Another informative video guys - thank you! Having upgraded my 2019 Tri Glide with 14” shocks and the appropriate lift plates from DK, I can testify to the huge improvement in comfort they provided. Even my wife, who is not mechanically minded, commented without prompting so that said it all to me. I must say that I ride my Tri Glide with a completely different approach to my two wheelers. I do not look to ride my Tri Glide aggressively in corners or “chase” performance. Rather the Tri Glide is for relaxed, two up touring in comfort across the UK and Europe. I have yet to take the Tri Glide on a road it could not cope with when ridden appropriately. The various parts I have bought from DK have ALL helped in this regard. Thanks again Kevin and Dwayne - keep up the great work!
Glad you and your wife can enjoy a more comfortable ride now and that you are finding the videos helpful! Thank you for your business and for commenting! MB
Being an owner of the 23 Tr-Glide , I really appreciate your content especially focusing on the safe way to ride a Trike in the twisties . Riding the rear brakes just slightly , having my wife and I lean into the corner just a tad made a huge difference in my confidence . Appreciate you guys and everything about DKCustoms. .
This was informative. I have seen videos on the IRF Trikes. They show how the conversion is done on a Harley Touring bike. They do look impressive as the bike gets the conversion. From the outside looking in they appear to be a bit safer. Your information gave me a different view point on the safety on riding a trike. In the end if you don't ride defensively and safely on any trike you're going to run into problems. I think the cost for the conversion on the IRF is a lot more than the single axel conversion. Thanks again for you input.
Glad you like the video and found it informative! Definitely riding within your limits is important no matter what you are riding or driving! Thanks for commenting! 👍😎MB
I will tell you right now you will not go wrong by buying one of DK Customs rear suspension. I have a 2019 trike and it made such a big difference. I love the ride I love the way it handles there is nothing on the market that would compare to whatit does for your bike or trike. Absolutely amazing the difference I can’t say enough good things about it on my trike I say it’s a Harley Davidson made by DK Customs so much of my stuff is DK Customs.
I am glad that you are well pleased with all the parts you have purchased. Really glad that you are seeing the benefits of a great pair of shocks and comfort mount. Thank you for your support, business, and for commenting! We appreciate you!! 👍😎 MB
I’ve always heard independent rear suspension rides better but not necessarily safer. I planned on converting my CVO to a trike in the future only because I’ve got a huge investment in the bike. I’ll have to test ride a newer Triglide to see how much they have improved since 2012 because that year I wasn’t impressed with it. Great video guys!
I have nothing but respect for you guys. But I have too strongly disagree with this one. I have a D.F.T. conversion and I love it! I can keep up with all my brothers just fine. This kit corners like a dream. I love your Product line I have a lot of your stuff on my trike. Thanks
Thank you for sharing your experience. That is great that your DFT is doing so well for you. We did not mean to communicate in the video that IRS trikes do not corner well. We did mean to share that an IRS system does Not automatically mean that it is going to corner well Because it is an IRS. An IRS cornering well is Not because it is IRS, but because the weight is down low, and the shocks are set stiff enough that there is not excessive body roll. Thank you for your comments, and for your business, we appreciate it. Wishing you Many Miles of Smiles on Your Ride.
If your Trike conversion uses the factory shocks or some other 13” shocks, our NexGen shocks will work with your bike. Please feel free to contact us with what shocks you have now or any other questions; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! MB
I put a Motor Trike kit on my HD 2014 Street Glide Special and I can say it’s not happy. I have a front end wobble problem. Goes back to the Motor Trike shop early next month, hopefully to make the wobble disappear. It’s rideable, but you have to hang onto those handlebars. If it doesn’t get fixed I will be buying a TriGlide.
