Researching Harley Trikes and have questions.

[retiredff]

Hello all!

I sold my RoadKing this spring and have started looking at Trikes. I have noticed on CL the 'KITS' are cheaper than the HD made trikes. Is that good or bad?

I have read where HD started making the 2014 Trikes that are twin-cooled, is this for every year after until the Milwaukee 8 or were the 2013 and older?

I doubt if I buy new, the wife would divorce me, even though it is her idea to research trikes.

Any info appreciated on years from 2009-2014. I think these are in my price range.

Thanks

Tony

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Hello and welcome to Trike Talk,my 2 cents. My first trike was a 2016 Harley trike only owned it from May 2016 to Sept 2016 upgrade the exhaust air cleaner and a new tune bike ran great no issues in 8800 miles. In Sept of 2016 i traded it for a 2017 Harley trike,so far it has 10,750 miles on it and i have had to have the left handlebar switch pack replaced the right cooling fan replaced just got it back they replaced the left front brake caliper rotor and rotor bolts.The caliper wouldn't release completely and burnt the rotor and left pads.Also the transmission oil is migrating into the primary and HD is monitoring this.So hind sight being 20/20 i should have kept my 16.

The early trikes had smaller rear rotors and the front and rear brakes are not linked like the newer ones,plus the twin cooling is plus.But with that said you should really look at some of the trike conversions they have quality components plus independent rear suspension.Its all about the look,some like the classic look of Motor Trike or Kool Trikes while some like the CSC conversion.I priced a Motor Trike kit for my 2012 Road Glide and installed with mechanical reverse and raked trees it was about 15-16 K.So do your home work and keep in mind that a cheap priced kit is just that,a cheap kit.Good luck.

[retiredff]

Mykneesbehurtin,

Thanks for the reply. What year were the brakes linked to each other?

The trike kits such as Liehman(SP?) are they better than or ??? the others?

I'm really interested in the water cooled 103's. I'm not sure I like the idea of a water cooled Harley.

Tony

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Welcome to the Gang from Western Colorado.

There where some "performance" issues with the earlier ones. Specifically the drive gear, lots of folks changed them out to 3o tooth I believe.

I personally owned a 2015, and loved it. Like most Harley's out of the box, they benefit from removing the cat equipped exhaust and a tune that doesn't lean them out too bad. Personally, I like the water cooled heads, after removing the cat, I think the heat I felt was way less ... and I ride in shorts .. LOL.

Like all things, it's a mater of choice. Lots of folks will tell you the Harley factory trikes are better because it's all Harley and HD can work on it all.

Lots of the kits are very well made and if you have a builder near you that's good, no issues there.

I'd recommend a few test drives ... kits and factory trikes and go with your heart. Harley makes two factory trikes now, the free (more nimble and sporty, less creature comforts and the Tri, more creature comforts and less sporty). Like all things ... go with what moves you.

[retiredff]

Thanks Fuzzy.

I also have read the 2010-2014 had heat issues. Some added a Jagg 10 row oil cooler and removed the air temp gauge and replaced it with an oil temp gauge. I would hate to pay $20k for a used bike only to have to dump more $$$$ in the way of oil cooler, 14" shocks etc etc. Anyone have more info on this range of years and issues? Unfortunately my cash flow requires me to stay in a certain budget. If needed I can buy a kit bike (lehman preferably) in the 2004-2008 range. I may have to do engine work (cams) to get the power up and if before 2006 replace the cam chain tensioners with gears if possible.

Tony

[LadyonaMission]

Good luck on your search. I went from a Road King to a Freewheeler trike, and couldn't be happier. Like previously suggested, you need to test ride as many tikes as you can until you find one you just can't go home without.

[retiredff]

Thanks for the reply Lady,

I plan on just that, I may rent one also just to be sure I like them.

