After 48 years of 2 wheeled motorcycling… My first Impressions experiencing 3!!

[hydraglide]

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^st time March 20^th 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^th 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!!

[rhino 2]

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^st time March 20^th 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^th 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!!

Ron…You might want to put a closable vent door on the center faring vent…From 2020 In Harleys infinite wisdom the vent door was deleted And in my case when I forgot to close it the wind would stream in under my helmet shield …Also if your riding in the rain ‘ Then rain will hit you square in the chest…

[Jack Klarich]

Ron, Think about a tank lift to help with the buffeting, it will also push more air over the engine to help with cooling

Look here,

https://www.dkcustomproducts.com/tou...t-kits-c31.htm

[hydraglide]

Ron…You might want to put a closable vent door on the center faring vent…From 2020 In Harleys infinite wisdom the vent door was deleted And in my case when I forgot to close it the wind would stream in under my helmet shield …Also if your riding in the rain ‘ Then rain will hit you square in the chest…

Duly noted! I had heard through my dealer that they had so much trouble with the vents either not staying closed or breaking that they eliminated it. Personally I’d like to try and find a way to retrofit that mechanism.

As is usually the case, seems change for the sake of change isn’t the best approach!

[rhino 2]

Duly noted! I had heard through my dealer that they had so much trouble with the vents either not staying closed or breaking that they eliminated it. Personally I’d like to try and find a way to retrofit that mechanism.

As is usually the case, seems change for the sake of change isn’t the best approach!

I had two triglides with the closable vent never had a problem..

When the dealer said that to you Was his pants on fire 🔥 😁..

[cycle7447]

Great report Sir - thanks so much

Until 2004, wife and I had matching Wings - hers was a trike. I rode it occasionally.

We currently have a 2021 Ultra - and that is being triked now. Should be ready before the end of April. You report just reminded me that even though we previously had aa trike, it will take a little time to adjust to the new one.

Bey my wife gets back on with no issues. She rode that trike for 8 years.

[1dn5up]

I got it all ,

Tank lift , LR wind screen , DK tank fins , front fork fangs , and center fork baffle but not HD’s . Removed the RSide air scoop. All works for me.

[paws]

Re tricky accelerating with right hand while in a left-hand turn…

.. tell the left hand to pull toward you a little harder .. which will give the right-throttle-hand some, but not all, relief to do its duty of rolling that throttle.

Wishing you many miles of smiles!

[hydraglide]

I got it all ,

Tank lift , LR wind screen , DK tank fins , front fork fangs , and center fork baffle but not HD’s . Removed the RSide air scoop. All works for me.

No issues with over temp issues? Your Tri-Glide is pre "wet head", yes? All good thoughts. Might I ask who made the center fork baffle?

I had front fork fangs at one time on my Softail Nostalgia, but I didn't keep them on long. Without lowers (I had strap on covers for the front crash bars for rain use only).

Thanks for your ideas, Frankie!

[hydraglide]

I had two triglides with the closable vent never had a problem..

When the dealer said that to you Was his pants on fire 🔥 😁..

IKR? More than likely cutting costs... at our expense!

[ultrafxr]

When H-D added the vent with the Rushmore model debut in 2014 it was to reduce buffeting when in the open position. Don't know if or how it does that but you'd think they did some test to confirm this. Personally I never closed the vent on my 2018 TG and had no particular problem with wind buffeting . . . and of course my 2020 is always open.

As for rain I've ridden in some real 'frog chockers' and never had any problem. Heck if it's raining hard you're getting it from all sides, up and down so I don't think the vent being open or closed matters all that much. jmho

[hoofmender]

Awesome summary of the "first time"!! Thanks for sharing....

I, too, am at that point where "it's time"..... for the safety of my passenger more than anything else.... my fully loaded Ultra with two of us on it is definately a slow speed, poor surface handful..... I'm keeping my two wheel bikes as I still love riding them after 57 years and over a million and a half miles on two wheels, but for two up, long distance extended trips, I was able to buy a 2020 Tri in Florida with 934 miles on it, (this is the second Winter in a row that I've gone from Arizona to Florida with one bike and had to figure out how to get two back home), ..... The guy had it for just over two years, and I put 1200 miles on it the first four days ..... the bike has to be thinking, WTF???...pretty funny

It's gonna be a learning curve for sure..... I certainly don't love it yet but I'm making friends with it..... at least we're shaking hands now.... thanks again for sharing your experiances.....and thanks for what appears to be a great forum....DW

[OLBLU]

Buy a motor trike mechanical reverse as soon as you can. It's not a question of IF the reverse motor will fail ,but WHEN.

[PosseRider]

Anything may break,. rode the 16, over 47k, used the reverse all the time. Now just over 17k on the 2020 using reverse whenever needed. NO problems. Only thing on the 16 was the water pump quit. If the reverse ever quits you can get it rebuilt a lot cheaper than am MT reverse kit. Whatever floats your boat is what ya do to please you. Me, I would rather have the $$ for more rides. Also,that mechanical reverse is much more expensive & then if you can't do the work yourself, I would guess it is not a cheap install.

[windsurfed]

Ron



Thanks for the detailed report. It was very satisfying reading it. Makes me want to get out and ride mine.

The only sad part about riding a TG is that HD stands for $100. (Every little thing cost $100 or more) Or "Hardly Done" putting on accessories. The more you ride it the more you see accessories/add ons that you would love to have on the TG.

There has to be a limit. Of which, I, unfortunately will never be able to reach. "Somebody stop Me"

Your gonna love that bike! I was in the exact same boat as you about "Trust and Balance" I should have bought a TG 10 years ago.

