Harley Trike Riding Tips for Conquering Curves Aggressively

[@DKCustomProducts]

IMPORTANT FOLLOW UP TO THIS VIDEO of a Few Items we forgot to include- kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpetg2ejgpZqo7s

[@manningkimmel]

Really good insight for those like me who are new to a trike…Thanks for doing these videos !!

[@ER-mo3wq]

Thank you so much for this valuable info, I have just turned 70 and have been riding two wheel motorcycles for 45 years, i just bought my first Harley Trike.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Congratulations on your new Trike! Glad you are liking the videos. I hope you enjoy your Trike riding as much as you did your two wheel riding! Ride Safe! Thanks for commenting! 😎

[@TomMapleValley]

Kevin and Dwayne, great video! I got aggressive a little too soon on my new Tri Glide and accidentally raised the inside wheel in a curve at about 30mph (with no braking). I stayed off the brake and eased off the throttle just a bit, with no loss of control or lane position. I also kept my focus through the corner, where I was going and wanted to be. As you guys know, where you look is where you go (e.g. - target fixation at a fog line or guard rail can pull you right off the road)! Two points: 1. I think this rider was startled and instinctively chopped the throttle and straightened the trike out to stop the tip. That put him back in control of the trike, but well into the wrong lane. 2. (and this is important), I think he very likely instinctively fixated on the shoulder when the trike tipped, where he did not want to go. If I’m right, had he looked to the right, where he wanted to go, he would not have gone off the road. Thanks for all you guys do for the trike community!

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am glad you like the video. I do agree that you go where you look most of the time. It was definitely rider error. You can see a frame by frame analysis we've made on the Trike wreck at this link that you may find interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for commenting! 😎 MB

[@OZARKSHDRIDERS]

Love my 17 tri glide... Been riding bikes for over 50 years and finally went to a trike in 2015...the only thing I miss on two wheels is the lean lol.👊🏽😎

[@DKCustomProducts]

That lean on a Two Wheel bike can be exhilarating! Glad you are enjoying your Trike. Thanks for commenting! 😎

[@357coonan9]

If you want a smoother ride in the corners don't get a freewheeler or a tri glide. Get a DFT CONVERSION KIT it has independent rear suspension with four coilover shocks.

[@DKCustomProducts]

We just recorded a video on IRS kits and Harley's, specifically about them in the curves. Look for that video in the next couple of weeks. 👍

[@deanbedetti]

Thank you - Great content . IMO - Anyone that threw a leg over the early ATV's and or quads , it's almost a natural memory reflex, the braking , the slight leaning , decelerating into the corner accelerating out . Took me about a week , Ooo I remember this feeling . I would like to see you guys put out a video explaining how to "slow these Trikes down" , with a full load at highway speeds the Trikes are heavy and slow to come to a stop . Thanks again DKCustoms .

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you enjoyed the video! We will make a video on this subject. Thank you for the idea. Since it could be a month or more before we get the video made. Here is a little information for you. Prior to 2019 there was no ABS to engage both the front and rear brakes when trying to stop more abruptly. If your Trike is 2018 or earlier you can apply more pressure to both brakes all the way up to the point right before the tires lock up for maximum stopping. If you have a 2019 or later you can apply more pressure to both brakes until the ABS is activated for maximum stopping. The other big thing to note on stopping on a Harley Trike is that it is very different than a 2 wheel bike. On a 2 wheel bike, 70% (or more) of the stopping power is in the front brakes. On a Harley Trike it is the opposite. 70% of the braking power is in the rear brakes...that can take some getting used to. To stop fast on a HD Trike use both brakes, but much more of the rear. If your Trike is 2018 or earlier you can apply more pressure to both brakes all the way up to the point right before the tires lock up up for maximum stopping. In both instances that is the fastest way to stop a Trike. Again, thank you for the idea and for commenting! 😎

[@ohioridgerunner7497]

Been riding motorcycles since 1970,bought my first HDTrike after retirement...2022 triglide love it, took some time to transition and lose the 2 wheel style of riding,now with 4,580 miles on my trike , no reason to ride on 2 wheels again.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are loving riding the Trike! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@jamesblair4454]

I have had my trike since December 2018. I’ve got 55,000 miles on it and I’ve rode the tail of the dragon the triple nickel in Ohio and multiple other extremely curvy roads and yes when I am doing curves I don’t touch the front brake. I use the rear brakes and I use my body to lean into them corners for counterbalance. I don’t pay attention to when I release the rear brake but now I’m going to once the snow has stopped flying here in southern Indiana. Thank you for the great information.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are enjoying your Trike and have had no problems so far. It will be beneficial to pay attention to when you are letting off the brake. One second split decision can be the cause of a wreck or the correct instinct to correct a bad decision. Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting!

[@charlieswearingen500]

I did the same thing on a 55 MPH curve, LOL. I laugh about it now that I'm safe, but I wasn't laughing when it happened. Luckily, I leaned into the curve and pulled through it without a wreck. Prior to this incident, I was told by a trike rider that leaning a trike would do no good, so I never leaned into the curves. After the incident, I decided to lean with the curves, even if it was just shifting weight on my butt cheeks. Excellent public service video, fellas.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am glad you were able to save yourself and not wreck. Yes, almost wrecking can be very scary. Glad that you used your body and helped keep the tires on the road. Thank you for sharing and for commenting! MB

[@geedubb-q1u]

I try to straighten the curve as much as possible ,Eg. right hand curve I move as far as possible(still in my own lane) to the middle of the lane and as the road curves right I move down to the inside part of the turn, and do the opposite for the left hand curves. Remembering Not to overdo the speed, which you find out quickly when going too fast.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, that is called Apexing the curve and is what we talked about around the 9:15 mark in the video. We also put up a diagram showing how to apex the curve (which is what you are describing). Good to hear you have it dialed in, and, yes, excessive Speed is always the variable that seems to be at the root of many accidents. Thanks for sharing and for commenting! 😎

[@agavin5]

Thanks for this excellent video and the way you have done it through an assessment of an actual accident. Great learning.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad that you like the video! Thank you for commenting!

