hydraglide
150+ Posts
After 48 years of 2 wheeled motorcycling… My first Impressions experiencing 3!!
After 48 years of two wheeled motorcycling… My first Impressions experiencing THREE for the first time!
I took my 2021 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide out for the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] time March 20[SUP]th[/SUP] after ordering it back in November. Mind you, this was the first time I EVER rode a trike! No test rides, nothing.
I knew going into purchasing my Billiard Red beauty that it was the only way I would be able to keep in the wind, as Father time has started to catch up with me. I traded in my 1999 Ultra Classic, which treated me well (not perfectly, but well) over the years, taking me to places such as Charlotte, Sturgis many times, Salt Lake City and Banff British Columbia and many places in between.
I just don’t have the strength I once had, and the Ultra was getting too cumbersome for me. I didn’t trust myself with it. Balance at slow speeds/stops was a chore, and a cause for more than an occasional anxious moment. Nobody can ride safely without trust.
It was time to either give up riding, or go Trike… The decision was easy.
While it sat at my local dealer over the winter, and thanks to you all on the Harley and Trike forums, I knew ahead of time what I needed to do before even riding my Tri-Glide off the lot for the first time.
Khrome-Werks 2+2 narrows to start (for my shoulders), 1” lift kit, Legend REVO-A and AXEO suspension upgrades (rear and front), Harley Air Zeppelin seat (I had one on my 99 Ultra and I could ride 600+ miles a day without being sore… tired, but not sore), a backrest, a set of Harley “Vintage” grips (the most comfortable grips EVER... had them on everything since my 95’ Nostalgia). I also purchased a Freedom Shield 10” extra wide windshield but didn’t put it on right away. I wanted to see how the stock one performed first. And of course there were other addons (cosmetic and functional) as well…
Might I say, adding these items right away was the right move! After spending the winter months in physical therapy for a bum left shoulder/arm, I had NO issues with soreness, pain, or fatigue so far. I know, I know, the real test is a 500-mile ride, but after reading some of the stories from others about not being able to ride pain free for 100-150 miles, I felt pretty good after my first 150 mile ride. I was concerned but thanks to you all and your insights, all’s well!
So… ready to roll! I put it into gear and headed out to the back parking lot and man, my mind really worked me over! I kept “feeling” like I was going to tip over, and initially fought the bars to “stay upright” ... then magically (and slowly) I realized my Tri wasn’t going to tip over at all…
While I equate the first few “get acquainted laps” as going from a sports car to a pickup truck (even with the REVO suspension, but to be fair, that feeling was due to having two automobile sized tires on the back versus a slim, single tire and not a reflection of the suspension upgrade), I soon became more and more comfortable with the handling. It felt like it “wobbled” a bit, but nothing more than a “feeling”… Push, pull… and KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE FOOT BOARDS!
I only put them down once… then the magic of riding a trike took over. What a comforting feeling it is to now ride up to a stop or intersection, and not worry about having to make a panic stop and struggle with balance! Even on an incline. What a reassuring feeling of confidence.
Now the steering… no more leaning! That muscle memory change was a bit more challenging on me. But once I put it into my mind to think “snowmobile” and push/pull as needed, I felt more and more comfortable by the mile. The bars for this newbie were a bit more sensitive than I expected… Move em’ a little left or right, and that’s where you’re now heading! No day dreaming allowed. The bars are nowhere near as forgiving as while on two wheels. Once I was out on the road and was jolted into reality, it didn’t take me by surprise any longer.
Many have told me it might take a few hundred miles to get comfortable. I was feeling good after about 50… and when I finally got it up over 60 mph I found the ONE thing that is my mission to minimize… Buffeting from the air flowing over the lowers and under the batwing and up the tank into my face.
I turned around and headed home to install the Freedom Shield windshield, which is an awesome upgrade, I might add. But… there was still that damn buffeting.
I was spoiled in that my 99’ Ultra had a chrome baffle installed under the triple tree and I never experienced buffeting like now. However, I knew Harley recommended those baffles be removed, AND I knew that while I was stuck in stop and go traffic at the Harley 100[SUP]th[/SUP] in Milwaukee I overheated, and my motor never was the same. I always smelled a “burnt smell” when the motor got hot.