The buffeting can be controlled. I found the tank lift kit and Cooling wings from DK Custom worked great for tremendously reducing the buffeting.

To top it all off I bought a HD 15" windshield to sit behind. Comfort means 100% to me where as looks takes a back seat. Buffeting is now 90% reduced.

Keep us informed as you make upgrades. It will be very interesting.

[hydraglide]

Ron



Thanks for the detailed report. It was very satisfying reading it. Makes me want to get out and ride mine.

The only sad part about riding a TG is that HD stands for $100. (Every little thing cost $100 or more) Or "Hardly Done" putting on accessories. The more you ride it the more you see accessories/add ons that you would love to have on the TG.

There has to be a limit. Of which, I, unfortunately will never be able to reach. "Somebody stop Me"

Your gonna love that bike! I was in the exact same boat as you about "Trust and Balance" I should have bought a TG 10 years ago.

The buffeting can be controlled. I found the tank lift kit and Cooling wings from DK Custom worked great for tremendously reducing the buffeting.

To top it all off I bought a HD 15" windshield to sit behind. Comfort means 100% to me where as looks takes a back seat. Buffeting is now 90% reduced.

Keep us informed as you make upgrades. It will be very interesting.

Chuck- Thanks for your insights! Regarding my quest to control the buffeting... I added DK's cooling wings and perhaps there was a slight improvement, but still a bit of a PITA above 60mph. No tank lift (yet). What I DID discover (at least during my last ride) was that when I swapped my half helmet for my full face helmet, the buffeting was less "felt", which goes back to support those who have mentioned that there are SO MANY parameters that come into play regarding reducing that buffeting beast (like helmet, no helmet, etc) it might end up being more trial and error to see what works best.

I really don't like riding with my full face helmet unless it's really cold or really wet. But...

So Chuck... my 99 Ultra had a "look through" windshield, my Tri Glide has a 10" "look over" wide Freedom Shield on it, which I like (especially in the rain, when the lack of wipers makes seeing a challenge). Did the 15" help a little, a lot, or?? Curious...

I'm considering the JES fangs, but I need to come up with some sort of decent way to help cool my motor if I add them. Seems the Love Jugs site is down and/or they are out of stock. I'm going to post a separate query to see if anybody out there (and I know there are... hah!) has used the JES fangs with a cooling fan set up and have been able to control the temperature enough to keep it from running in the "red zone" over the summer.

Thanks all!

[RareSS]

Duly noted! I had heard through my dealer that they had so much trouble with the vents either not staying closed or breaking that they eliminated it. Personally I’d like to try and find a way to retrofit that mechanism.

As is usually the case, seems change for the sake of change isn’t the best approach!

My dealer and I was discussing the vent, while looking at my ‘22 Tri. He said that you can retrofit the flap vent into the new Tri. I plan on ordering it and putting it in mine. I have it on my others and like it. I also do not want ‘bug goo’ all over face!

[windsurfed]

[QUOTE=hydraglide;881732]Chuck- Thanks for your insights! Regarding my quest to control the buffeting... I added DK's cooling wings and perhaps there was a slight improvement, but still a bit of a PITA above 60mph. No tank lift (yet). What I DID discover (at least during my last ride) was that when I swapped my half helmet for my full face helmet, the buffeting was less "felt", which goes back to support those who have mentioned that there are SO MANY parameters that come into play regarding reducing that buffeting beast (like helmet, no helmet, etc) it might end up being more trial and error to see what works best.

I put the 15 inch windshield on because I was getting Buffetted a lot. It helped a lot. The windshield actually stops the rain from getting to my shield. Before I was always wiping my shield when it was raining causing a safety concern of mine. Now it hits the windshield and does not get on my shield. But it’s still challenging to see through the windshield with the rain hitting it. But my vision is a whole lot safer now and I am much more at ease. Yesterday I rode 125 miles at between 55–65 miles an hour. The wind was blowing about 10 miles an hour and it was 40° out, and clear blue sky. I had heat so it was a very comfortable ride. I had my Compass up and every time I would hit the south east direction my helmet would start to Buffett. But soon as I pulled away from the Southeast direction The buffering stopped it wasn’t very much but it was detectable. I was wearing a full face Nolan N87+ helmet which I don’t normally do. I usually always wear a Nolan N21 three-quarter visor helmet. With the stock windshield and with no modifications I remember I was getting buffeting all the time and my eyes were popping. I decided something had to be done. I am 5‘8“ tall. The wind comes off the top windshield now and goes right over the top of my helmet about 4-5 inches. I am very satisfied with the set up I have that is controlling the buffeting.

[F6bbagger]

Much like your self, at 70 started feeling a little unsure of myself on my '13 F6b Goldwing so decided to give a trike a try. Last summer picked up a 2015 Triumph Rocket Roadster that was triked, as a new '15, in 2018. 2 weeks later took a 2,400 mile road trip to Yellowstone. Enjoyed every minute on the trike, it is some what naked as far as creature comforts go but plenty of power and looks pretty good. Still have the F6b and will continue to use it. Would like to pick up a newer Goldwing trike and have all the creature comforts...

[windsurfed]

Much like your self, at 70 started feeling a little unsure of myself on my '13 F6b Goldwing so decided to give a trike a try. Last summer picked up a 2015 Triumph Rocket Roadster that was triked, as a new '15, in 2018. 2 weeks later took a 2,400 mile road trip to Yellowstone. Enjoyed every minute on the trike, it is some what naked as far as creature comforts go but plenty of power and looks pretty good. Still have the F6b and will continue to use it. Would like to pick up a newer Goldwing trike and have all the creature comforts...

Man, that is a nice looking trike. Love the black flat