Dreaming of the open road with the stability and comfort of three wheels? Harley-Davidson offers two exceptional trike options: the Freewheeler and the Tri Glide Ultra. Both promise the iconic Harley-Davidson experience, but they cater to slightly different riders and desires. Understanding their unique strengths is key to making the right choice for your next adventure.
The Freewheeler leans into a more stripped-down, aggressive style, perfect for those who want a sporty feel with their trike. In contrast, the Tri Glide Ultra embodies the pinnacle of touring comfort, packed with features for long-haul journeys. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which of these magnificent machines will be your ultimate riding companion.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Harley Freewheeler | Tri Glide |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin | Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin |
| Displacement | 114 cu in (1868cc) | 114 cu in (1868cc) |
| Torque | 122 ft-lb @ 3250 rpm | 122 ft-lb @ 3250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Cruise Drive | 6-Speed Cruise Drive |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Shock Absorbers | Adjustable Shock Absorbers |
| Brakes (Front) | Dual Disc | Dual Disc |
| Brakes (Rear) | Disc | Disc |
| Wheelbase | 67.3 in | 101.2 in |
| Seat Height | 27.5 in | 27.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 in | 4.7 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.0 gal | 6.0 gal |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine & Performance
- Harley Freewheeler: Equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine, offering 114 cubic inches of displacement and ample torque for spirited riding. Its lighter weight contributes to a more agile feel.
- Tri Glide: Features the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine, providing a strong and reliable power delivery. While slightly less displacement than the Freewheeler, it offers a smooth and comfortable ride for long distances.
- Winner: harley freewheeler
Suspension & Handling
- Harley Freewheeler: Boasts a shorter wheelbase and a more traditional motorcycle suspension setup, allowing for a more nimble and responsive handling experience. It leans into turns more like a two-wheeler.
- Tri Glide: Utilizes a robust suspension system designed for its three-wheeled configuration, offering excellent stability and a planted feel, especially when cornering at speed. It has a wider stance for inherent stability.
- Winner: harley freewheeler
Comfort & Ergonomics
- Harley Freewheeler: Offers a comfortable riding position with a lower seat height, making it accessible for a wider range of riders. The handlebars are within easy reach.
- Tri Glide: Designed for long-haul comfort with a more upright riding position and a spacious seating area. The passenger accommodations are typically more generous.
- Winner: tri glide
Storage Capacity
- Harley Freewheeler: Features a decent-sized trunk in the rear, providing enough space for essentials like a helmet, jacket, or a small bag. It’s functional for day trips.
- Tri Glide: Comes with a significantly larger integrated trunk and storage compartments, offering ample space for luggage, groceries, or gear for extended touring. It’s built for maximum cargo.
- Winner: tri glide
Braking System
- Harley Freewheeler: Utilizes a conventional hydraulic disc braking system, offering strong stopping power expected of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
- Tri Glide: Features a linked braking system that distributes braking force across all three wheels for enhanced stability and control, particularly under heavy braking.
- Winner: tri glide
Infotainment & Technology
- Harley Freewheeler: Typically comes with Harley-Davidson’s Boom!™ Box audio system, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen interface for music and navigation.
- Tri Glide: Often equipped with a more advanced Boom!™ Box GTS infotainment system, featuring a larger touchscreen, Apple CarPlay integration, and GPS navigation as standard or readily available options.
- Winner: tri glide
Passenger Experience
- Harley Freewheeler: The passenger seat is functional but can be less comfortable for extended rides compared to a dedicated trike.
- Tri Glide: Designed with passenger comfort as a priority, featuring a more spacious and supportive seat, backrest, and often armrests for a more enjoyable experience.
- Winner: tri glide
Maneuverability & Parking
- Harley Freewheeler: Its lighter weight and two-wheeled nature make it more maneuverable in traffic and easier to park in tighter spaces, mimicking a traditional motorcycle.
- Tri Glide: While stable when moving, its wider stance and heavier weight can make low-speed maneuvering and parking more challenging, requiring more physical effort.
- Winner: harley freewheeler
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Engine Performance | Tie |
| Handling Agility | Harley Freewheeler |
| Storage Capacity | Tri Glide |
| Rider Accessibility | Tie |
| Touring Comfort | Tri Glide |
| Styling | Harley Freewheeler (Subjective) |
| Overall Value | Tie (Depends on rider needs) |
What They Have in Common
- Engine Power: Both models are equipped with the potent Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine, delivering impressive torque and a satisfying rumble for a powerful riding experience. This shared powerplant ensures that both the Freewheeler and Tri Glide offer strong acceleration and highway cruising capability.
- Transmission: A 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission is standard on both the Freewheeler and Tri Glide. This allows for smooth gear changes and efficient operation at various speeds, contributing to a comfortable ride whether you’re navigating city streets or open roads.
- Braking System: Both trikes feature a robust braking system designed for safety and control. They utilize dual disc brakes up front and a single disc brake in the rear, providing ample stopping power to manage the weight and momentum of these three-wheeled machines.