So I get it… these machines need the airflow… a LOT of airflow. I ordered a set of D&K’s cooling deflector wings and installed them but haven’t yet ridden with them since the weather here in the Midwest sucks. I also removed the visor off my half helmet to see if that would help as well, per my forum friends.
If I can minimize the buffeting, my Tri-Glide will be perfect!
My greatest positive take-a-ways after 150 miles:
1) The renewed confidence while riding at slow speeds or making stops. Simply worth everything right there.
2) Pulling tight U-turns while on the stops… Never been easier!
3) Reverse. Where have you been my whole life…?!
4) So far, there seems to be plenty of power with the 114 motor compared to what I had on my 99 (which I had a Stage 2 installed). Since I’m no longer in a race, the stock motor seems to have plenty of get up and go. Perhaps a Stage 1 for the future to help it breath without costing too much in the MPG department?
My “learning in progress” observations:
1) Learning how to accelerate while pushing with my right arm/hand as I make a left-hand turn. Tricky! Which reminds me… a backrest, IMO, is a must have for a Tri-Glide! You need something to help keep you in position during moments like making turns while accelerating. Even making right turns while accelerating. A learned skill.
2) Dialing in my suspension. I feel my pickup truck like ride analogy is pretty accurate when you compare a Tri-Glide to an Ultra. But it’s stable. I just need to dial it in a bit more comfort to soften the ride. The dealer set the shocks at the recommended starting point (3). I know many here have suggested a 22# rear tire pressure adjustment as well. Additional suggestions?
My “gotta fix this” pledge:
1) The buffeting. But as mentioned, I haven’t had the chance to take it out yet with DK’s cooling deflector wings. I opened the lowers and that helped, but, when it’s cold or raining, I’d like to ride with them closed. This saga TBD.
In the coming weeks I am hoping the weather cooperates and I can update this post on my quest for minimizing the buffeting.
Thanks to you ALL for the outstanding suggestions. My goal is to make my dealer regret selling me their VIP service plan!! :laugh:
After 48 years of two wheeled motorcycling… My first Impressions experiencing THREE for the first time!
I took my 2021 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide out for the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] time March 20[SUP]th[/SUP] after ordering it back in November. Mind you, this was the first time I EVER rode a trike! No test rides, nothing.
I knew going into purchasing my Billiard Red beauty that it was the only way I would be able to keep in the wind, as Father time has started to catch up with me. I traded in my 1999 Ultra Classic, which treated me well (not perfectly, but well) over the years, taking me to places such as Charlotte, Sturgis many times, Salt Lake City and Banff British Columbia and many places in between.
I just don’t have the strength I once had, and the Ultra was getting too cumbersome for me. I didn’t trust myself with it. Balance at slow speeds/stops was a chore, and a cause for more than an occasional anxious moment. Nobody can ride safely without trust.
It was time to either give up riding, or go Trike… The decision was easy.
While it sat at my local dealer over the winter, and thanks to you all on the Harley and Trike forums, I knew ahead of time what I needed to do before even riding my Tri-Glide off the lot for the first time.
Khrome-Werks 2+2 narrows to start (for my shoulders), 1” lift kit, Legend REVO-A and AXEO suspension upgrades (rear and front), Harley Air Zeppelin seat (I had one on my 99 Ultra and I could ride 600+ miles a day without being sore… tired, but not sore), a backrest, a set of Harley “Vintage” grips (the most comfortable grips EVER... had them on everything since my 95’ Nostalgia). I also purchased a Freedom Shield 10” extra wide windshield but didn’t put it on right away. I wanted to see how the stock one performed first. And of course there were other addons (cosmetic and functional) as well…
Might I say, adding these items right away was the right move! After spending the winter months in physical therapy for a bum left shoulder/arm, I had NO issues with soreness, pain, or fatigue so far. I know, I know, the real test is a 500-mile ride, but after reading some of the stories from others about not being able to ride pain free for 100-150 miles, I felt pretty good after my first 150 mile ride. I was concerned but thanks to you all and your insights, all’s well!