[@TheCallie52809]

Excellent advice. Thanks.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting!

[@franktirado8357]

Thanks so much for the information. I’ve been ridding since 1979. My first Harley was in 1982. I’m on my third tri glides. I noticed that rear braking is important on curves when you’re hot.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Right on! Glad you are finding the videos useful interesting. Good to hear you are in the wind and on your third TG and got it wired in for braking! Thanks for the comment! 👍😎👍

[@gailmarienavalany275]

Thank You So Much, I have Learned a Lot from you both. Love my Tri-Glide

[@DKCustomProducts]

Our pleasure! Glad you are enjoying your Tri-Glide!

[@itsapittie]

Good to know! Thanks, guys!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Our pleasure! Glad to help! Thanks for commenting! 👍

[@darwinandoe1003]

As usual, excellent video. 2016 Triglide 134,000 miles. Going to work on trail-braking. I struggle with that because I am still using the stock Harley rear brake peddle. With my short legs, 28" inseam, it feels uncomfortable keeping my foot on the peddle going aggressively through a turn. Time to go back to the park lot. Thanks again for your content.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video! You may also find this video about the comfort triangle interesting/useful for getting your feet in a comfortable position - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2XTiHqKn5Kceqc Here is a written report on the comfort triangle that may also be helpful - www.dkcustomproducts.com/how-to-set-your-bike-up-for-youthe-comfort-triangle-dk-tri-su.htm I hope you find what will work good for you. Please feel free to contact us with any questions; [e-mail] 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! MB

[@donaldwycoff4154]

Great advice. Much appreciated. I'm on my first ever HD trike, and I've put about 3k miles on the odometer. I live in the Santa Cruz mountains in California, so there's some sharp, tilted corners that I take just to get out of my neighborhood. I've done okay, so far, but I need to find an empty parking lot so I can practice some of the moves you discussed in the video. I understand the 2023 has the ABS system on it that's supposed to help with this, but I don't know if I've gotten lucky up to now, or if the bike has saved my bacon. I've had two close shaves, so far, that both woke me up in the middle of the night with a sweat, asking myself what the heck I'm doing on a trike. But I love to ride, and the trike is my only choice, and its a damned fine choice, if you ask me. The HD trike is a comfort-mobile.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are liking the video! Also glad that you are enjoying the Trike. Yes, finding an empty parking lot and practicing can certain help in situations when you only have a split second to make a decision. Thanks for commenting!

[@HueroVat]

I love my trike and thanks for the segment.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video and your Trike! Thanks for commenting!

[@terryclay6668]

I have been riding bikes for 30 or so years, just acquired a trike, and it is an entire different ride, but even though it is still as much fun as my heritage Softail. Thanks for the videos I try to catch them all.👍

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are enjoying your Trike! If you have not seen our video for the Differences Between a 2 & 3 Wheel bike you can see them at the links below. They may have some useful information for you - Part 1 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipiZao2JebqNlbM Part 2 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5jPc5SLmpyciJI Thank you for following the channel and for commenting! 👍😎👍

[@terryclay6668]

@@DKCustomProducts Thank you I will check them out 👍

[@DKCustomProducts]

You are welcome! If you need anything let us know; [e-mail] 662-252-8828

[@Kalkid59]

Hi guys, awesome work diagnostics that accident which could have been a lot worse, you are 100% correct. The only thing that I would add is too stiffen the back suspension up abit. Thanks and regards Greg from kalgoorlie, Western Australia, my current trike is a stage 2 2019 freewheeler and my first was a flhtcu 110 Leeman conversion. The freewheeler plays a lot harder even towing. Thanks guys 😊

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are enjoying your Freewheeler in Western Australia! I know it is summer there now...we are in an arctic freeze right now. BRRRR. Stiffening or softening are very subjective terms...you definitely do not want to soft, which will result in a ride that bottoms out and will wallow in the curves. You also do not want it to stiff, which will result in a bumpy ride quality, and will make the inside tire even lighter in the curves, plus, if that suspension is too stiff and that inside tire hits a bump, it is much more likely to leave the ground. That is one of the benefits of our Dynamically Adjusting NexGen™ shocks....they will be "softer" when appropriate and stiffer when appropriate. Here are a couple of vids about them- kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJO4Z5maqd2dias kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGLGhqOdg69qn5o The second video above talks about Chassis input vs Wheel input and how you want the suspension to work differently in each situation. Thanks for your comment and enjoy your ride!

[@jeffborden9529]

I have a question since they started putting the rds braking system on these trikes how does it effect the trail braking? About to have to switch to 3 wheels due to heath reasons and thinking about a trike or ill have to give up riding

[@deanbedetti]

My question as well ?

