Is it True? Compare Riding a Harley 2 & 3 Wheeler

[@a.d.c7941]

Hey guys, first off, thank you for doing this video!! I really wish there were more trike videos like this. Seems like if there is, they are very old. Great conversation and very interesting. Truly enjoyed this topic guys! You hit on so many good points about the Trike. My biggest reasons for wanting a trike is the car like steering and not having to counter steer. Its one aspect of learning to ride a bike that can be eliminated. Not having to hold it up is a huge one. U cannot lay a trike down. Safer when it comes to obstacles & animals in the rd. And other drivers in cars and trucks can see you better. Bigger foot print is always gonna mean u r more visible. These are my reasons id chose a trike over a bike. And I am still young with no disabilities whatsoever. Its just what I prefer. I always have more fun when less risk is involved. Example I love sex, but I love it way more now that i’ve had a vasectomy 😂😂.

[@triketacular8093]

We have enjoyed our 2014 HD Tri-Glide, but it was time for a change. So we purchased a pre owned 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited, with low kilometres . Do not miss the stiff clutch on the Tri-Glide, in stop and go traffic, the poor suspension, the heat and noise the engine produced. Plus muscling it through the corners. I hate to admit it, but the Spyder provides a ride which is night and day above the HD Tri-Glide. Thanks for sharing. Safe Travels

[@DKCustomProducts]

I know what you mean on several fronts. In the first year we owned a Tri Glide we rode it all day in the Smoky Mountains, then got off it and rode a Can-Am. It was like getting off a tractor and getting on a luxury car. That was one of the things that motivated us to make the Tri Glide better. Comfort Lift made the steering much easier and a little better ride. Trike Series Shocks transformed the rear suspension into a very plush ride. We did a ton of testing on the front suspension and improved that. See link below. We also did an incredible amount of testing and product development to get the heat down to the optimum for comfort, performance and engine longevity. See link below. But we fully understand that the Harley Trikes need this work done to be as smooth and comfortable a ride as the Can-Am's are out of the box. Congrats on your new ride! www.dkcustomproducts.com/dk-custom-front-suspension-testing-report-part-i-of-ii-dk-fs-tst-rp-i.htm www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-the-twin-cam-engine-part-i-dk-cl-tc-dn-1.htm

[@darwinandoe1003]

Thank you for the excellent video. You do a great job describing the Trike riding experience. I am on my second Harley Trike. A 2012 and now my 2016 with 84,000 miles. When asked on the difference between 2 vs 3 wheels, my standard answer is “the bugs taste the same and you get just as wet.” But I really miss the “flying experience” on 2 wheels in the twisties. In 2018 I did a four corners of the lower 48 ride (Washington, Maine, Florida, Ca) on the Trike. Gone 48 days traveling 12,700 miles.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Cool, glad you liked the video. Sounds like you've been having a blast on your TG's. 👍

[@doodlosangelino]

Ive watched several trike videos and not one of them was half as informative as yours. Thank you so much.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! Glad you found it interesting/useful. 👍😎👍 We have a couple more that you may like- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5jPc5SLmpyciJI kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGO7e6esl6pkmpY

[@paulspencer8042]

I've been riding a Tri Glide since 2013 first a 2010 model and now a 2017 model which I like a lot better I like the stability of three wheels in high winds and bad weather conditions thought I would miss the two wheels but it's 69 years old I don't miss him at all I don't have to worry about dropping it or having to have enough strength to pick it up

[@wvincagold]

Great video guys. After 30+.years on 2 I bought a triglide this January. I love it. So much better to ride and my left bad foot doesnt get as painful. I just upgraded to your 14 inch comfort lift. Holy crap talk about a different ride. So much easier to a test and the ride is Cadillac smooth. DK customs has been great. Added the road zepplin seat and I can ride for 3 hours without numb butt. I also have to say that I don't miss worrying about gravel, sand, or rain.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Congrats on your new Ride! Glad you're enjoying your upgrades. Wishing you many miles of smiles!