Tony

[v4bob49]

Here's my 2 cents worth:

The 2009 thru 2013 Tri-Glide has the standard 103 air cooled engine and does have an oil cooler. The early models '09 to ? did not include reverse as standard equipment. Starting with the 2014 model, they had the High Output Twin Cooled 103 engine. The '14 and newer models also have the Rushmore updates. Which includes the infotainment system, redesigned fairing which has the vent, redesigned tour-pak, and slimmer front fender and beefier front fork. They also have linked brakes and 6 piston calipers in front instead of the 4 piston calipers on the earlier models. And they also changed the parking brake from a lever operated behind the right side passenger foot board to foot operated near the riders left foot board.

Starting with the 2017 model year, the Tri-Glide now has the 107 Twin Cooled M8 engine.

I don't know a lot about the conversion kits except that there are a number of them available. However I don't believe they all include an independent rear suspension which would be nice to have. I also would recommend not converting anything older than a 2007 model which would at least have the TC 96 engine. I think the TC 88 would be quite lacking in power for a trike.

I have a 2015 Tri-Glide with Vance & Hines headers and mufflers. With the Stage 1 upgrade and Power Vision tuner, I am quite happy with it's performance.

[Mykneesbehurtin]

The Harley trike is a solid rear axle and the factory rear suspension leaves a lot to be desired,I would go with a independent rear if possible.Plus most of the kits use brake rotors and pads that can be source at any auto parts store for the fraction of the cost compared to HD. Now dont quote me but i think the twin cooled started with the rushmore 103 which i think was 2014.As far as the linked brakes i wish i could tell you,but someone in here will know.Lots of knowledge within these walls.

[retiredff]

Here's my 2 cents worth:

The 2009 thru 2013 Tri-Glide has the standard 103 air cooled engine and does have an oil cooler. The early models '09 to ? did not include reverse as standard equipment. Starting with the 2014 model, they had the High Output Twin Cooled 103 engine. The '14 and newer models also have the Rushmore updates. Which includes the infotainment system, redesigned fairing which has the vent, redesigned tour-pak, and slimmer front fender and beefier front fork. They also have linked brakes and 6 piston calipers in front instead of the 4 piston calipers on the earlier models. And they also changed the parking brake from a lever operated behind the right side passenger foot board to foot operated near the riders left foot board.

Starting with the 2017 model year, the Tri-Glide now has the 107 Twin Cooled M8 engine.

I don't know a lot about the conversion kits except that there are a number of them available. However I don't believe they all include an independent rear suspension which would be nice to have. I also would recommend not converting anything older than a 2007 model which would at least have the TC 96 engine. I think the TC 88 would be quite lacking in power for a trike.

I have a 2015 Tri-Glide with Vance & Hines headers and mufflers. With the Stage 1 upgrade and Power Vision tuner, I am quite happy with it's performance.

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Just the info I was looking for v4bob49. Thanks alot!!

Tony

[retiredff]

The Harley trike is a solid rear axle and the factory rear suspension leaves a lot to be desired,I would go with a independent rear if possible.Plus most of the kits use brake rotors and pads that can be source at any auto parts store for the fraction of the cost compared to HD. Now dont quote me but i think the twin cooled started with the rushmore 103 which i think was 2014.As far as the linked brakes i wish i could tell you,but someone in here will know.Lots of knowledge within these walls.

Do the Lehman trike kits have independent suspension?

Found their web site and it appears they do, at least the newer models.

[Mykneesbehurtin]

You would have to contact them,keep in mind that their design is what HD used for their set up.If there are any Motor Trike dealers close to you yo may want to look at all the different kits you can.There is a dealer here in Dayton that sells and installs both Motor Trike and CSC so if its a day trip for you,maybe a stop over here would be good.The dealer is called Sportys and its on Dixie Drive.about 15 minutes south of interstate 70.

[retiredff]

will do Mykneeshurtin, thanks.

[kybigmac]

Research the Hannigan kits for Harley-Davidson,they make a really nice kit!

