Convert or not to convert

[Batman825]

I have a 2016 FLTRU and I'm interested in getting a trike because of my aging knees holding this beast up. What I'm trying to decide is whether to convert in which case what is the best way to go, Lehman, Hannigan etc. Or should I just buy a Harley Trike? I like the Road Glide but I'm wondering which is more cost effective? Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. I also hope this is not one of these forum questions that you get all the time. If that's the case let me know and I will start searching the site for info. I don't want to be one of those guys.

Thanks

Bob

[Philip R]

The Road Glide makes on beautiful trike conversion. Champion, Motortrike, Hannigan & Lehman make quality units, IMO. If you convert, you have the option of solid or independent rear axle on most of their models. Tri Glide is only solid. If you like your bike, a trike conversion should be considered. A reputable conversion dealer makes things a LOT better. I would check with Papa Zook, the starter of Trike Talk, at Cut N Shoot Customs on any questions you have. He's a straight shooter and knows a lot about trike conversions. Good luck on either way you go. Ride safe.

[BillR]

I have a 2016 FLTRU and I'm interested in getting a trike because of my aging knees holding this beast up. What I'm trying to decide is whether to convert in which case what is the best way to go, Lehman, Hannigan etc. Or should I just buy a Harley Trike? I like the Road Glide but I'm wondering which is more cost effective? Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. I also hope this is not one of these forum questions that you get all the time. If that's the case let me know and I will start searching the site for info. I don't want to be one of those guys.

Thanks

Bob

Hi Bob, welcome to the forums from East Virginia.

The Roadglide makes a beautiful trike. There are quite a few Roadglide conversion owners on here. Search the site for them.

Yours being a 2016, I'm thinking you're near the end of your warranty or past it, so voiding the warranty shouldn't be a big problem.

A quick Kelly Blue Book search showed me a $16,600 ballpark figure on yours. A 2020 Triglide is almost $35,000 from the H-D website. You should be able to get a great conversion for the amount of difference. There is also the option of independent rear suspension should you want that.

Good luck in which ever route you choose. Enjoy the Threedom of the road.

[Gorilla]

bob a lot depends on how mechanical inclined you are. if you need dealers to be doing your maintenance and repairs then maybe a factory trike is in order. if you do your own stuff and you love your road glide then a conversion is up your alley. what conversion is a lot on personal taste. but most important for a conversion is getting a good installer. the installer if he does a poor job can make the conversion a mess. ask lots of questions here and other shops.

[tfdeputydawg]

Test ride a Hannigan and your decision will be made

Very low maintenance and the smoothest ride out there



Don't forget a rake kit! for easier steering.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Personally, I think the Road Glide makes a gorgeous trike. Something about the big shark nose just balances the look.

On the pro side, you get your bike with an extra wheel. Most of us make our bikes unique to us and if you trade it to get a Factory trike, you will again, which is fun but will cost you $$$. You also have the option of independent suspension or solid axel. I've ridden both, and they both have their advantages.

On the con side, I think the conversion route will be more pricy, in the long run mainly because there is a plethora of used Tri Glides and Free Wheelers out there right now, at least in my neck of the woods, and the prices are very reasonable. Also, you could have some issues getting maintenance on a conversion from dealers (HD) down the road.

My advice, do lots of research, do lots of test rides, if you can and go with the direction your heart leads you. If you go the conversion route, get all the info you can on your chosen installer. The installer makes the conversion, bad installer, bad conversion and vice versa.

[Batman825]

I appreciate all the great advice, this helps with my decision.