To the best of my knowledge, Rick’s House Of Custom “Twenty Six” is the first custom Harley-Davidson Tri Glide featuring a 26” front wheel. Why doing such a makeover? Because a client asked, and it looks pretty good. And maybe many others will ask after seeing this feature. Especially after I mention that this Rick’s conversion is fully TUV approved in Europe, making it a very safe customization option in the US where regulations are much less stringent.
Although Harley-Davidson has been involved with 3-wheelers since a very long time – remember the delivery service cars and police trikes – it’s only recently that the Milwaukee manufacturer started to mass produce trikes for the general public. Actually, in 1971, Honda was the first major company to offer a 3-wheeler (The ACT90) for the general public, but it was an off-road vehicle. And it was a failure! During the 70’s, most trikes were garage built and not always reliable, or conversions using all types of motor platforms. Then, companies like Lehman, Roadsmith, Motor Trike and others realized there was a market and started to offer standard trike conversions for several make models. Harley-Davidson observed the evolution of the 3-wheeler market and eventually asked Lehman to produce its first H-D trikes. When sales of the Lehman/Harley trikes confirmed the existence of a small but growing market, Harley moved the production to its own assembly line in York/Pennsylvania…
So, what is making trikes attractive to Boomers, riding in solo or as a couple, looking for an extra sense of safety, stability, packing capacity, visibility on the road. Qualities also attracting those older riders losing their full physical aptitudes at riding a 2-wheeler, and women afraid to handle an heavy motorcycle or feeling safer as a passenger when the transportation is on one extra wheel. It’s a safe bet to predict that in the next 10 years, you can expect more customized Harley trikes on the road and of course in bike shows.
Back to Rick’s “Twenty six”, the client nor the builder wanted to sacrifice any comfort or ride-ability during this 26” front wheel swap. Rick’s approached the challenge using its already homologated “Touring Bagger 26” and 30″ front wheel” conversion, but adapting it to take in account the heavier forces applied on a trike frame compared to those on a 2-wheel motorcycle. A kit modification also already approved by the TUV! The kit consists in part of a longer steering head assembly welded to the frame and precisely fitted thanks to a calibrated frame gauge. The “Gimme” 26 x 5’ new wheel is from Rick’s catalog, as are the matching design and beefy 15” diameter discs. Stock brake calipers are retained thanks to Rick’s custom brake adaptors.
Those knowing well the Trike Glide will notice the intense bodywork for the 3 new fenders. In the rear, factory top case and luggage compartment were kept. In front, the fairing and advance electronics come from the Rushmore model. For customization, parts are all those offered for Baggers either in the Harley or Rick’s catalog. “Doing A Big Wheel” is certainly possible not only on the Tri Glide but also on the H-D Street Glide Trike (now discontinued) and the H-D Freewheeler (the “hot rod” version of the Tri Glide) Those 2017 models are equipped with the Milwaukee Eight engine. They are having slightly different motor mounts, but it’s not a big deal for Rick’s, already ready to challenge himself on these 2 most recent H-D trike models. As expected, a road test reported a lighter steering at low speed, and of course additional centrifugal forces from tire and wheel at higher speeds. But a conversion that you can ride with confidence for the long haul.. Rick’s Motorcycles/House Of Custom. (photography: static @ Peter Schultz, riding @ Horst Roesler)
Geezer Glides are not motorcycles.
Stop it
“Geezerglide?” For those that wish to denigrate the elderly, remember that one doesn’t have to become old. Unfortunately, the manner in which this is accomplished carries with it many other negative attributes, of which the most notable is the inability to process air.
If three wheels keeps you in the wind, go for it.
I tend to think 26’s on bikes look a bit cartoonish and just look like someone is trying a bit too hard to look cool. But this is probably the best looking (standard) trike I’ve seen, I think it looks great for this application!
better this than one from “the scooter store”
Elderly? I started riding riding trikes in 1981 after an accident stopped me from riding 2 wheels. I was 30. I’m now 65 and guess what? Still riding. Trikes are a choice for many between riding and not riding.
It looks real sharp ! I would add some cool WILLY SHINY wheel spacers and ”BABY Moon ” hub caps to really set it off .
As for the guy making fun of the Trike- watch out what you make fun of ! I used to make fun of my Dads bald head when I was young 🙂
This looks really nice, very good job. I see a new market slowly opening up….
Steve Carr
This actually looks a lot better than most 2 wheeled machines that have a similar sized wheel.
Please stop this Shit, it gone too far
I sold my FXDX because it became to heavy for me to move around in my garage. I now ride a Sportster (Girly Bike) which is now becoming heavy (for a Geezer). Although I’m not into trikes they are a great way to go. A lot better than sitting on the couch all day and saying What ! to every thing your wife (or husband) asks you.
Nice, I’ve always had an affinity for all black bikes and this trike from Rick’s reinforces my thoughts.
As for the Geezer comments…. I am 62 and riding since 7. Have more miles riding than most youngsters can get a visual other than a long neck in their hand watching Sons of Anarchy . 30 plus HDs later and still out ride most I know all day long. Looking at Triumph now or may build another.
Enjoy,
BOSS HAWG
Sorry guys. I am not in the big wheel thing, but I must admit the 26″ looks very good on this trike.
WHY?
Were all going to be geezers and hopefully not have to live at Geezers Palace in diaper
BTW it’s a geezer tri glide
I’m gonna have to agree with Iron Horse
Looks like what Robocop would ride.
It just never ends….
Baggers were gay enough.
Big wheeled baggers are super gay.
Now big wheeled bagger trikes!!!!!!!! Gonna need a new definition for super duper gay.
