promised biking enthusiasts incredible stability. But as with any machine humans create, perfection is a tantalizing horizon.
So, what are the known Harley Tri Glide problems? Well, one troublesome foe of this bike is steering damper leakage. This undermines the crisp command of your handlebars. The three-wheeler’s cooler mounts are also known to be prone to loosening. And that’s not all. The bike also has issues with side mufflers and several other defects.
This article will serve as your compass, guiding you through the problems of this tri-glide. By the end of the article, you should know how to handle them and purchase the best model.
List of Common Harley Tri Glide Problems
Below are the common issues reported with this motorbike:
1. Leakage of the Steering Damper
This issue explicitly affects the 2009 to 2010 models. Causes of the leakage include
- Faulty seals
- Subpar damper assembly
These two allow the hydraulic fluid to escape, affecting your damper function.
However, the company is known to address its manufacturing defects in the spirit of constant improvement. Just as it addressed most of the Harley Davidson Rocker problems, this is no longer a concern for the latest tri-glide models.
2. Loosening of the Oil Cooler Mounts
Another problem that faces this three-wheeler is the gradual loosening of oil cooler mounts. This phenomenon occurs across multiple model years, both older and more recent editions.
- To fix the issue, you only need to fasten the bolts periodically.
- Also, avoid putting your bike through much stress or off-road terrains.
3. Traction Control System Failure
About one percent of Harley products have this issue. This led to the firm recalling 12,624 bikes to fix their brakes. The problem only affects the 2019 to 2020 models. To be specific, they include:
- FLHTCUTG Classic Ultra Model
- FLRT Freewheeler
- FLHCUTGSE CVO
The above models have a known issue where their Traction Control System software fails to interact well with rear speed sensors. This leads to one of the tires braking accidentally. However, if your bike adhered to the recall, this is fixed.
4. Excessive Fuel Consumption
This issue surfaced across several model years from 2009. It results in the bike consuming more fuel than expected, 42 to 43 miles per gallon.
The latest models have this issue fixed with improved designs and quality control measures.
5. Poor Quality Left Side Muffle
Left-side mufflers in this three-wheeler wear faster than those on the right side. While this is not a performance-related issue, it adds to the bike’s visuals. No substantial changes have been made to address this wear pattern,
6. Transmission Shift Arm Loosening
The consistent vibrations of your bike’s engine gradually weaken the grip of any fasting mechanisms. This leads to imprecise gear shifting. You can tell your bike has this issue by noting how seamlessly your gears engage and disengage.
7. Faulty Water Pumps
This only affects models which use water-cooling technology. To be specific, the 2014 to 2016 models are known to have water pumps that fail randomly. This element is crucial for maintaining engine temperature.
However, there has not been a recall for this. So you have to fix it on your own. To do so, just purchase a replacement water pump. Ensure it is of the highest quality. Disconnect the failed pump and replace it with a new one.
8. Hydraulic Clutch Wear
Models that use hydraulic clutches have gradual wear and tear of the system sometimes. Specifically, this is the case for three-wheelers equipped with actuators with part numbers 3720013A and 37200131. The two have internal fluid leaks past the actuator seal.
The leakage is life-threatening as it could lead to loss of control. All the bikes with this issue were recalled, and it was fixed.
9. Heat-related Oil Spillage
This problem only affects air-cooled models. As the cylinders expand due to temperature increase, oil and gasses can sneak past your rings in such bikes. This is especially common when riding for long distances and in hot weather.
To fix it, you should perform a Harley breather bypass. This modification involves rerouting your crankcase pressure. Thus, this allows excess gasses to escape without dragging your oil along.
What are the Best Harley Tri-Glide Years
Below are the years that have a very few known problems:
● 2019
The 2019 model is specifically known for the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. This engine is reliable and long-lasting. It offers a blend of power and performance, igniting the thrill of riding it every time you twist the throttle.
This year, it also made the introduction of an infotainment system. This further enhances your riding with entertainment, connectivity, and navigation.
● 2O17
The spotlight was on the Milwaukee Eight engine in 2017. It had reduced vibrations, enhanced fuel consumption, and best power delivery. There were no more water pump failures this year. Also, several defects, like excessive fuel consumption, were non-existent.
● 2020
In 2020, Harley introduced CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) Tri Glide. This model was equipped with version 117 of the twin-cooled Milwaukee-Eight engine. With the twin-cooled engine, you have no reason to be worried about heat-related oil leakage, which is common in most air-cooled models.
● 2022
In 2022, Harley mainly focused on making their bikes reach higher technological horizons. As such, this year features advanced rider assistance. It is also the safest model as it uses modern technology to enhance safety and riding experience.
● 2015
If you can’t afford all the above, go for the 2015 model. This year saw the continuation of the Rushmore Project. This project encompasses improvements in ergonomics, superior cooling systems, and rider-centric upgrades.
It also includes braking and performance enhancement. So, you can be sure this model offers the best performance you can get to any other competitors in its year range.
What are the Worst Harley Tri-Glide Years
Specific issues and challenges mark the following years:
● 2014
This was the year when the Rushmore Project was introduced. However, Harley faced issues in the first stages of this project. The aims of the project were centered on improving riding experience and performance. However, they brought potential challenges like oil leakages to air-cooled engines.
● 2016
The 2016 models had issues with their clutch systems. There were leakages in the system that led to recalls. You can still buy models from this year, but ensure it has a new clutch system. Also, you should change the water pump if your bike is water-cooled.
● 2018
This year was characterized by vibrations that happened after long rides. Everyone did not experience the vibrations. However, for those who experienced them, it caused discomfort, especially when on dirt roads. If you are sensitive to nuances, you should avoid this year.
FAQs
Here are answers to questions that will come up in the process of reading this article:
Q: Can I ensure my Harley Tri Glide remains in optimal condition despite these issues?
Yes, you can. First, you need to know the common problems experienced with your model year. Replace all those parts or do what is necessary to address the problems. That’s not all. Maintaining peak performance goes beyond just knowing common challenges.
You should adhere to regular servicing, inspections, and Harley’s recommended maintenance schedules. Also, do proactive care; do not misuse the motorbike or make it do things it wasn’t made for.
Q: Should I be concerned about Harley’s three-wheeler problems before purchasing?
No. All the major issues with this three-wheeler have had recalls. If they have not had recalls, they are known by dealers throughout the country. So you can quickly get them fixed.
When purchasing any Tri Glide model, do your research. If possible, have test rides and discussions with people who own the same model. This will help you gauge whether you can handle the problems of owning one.
Q: How do I find out if my specific Harley Tri Glide model is affected by recalls?
Go to the official Harley Davidson website. Browse through the updates or news section. You can also use their search button to find out if your model has a recall. Major recalls can also be found on the NHTSA website.
If you can’t access the above, you can always walk into the nearest authorized dealership. Also, regularly check for recalls, as your model might have one. This will help you maintain a safe and satisfying riding experience.
Conclusion
The journey of Harley Tri Glide, laden with power and innovation, is devoid of challenges. This is the case with any other vehicle or bike out on the market.
Harley Tri Glide problems are not barriers but milestones in their journey to perfection. The bike faces multiple issues, from problems with the braking system to hydraulic leakages. However, most are known and have been fixed in the latest models.