- Fuel Capacity: With a 6.0-gallon fuel tank on both the Freewheeler and Tri Glide, riders can expect a good range between refueling stops. This is particularly beneficial for longer journeys and touring, minimizing the need for frequent gas station visits.
- Rider Comfort: Both models are designed with rider comfort in mind, featuring a low seat height of 27.5 inches. This accessibility makes it easier for a wider range of riders to plant their feet firmly on the ground at a standstill, enhancing confidence and control.
- Ground Clearance: The Freewheeler and Tri Glide share a consistent ground clearance of 4.7 inches. This provides adequate space for navigating various road conditions and minor obstacles without scraping the undercarriage.
Harley Freewheeler Vs Tri Glide Buying Guide
Performance and Handling
The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler offers a more nimble and car-like handling experience. Its lighter weight and independent rear suspension contribute to a more agile feel, making it a joy to maneuver through traffic and on winding roads. The Tri Glide, while stable, feels more substantial and less agile due to its heavier build and traditional swingarm rear suspension.
For riders prioritizing a sportier, more engaged riding dynamic, the Freewheeler takes the lead. If ultimate stability and a planted feel are paramount, the Tri Glide might be preferred, though at the cost of some maneuverability.
Comfort and Passenger Experience
The Tri Glide generally excels in passenger comfort. Its larger, more integrated trunk and wider seat provide a more accommodating space for a second rider, offering more legroom and a better sense of security. The Freewheeler, while still capable of carrying a passenger, has a more compact rear seat and less integrated storage, which can feel a bit more cramped on longer journeys. (See Also: Apple Iphone 14 Vs 15 )
If you frequently ride with a passenger or plan on taking extended trips where comfort is a top priority for both riders, the Tri Glide is the clear choice. The Freewheeler is better suited for solo riders or those who occasionally carry a passenger for shorter distances.
Storage and Utility
Storage is a significant differentiator. The Tri Glide boasts a substantial, integrated trunk that offers ample space for luggage, groceries, or gear. Its design is seamless and contributes to the overall touring capability of the motorcycle. The Freewheeler, on the other hand, features smaller, integrated saddlebags that are less voluminous and offer less protection from the elements.
For riders who need to carry a significant amount of gear, whether for touring or daily errands, the Tri Glide’s superior storage capacity is a major advantage. The Freewheeler is more about minimalist touring and offers less practicality for those who pack heavily.
Price and Value
When comparing prices, the Freewheeler typically comes in at a lower MSRP than the Tri Glide. This makes it a more accessible entry point into the three-wheeled Harley-Davidson experience. The Tri Glide, with its larger fairing, more extensive storage, and generally more touring-oriented features, commands a higher price tag. (See Also: Texas Vs Wyoming Llc )
Consider your budget and the features you absolutely need. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to enjoy the stability of a trike and don’t require massive storage or a full fairing, the Freewheeler offers excellent value. The Tri Glide represents a higher investment but delivers a more complete touring package.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Harley Freewheeler If…
- You desire the stability of a trike but prefer a more traditional motorcycle riding feel.
- You want a more agile and maneuverable three-wheeler for navigating tighter spaces and curves.
- You prioritize a sleeker, sportier aesthetic with less emphasis on extensive storage.
Buy Tri Glide If…
- You require maximum cargo capacity for extended trips and carrying gear.
- You are looking for the ultimate in stability and ease of riding for long distances or for riders who may have balance concerns.
- You appreciate the convenience of a fully integrated, factory-built touring machine with ample passenger comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in handling between the Freewheeler and Tri Glide?
The Freewheeler offers a more agile and car-like handling experience due to its lighter weight and independent rear suspension, making it feel more responsive. The Tri Glide, while stable, is heavier and has a more traditional suspension, resulting in a planted but less nimble feel, especially in tighter turns.
Which trike is better for long-distance touring?
The Tri Glide is generally considered better for long-distance touring. It offers more comfortable passenger seating, a larger integrated trunk for ample storage, and often comes with a larger fairing for better wind protection, all contributing to a more relaxed and capable touring experience.
What is the storage capacity difference?
The Tri Glide boasts significantly more storage with its large, integrated trunk, capable of holding substantial luggage. The Freewheeler has smaller, integrated saddlebags which are suitable for essentials but much less voluminous than the Tri Glide’s cargo area. (See Also: Swagbucks Vs Survey Junkie )
Is one easier to ride for a beginner?
Both trikes offer inherent stability over a two-wheeled motorcycle, making them easier for beginners to manage at low speeds. However, the Freewheeler’s lighter weight and more responsive steering might feel slightly more intuitive for someone transitioning from a car.
Which model is more budget-friendly?
The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler is typically the more budget-friendly option. Its lower starting price point makes it a more accessible entry into the three-wheeled segment of Harley-Davidson’s lineup compared to the more feature-rich and expensive Tri Glide.
Final Verdict
The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler shines for its agile handling and more accessible price point, offering a sporty riding experience. The Tri Glide, conversely, is the ultimate touring machine, prioritizing comfort, passenger space, and substantial storage for long hauls. Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize nimble maneuverability and value or extensive touring capability and passenger amenities.
Winner: Tri Glide