I’ve got nothing against trikes, but this is just ewww. I’ve never been a fan of the whole cartoon wheel thing though. I had a big wheel when i was a kid and it really wasn’t all that great then.lol
I’m 70 and have been on two wheels for 50+ years. If the day comes that I can’t do two, I’d do 3 wheels in a New York minute and this 3-wheeler would be a very sweet way to go.
Looks like it was styled by a blind man, horrible.
I wonder if the front tire has an acceptable load rating. I think the trike looks great.
Like it
Well done
Nice but not the first Detroit Chopper did a few 30″ already
Cette roue est jolie…mais démesurée
Nothing against trikes, geezers or the disabled but this thing is just screaming for a set of blacked-out bicycle pedals on the front axle!
I dont like big front wheels but it does look cool.
Talking to a friend the other day and he reckons his current Road King wil be his last HD as he is aging and the bikes are getting heavier. He has Triumphs and will end up riding those.
Sporster is too small for folk above average height. Wonder if any body in the MotorCo is thinking about all this or are they going to continue trying to sell to the young trendies only ?
I must be bad all my comments have to go through moderation lol
Yeah I’d have to agree with the “why?” comment. I think it looks unbalanced and kind of ridiculous. Trying to make a tri glide look cool is like trying to make a goldwing look cool. Total waste of time and money.
Batterycap,,
Once again we hear from the liberals of America and their damn politically correct rhetoric. Three wheelers have pretty much always been associated with older riders. No one is badmouthing old people, it’s an adjective, get over it. And yes I am a senior citizen well over 70 and still on TWO wheels. Some day I may have a Tri-glide but not yet. Relax, stop being the classroom monitor making sure everyone behaves and say the absolute correct comments to not offend. Max was making a statement about the bike not old people. When you become one you might understand this a touch better. But I doubt it.
One day I asked my wife how did we get so old. Her response “By not dying”! I am 62, both hips have been replaced, 2 level back fusion(that damaged a nerve affecting my left leg), 3 level neck fusion. Still ride my FZ1 with a jet kit and yosh pipe, 132 hp on the dyno and my Royal Star Venture 870 lbs wet not counting luggage and pasangers. Yeah I am looking at a Spyder or a Tri Glide because I don,the want to drop my touring bike with the wife on the back. I will say that I am disappointed with Harley’s level of technology on their trike. No anti lock brakes, no traction control, no independent suspension, which is all available on the Spyder and Harley still wants over 35 grand for the Trip Glide. I don’t care if some day I have to settle for a scooter as long as I’m on 2 wheels with my face in the wind.
if you’re gonna do it at least make the wheels match!!!
Cut the frame and then the value?
if i get to the point in life where i cant ride two wheels anymore,i am def going convertible sports car or a jeep CJ7 with a flip down windshield…already did my tricycle thing,when i was two
trikes are ok. but i am not a big fan of this one.
baggers in general are ok. but i am not a fan of them either. everytime i get one i get rid of it asap.
i dont like big wheels in the front. even a 21 is marginal imho.
people have a need to spend huge money on what i think is crap. parade floats rather than everyday motorcycles. hopefully that money gets spread around in the local economy.
Not the worst looking trike I’ve seen.
No anti lock brakes, no traction control, no independent suspension….slow down buddy too many options codes/choices for HD to figure out
what car blog is this????
and dont forget cup holders heated seat/s heated grips, gps ipod nav system
12 volt plug in for coffee cup, or hair dryer, and heated wiper blades, climate control ac system or ac suit
ect ect
time to go watch a re-run of easy riders when life was so much simpler and more fun 🙂
Hey 1550 tc, The Stallion Trike, by Motor Trike, in Texas, has A/C & Heat, I Demo Rode one at Laconia, several years ago, Sweet Ride !
I’m with Bilbo Baggins. Damn liberals, always yearning for a better world where people are kind and respectful of one another. Commies!
Mike frisson, 1. there are old riders and bold riders, but damn few old, bold riders. 2. You don’t get to be a gray haired biker with just luck. 3. I been up on 2 since I was 15, I am now 69. 4. I just had a biker brother pass away last year, he was 83, we rode every weekend we could, and not doing a pub crawl either. 5. just bought my free wheeler in January. 6. I am also a member of the iron butt club. Frisson and you others of his ilk, why don’t you get a big glass of shut up and go away!
I own a Vivid Black 2013 triglide fully chromed with a chromed 23 inch front wheel hi performance heads 259 cams 15 inch handle bars and I am thrilled. I have $60,000.00 invested in this one and I antiscipate spending another $33,000 on future customizations (including an 131 inch engine and turbo system). “JUST BECAUSE I CAN”. It is the big brother to my Vivid Black fully chromed 2002 Heritage Springer 16 inch chromed wheels wide white walls nitrous oxide suicide shifter air ride 12 inch apes. I have about $80,000.00 invested in this one. “JUST BECAUSE I CAN “. I am planning a 2018 CVO with about $30,000 in customizations. “JUST BECAUSE I CAN”. As a 70 year old geezer I am retired from my job and I am thrilled to spend my money on what ever I want to and have some left and ride with my bald head and long 20 inch gray beard blowing in the wind as I preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the land crying “SINNER COME TO GOD”. . God is good and as often as possible you will see me in the wind getting some yonder. Let the GEEZERS say AMEN!
P.S. I am proud to be an old “GEEZER”. No one can intimidate embarrass or make me hold my head down. I will meet you at any drag strip and whoop your behind with my bike or any bike show and whip your head with my bike. “JUST BECAUSE I CAN.”