Time to Trike
Which Harley-Davidson Trike is right for you?
While we love the thrill of two wheels, balancing and maneuvering a motorcycle can be challenging for some riders who may have mobility issues, trouble with balance, or other limitations. Harley-Davidson has three fantastic options for riders who maybe need or want another wheel and a little more stability. Read on to learn more about the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler, Road Glide 3, and Triglide Ultra.
Every Harley-Davidson Trike comes with a handful of really cool Rider Safety Enhancements to keep riders safe on the road. While it is impossible to prevent all accidents, these features bring riders peace of mind and can be helpful in adverse conditions.
Each Harley-Davidson trike motorcycle comes equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Linked Braking to make quick stops in adverse conditions. From the International Institute for Highway Safety: “On the test track, both new and experienced riders stop more quickly with anti-lock brakes. Stopping distances improve on wet and dry surfaces alike.” ABS won’t affect normal braking; riders will only notice it in an emergency. While a three-wheel motorcycle doesn’t have the risk of a tipover during hard braking that a two-wheel motorcycle does, ABS can provide peace of mind and additional safety in unforeseen situations.
Linked Braking is exactly what it sounds like, electronically linking the front and rear brakes for additional stopping power; especially useful for stopping a large trike effectively when the need arises!
Braking into a turn? The Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Brake System considers the lateral acceleration of a three-wheel motorcycle to optimize brake pressure based on lateral acceleration by calculating how much traction is available and adjusts brake pressure to preserve lateral grip, keeping the motorcycle on its intended path. Cornering Enhanced Electronically linked braking additionally takes lateral acceleration into account, altering the level of brake pressure between the front and rear brakes; further improving the rider’s ability to keep the motorcycle on its intended path.
Traction Control is designed to keep the rear wheels from excessive spinning– and loss of traction– under acceleration. Cornering Traction Control does the same, keeping the rear wheels from losing traction by taking lateral acceleration into account and balancing side slip with engine torque to deliver appropriate power to the rear wheels. Traction Control is great for when the motorcycle is accelerating, but what about deceleration? Harley-Davidson has riders covered with Drag-Torque Slip Control and Cornering Drag-Torque slip control. Designed to reduce excessive rear-wheel slip under deceleration, such as when riders make abrupt down-shift gear changes, or decelerating under wet or slippery road conditions. All those words to say: it will help to keep the bike from skidding.
While the rider remains in control of the speed, steering and path of the motorcycle, Rider Safety Enhancements adjust brake pressure and powertrain torque to attempt to keep the forces at the tire from exceeding available grip.
Freewheeler
Introduced for the 2015 model year, the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler currently features the Milwaukee-Eight 114 cubic inch V-Twin motor and all black trim. With mini-ape hanger handlebars, no windshield, and hot-rod styling, this is the most freedom oriented of Harley-Davidson’s three Trike offerings. The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler comes with a few cool features that trike riders need. Most convenient: an electric reverse gear. No pushing into parking spots here! A weather-proof rear trunk provides storage for gear, groceries, or whatever you desire, and a selection of Rider Safety enhancements. Included on every Freewheeler are ABS and Cornering ABS, Electronic Linked Braking and Cornering Electronic Linked Braking, Traction Control and Cornering Traction Control, and Drag Torque Slip Control.
Road Glide 3
Harley-Davidson’s newest offering– introduced for the 2023 model year in the Trike category– the Road Glide 3 combines the soul of the popular Harley-Davidson Road Glide with the comfort and confidence of a three-wheeler. Electric reverse gear is included, and the Milwaukee-Eight 114 powertrain provides plenty of power to hit the highway, plus dual daymaker LED headlamps ensure visibility to other bikers and motorists. Like the Freewheeler, the Road Glide 3 has a weather-proof rear trunk and upright riding position, but carries the distinctive, wind tunnel tested Shark Nose fairing for long haul comfort. The fairing also contains speakers and an infotainment system, so riders can enjoy music and navigation while they enjoy the ride. Rider safety Enhancements come standard, with included ABS and Cornering ABS, Electronic Linked Braking and Cornering Electronic Linked Braking, Traction Control and Cornering Traction Control, and Drag Torque Slip Control, plus a Tire Pressure Monitoring System to make sure the rubber is at optimal pressure at all times.
Tri Glide Ultra
For top tier touring on three wheels, the only choice is Harley-Davidson’s Tri Glide Ultra. A trunk and King Tour-Pak storage have room for all the gear the ride requires, and the Tour Pak provides a comfortable backrest for passengers. Included once again is that handy electric reverse gear, and the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin powertrain. A fork mounted batwing fairing contains Harley-Davidson’s infotainment system for navigation and music, and reduces buffeting with a pressure-equalizing duct. An LED headlamp ensures visibility, and Rider Safety Enhancements keep the ride rolling. Included on every Tri Glide Ultra are ABS and Cornering ABS, Electronic Linked Braking and Cornering Electronic Linked Braking, Traction Control and Cornering Traction Control, and Drag Torque Slip Control. An important note on the Tri Glide Ultra for 2023, it is the only trike Available in the special 120th Anniversary Paint Scheme!
Ready to check out Harley-Davidson’s three wheel motorcycles? Contact us to book a no obligation, free VIP appointment to check out the Freewheeler, Road Glide 3, and Tri Glide Ultra and explore accessories and upgrades.