I hate to hear that! I hope that you get it sorted out and can get a comfortable good ride for what you have already spent your money on. Thanks for commenting! 😎 MB
Agree. I have made this argument with a friend of mine who has a trike conversion kit. Also many of the conversion kits do not have traction control, and drive train differences that Harley uses. When you consider the initial cost of the bike and the cost of the conversion kit, it's hardly worth it. My friend has more money in his conversion kit with the upgraded radio, has had to rebuild the engine because the drive train is not designed for being a trike.and has had lots of electrical issues. BTW, the gear shift reverse doesn't work very well either.
I hate to hear that the conversion kit isn't working out well for him. I will say that a lot of those conversion kits have much nicer looking bodies and rear fenders but the aftermarket support just isn't there and when you run into things like electrical issues, there isn't a plethora of helpful information out there like with an OEM Harley Trike. Thanks for the comment! DS
I love your videos but I disagree with this one. I own both a 2016 Harley TriGlide Ultra and a 2016 Harley Road Glide Motor Trike Conversion. The TriGlide solide axle is VERY harsh on rough roads, bumps, and objects on road whereas the IRS suspension just rides over them. MUCH smoother. You speak of the IRS dipping but I have never had a problem on any tight curve and I ride in the Georgia mountains and on the Dragon a lot; however I lean in the curves and do not sit up straight like some advise. I can keep up with my other friends on their two wheels except the crotch rockets of course, Overall, the IRS is a much better riding bike from my experience,
Also, I disagree with your comment about the IRS not bring safer on curves . I have found that solid axle lets the outside wheel to lift but the IRS outside doesn’t lift. Just my experience
We did not mean to communicate in the video that IRS trikes do not corner well. We did mean to share that an IRS system does Not automatically mean that it is going to corner well Because it is an IRS. An IRS cornering well is Not because it is IRS, but because the weight is down low, and the shocks are set stiff enough that there is not excessive body roll. I am not sure what suspension you have on your Triglde, but good front and rear suspension is a game changer on a Trike and will vastly improve your ride quality. You can see a video on front suspension and brake dive at this link - ua-cam.com/video/v4DjARmEZN0/v-deo.html You can see a video on rear suspension at this link - ua-cam.com/video/QH_qIQR3ZI0/v-deo.html Always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have; support@dkcustomproducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for your comment! MB
I find my 2011 TG will fishtail on wet pavement, especially in standing water. What is the best aftermarket rear shocks for the TRI Glide? I can only get certain brands here in Canada. Great video guys.
The NEXGEN™ Shocks have 4" of travel (which will largely help with eating up small and large irregularities in the road) , IAS Technology Inside (Inertia Active Suspension is a patented technology. These NEXGEN™ Shocks dynamically adjust rebound damping, resulting in improved riding comfort & control. This is achieved via a motion sensing valve in the shock body that dynamically adjusts the rebound damping to be ideal for both dips and bumps.), They are set for you, your weight and your riding preference so that you can install them and ride. With quick and helpful customer support for any questions or concerns. You can read more about the NEXGEN™ shocks at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/dk-custom-nexgentm-14-trike-series-shockstm-for-harley-davidson-trikes-2040.htm You can also see a written report that we've done on a lot of different rear suspension and how they compare to one another at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-performance-rear-shocks-99.htm This video shows a lot of what is different about the NexGen Shocks™. One major thing is that we dyno every single shock before it gets shipped out. There is NO ONE else doing this. ua-cam.com/video/4peMFViG2Ho/v-deo.html Probably the most important factor is how the Trike feels when riding it with the NexGen Shocks™ compared to others, like the Legends. Please feel free to contact us with any questions; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thanks for commenting! MB
I understand! I know it isn't cheap to get things shipped to Canada. We have negotiated a 50% discount for the brokerage fee into Canada if you choose UPS Standard shipping. I hope you find some good suspension that is in your price range! Thank you for commenting! MB
@@DKCustomProducts can you shocks be mounted with the adjuster facing down? What if you wanted to adjust in the future, you can't get at it on the trike mounted up
No they can not be installed with the adjustment collar on the bottom. Always install them with the pre-load adjustment collar at the top. They will not operate correctly if installed upside down. When we set the NEXGEN™ Shocks for you we make sure that the set screw is facing the front of the bike for easier access. If you lift the rear of your Trike you should be able to adjust the shocks without taking anything off. It is not terribly difficult. you can lay on the ground and reach up and and adjust it...or you can remove the rear tires and the adjustment collar is right in front of you then. You can also get the Twin Adjustables that can be mounted upside down. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for inquiring and commenting! MB
but if they are using stock shocks on independent suspension, then the right shock is soft with the left shock being stiff...unless they are using 2 of the left side shocks??