[@DKCustomProducts]

My 2019 has RDRS and I wondered that as well. I was very pleased to find that the trail-braking works just as well on my RDRS Trike as it did on my previous Tri Glides that did not have RDRS. 👍😎👍

[@DKCustomProducts]

Works just as well with the RDRS Trikes.

[@jeffborden9529]

@@DKCustomProducts thanks :-) for clearing that up :-)

[@DKCustomProducts]

You are welcome!

[@rickgriffith1]

Great video! Thank you.👍🏼😎

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found the video useful/interesting. 👍

[@freebehindbars8654]

What are the sales numbers of trikes to the other touring HD’s?

[@DKCustomProducts]

These are USA registered bike numbers only and only rough estimates as we do not have an exact number and we do not have a year to year comparison, but since 1984 roughly 1.5 million two wheel touring bikes have sold and since 2009 roughly 50 thousand trikes have sold. These numbers do not include any that have wrecked, they do not include any that are just sitting somewhere, and they do not include people who have bikes that have not been registered in many years. Thanks for commenting! 👍

[@deanbedetti]

@@DKCustomProducts As we go to the rallies here on the west coast particularly cali and AZ we notice more Trikes, with the lions share of those being the RG-3's . When you guys posted your Sturgis event we observed many Tri-Glides, made me feel good .

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, plenty of them out on the road! I like seeing all the trikes as well! 👍

[@jstanwatson9919]

I'm assuming you interviewed the rider in the video to understand his breaking pattern since the rear break lights only tell us he was breaking, not his pattern of breaking, or am I missing something? I saw the original Real Time Video a couple months back also. This scenario is the first ever seeing a Trike do this, it's usually running out of a curve or involves Bambi or a Bear. As an aggressive Trike Rider (2020 CVO), following 43 years of aggressive 2 wheel riding, I strongly agree Trikes are completely different than 2 wheel bikes. I rode a 3 wheel ATV one time with an over the handlebars result in the backyard back in the mid 1980s. I found the Tri Glide factory rear suspension like riding an 1800s Log Wagon so to speak and the front suspension like Marshmallows. I installed many DK components to include the Trike Lift brackets with Legends Air with on board compressor for in motion adjustments in the rear with Legends progressive adjustable / fixed in motion front suspension inserts. As far as breaking goes I still habitually tug the front break first for dive followed by rear break then Throttle Out Lunging (approximately when the rear tire lifted in the video), which I find helps me power out of turns with confidence. Soon after purchasing the Trike New, I also moved my Tour Pak back 3 inches, Extended Floor Boards out and Raised my Tank with DK Custom Mounts. I find my Trike Lite in the Front with a tendency to lift when powering out of turns especially with the Tour Pak relocate I did. I do shift my body into the turns instinctively; I ride 2 up mostly and can definitely tell when my passenger is leaning out with the natural kinetic motion in turns and it has felt more than once that the pony was preparing to toss us in turns (we all know the direction those discussions went). I've enjoyed watching your videos and love Kevin's Handlebar and laid back Rider Stance setup. The Videos without the Body and watching the suspension in action, the parking lot power out videos and unfortunately the Mexico Trip that ended not so well. Keep up the dynamic work and sharing of experiences.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, I spoke with him quite a bit and he was only using his foot brake (rear brake pedal). Of course, it being a 2015, the brakes are linked, so there was some front brake being applied, even though he was only using his rear brake pedal. At the point of this accident I had been behind him for 75+ curves on that morning. Since I am always analyzing and learning from what is around me, it was natural for me to be noticing if he was using it front brake lever...not on every curve, but a bunch of them. Never saw his hand on the front brake lever. If you have not seen the frame by frame analysis of the wreck I think you will like the second video linked below. We talk, in depth, about the wreck - kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU I am glad that you are seeing the benefits or the parts you have purchased and that you are liking the videos! Thank you for commenting!

[@PhilipSprague]

Hey guys got a question for you. I live in Pa. and there are a lot of hills and twistys. I switched to a trike for medical reasons after riding 2 wheels for over 45 years. My question is if I am on an interstate where the speed limit is 70-75 mph and I come up on a curve and some of them are pretty sharp, what is your recommendation on how to handle the curve. I have to do this with 18 wheelers pushing 80 mph on my bumper. There is no where to practice this and slowing down too far just isn't safe. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Phil.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Congrats on getting a Trike! Yes, it can be disconcerting (and dangerous) to have anyone on your bumper. It is a shame that there is no enforcement of speed laws or following too closely laws. Besides avoiding situations like that, I would recommend the following: 1. Always ride your own ride, do not go faster than feels safe. (better to take a chance on someone bumping you from behind than to go too fast in a curve and high-side) 2. You can keep the trike more stable in curves by shifting your body weight to the inside of the curve. This will put more weight on the inside rear tire, keeping it on the ground. This can be practiced in an empty parking lot at slower speeds, so that when on the interstate, at higher speeds, it will be second nature. 3. Having good front and rear suspension will keep the bike more stable & also feel more secure. Here are links to front suspension & rear suspension reports: www.dkcustomproducts.com/dk-custom-front-suspension-testing-report-part-i-of-ii-dk-fs-tst-rp-i.htm www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-performance-rear-shocks-99.htm 4. Find a trike riding course, those can be helpful in learning and practicing little tips and tricks. 5. Watch the following videos- kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpetg2ejgpZqo7s&t kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipiZao2JebqNlbM&t kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5jPc5SLmpyciJI&t kzbin.info/www/bejne/oarQe6iVZcyUpbc&t kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYakfn5_n55qfZI&t kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU&t KP