[Rmitchell55]

Tony

Welcome from the "Land Of Fruits and Nuts" sunny and left wing California.

If you do Facebook, here is a page that has a lot of Tri's for sale. "Triglide Parts and Trades"

[Lee H. Mann]

Do the Lehman trike kits have independent suspension?

Found their web site and it appears they do, at least the newer models.

Tony, Lehman & Champion are basically the same conversion with 3 differing body styles. Champion has one and Lehman has the Renegade and the Trinity (looks like the Triglide). An Independent Suspension conversion will set you back another $12K plus the easy steer and reverse gear. You are adding another $15K to an existing motorcycle.

You can find completed used Trikes with IRS from the high teens to the low 20's and Triglides similarly.

Lots of options out there but take your time and try not to be impulsive.

[retiredff]

Research the Hannigan kits for Harley-Davidson,they make a really nice kit!

Will do, thanks.

I have been looking at a craigslist trike for sale in Paducah, KY. It's a 2012 but something doesn't look right. The seller is not a HD dealer but sells motorsport equipment.

The boot guards on the engine protector are missing and it doesn't appear to have an oil cooler.

[retiredff]

Tony, Lehman & Champion are basically the same conversion with 3 differing body styles. Champion has one and Lehman has the Renegade and the Trinity (looks like the Triglide). An Independent Suspension conversion will set you back another $12K plus the easy steer and reverse gear. You are adding another $15K to an existing motorcycle.

You can find completed used Trikes with IRS from the high teens to the low 20's and Triglides similarly.

Lots of options out there but take your time and try not to be impulsive.

I'm not interested in doing a conversion myself but might buy one. The issue I have is many have the 88/96 motors that are stock. I don't think that's enough motor to move a 1200+# bike plus passenger(s) and gear. I will most likely buy '09-'13. The '14's look nice also but I don't know if I like a water cooled Harley.

[Rev J]

I did my research and bought a 2014 Triglide (used). The 2014 had some improvements over previous years like water cooled, high-output 103 engine, boom audio, ect. My wife has never complained about heat issues. Sometimes sitting at a stop light I do feel heat but there is a big 'ole motor sitting directly under me. There is enough HP to push the Triglide with a passenger and loaded down just fine. I don't feel a need to increase HP. It is a motorcycle so I don't expect it to ride like a Cadillac. However, wife and I can take longer trips without feeling like we've been ten rounds in a boxing match. Another point is that Harley is the only manufacturer that offers a factory trike. Therefore you can have warranty that covers the entire trike. Also check with your insurance agent. There can be issues with claims if it is a conversion. If you have an accident you insurance may only cover the value of the bike. Just my two cents worth but something to consider. All in all my wife and I love the Triglide. Good luck in your quest.

[retiredff]

I did my research and bought a 2014 Triglide (used). The 2014 had some improvements over previous years like water cooled, high-output 103 engine, boom audio, ect. My wife has never complained about heat issues. Sometimes sitting at a stop light I do feel heat but there is a big 'ole motor sitting directly under me. There is enough HP to push the Triglide with a passenger and loaded down just fine. I don't feel a need to increase HP. It is a motorcycle so I don't expect it to ride like a Cadillac. However, wife and I can take longer trips without feeling like we've been ten rounds in a boxing match. Another point is that Harley is the only manufacturer that offers a factory trike. Therefore you can have warranty that covers the entire trike. Also check with your insurance agent. There can be issues with claims if it is a conversion. If you have an accident you insurance may only cover the value of the bike. Just my two cents worth but something to consider. All in all my wife and I love the Triglide. Good luck in your quest.

EXECELLENT review. Just what I was looking for. I also noticed in 2014 the dash is all digital. The fact you don't have heat issues is good to hear as is the power of the bike. I will ride mostly alone but my wife will ride maybe 25% of the time.

Thanks for the tip on the insurance and the conversions, I didn't know that.

Thanks again

Tony