[@yogikk]

As a veteran with lower back problems that causes my right leg to act up. The trike is the best to have. I do miss riding my two wheelers. But due my lower back problems the trike is the answer. I ride everyday and my lower back does not act up at all. Best investment I ever made in going with a trike. Now I can still ride even with a messed up back.

[@leland9902]

What a Excellent video, this is the best info I have ever seen on Trike riding. I have a garage full of bikes and been riding bikes for over 40 years, but I am surprised how little info there is on trike riding. I agree 100% with all your comments about Trike riding they are spot on. THKS for doing the video.

[@TurboMan51]

A str8 up VERY to the point video..lots of important questions asked and answered. A+ on this one guys.

[@phildevore4543]

Everything he said about riding a trike in the corners is absolutely right. In my case I didn’t have a choice because I’ve got neuropathy in my feet and if I wanted to continue riding it was the only way I could ride. After riding 2 wheels all my life it took me awhile to get the hang of it but after about 500 miles it’s becoming easier.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you're able to continue riding! A properly set up trike is a ton of fun to ride!

[@jd4x4android]

Excellent video. Great questions asked of a clearly knowledgeable person! I've ridden a trike (a million years ago & an old Harley flathead Servicar!) as well as a sidecar (on coast to coast & other long distance trips with the wife & 1st daughter in it). Now that I'm 68 and have developed sciatica in my left leg my FLHTC hasn't seen much action the last few years. The wife also hate the back seat and has her own scooter so with me out of action it's a double whammy. This has gotten me thinking again about getting back into the wind, one way or another. Thanks!

[@DKCustomProducts]

I think you'll be very happy to get back in the wind on a Harley Trike. You can read some more on my thoughts at this link- www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/21493-Ongoing-2014-Tri-Glide-build-out-lots-of-pics-and-thoughts-on-the-differences

[@rhinohorn99]

great talk guys. i own a 2018 triglide anniversary edition and been loving every minute in the saddle. my only complaint is the air suspension. no matter what i set the psi to, the bumps hit hard. i can live with that but prefer a suspension that can better absorb the bumps. thanks for your video. ride safe

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you're liking your Trike! I hear you on the suspension. We worked for many years trying to dial in the air shocks (and worked more recently on the new HD Coil overs), they just don't work well. We then spent 10's of thousands of miles developing the Comfort Lift™ Kit (see this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/tri-glide-rear-shocks-comfort-lift-kit-added-comfort-lift-dk-tri-cmft-lfkt-1447.htm ) which makes the air shocks ride a bit better, and also makes steering easier. Then after that we developed the Trike Series Shocks™ (see this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/combo-package-14-harley-trike-series-shocks-comfort-lifttm.htm ) which really transforms the Tri Glide and Freewheeler into a very nice quality ride. There is a report on suspension at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-performance-rear-shocks-71.htm

[@budirwin9825]

Wife & I ride same trikes & luv them. The very best upgrade was gas shocks. Going around bends fast I can now feel her squat a little which is how it should feel. Worth the money, no more slapping over bumps. These folks have done the testing, which sez it all.

[@budirwin9825]

This video is good for those wondering about trikes. 8yrs. Into riding 3 I have no desire to go back. Would like to rake the front end for ease of steering. My wife did hers & is like power steering. Of coarse we both went with upgraded gas shocks on rear ends. They ride & handle good so are a blast to ride. We also have them lit up well for safety...

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you two are liking your Trikes!

[@RoyalKennedy601]

I agree with all these points I’m 64 . I sold my limited last summer and bought a 2020 Tri glide . Because of comfort ,extra stability, safety better presence to the cages . All true . It’s fun to ride .But I started missing my two wheels . I did t buy the trike because I had to . So I’m in the market for a street glide at the moment . Best of both worlds Thanks for all these videos . I would like to do some of the cooling modifications to both bikes . I’m currently running rinehart slip ons on the Tri glide other than that it’s all stock I like the fender you made . Like to get one of those

[@DKCustomProducts]

Cool, glad you're enjoying the world of 3 wheels! Having a 2 wheeler for when the urge hits is indeed the best of both worlds. 👍 Happy New Year!