[@thomasgarrison3949]

Thanks for the info. I have a 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 LT, with a bolt on trike kit on it (4 wheels) with independent suspension on the extra 2 wheels, I do take the apex & lean into the curve as my inside tire always comes up on a curve. FYI: I couldn't afford a used Harley Trike or Honda Trike, I paid $15K for my outfit new, also I am a Disabled American Veteran.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Awesome! It sounds like you have your bike set up for you! I hope you enjoy may miles of smiles on it. Thank you for your service and for commenting! MB

[@thomasgarrison3949]

@@DKCustomProducts Thank you, I appreciate it, I pray that we all have many more miles of smiles, I enjoy your videos. Tomorrow I'm going out on another American Legion Riders run, I'm still going as I just turned 69.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am glad that you like the video! Good luck with your upcoming ride! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@13699111]

My friends living on my block noticed that I was very depressed not being able to ride my motorcycles. They decided to help me make a decision starting with putting training wheels on my Honda Shadow sable 1100 . I had a very hard time giving into my limitations thinking I'll find a way to overcome my limitations. This turned into years of not being able to decide which solution was for me. I started out asking my friend of many years, my top Harley engine builder, he didn't want to do trikes. Now I'd like to convert my older road king to a independent suspension trike kit. I've driven the Harley trike, driven the Honda gold wing trike, Honda won out on the production trikes. It's been many years ago I drove a independent suspension conversion built in Texas on a Harley best compromise. The training wheels have been a good learning start still have to get over the I want my two wheeler.

[@northbysoutheast5439]

Did the trike rider have the rear lift kit on the TriGlide?

[@DKCustomProducts]

It was not wheelbase or other factors of the Trike Design. Yes, it has lift brackets. If you have not seen the frame by frame analysis of the Trike wreck that we made. Here is the link you may find it interesting- kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU Thanks for commenting!

[@SantoMessina-t2z]

Is their a big difference between the can am n the tri glide as far as coners??

[@DKCustomProducts]

Can-Am Spyder's or other bikes with two wheels in the front and one in the back can tip over too. Go to the 3:57 minute mark and the 4:02 minute mark in the video link below and you can see two different Can-Am's tipped over in spite of their anti roll bar. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWqUooyKn7ySjsk Can- Am's have an anti roll bar just like Harley Trikes do. Harley just calls it a Pan Hard Rod. The above video link would be worth watching to help understand the suspension on a three wheel bike. You may also find this video useful/interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpetg2ejgpZqo7s Trikes can be ridden aggressively. You can see Kevin riding his Trike on the Tail of The Dragon at this link and he was not going or riding outside of the Trikes capabilities - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYakfn5_n55qfZI Here is a link to a Frame by Frame of this wreck that you may also find interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU Thank you for commenting! MB

[@SantoMessina-t2z]

@DKCustomProducts I'm ask as far as handling around corners?? I might not of word my question right sorry

[@DKCustomProducts]

They handle about the same. Sorry if I did not make that clear in the above statements. Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB

[@larryanglea3458]

Can I ask you can I put a car tire on the front of my suzuki c50 trike? I have some wobble in my front now or put a shock on the front.

[@DKCustomProducts]

We have not done any kind of testing on any Suzuki Trike Conversion, so I do not have any valid information for you. Here is a video I made on what I done to the front tire of my Harley Trike that you may find useful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4u6dXWpmJt1e7s We are not endorsing or recommending that you/anyone/someone should use a Rear Tire Reversed, when it clearly states on rear tires that they should be used for rear wheels only. Everyone should do their research, and make their own informed decision. The above video is simply showing what I have been doing on my Trikes, and why. So, I will not make a recommendation to run a rear tire reversed, BUT, If I were to need another new front tire on my Tri Glide today, I would go with the same one in the above video, It is a rear tire, a 130/90 B16 73H Dunlop American Elite. I have also run the Michelin Commander II rear tire, same size as above, and would not hesitate to run it either. Again I have not done any testing on Suzuki Trike Conversion so you may want to try looking on a forum that is specific to your bike. You will probably get more information there. Thanks for commenting!

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

Thanks for this information. I was wondering how to negotiate turns like that. Plan on getting an HD trike this year.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad to help! Here are two more videos that you may find interesting/useful- kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipiZao2JebqNlbM and kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5jPc5SLmpyciJI Here is a video on what improvement mods should be done first on a Trike and/or Touring bike- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5jPc5SLmpyciJI Thanks for commenting! MB

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

Thank you!

[@DKCustomProducts]

You are most welcome! MB

[@Digger456437]

Would a conversion Trike with independent suspension be less prone to having a rear wheel lift off like that?

[@DKCustomProducts]

There is a myth that IRS is more stable (less likely to tip over) than a straight axle Harley trike. In the upcoming video this myth is dispelled by a major Harley Trike Conversion company that makes IRS conversions. IRS trikes actually feel more tippy than straight axle trikes. The reason is that most folks go with IRS to get a softer, or more compliant ride quality...so to do that they have the shocks adjusted fairly soft. Here is a quote from the IRS conversion companies website. "If the roll stiffness is too soft, the rider feels a false sense of doom. If the trike leans too much, the rider feels as if he/she is going to tip over or slide out of control." We cover this, and more in this video on Independent Rear Suspension - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWqUooyKn7ySjsk Thank you for commenting! 😎MB

[@Digger456437]

Thank you, always appreciate your expertise!