Hi, Thanks for your comment! Not all conversion kits re-use the factory shocks but the ones that do are not using the OEM shock I think your are referring to that are found on late model baggers. DS
I would just ask lots of questions when going to choose a conversion kit. Including what suspension it is compatible with or what suspension is used. MB 😎
Late to the party, but I'll throw in some comments from a trike conversion project that I was involved in about twenty years ago, not H-D. A friend was a good friend with the senior suspension engineer of a major automotive manufacturer. He gave us some initial advice and brought the matter up on a specialised automotive suspension forum frequented by engineers from most of the major manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers. Consensus was that IRS was best, but only if properly set up with quality suspension components and correct geometry and it wasn't worth it for the millions of dollars of testing and trialling for only minimal improvement over a live axle. A live axle, with a four bar set up (probably using a top wishbone) with quality suspension components ie decent aftermarket shocks, was more than adequate. There was discussion over the aftermarket H-D trikes then available, and none were particularly impressed with the swingarm setups as they all kept the original wheelbase or very close to it. Everyone felt that a longer wheelbase would give much better handling. And everyone said that keeping OEM suspension was damned dangerous as both front and rear suspensions now had new and very different loads and forces. Our conclusion was to use the four bar setup with quality shocks and improve front fork internals. Unfortunately, the major financier got sidetracked in another project, and the trike was stillborn.
IRS suspension should have a sway bar to get the to ean out, that's plain and simple. You wouldn't loose ride quality but you could get rid of the wobble affect in the freewheeler. My sister is handicapped and rides a freewheeler and watch those bars wobble at times makes me think man! I don't like that at all! I need to make this bike safer for her to ride she only has one leg. The IRS would ride so much better. What's y'all's thoughts on this and where can I find a kit with a sway bar or have one built?
Shocks play a huge part in how comfortable your ride is and how stable you feel in corners. Although IRS can help with comfort it does not automatically mean that you will have a comfortable ride. Here are two videos about Our NEXGEN™ shocks that you may find interesting/useful - ua-cam.com/video/4peMFViG2Ho/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/QH_qIQR3ZI0/v-deo.html When you are talking about the bars wobbling, because of the rake and trail they are going to do that at low speeds, that is the purpose of the steering stabilizer. If you are talking about them wobbling when she hits road irregularities at speed, that is because of the poor quality rear suspension that the HD Trikes come with. With the shocks referenced above, it is an entirely different ride. You can read a bunch of reviews from folks at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/dk-custom-nexgentm-14-trike-series-shockstm-for-harley-davidson-trikes-2040.htm If you are wanting to explore converting to IRS, the first place I would call is Cut-n-Shoot Customs and talk to Randy. 346-800-7946 Thank you for commenting! MB
IRS has more moving parts and what have we learned with having more parts??? More things to break or more expensive when things do break not to mention toe and camber.
I appreciate the time you guys took to make this video but i believe your research is incorrect. I ride a '19 roadglide ultra with a dft smoothie conversion. 9.8 cubic ft of storage down low on an irs trike is more stable and safe than a packed tour pack up high on a straight axle. Just my opinion from experience.