[@harrytinsley1199]

Bikes were all I knew for my first 47 years of motorcycling, but and since April (2019) I have added a Freewheeler. I love the trike and really you hit on all the reasons, even the twist and turns are just as fun in their own different way. As winter approaches I'm considering riding days I would never have with a bike. I would be interested on what you recommend for heated gear...I've never considered it before the trike. Thanks for all you videos.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good to read you're enjoying your Freewheeler! Yep I ride mine in stuff I would not consider on 2 wheels. Check out this vid of riding in the snow- kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5aylmaun5qXj68 The electric gear we use is Gerbing. It has a lifetime warranty on the heating elements. We only use the jacket liners. We do have the Gerbing heated gloves, but rarely plug them in. They are very warm, even without being plugged in.

[@manueldiaz-hb4tg]

I love my 17 triglide trike it’s comfortable and safe and can ride for long periods

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good to hear you're enjoying!

[@h3r63rt]

I rented a tri glide a few years ago. Great bit of fun. Someone described it as an open wheeled sports car. Seems about right. No plans to convert my Street Glide... yet.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yep, they are fun...a different kind, but fun. Enjoy the 2 wheels!

[@trueitbycjtruitt9546]

I enjoyed hearing all the details it was very informative, thank you for sharing it , I haven't been on a bike since 89 and it was a 650 Yamaha, I don't have good balance anymore and was thinking of getting a trike , so this information in this video has me convinced that one would be good for my wife and I , now I just need to save up for one 😀😊

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, they are a lot of fun, and much more stable/relaxed ride than 2 wheels! Glad you enjoyed and found the video useful.

[@Tryke_Ryder]

My wife has MS and the leaning of the 2 wheels causes her vertigo. The trike, without the lean, helps keep that from being an issue.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Great to hear that she is in the wind and that a Trike is keeping her there! 👍

[@joec2174]

Had the free wheeler while recovering from knee surgery. It was all upper body work and no leaning into turns. Wasn't the same. Now have a 2020 Road king again and much happier. Glide while having knee surgery

[@DKCustomProducts]

It is for sure that riding a Trike is a different kind of fun. If you ever go back to a Trike, there are a few things to do that make the steering much easier.

[@twpikeinva]

I rode a trike for the first time (TriGlide) at a dealer demo day earlier this summer. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed riding it. It wasn't like riding my Sportster, but it was a lot of fun in it's own way. I always thought the only way I would ride a trike was if I was too busted up to ride two wheels. Right now the wife won't ride on the back of my Sportster, but if she would ride on the back of a Tri Glide I'd have one in the garage tomorrow. Still working on her.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yeah, they are a ton of fun...different, but a lot of fun, and definitely safer, in most situations, than two wheels. Wonder if you felt the same way I do when getting of the Tri Glide and onto the Sporty....makes the Sporty feel even sportier! :)

[@twpikeinva]

@@DKCustomProducts feel that way every time I do a demo ride on a touring bike. I get back 9n the Sportster and think as long as the wife doesn't want to ride with me there is no reason for anything bigger and heavier.

[@Zoo55Man]

@@twpikeinva I just got my first trike, a 2017 Freewheeler. Was looking for a new ride and my wife had just quit ride on my Vulcan Classic threee years ago. Said she just didn't feel comfortable any more. I took her to a local dealer and tested both the Triglide and the Freewheeler. While she liked the seating on the trip better, the sportier, lower feel of the freewheeler won the day. we don't tour, so the storage wasn't a necessity. SO after finding the 17, she has ridden more in the last three weeks than she has in the last five years. Nice to have her along with me again . . . sometimes.

[@danantill8107]

Also you can brake all thru turns and not worry about sliding out.Trikes really dig into turns at speed , once you feel the tire grip ya just roll on the power and I can stay with the pack no problem!

[@DKCustomProducts]

True that. Surprised me that trail-braking works on the Trikes, just like on a 2 wheeler. Can come in hot, brake, accelerate out, and use you brakes a bit to regulate the speed/body roll.