[@DKCustomProducts]

You are most welcome! 👍MB

[@DAVEDOCANDERSON]

Great information 👍 i was wondering why i took to Trike riding like a fish to water, i raced motocross events from 1977-1991 as a 10 year old boy to a young man of 23 or so , riding and racing in 2,3, and 4 wheel motorsports events, around 1992 to 2020 strictly 2 wheel motorcycles and majority have been Harley-Davidson powered choppers and factory rigs , then 2020 i got my 2009 trike because of medical issues, so my instinct memory of my past has been why no matter what I throw my leg over I've been able to ride it like I've been doing it all my life because in theory I have 🤔😃 that being said thanks dad for that 5hp Briggs mini bike when I was 5 in the early 70's😎

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is great! Yeah, when you are use to riding 3 and 4 wheel rides it definitely helps. Glad it came easy to you! Thanks for commenting!

[@wb4514]

Good stuff guys.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@craigerickson-z9q]

Hi Kevin/Dwayne. I have a question for Kevin. Is it almost a gaurentee that you will feel the front tire chatter when cornering hard before you would lift a rear wheel off the ground. I know it would depend on other factors such as if you entered the corner in a smooth fashion as opposed to if you (sling) it into the corner, speed , how much your leaning your body etc. My wife rides a 22 Triglide and I just gotta new 23 RG3. As of right now March 31 2024 I have only put 75 miles on it. I did watch your video on your friend that crashed and I don't want that to be my wife or myself. Thanks for your input. Also I have had 3 Harleys since 2016 the RG3 is my 4th and rode from when I was 16 yrs old till I was 21 and I am now 69. I say this because I consider myself an experienced rider just my 1st trike.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Congrats on the two trike y'all have! I re-read your comment a few times. I am not seeing the question you said you have. 3 wheels are safer than 2, but you can still go too fast. Riding conservatively, especially on unknown roads and curvy roads is the best way to keep things safe. Practicing in a parking lot, very regularly, is a very close second in keeping things safe. Regarding your statement of the front tire chattering...I do not believe that to be accurate. Front tire chatter usually happens at a pretty good speed...never paid close attention, but I believe it is mostly going to happen above 30-35 mph. Here is a video of one of the things I do to reduce front end chatter- kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4u6dXWpmJt1e7s Back to the subject of when the rear tire lifts... While the rear tire lifting can happen at speed (which is to be avoided at almost any cost), most of the time one of the rear tires lifts is at slower speeds, and the front tire is not chattering. Here is a video where I am demonstrating the rear tire lifting...at the beginning on the road near my home, then later in the video in a parking lot. All of these speeds were well under 20 mph. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYuXeYFsgdtmodE Wishing you many miles of smiles on your Trikes! 👍 Always feel free to email or call with any questions: [e-mail] 662-252-8828

[@craigerickson-z9q]

You answered my question about the front tire chatter happening 1st as a warning to let you know that you are at the limit in relation to a rear tire lifting. I don't want to ride that fast or aggressively however there are times hat is is fun to go a little faster in the curves. Thank you again for your feedback. Always looking for info and tips for added safety especially that I'm new to a Trike.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good deal! 👍😎👍 KP

[@stephenertz430]

I have linked brakes on my trike so trail braking doesn’t work quite as good I have found I have to initiate the turn a little sooner than on a bike I use push pull counter steering all the time along with apex turn but going into lower and coming out lower

[@DKCustomProducts]

I have not noticed that the trail braking does not work as good with the linked brakes on a trike compared to a trike without linked brakes....but I am also running a rear tire reversed up front. See video on that here- kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4u6dXWpmJt1e7s Sounds like you might be comparing trail braking on a 2 wheeler with trail braking on a 3 wheeler? In any case, good to hear you are apexing the curves and sounds like you have it dialed in. Thanks for your comment!

[@steves2837]

I agree. Linked brakes do reduce trail braking even though it does not apply full force to the front brake. I always start a curve with my weight shifted and have taught my passenger to do the same. This is almost second nature after snowmobiling. I wish they would leave the brakes alone. It’s not hard to learn how to apply them independently.

[@DKCustomProducts]

@steves2837 Linked brakes are a pure nanny control for lazy or inexperienced riders. I do NOT like the linked brakes and wish there was a way to unlink them easily. Traction Control can be turned off with a button (at a stop). The only nanny control that the HD Trikes have that I see a benefit from is the ABS. All the others are to try and make up for a lack of experience, and/or for someone that does not want to learn or does not know that there is a need to learn something.

[@steves2837]

@@DKCustomProductsyou nailed it Kevin. I couldn’t agree more.

[@DKCustomProducts]

😎👍

[@craigkemmerzell5741]

I know you have that new cam in your triike it sounds great 👍 What do you think about putting in the Baker 7 speed it has a lower first gear seems to me that would be perfect for two up riding on a trike 😊

[@DKCustomProducts]

Even factory, fully loaded, we have never experienced that first gear was not low enough even when pulling a trailer. Here is a link to a photo of my Trike with the trailer I pull - www.dkcustomproducts.com/image/Trailer/2-cooler.jpg If they would ever make a seven speed with a gear higher than the sixth gear, that would be something worth considering in my opinion. Thanks for commenting!