Thank you for sharing your experience. That is great that your DFT is doing so well for you. We did not mean to communicate in the video that IRS trikes do not corner well. We did mean to share that an IRS system does Not automatically mean that it is going to corner well Because it is an IRS. An IRS cornering well is Not because it is IRS, but because the weight is down low, and the shocks are set stiff enough that there is not excessive body roll. Thank you for your comments, and for your business, we appreciate it. Wishing you Many Miles of Smiles on Your Ride.
If as you say with a solid axle huts a bump both wheels can lift, you have only the front wheel on the ground. With irs as you Saud only one wheel leaves the ground si you have 2 wheels on the ground, sounds safer to me.
I think you misunderstood what was being said. The wheels do not leave the ground because of a bump. With straight axle when you hit a bump or pot hole both tires move meaning you will feel it more because of the straight axle. With IRS only one side is effected making slightly more comfortable when it comes to hitting bumps or pot holes, but with good suspension straight axles can also be comfortable.
The best shocks for a Harley Trike are the NexGen Trike Series Shocks that have been designed specifically for Harley Trikes. You can see them at the link below. www.dkcustomproducts.com/dk-custom-nexgentm-14-trike-series-shockstm-for-harley-davidson-trikes-2040.htm Here is a video about the shocks that you may find interesting - ua-cam.com/video/vbU6fdtxjSI/v-deo.html Here is a written report that we've done on rear suspension that you may find interesting - www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-performance-rear-shocks-99.htm Please feel free to contact us with any questions; Support@DKCustomProducts.com 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
I agree with everything said, but I can also agree that 100% of people doing the IRS conversion is for comfort, not safety. At the end of the day, we are all responsible for our own safety and can ride accordingly; comfort not so much. I have had a Tri Glide for 2 weeks and am here in the wee hours of the morning, looking for a Goldwing or an Indian conversion. The Tri Glide should be charged with murder for what it is doing to my lower back. As a mechanical engineer, I have not been able to figure out any physics combination that just changing out the shocks will do to make it an actual "smooth" ride, like an IRS will. Of course, everyone will market their shocks as "the best" but doing my calculations, it just isn't happening. Everything said here will make the ride "better" but it will NEVER be "good."
This video is about riding aggressively, and which design feels more stable. People make choices all the time with an end goal in mind. That does not mean that that choice will help them reach said goal. On the subject of comfort: Make sure to take long/varied roads test rides on any IRS conversions you are considering. I have ridden quite a few conversions, both Goldwings and Harley's. Most of them don't ride as comfortably as a well set up Harley Trike with NexGen™ shocks & CCL in back and Intiminators or better up front. A properly set up Tri Glide will provide a Great ride. The exceptions on IRS conversions that I have experienced, which rode comfortably, were 3 that had the front and rear suspension modified after the conversion...and they were incrementally better, not night and day difference better, than a properly set up Harley Trike. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hope you get your ride straightened out for your lower back.👍 KP
The NexGen 13” NexGen shocks made a world of difference in the ride of my TriGlide!!!
Glad you are well pleased with the NEXGEN™ Shocks! Thank you for your business and for commenting! MB
Another informative video guys - thank you! Having upgraded my 2019 Tri Glide with 14” shocks and the appropriate lift plates from DK, I can testify to the huge improvement in comfort they provided. Even my wife, who is not mechanically minded, commented without prompting so that said it all to me. I must say that I ride my Tri Glide with a completely different approach to my two wheelers. I do not look to ride my Tri Glide aggressively in corners or “chase” performance. Rather the Tri Glide is for relaxed, two up touring in comfort across the UK and Europe. I have yet to take the Tri Glide on a road it could not cope with when ridden appropriately. The various parts I have bought from DK have ALL helped in this regard. Thanks again Kevin and Dwayne - keep up the great work!
Glad you and your wife can enjoy a more comfortable ride now and that you are finding the videos helpful! Thank you for your business and for commenting! MB
Ride within your abilities and either platform of 1 in the front 2 in the rear will keep you safe.