[@gsfinatic]

We have 3 bikes, a 16 Tri-Glide, 14 Ultra Ltd, and just recently picked up a factory 08 Ultra Glide sidecar rig. When riding two up I much prefer three wheels. Like you said "much less stress" My main complaints about three wheels is the bike having to work harder due to the additional weight. The fuel economy also suffers greatly. My LTD gets 45-48 mpg on the road and the three wheelers get 10-15 less. One thing Ive noticed on the Tri-glide, in heavy rain (standing water) it seems to hydroplane very easily, definitely will make you pucker. Also, seems a lot of die hard riders still wont accept trikes, not sure why.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I hear you on the non-acceptance. Not as bad as it used to be, but still there. I have to admit, I was the same way...and I really did not think they would handle so well. Yes, the heat from those engines working so hard from the extra weight, the extra wind resistance, and less wind flow quickly over the engine is a real challenge. We've done quite a bit of work to "level" the field when it comes to Trikes. On the hydroplaning, are you running down around 22 psi in your rear tires? Also, when it comes time to replace the front tire, you might want to give the Avon front Trike Tire a look. I think it is much better.

[@gsfinatic]

@@DKCustomProducts They are a blast to ride, especially the Freewheeler. I was out in New Mexico a while back and was bucking a stiff wind. That combined with the altitude the Tri Glide was WOT and 67 MPH was all she would do. I run tire pressures at 36/26 by the book. I bought one of the Avon trike tires a while back, just waiting for the OE Dunlop to wear out. Thanks for the response.

[@paulspencer8042]

I have a lot of old school biker friends and I don't have any problem with them as far as me riding a trike some of them also ride trikes and as far as hydroplaning I have never had that problem

[@uptownsamcv]

the first thing that comes to mind when I see a trike is the 3 wheel off road bikes from the 80's that people were flipping like crazy.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yeah, I hear you. Still looks like that to me when I see one, and I've been riding one since 2011....they look like you could just give them a little push and over they would go. Here's a vid of how stable and well they can do in the turns...total surprise to me how well they handle- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYakfn5_n55qfZI

[@matthewball507]

I love your trike rear suspension. I put your shocks on both of my tri glides and I'll probably be putting them on my new freewheeler before too long. I haven't found a bike I'm ready to keep yet but I know I want your shocks

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks Matthew, good to hear you have really enjoyed them. We appreciate your business.

[@stevesmith5551]

I'm only 60 but because of clogged pipes I had to go 3 wheeler. I love my TG because I didn't ride for over a year with a 15 SG and my baby an 08 RKC sitting in the garage.. That said we ride in twisty winding country and the TG is a toad in corners and as the video says you loose the command of the lean/throttle and adrenaline of a 2 wheeler. Again I love my TG but compared to a 2 wheeler it's no comparison....PS---My wife LOVES the TG because we can ride together again like we use to..

[@DKCustomProducts]

With a properly set up TG, you can rip thru the twistys faster than on a HD 2 wheeler touring model...takes a bit of practice, but it's a blast. Check out this video- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYakfn5_n55qfZI

[@wendya3648]

I remember when I first saw a HD trike and said laughing to my friends "no way in hell, I'd quit riding first". Omg, finally due to my friend arthritis in my lower back and left knee the time came 3 yrs ago. Love my 2012 triglide. If you're new to it, steer it like you would an atv. No feet or leans took a little bit of time to get use too. I've been on two wheels HD, Yamahas since the mid 70's

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yep, I was one of those too...until an accident, 22 broken bones, metal plates and screws, all pointed to a Trike if I wanted to continue touring 2 up on long trips.

[@redhorsegarage]

New to trikes (in fact its in the garage waiting for spring). However, I have two sidecars. Similar rider efforts?

[@DKCustomProducts]

We have zero experience with sidecar rigs, so cannot speak knowledgably about the comparison of them with a HD Trike. Congrats on your Trike! Spring cannot get here soon enough!