[@stephenanderson812]

You are just looking at a way to waste your money.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, if one wanted to gear the M8 Tri Glide higher, the less expensive route is a different pulley. 👍

[@robertharman3307]

All due respect Kevin, but how do you know he had his "rear" brakes applied as he entered the curve? Do the brake lights come on differently when the front brake lever is applied? I am not doubting your analysis if there is other evidence of how he was applying the brakes, or if you by watching the accident believe this is what the main contributor was. I am wondering how much you have considered that his braking was actually inappropriate application of the front brakes? As a long time trike rider, when I watch the video of the accident I see either a rider who panicked in the curve and over steered , or someone who applied front brake when the speed going in to the curve was too high and this pulled the trike to the left (straightened it's travel direction by braking). Thanks for this continuing discussion.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Valid question. We have two other videos of the accident that was in this How To Ride Aggressively in the Curves video. Both of these videos were referenced in this video, here are the links to them. The first is the accident, and the next one is a frame by frame analysis of what happened. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXXYqaOajq6qm7M and kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU There are a few ways I know it was his rear brakes. 1. I spoke with him quite a bit and he was only using his foot brake (rear brake pedal). Of course, it being a 2015, the brakes are linked, so there was some front brake being applied, even though he was only using his rear brake pedal. 2. At the point of this accident I had been behind him for 75+ curves on that morning. Since I am always analyzing and learning from what is around me, it was natural for me to be noticing if he was using it front brake lever...not on every curve, but a bunch of them. Never saw his hand on the front brake lever. I think you will like the second video linked above. We talk, in depth, about many of the things you mention. But to be clear, I cannot think of any circumstance when applying the front brakes on a HD Trike in a curve will produce anything but bad results. Thanks for your comment! 👍😎

[@kurtfirestone2761]

Great video

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video! Thanks for commenting! 👍😎👍

[@dennisminer7436]

I was riding my trike last week on a winding two lane highway where some tight turns had speed limit signs down to 20 mph followed by straight stretches back up to 55 MPH, and cars doing 60+. I tried not to brake at all going into tight turns. I learned as a teenager driving a standard shift in a pickup truck to use the engine to brake. I carried that over into motorcycle riding. It saves wearing out your brakes. But on a trike it is more about control. When I downshift going into a sharp turn the engine slows me down, the trike hunkers down on the road and I have a feeling of control. As I start to come out of the turn I shift back up and pick up my speed, never needing to use the brakes. This method only failed me once on a FXSTC Softail Custom, (same highway, trying to catch up to fellow rider), where I was going way too fast and missed the gear on the downshift and flew around the corner barely staying on my side of the road. Anyway, I think braking into turns has too many variables where things can go wrong, like in the video. I agree, if you really have to brake, use the rear brake safely through the turn, and not the front brake. What say you?

[@DKCustomProducts]

It sounds like you have found a way to ride that you are comfortable with and works for you. We have done a follow up video, where we specifically address brake life and trail braking. Really good advice on using engine braking coming off a straight away to scrub off speed. Thank you for the comment. KP

[@deanbedetti]

Do these techniques work for the newer Tri-Glides. I purchased the 2023 Tri-glide and was told by the "dealer" I wouldn't have to worry about it tipping over. Sales pitch or fact??

[@DKCustomProducts]

The frame, rake, geometry of the 2024 Trikes is exactly the same as the 2009 Trikes. They have changed the engine a few times to make it more powerful. They have changed the electronics in the fairing (nothing to make it safer) They changed the rear shocks in 2019...and they are just as poor quality, if not worse than previous years. They did add RDRS in 2019 and later models and there is a lot of discussion if that made them safer or less safe. All years will tip over if ridden incorrectly....perhaps, maybe, the 2019 and later models might be a little less prone to tipping over when ridden incorrectly...this would be due to the RDRS nanny controls.

[@whodafokcares]

Sales pitch, any machine operated incorrectly will fail. Your best defense is between your ears. Practice riding and know your limits

[@DKCustomProducts]

So very true! 👍

[@deanbedetti]

@@whodafokcares Read the comment for a third time and each time I take away a little more. Very well said . Sales pitch indeed ty .

[@bruceschodowski9495]

I bought a trike in 2018 I wouldn't ride it aggressively until I got used to it which took about six seven months and then once I did I was good to go but I still take time and I still have a very cautious about it

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am glad you took the time to got to know and understand the bike before riding aggressively. Smart choices save lives!!!! Thanks for commenting! MB

[@stephenmazak7028]

In that run I used my right leg against the tank and lean to the right and the same goes for a passenger on the back

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is a really good practice you have in both you and your passenger leaning to the inside of the curve. 👍 Here is a video where we go frame by frame and analyze the wreck that you may find informative/interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU

[@rwtrick]

Thanks for this video - I'm new to trikes; I recently bought a 2024 RG3 and am adjusting/learning it now. I've watched most of your videos and found them very helpful! Btw I just had the Nextgen shocks and comfort lift installed - very nice! My question is, when approaching a curve, I understand what you're saying regarding the throttle and trail-breaking, but what about the clutch? Do you feather the clutch in a curve or leave your hand off the clutch? Thanks!!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Congrats on your new RG3 I do not feather the clutch at all. I like to keep a solid (but low) throttle and modulate my speed with the rear brake pedal. IF, I feel I need more squat of the rear tires, I may give a little more throttle with matching a little more rear brake...that will keep things smooth, not upsetting any geometry, and also push the rear tires further down. Wishing you many miles of smiles on your new ride! KP

[@rwtrick]

@@DKCustomProductsThanks for the reply! You've been a great help!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad to help! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@peterochoa7018]

My brake lights are not coming on I have riding lights what do you think the problem could be

[@DKCustomProducts]

Could be a fuse, could be a brake light switch, could be a pinched wire. Nothing to do but to get out the test light or multi-meter and start tracking down where the break in continuity is. KP

[@jamievann9952]

Transitioned to a Trike in 22 because of hardware in my leg and back. Always get asked the same 2 questions. Do you find yourself putting your feet down at a stop? No. Do you still lean in a turn? Depends on how fast I'm going into it.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad even with your leg and back you are still getting to ride! Thanks for commenting!