Yes, ride within your limits and practice scenarios so that you can be prepared when/if something does go wrong!
Thanks for commenting! 👍😎 MB
Being an owner of the 23 Tr-Glide , I really appreciate your content especially focusing on the safe way to ride a Trike in the twisties . Riding the rear brakes just slightly , having my wife and I lean into the corner just a tad made a huge difference in my confidence . Appreciate you guys and everything about DKCustoms. .
Glad you like the videos and are finding them helpful! Thank you for your support and for commenting! MB
This was informative. I have seen videos on the IRF Trikes. They show how the conversion is done on a Harley Touring bike. They do look impressive as the bike gets the conversion. From the outside looking in they appear to be a bit safer. Your information gave me a different view point on the safety on riding a trike. In the end if you don't ride defensively and safely on any trike you're going to run into problems. I think the cost for the conversion on the IRF is a lot more than the single axel conversion. Thanks again for you input.
Glad you like the video and found it informative! Definitely riding within your limits is important no matter what you are riding or driving!
Thanks for commenting! 👍😎MB
I will tell you right now you will not go wrong by buying one of DK Customs rear suspension. I have a 2019 trike and it made such a big difference. I love the ride I love the way it handles there is nothing on the market that would compare to whatit does for your bike or trike. Absolutely amazing the difference I can’t say enough good things about it on my trike I say it’s a Harley Davidson made by DK Customs so much of my stuff is DK Customs.
I am glad that you are well pleased with all the parts you have purchased. Really glad that you are seeing the benefits of a great pair of shocks and comfort mount.
Thank you for your support, business, and for commenting! We appreciate you!! 👍😎 MB
I’ve always heard independent rear suspension rides better but not necessarily safer. I planned on converting my CVO to a trike in the future only because I’ve got a huge investment in the bike. I’ll have to test ride a newer Triglide to see how much they have improved since 2012 because that year I wasn’t impressed with it. Great video guys!
Glad you like the video! I do not blame you for wanting to keep the ride you have and convert it. Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
I have the 2023 Tri-Glide and it's much better than in the past . Suspension and the safety features . However I do wish they would drop in the 117 .
@@Rolling3 I would bet on a 117 or bigger in these Trikes in the very near future! Thanks for the comment! DS
I have nothing but respect for you guys. But I have too strongly disagree with this one. I have a
D.F.T. conversion and I love it! I can keep up with all my brothers just fine. This kit corners like a dream.
I love your Product line I have a lot of your stuff on my trike. Thanks
Thank you for sharing your experience.
That is great that your DFT is doing so well for you.
We did not mean to communicate in the video that IRS trikes do not corner well. We did mean to share that an IRS system does Not automatically mean that it is going to corner well Because it is an IRS.
An IRS cornering well is Not because it is IRS, but because the weight is down low, and the shocks are set stiff enough that there is not excessive body roll.
Thank you for your comments, and for your business, we appreciate it.
Wishing you Many Miles of Smiles on Your Ride.
I have a 04 Ultra trike with a Lehman Renegade conversion with drum brakes. Do uou offer shock kits for these?.
If your Trike conversion uses the factory shocks or some other 13” shocks, our NexGen shocks will work with your bike.
Please feel free to contact us with what shocks you have now or any other questions;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for commenting! MB
I put a Motor Trike kit on my HD 2014 Street Glide Special and I can say it’s not happy. I have a front end wobble problem. Goes back to the Motor Trike shop early next month, hopefully to make the wobble disappear. It’s rideable, but you have to hang onto those handlebars. If it doesn’t get fixed I will be buying a TriGlide.
I hate to hear that! I hope that you get it sorted out and can get a comfortable good ride for what you have already spent your money on.
