Three-wheelers continue to be some of the most misunderstood motorcycles in the industry. While there are die-hard fans from each segment that have strong feelings about other segments, it feels as though riders from all walks of life simply love to hate three-wheelers. Some have gone as far to say that they are not motorcycles. Which in some cases, is actually true.
Three-wheelers are not all motorcycles. There are also cars that have three wheels. Although there is still confusion over this, if it has a steering wheel, it’s a car. The rest most certainly are motorcycles. While not for everyone, they are there for those who want to ride a motorcycle but have balance issues, a disability, or simply can’t pick up a big, heavy cruiser if it tips over.
A Different Three-Wheeler For Every Occasion
Can-Am is one of the biggest three-wheeler manufacturers. Admittedly, with the two wheels in front, these motorcycles are a little closer to snowmobiles for the road than actual motorcycles. They are fun to ride once you get used to the different riding experience. In the Spyder RT, we have a great highway tourer that will soak up highway miles with consummate ease. The Canyon presents itself as an altogether different option. While it will be perfectly capable on the road, it also offers a semblance of off-road ability, an “adventure-trike” if you will.
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The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler Is Built For Long Southwestern Highways
MSRP: $31,999
The Freewheeler is by no stretch of the imagination the most touring-friendly trike in Harley-Davidson’s lineup, but there is some method to this madness. The problem with a trike is that it already feels a little like a car, and if you add wind protection, it will only feel more like a car. The Freewheeler leaves you up in the wind, but it is an otherwise very comfortable motorcycle that still feels like a motorcycle. Well, mostly. In many ways, the way you ride a trike is quite far removed from a regular motorcycle. It is a part of the experience that some will love, and others will actively hate, and it is also part of the reason why trikes are so polarizing.
The Trike That Gets Comfort And Reliability Just Right
Plush saddle, great new rear suspension and a proven driveline – the Street Glide 3 Limited has it all.
The Milwaukee-Eight 114 Brings The Firepower Here
Power: 90 Horsepower
The Milwaukee-Eight engines have been around for a while now, and it is fair to say that these powertrains have transformed the air-cooled lineup. In the past, the bigger air-cooled bikes were pretty gutless without modification, but ever since these twins were introduced, that has not been the case. The Freewheeler gets the 114, which makes a respectable 90 horsepower. Like any Harley twin, horsepower is not the priority.
Built For Highway Cruising
With 119 pound-feet of torque, the Freewheeler has more than enough low-down grunt to get moving down the highway at a pretty decent pace. We say highway because that is where it will be most at home. A three-wheeler is virtually the same size as a small car and certainly isn’t a practical city commuter. It can be a little awkward in the turns, so carving up canyons also isn’t exactly its forte, but it will be perfectly at home on a long Southwestern Highway.
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The Freewheeler Comes With A Selection Of Important Features
While a third wheel certainly solves some issues, it also introduces several other issues. It doesn’t just change the riding dynamics, it completely alters the way you need to ride the vehicle. You rather obviously can’t lean, but you certainly do need to shift your weight as you enter a corner. Naturally, maneuverability is also affected by all the extra weight. Mercifully, Harley added a reverse gear so you can “walk” it backwards when required. Parking the bike is still something that should not be taken lightly, and the moment you think you are on a conventional bike is a moment that can lead to disaster.
It is for this reason that the added electronic safety nets are so important, because a small slip while parking the bike is one thing, having one of those moments out on the road is another thing entirely. Because of that, it has “cornering enhanced traction control” – not to be confused with lean-sensitive traction control, because it simply doesn’t lean – that will sense if one of the back wheels loses traction or lifts in the air, and rein things in. The cornering ABS also works a little differently compared to conventional motorcycles, but is equally important, because it will prevent you from locking up one of the wheels mid-corner.
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A Unique Riding Experience
For seasoned riders making the switch to a trike, it will take some adjustment. It really is a different riding experience, but no less enjoyable. It isn’t only for seasoned riders with balance issues, though. It also opens up the world of big cruisers to riders who wouldn’t otherwise consider a big, heavy cruiser. While this is not something we would ever recommend to a novice, it is a great option for somebody who simply is not able to – or simply never wants to – lift a 700-pound motorcycle once it’s tipped over. In a world where there is quite literally a motorcycle for everyone, it is important not to dismiss something like this out of hand. Getting the wrong bike does more harm than good, and for some, a trike like the Freewheeler really is the right motorcycle.
Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications
|
Chassis |
Steel |
|
Front Suspension |
49mm dual-bending valve forks |
|
Rear Suspension |
Hand-adjustable emulsion rear suspension |
|
Weight |
1131 lbs |
Source: Harely-Davidson