the 19 tri, so much better that the 18 I had.

You have to remember that the 2019's have electronically linked brakes. When you applied the 2018 front brakes, it was only the front brake. With the 2019's, using either brake(front or rear), applies both through a proportioning valve. When you released the rear brake, the proportioning valve most likely did apply more pressure to the front. That's how it works.

At least, that's the way I understand it to work.

 

[GTK]

Does the freewheeler have the same new electronic systems? Always thought the Free was the sports car of Harley's trike line, so maybe not.

The 2019's are the same in upgrades in both models. That's the main reason the 2019 Freewheeler's base price jumped up.

 

[RFG7680]

I have a 19 FW. I have no issues with braking or any kind of push in the front end. My wife has a 15 FW. While it handles and brakes just fine. I can see and feel the difference is the the upgrades between years. Both are still a shit ton of fun to whip around.

 

[Saammi]

You have to remember that the 2019's have electronically linked brakes. When you applied the 2018 front brakes, it was only the front brake. With the 2019's, using either brake(front or rear), applies both through a proportioning valve. When you released the rear brake, the proportioning valve most likely did apply more pressure to the front. That's how it works.

At least, that's the way I understand it to work.

My 2016 FW has hydraulic linked brakes.

 

[MDO]

My 2016 FW has hydraulic linked brakes.

Saammi, 15-18 had them & I personally like them, then in 2019 they went to an electronically controlled linked system., as well as 2 piston calipers up front, ABS, traction control and coil shocks, vise air shocks.

 

[Saammi]

Saammi, 15-18 had them & I personally like they, then in 2019 they went to an electronically controlled linked system., as well as 2 piston calipers up front, ABS, traction control and coil shocks, vise air shocks.

Thanks for update

 

[AR198]

I’ve just put this on another thread, but I’m a new rider and have had a 2019 freewheeler for just over a month.

As an amputee (right leg) having linked brakes is fantastic. I’m finding that just using the front brake is pretty much working out ok for me.

I do use a prosthetic so can press the rear break if I need to.

Its a pleasure to ride, and I’m so glad I’ve finally done it.

Looking at all the add ons I now want is going to empty what little cash I have left.

First stop being a new exhaust.

 

[Wmitz]

I’ve just put this on another thread, but I’m a new rider and have had a 2019 freewheeler for just over a month.

As an amputee (right leg) having linked brakes is fantastic. I’m finding that just using the front brake is pretty much working out ok for me.

I do use a prosthetic so can press the rear break if I need to.

Its a pleasure to ride, and I’m so glad I’ve finally done it.

Looking at all the add ons I now want is going to empty what little cash I have left.

First stop being a new exhaust.

I was looking around the internet, you might want to do a search on disabled riders. I saw a double hand brake setup for the rear and front brake. I’m sure that there are several systems out there, I would be a bit leery of not being able to manually use the rear brakes. Thought it might be something for you to look into for safety/convenience.

 

[MDO]

I was looking around the internet, you might want to do a search on disabled riders. I saw a double hand brake setup for the rear and front brake. I’m sure that there are several systems out there, I would be a bit leery of not being able to manually use the rear brakes. Thought it might be something for you to look into for safety/convenience.

Wmitz, in 2019, the front/rear brakes on both trikes are electronically controlled/linked.

Prior to that, you had to press the rear brake to partionally apply the front..

 

[Wmitz]

Wmitz, in 2019, the front/rear brakes on both trikes are electronically controlled/linked.

Prior to that, you had to press the rear brake to partionally apply the front..

I realize that, but to me I would rather have the electronics control the link to the front brake, rather than vice versa. Again that’s just me.

 

[AR198]

I realize that, but to me I would rather have the electronics control the link to the front brake, rather than vice versa. Again that’s just me.

I understand what you are saying ref safety, but as already said. Each brake applies relevant pressure to the other brake, causing even controlled braking.

A separate lever like the “k” brake leaver where you have two hand controls for front and rear braking would work perfectly, however it’s a step backwards in my opinion from what Harley have created for the 2019 trikes.

I am able to use my prosthetic leg for the rear brake should I need too, so it isn’t really a problem anyway. It just requires a little extra thought as I don’t feel any pressure on depressing. In an emergency situation I’d just push it as hard as I would have done with a normal leg.

This is one of those debates where I’m sure there will be many differing options. I guess we are all correct in our own way.