Thanks for commenting! 😎 MB
Agree. I have made this argument with a friend of mine who has a trike conversion kit. Also many of the conversion kits do not have traction control, and drive train differences that Harley uses. When you consider the initial cost of the bike and the cost of the conversion kit, it's hardly worth it. My friend has more money in his conversion kit with the upgraded radio, has had to rebuild the engine because the drive train is not designed for being a trike.and has had lots of electrical issues. BTW, the gear shift reverse doesn't work very well either.
I hate to hear that the conversion kit isn't working out well for him. I will say that a lot of those conversion kits have much nicer looking bodies and rear fenders but the aftermarket support just isn't there and when you run into things like electrical issues, there isn't a plethora of helpful information out there like with an OEM Harley Trike. Thanks for the comment! DS
Great video guys.
Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 👍😎👍 MB
Great video as usual makescommon sense
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting! MB
I love your videos but I disagree with this one. I own both a 2016 Harley TriGlide Ultra and a 2016 Harley Road Glide Motor Trike Conversion. The TriGlide solide axle is VERY harsh on rough roads, bumps, and objects on road whereas the IRS suspension just rides over them. MUCH smoother.
You speak of the IRS dipping but I have never had a problem on any tight curve and I ride in the Georgia mountains and on the Dragon a lot; however I lean in the curves and do not sit up straight like some advise. I can keep up with my other friends on their two wheels except the crotch rockets of course,
Overall, the IRS is a much better riding bike from my experience,
Also, I disagree with your comment about the IRS not bring safer on curves . I have found that solid axle lets the outside wheel to lift but the IRS outside doesn’t lift. Just my experience
We did not mean to communicate in the video that IRS trikes do not corner well. We did mean to share that an IRS system does Not automatically mean that it is going to corner well Because it is an IRS.
An IRS cornering well is Not because it is IRS, but because the weight is down low, and the shocks are set stiff enough that there is not excessive body roll.
I am not sure what suspension you have on your Triglde, but good front and rear suspension is a game changer on a Trike and will vastly improve your ride quality.
You can see a video on front suspension and brake dive at this link - ua-cam.com/video/v4DjARmEZN0/v-deo.html
You can see a video on rear suspension at this link - ua-cam.com/video/QH_qIQR3ZI0/v-deo.html
Always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have;
support@dkcustomproducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for your comment! MB
I find my 2011 TG will fishtail on wet pavement, especially in standing water.
What is the best aftermarket rear shocks for the TRI Glide? I can only get certain brands here in Canada.
Great video guys.
The NEXGEN™ Shocks have 4" of travel (which will largely help with eating up small and large irregularities in the road) , IAS Technology Inside (Inertia Active Suspension is a patented technology. These NEXGEN™ Shocks dynamically adjust rebound damping, resulting in improved riding comfort & control. This is achieved via a motion sensing valve in the shock body that dynamically adjusts the rebound damping to be ideal for both dips and bumps.), They are set for you, your weight and your riding preference so that you can install them and ride. With quick and helpful customer support for any questions or concerns.
You can read more about the NEXGEN™ shocks at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/dk-custom-nexgentm-14-trike-series-shockstm-for-harley-davidson-trikes-2040.htm
You can also see a written report that we've done on a lot of different rear suspension and how they compare to one another at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-performance-rear-shocks-99.htm
This video shows a lot of what is different about the NexGen Shocks™. One major thing is that we dyno every single shock before it gets shipped out. There is NO ONE else doing this.
ua-cam.com/video/4peMFViG2Ho/v-deo.html
Probably the most important factor is how the Trike feels when riding it with the NexGen Shocks™ compared to others, like the Legends.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thanks for commenting! MB
@@DKCustomProducts thanks for the reply. It's just with shipping and duty here in Canada, the cost is enormous
I understand! I know it isn't cheap to get things shipped to Canada. We have negotiated a 50% discount for the brokerage fee into Canada if you choose UPS Standard shipping. I hope you find some good suspension that is in your price range!
Thank you for commenting! MB
@@DKCustomProducts can you shocks be mounted with the adjuster facing down?