[@jamievann9952]

Luckily, I was driving an Explorer. Unluckily, I was in a head-on collision with a 17 year old with a driver's license and a cell phone.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am glad you are ok and I hope the other driver is ok as well!

[@peterochoa7018]

I just got a two-wheeler back and it has the same problem with no brake light I change the bulb still no brake lights

[@DKCustomProducts]

Could be a fuse, could be a brake light switch, could be a pinched wire. Nothing to do but to get out the test light or multi-meter and start tracking down where the break in continuity is. KP

[@johnmckinney8610]

Do you lose engine power when you convert to a trike kit

[@DKCustomProducts]

The engine will have as much power as it does as a two wheel bike. You just may not feel it as much as you would when it was two wheels. There are three key factors to why you may not feel the same amount of power from the engine if you convert a two wheel bike to a Trike; (1) Added weight from the conversion kit will cause you to not feel the power as much. (2) The added size will cause more wind resistance which will cause you to feel less of the power. Here is a video on wind resistance that you may find interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5CtiZajl6ece7c (3) Most of the time it makes the heat challenges HD engines face, worse. An over heated engine does not work as good and you will feel less power. Here is a video playlist on why and how to cool down your TC and M8 that you may find useful/interesting if you are thinking of using a conversion kit or if you have a TC or M8 right now- kzbin.info/aero/PLb3bvZgbH92_3s-2vv63QggFJ3nteFd_C Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB

[@kennethwaggoner2254]

Ok so I have 2016 Freewheeler, when you hit the foot brake it uses all 4 brakes, the 2 on the front and the ones on the back, 1 on each wheel. Not sure of the ratio though.

[@DKCustomProducts]

The later models have linked brakes, when using the rear brake pedal you get full rear and it only applies a fraction of the available front brake (2 of the 6 calipers). When using the front (hand) brake it applies full front and some rear. To get full braking power, it is good to use both the front hand brake and the rear foot brake to scrub speed quickly. If you haven't seen this video you may find it interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpetg2ejgpZqo7s At some point we may do a video on linked brakes. We do not like them, and do not like Why HD implemented this system, but, it may be a useful video to do. Thank you for your comment! MB

[@kennethwaggoner2254]

@@DKCustomProducts I wonder if there is a way to de link them without messing things up too badly. I personally like the way they are, I hit the brake pedal and it STOPS.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Not that we are aware of! Kevin would love to do that if he knew of an easy reliable way to do it, but he does not. Thanks for commenting! MB

[@johnrendon2777]

I have a 2020 TG 114 and the back of my bike sits Low. IS this natural? 😢 jjr thanks!

[@DKCustomProducts]

It is normal for your 2020 TG to sit low! You can get a lift kit to raise it a little. Here is a video on ride height that you may find useful/interesting- kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5rZXniiiJJgj7M You can see the lift kit at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/tri-glide-rear-shocks-comfort-lift-kit-added-comfort-lift-dk-tri-cmft-lfkt-1544.htm Please feel free to contact with any questions you might have; [e-mail] 662-252-8828 Thanks for commenting! 👍😎👍MB

[@DKCustomProducts]

@johnrendon2777 while the above is true on Harley Trikes of 2018 and earlier, starting in 2019 HD started using coil over shocks. These coil over shocks have no sag in them. So, your 2020 should not be sitting low in the rear...UNLESS there are aftermarket shocks on them that have proper sag. If that is the case, then using a Convertible Comfort Lift™ (linked above) will raise it up and give a more comfortable ride and a bit easier steering also. KP

[@Batman825]

Good video but I wanted to caution you on telling people to trail brake. I have a 2016 Tri Glide and the brake system is linked meaning that when you apply the rear brake you are also applying the front brake. You can't trail brake. I don't know what the other years do but I would suggest they know before they try trail braking. Keep them coming, I enjoy the videos.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I have trail braked thousands and thousands of curves on my 2014 TG and my 2019 TG, both with linked brakes. It works very well. HOWEVER, as noted at the beginning of the video: 1. We recommend taking a trike training course 2. We are only sharing our experiences 3. We STRONGLY recommend LOTS of practice in an empty parking lot to learn the limits of the Trike and your limits as a rider 4. Ride your own ride, do not let anyone else pressure you to ride in any way that you are not 100% comfortable with. Linked brakes on the Harley Trikes started in 2014 and continues up thru current time. The front brake link to the rear brakes is only using a small part of the front brake stopping power. To get full stopping power out of the front brakes, the front brake lever needs to be used. Practicing in an empty parking lot will give one a feel for how much (or how little) the front brake is functioning when using only the rear brake pedal. Thank you for the comment, and good to hear you are finding the videos interesting/useful. 👍😎👍

[@miamited69]

I find myself using the rear brake more on my 19 tri then I did on my 17 ultra

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yep, most of the stopping power on the Trikes is in the rear brakes...it will haul down pretty quickly with both front and rear. Thanks for your comment. 👍😎👍

[@tracymccann2483]

I always lean into the corners.they say you dont havf to but i feel safer

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is a great practice to help with rear wheel lifting! Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB

[@wskeyson3382]

I would say the problem was with the IMU. It should've cut the power/torque to the contact wheel levelling the trike out.