[@chipgroff9664]

Nice info video guys.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good to hear you liked it! 👍

[@kurtfirestone2761]

Have a 2016 ultra limited that I'm looking to trike out, wondering your opinion on which mfg to go with . we ride mostly highway miles. Ty love the tri glide videos

[@DKCustomProducts]

I have not done a lot of work with conversions. Randall, at CutnShootCustoms.com is the guy to talk to. He handles trike conversions for 6 different companies, and is very knowledgeable in all things conversions. I am sure he will be able to point you in the right direction. Everyone I've spoken to that has had a conversion done by him has been very happy. 346-800-7946 Tell him Kevin from DK Custom sent you...dunno if it will get you a better deal or not, but no harm in trying. :)

[@budfans]

i think motortrike and California side car are the two best ones i think for looks and for the workmanship.. i have a csc right now and i put 20k miles on mine and no major issues

[@a.d.c7941]

Kurt Firestone You look into Hannigan motor Trike. Very good reputation, completely different body style then any other trike maker, and even a different front tire size option. Its hard to find complaints about Hannigan online. I have researched the hell out of the trike companies. In my opinion the top three are Hannigan, roadsmith, and california side car (csc). csc has one issue I know of right now that some people are experiencing. Roadsmith is pretty solid I believe and so is Hannigan. But csc looks are beautiful too. Looks wise its def a toss up between csc and hannigan Just comes down to preference at that point. If u go with csc, just make sure u ask questions about having problems in first gear (bike not being able to come out of first gear). Idk how big of a problem it is, or if its even every manufacturer but its worth asking if its the company u go with. I have not heard of this problem with hannigan or roadsmith.

[@jeffrivers4735]

@@a.d.c7941 I have a 2008 Ultra Classic I had triked out brand new with the California Sidecar. Don't know what you are talking about problems coming out of first gear. Never had a problem. Harley Tri-Glides use the Hannigan kits to build them.

[@a.d.c7941]

@@jeffrivers4735 This information was told me directly from the sales manager at csc. We were on the phone for about an hr talking about it. This was 2019 so maybe the issue has been fixed since then im not sure. The csc look is my fav trike so I hope it has been fixed.

[@jimweagant8920]

Good and interesting video thanks for sharing

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@bennyblade3461]

hit a badger on my freewheeler it knocked out my oil cooler but it wood have put my daughter and me down if we were on the bagger.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Much better the oil cooler than you or your daughter!

[@sbollinger37]

You need to counter steer the motorcycle in turns

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yep, two wheelers get steered when moving slowly (under 15-20 mph) and countersteered after reaching that speed. If one has ridden a bicycle at any speed, it would be completely natural. With a HD Trike, it is steering 100% of the time, no countersteering.

[@sbollinger37]

..was referring to two wheels

[@kendean2119]

Your audio is always so low and then your music at the beginning gives me a heart attack from the volume being so high

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yeah, it took a long time for us to get our audio levels working right. Videos made starting about a year ago have good audio. 👍

[@williamjohnson6517]

🤔Nope.! Been riding 47 years by the Grace of God but when I can't handle a bike this Biker dude will hang it up . I know in most states there is no white lining ( filtering) allowed in traffic like you could do in the UK. Like in the States now I believe California might be the only one to allow it ?🤔But on a trike your stuck in traffic just like a cage and your maneuverability is cut way down.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Congrats on being in the wind all those years. Yeah, I would not be a happy camper in an area where there is a lot of traffic. When I did live in Cali, splitting lanes was as common as breathing...but it was "necessary" because of the insane amount of traffic.

[@just.bob.j]

Guys, come on man...the mic is way too far and the sound is terrible. And what the hell is that thing hanging from the chin of the guy on the left?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Hahahaha 😂

[@santomessina162]

Depends on the trike can am you can use your weight to stear them but then again their trash

[@DKCustomProducts]

I've had some fun riding behind a can am on a wet road. Very entertaining. 😂👍

[@porkchopspapi5757]

Just get a real car.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I hear ya, used to think that way myself. Trikes are a blast...different than 2 wheelers, and different than cars.