What if you wanted to adjust in the future, you can't get at it on the trike mounted up
No they can not be installed with the adjustment collar on the bottom. Always install them with the pre-load adjustment collar at the top. They will not operate
correctly if installed upside down.
When we set the NEXGEN™ Shocks for you we make sure that the set screw is facing the front of the bike for easier access. If you lift the rear of your Trike you should be able to adjust the shocks without taking anything off.
It is not terribly difficult. you can lay on the ground and reach up and and adjust it...or you can remove the rear tires and the adjustment collar is right in front of you then.
You can also get the Twin Adjustables that can be mounted upside down.
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for inquiring and commenting! MB
but if they are using stock shocks on independent suspension, then the right shock is soft with the left shock being stiff...unless they are using 2 of the left side shocks??
Hi, Thanks for your comment! Not all conversion kits re-use the factory shocks but the ones that do are not using the OEM shock I think your are referring to that are found on late model baggers. DS
Thanks. Looking at trikes the last few weeks. I’m itching to, trading in my HDflhtk… I’m concerned about shocks as usual
I would just ask lots of questions when going to choose a conversion kit. Including what suspension it is compatible with or what suspension is used. MB 😎
Late to the party, but I'll throw in some comments from a trike conversion project that I was involved in about twenty years ago, not H-D. A friend was a good friend with the senior suspension engineer of a major automotive manufacturer. He gave us some initial advice and brought the matter up on a specialised automotive suspension forum frequented by engineers from most of the major manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers.
Consensus was that IRS was best, but only if properly set up with quality suspension components and correct geometry and it wasn't worth it for the millions of dollars of testing and trialling for only minimal improvement over a live axle. A live axle, with a four bar set up (probably using a top wishbone) with quality suspension components ie decent aftermarket shocks, was more than adequate. There was discussion over the aftermarket H-D trikes then available, and none were particularly impressed with the swingarm setups as they all kept the original wheelbase or very close to it. Everyone felt that a longer wheelbase would give much better handling. And everyone said that keeping OEM suspension was damned dangerous as both front and rear suspensions now had new and very different loads and forces.
Our conclusion was to use the four bar setup with quality shocks and improve front fork internals. Unfortunately, the major financier got sidetracked in another project, and the trike was stillborn.
Some very good insight and information. Thank you for posting it. Much appreciated. KP
IRS suspension should have a sway bar to get the to ean out, that's plain and simple. You wouldn't loose ride quality but you could get rid of the wobble affect in the freewheeler. My sister is handicapped and rides a freewheeler and watch those bars wobble at times makes me think man! I don't like that at all! I need to make this bike safer for her to ride she only has one leg. The IRS would ride so much better. What's y'all's thoughts on this and where can I find a kit with a sway bar or have one built?
Shocks play a huge part in how comfortable your ride is and how stable you feel in corners.
Although IRS can help with comfort it does not automatically mean that you will have a comfortable ride.
Here are two videos about Our NEXGEN™ shocks that you may find interesting/useful - ua-cam.com/video/4peMFViG2Ho/v-deo.html
and
ua-cam.com/video/QH_qIQR3ZI0/v-deo.html
When you are talking about the bars wobbling, because of the rake and trail they are going to do that at low speeds, that is the purpose of the steering stabilizer.
If you are talking about them wobbling when she hits road irregularities at speed, that is because of the poor quality rear suspension that the HD Trikes come with. With the shocks referenced above, it is an entirely different ride. You can read a bunch of reviews from folks at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/dk-custom-nexgentm-14-trike-series-shockstm-for-harley-davidson-trikes-2040.htm
If you are wanting to explore converting to IRS, the first place I would call is Cut-n-Shoot Customs and talk to Randy. 346-800-7946
Thank you for commenting! MB
@@DKCustomProducts Thank you.