[@DKCustomProducts]

We have two other videos of the accident that was in this How To Ride Aggressively in the Curves video. Both of these videos were referenced in this video, here are the links to them. The first is the accident, and the next one is a frame by frame analysis of what happened. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXXYqaOajq6qm7M and kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU As was mentioned in both of the videos, this was a 2015 Tri Glide. It does not have RDRS. RDRS on the Trikes was first seen in 2019. This 2015 had no nanny controls. Sorry for the confusion. We should have mentioned in this video also that it is a 2015. Thank you for your comment. 👍😎👍 I agree, the instant the right tire lost traction, the power would have been cut to both rear wheels and quite possibly this would have never happened....possibly...the reason I saw possibly is that I do know of two other Tri Glide Tip overs that have occurred on RDRS equipped Trikes...so, while the nanny controls can help in certain situations, they will not prevent a problem in all situation.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

Saw a dude test ride a trike at a HD dealer. Was a short ride. Got on it and immediately rode right into the curb. Def tried to veer right (pushed on right side of bars).. so it’s the opposite of the opposite. 🤯

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yep! They are definitely different. Here's a vid of Dwayne after he first rode a Trike- kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5jPc5SLmpyciJI Thanks for the comment! 👍 KP

[@boscodog4358]

Haha. You was watching me 😂! I didn't hit the curb but came very close. The salesman almost s---. Collapsed 😂. I was able to return the Trik undamaged. Going tomorrow morning and buy the beast

[@daleroland]

You didn't mention about "electronic linked braking" - "cornering enhanced electronic linked braking" ??? (on the newer bikes)

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yeah, we did not mention it in this video. We did mention it in these two videos- kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXXYqaOajq6qm7M kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSxqIaMnq55bsU While the RDRS can be irritating for some, you can still trail-brake with it. And you can see in this video that controlling the lift as described does work, even on RDRS bikes, like this one- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYuXeYFsgdtmodE KP

[@daleroland]

ok, thanks. i will take a look. Been riding for many years, got a 2023 road glide last year. But thinking of a trike. yup, I'm 67 now. Test drove a HD 2024 tri glide ultra trike and the handling scared the crap out of me... lol.. but really!

[@DKCustomProducts]

The handling will be much improved with upgraded suspension. You can see a written report on Suspension at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-performance-rear-shocks-99.htm Please feel free to contact us with any questions; [e-mail] 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting!😎MB

[@Tryke_Ryder]

This is what cost me my last trike, and an entire riding season!! It would appear I’m not responsible enough to ride aggressively!!! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DKCustomProducts]

Oh man, I am glad that you are ok! I hope you aren't done riding, just maybe less aggressively. Thanks for commenting!

[@johnnysons5249]

Or you were injured in the military at a young age and want to keep riding / not always the older crowd

[@DKCustomProducts]

True! Thank you for clarification and for commenting! 😎 MB

[@ballpython10]

Easy get your A _ _ on the side of it like we used to do when we raced Honda 250r tree wheelers before they banned them. We used to power slide them around corners. Throwing roostertails. Barbs got mad at me on a demo day. Sorry barbs I did like the trike. Was the funniest bike I road that day.

[@DKCustomProducts]

If you get into a curve and realize you are going to fast you certainly can lean way over to help, Kevin talks about that in this video at the 7:30 mark. Lol don't be making Barbs mad!!! Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB

[@westernfreedom5031]

Pick a line through the corner like a race car.

[@DKCustomProducts]

👍😎Thanks for commenting! MB

[@stephenmazak7028]

You ride a bike - The trike ride you

[@DKCustomProducts]

Riding a Trike can be just as freeing as a Two Wheel Bike. Yes, riding a Trike is very different, in many ways than a 2 wheeler, and it is the same in many ways. Here is a video of me riding the Dragon on my Trike that you may find interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYakfn5_n55qfZI

[@fmjcafe1]

Another tip. Don't try to keep up with the Can Am Spyder in front of you.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Unless it is on a wet road. 😂 I have been behind a Spyder on a wet road, chomping at the bit to go faster. The Traction control on the Spyder kept cutting power and keeping him slow in the curves. I had no traction control and was drifting easily and comfortably thru some of the curves, but constantly having to slow down because of them. I have never ridden behind a Spyder, with an aggressive rider, that pulled away from me, wet or dry. I suspect it would come down to the skill of the rider. Thanks for your comment. 👍

[@ricanryker6441]

I don't understand why trikes don't have the tech of the can am ryker/spyder where safety feature is stock if tire comes off ground motor boggs down & puts tire back down automatically🤔

[@DKCustomProducts]

I can not speak to why Harley makes any of the decisions that they do, but what you are referring to is traction control and Harley has added traction control to their later model Harleys. Go to the 3:57 minute mark and the 4:02 minute mark in the video link below and you can see two different Can-Am's tipped over in spite of their anti roll bar and traction control - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWqUooyKn7ySjsk Can- Am's have an anti roll bar just like Harley Trikes do. Harley just calls it a Pan Hard Rod. The above video link would be worth watching to help understand the suspension on a three wheel bike. You may also find this video useful/interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpetg2ejgpZqo7s Thank you for commenting! MB