So… ready to roll! I put it into gear and headed out to the back parking lot and man, my mind really worked me over! I kept “feeling” like I was going to tip over, and initially fought the bars to “stay upright” ... then magically (and slowly) I realized my Tri wasn’t going to tip over at all…
While I equate the first few “get acquainted laps” as going from a sports car to a pickup truck (even with the REVO suspension, but to be fair, that feeling was due to having two automobile sized tires on the back versus a slim, single tire and not a reflection of the suspension upgrade), I soon became more and more comfortable with the handling. It felt like it “wobbled” a bit, but nothing more than a “feeling”… Push, pull… and KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE FOOT BOARDS!
I only put them down once… then the magic of riding a trike took over. What a comforting feeling it is to now ride up to a stop or intersection, and not worry about having to make a panic stop and struggle with balance! Even on an incline. What a reassuring feeling of confidence.
Now the steering… no more leaning! That muscle memory change was a bit more challenging on me. But once I put it into my mind to think “snowmobile” and push/pull as needed, I felt more and more comfortable by the mile. The bars for this newbie were a bit more sensitive than I expected… Move em’ a little left or right, and that’s where you’re now heading! No day dreaming allowed. The bars are nowhere near as forgiving as while on two wheels. Once I was out on the road and was jolted into reality, it didn’t take me by surprise any longer.
Many have told me it might take a few hundred miles to get comfortable. I was feeling good after about 50… and when I finally got it up over 60 mph I found the ONE thing that is my mission to minimize… Buffeting from the air flowing over the lowers and under the batwing and up the tank into my face.
I turned around and headed home to install the Freedom Shield windshield, which is an awesome upgrade, I might add. But… there was still that damn buffeting.
I was spoiled in that my 99’ Ultra had a chrome baffle installed under the triple tree and I never experienced buffeting like now. However, I knew Harley recommended those baffles be removed, AND I knew that while I was stuck in stop and go traffic at the Harley 100[SUP]th[/SUP] in Milwaukee I overheated, and my motor never was the same. I always smelled a “burnt smell” when the motor got hot.
So I get it… these machines need the airflow… a LOT of airflow. I ordered a set of D&K’s cooling deflector wings and installed them but haven’t yet ridden with them since the weather here in the Midwest sucks. I also removed the visor off my half helmet to see if that would help as well, per my forum friends.
If I can minimize the buffeting, my Tri-Glide will be perfect!
My greatest positive take-a-ways after 150 miles:
1) The renewed confidence while riding at slow speeds or making stops. Simply worth everything right there.
2) Pulling tight U-turns while on the stops… Never been easier!
3) Reverse. Where have you been my whole life…?!
4) So far, there seems to be plenty of power with the 114 motor compared to what I had on my 99 (which I had a Stage 2 installed). Since I’m no longer in a race, the stock motor seems to have plenty of get up and go. Perhaps a Stage 1 for the future to help it breath without costing too much in the MPG department?
My “learning in progress” observations:
1) Learning how to accelerate while pushing with my right arm/hand as I make a left-hand turn. Tricky! Which reminds me… a backrest, IMO, is a must have for a Tri-Glide! You need something to help keep you in position during moments like making turns while accelerating. Even making right turns while accelerating. A learned skill.
2) Dialing in my suspension. I feel my pickup truck like ride analogy is pretty accurate when you compare a Tri-Glide to an Ultra. But it’s stable. I just need to dial it in a bit more comfort to soften the ride. The dealer set the shocks at the recommended starting point (3). I know many here have suggested a 22# rear tire pressure adjustment as well. Additional suggestions?
My “gotta fix this” pledge:
1) The buffeting. But as mentioned, I haven’t had the chance to take it out yet with DK’s cooling deflector wings. I opened the lowers and that helped, but, when it’s cold or raining, I’d like to ride with them closed. This saga TBD.
In the coming weeks I am hoping the weather cooperates and I can update this post on my quest for minimizing the buffeting.
Thanks to you ALL for the outstanding suggestions. My goal is to make my dealer regret selling me their VIP service plan!! :laugh:
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