Glad to help! 👍 MB
IRS has more moving parts and what have we learned with having more parts??? More things to break or more expensive when things do break not to mention toe and camber.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It’s true that having more moving parts can add complexity to any system. Thank you for commenting! MB
Great video. Thanks!
Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 👍 MB
I appreciate the time you guys took to make this video but i believe your research is incorrect. I ride a '19 roadglide ultra with a dft smoothie conversion. 9.8 cubic ft of storage down low on an irs trike is more stable and safe than a packed tour pack up high on a straight axle. Just my opinion from experience.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
That is great that your DFT is doing so well for you.
We did not mean to communicate in the video that IRS trikes do not corner well. We did mean to share that an IRS system does Not automatically mean that it is going to corner well Because it is an IRS.
An IRS cornering well is Not because it is IRS, but because the weight is down low, and the shocks are set stiff enough that there is not excessive body roll.
Thank you for your comments, and for your business, we appreciate it.
Wishing you Many Miles of Smiles on Your Ride.
If as you say with a solid axle huts a bump both wheels can lift, you have only the front wheel on the ground. With irs as you Saud only one wheel leaves the ground si you have 2 wheels on the ground, sounds safer to me.
I think you misunderstood what was being said. The wheels do not leave the ground because of a bump. With straight axle when you hit a bump or pot hole both tires move meaning you will feel it more because of the straight axle. With IRS only one side is effected making slightly more comfortable when it comes to hitting bumps or pot holes, but with good suspension straight axles can also be comfortable.
Tiny correction on this video, it's ifs on the front, not irs front
Thank you for commenting! 😎👍 MB
Good video.
Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 👍😎👍 MB
Great video
Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 👍😎 MB
Now I'm really confused, thanks
🤣🤣 Sorry about that!!! Feel free to leave us a comment or give us a call with any questions you may have. DS
So what is the best shocks to use on a trike.
The best shocks for a Harley Trike are the NexGen Trike Series Shocks that have been designed specifically for Harley Trikes. You can see them at the link below.
www.dkcustomproducts.com/dk-custom-nexgentm-14-trike-series-shockstm-for-harley-davidson-trikes-2040.htm
Here is a video about the shocks that you may find interesting - ua-cam.com/video/vbU6fdtxjSI/v-deo.html
Here is a written report that we've done on rear suspension that you may find interesting - www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-performance-rear-shocks-99.htm
Please feel free to contact us with any questions;
Support@DKCustomProducts.com
662-252-8828
Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB
@@DKCustomProducts What is the approximate price to upgrade a 2016 TriGlide with those shocks?
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I agree with everything said, but I can also agree that 100% of people doing the IRS conversion is for comfort, not safety. At the end of the day, we are all responsible for our own safety and can ride accordingly; comfort not so much. I have had a Tri Glide for 2 weeks and am here in the wee hours of the morning, looking for a Goldwing or an Indian conversion. The Tri Glide should be charged with murder for what it is doing to my lower back. As a mechanical engineer, I have not been able to figure out any physics combination that just changing out the shocks will do to make it an actual "smooth" ride, like an IRS will. Of course, everyone will market their shocks as "the best" but doing my calculations, it just isn't happening. Everything said here will make the ride "better" but it will NEVER be "good."
This video is about riding aggressively, and which design feels more stable.
People make choices all the time with an end goal in mind. That does not mean that that choice will help them reach said goal.
On the subject of comfort:
Make sure to take long/varied roads test rides on any IRS conversions you are considering.
I have ridden quite a few conversions, both Goldwings and Harley's. Most of them don't ride as comfortably as a well set up Harley Trike with NexGen™ shocks & CCL in back and Intiminators or better up front.
A properly set up Tri Glide will provide a Great ride.
The exceptions on IRS conversions that I have experienced, which rode comfortably, were 3 that had the front and rear suspension modified after the conversion...and they were incrementally better, not night and day difference better, than a properly set up Harley Trike.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hope you get your ride straightened out for your lower back.👍 KP