2017 Harley-Davidson FreeWheeler Trike (FLRT)│Test Ride and Review
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Detailed review and Test Ride on the 2017 Harley-Davidson FreeWheeler Trike. Get a better idea if this is the motorcycle for you. Matt Laidlaw gives his in-depth walk around and demo of the features on this Trike.
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Ran across a disable vet who lost his right arm in Afgan riding one. With some modifications to pedal throttle and brake, he was enjoying the ride. Even did the Tail of the Dragon a few times. My hat is off to him.
Three wheeler is a different style of riding meant for different capabilities needs or simply driving feel. Some use it for long range or traveling more comfort and storage capacity, others feel safer on three wheels, some physically cant handle the weight and reach of a 2 wheel touring, and last but not least others have special needs to be able to ride their beloved Harley Davidson.
All in all it is a Harley, personally would use it for long distant trips or camping and if you have a pet dog can easily ride behind you in confort! Thank Matt for the review cheers.
it's great, but should have optional automatic transmission from factory imo
I am late to the party, but I just purchased a 2021 Tri Ultra (CVO) yesterday from Laidlaw's Harley Davidson. All those guys that helped me out there at Laidlaw's are outstanding . Thank you Dave, Matt, Nick and all the friendly staff. You guys rock.
Nice bike been considering a purchase of the FreeWheeler. Messed my back up in the military, would love to continue to ride. This fits the bill.
What cost the bike
I have ridden Trikes due to some serious back issues since 2007. I have never owned a Harley Trike (or a Harley Bike, period). That being said, my first Trike was a Lehman build and they built Harley trikes before Harley basically forced the issue and took their technology. For all the drawbacks of solid versus independent suspension, I felt my solid axled Trike handled like a hot rod; cornered better and flatter, just NICE! I have driven my Trikes from Buffalo, NY to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and that way a couple dozen times, thousands of miles. These things are Highway oriented machines. You won't like them on the twisties as much, BUT, if it keeps you riding, BUY ONE! I'm seriously liking the looks of this Trike and the power. I may trade my Kawasaki trike on one. I have had Trikes in 800, 900, 1300 and 1800 CC varieties. My last before the Kawasaki was a Gold Wing, and though the seat was comfortable, I never liked the riding position. So, as a sort of expert on Trike riding, I'd buy this, and may!
That's why I love watching your vids - you're honest to a fault. Nobody BUT Matt Laidlaw would be honest & brave enough to show the cruise control button falling off. LOL I'm sure you'll get some flak for it; but hey, stuff happens. Why pretend it doesn't? You guys fixed it and now it's fine.
Keep the vids coming and keep "keeping it real."
What cost the harley
This machine is awesome to ride, and I`m not disabled. I just want one, therefore I bought one, and I will ride it until I cant breath anymore!
Do you still have your Freewheeler? How do you like it?
i'm a wheelchair user, just discovered this bike this morning, seems like it could be an option to get me riding. nice bike too
I have always been partial to trikes and this is gonna be mine next one I'm hoping maybe can find one minor wrecked can get bargain on it or hopefully prices can come down into the teens in the middle of winter ....maybe I'm dreaming but if I gotta pay up for cream puff I will.....love it!
That motor! It's simply a gem! It looks so nice!
I keep myself several toys to ride. I recently added this to my collection. I have 3 other Harley's and a Can-Am Ryker. I love them all and everyone of them rides differently- that's why I have them. What drew me to this bike was touring- I've hit some sketchy roads running trips down south and those 3 wheels are priceless. The trunk space is great. Once you get used to, it operates fine. I would not personally use it for the twisities, but to each his own. IMO the windshield is a must on this bike if you plan on highway speeds. Thanks for your great reviews!
Good review and info. I had a bad accident 4 years ago... thrown off a Segway! I know.. pretty dumb, but very severe. Broke 3 bones in pelvis and 6 ribs... anyway, had a tough time getting my mind back in the right place to get on my sportster full time. spent last year on the back of my husbands CVO Breakout. We bought a '16 HD Freewheeler in February and had to wait till May to get on the bike. Having an awkward time with my turning. Your description of turning was right on point. Feeling like your going off the bike in the opposite direction gives the sensation that the bike is lifting off the ground as well. I guess its just about getting used to making the turns without the anxiety. Just for my own sense of stability... trikes won't tip over making turns right??? !!
Thanks for the review. When in LA, I'll be sure to stop in!
Man, you do such a good job on reviews. Keep it up. You're developing a real good reference library for Harley riders.
I've got a 2015 FreeWheeler trike. Love it. Thanks for the review Matt!!
Great review (as always Matt) of a kind of bike I was not familiar with. I really looks nice for a 3 wheeled bike. Ps. Pure class showing the cruise button malfunction. Honesty is a big part of why we like ur videos man. Keep up the outstanding reviews!
While it doesn't have ABS, my 2015 FLRT has Reflex® linked front/rear brakes. Hitting the rear brake pedal applies both front and rear and it's noticeable. Very powerful brakes
Same for me!!!
EPIC Review!
I own a 2016 I bought used with 400 miles on it
Speaker System
Windshield
GPS NAV SYS.
I ADDED Day maker head light
Replaced all lights with LED's
Back rack
Comfort grips
Much more
Only paid $14000
LA BUENA PARK, CA
%20 Discounts for 6 months
Great guys just like you!
I kinda wish I could safely ride a 2 Wheeler BIKE but at 70
I'd take very little to break something "LAUGHING",
I STILL MIGHT.
When the time comes it's better to go.. Doing what you love.
CYA
BTW
I can't see how anyone could break the cruise button?
I'm 6.3 "tall" and have A LOT of room to Scott!
Thanks Again
Great review Matt, my younger bro just picked up a 2016 Red model and I ride a Fat Bob, now my wife wants me to get a trike .
This Vlog would definitely make me consider purchasing a Trike. Another great vlog Matt. Thanks again for your efforts. I think you have pretty much covered the entire Harley line now.
This is an outstanding review! You have shown me so much about the FreeWheeler ! A complete walk-around! I know that people will trust you with the sale of any of your H-D ! Thank you so much!
Thank you for watching
That was a great review Matt, very thorough. It was the first I had seen of your videos, I was just wondering if the heads where liquid cooled on the Free Wheeler, and looking to find out. Got hooked in and learned a bunch of things I didn't know .. watched the whole video .... and subscribed. Thanks for an excellent job. I am an old guy and fondly remember the days as a kid, when we could buy running Servi-Cars at the L.A. Police auctions for as cheap as $50. Loved those things!
skidogyt thank you for the comment and sub. Hopefully you got all the info you were looking for. Those servi-cars are classic!
I’ve got missing cartilage in my knees. So dropping a bike is a real phenomenon for me. I’m liking the look of this one. Very sleek indeed. I’d probably add the backrest just to attach a bag for more storage. 🤗 I like to shop when traveling. Hee! Hee! Thanks for putting this video out.
Awesome. Thanks for watching.
An honest, straightforward review! I'm not sure if I'll be getting a trike but I'm intrigued by them. My wife definitely wants us to get one but I'm still not sure. I really appreciate your videos!
Excellent review. I learned a lot about the freewheeler. Thanks
For a trike, this is one nice looking machine !
OBTW
You forgot to mention the front brake daul braking system where as
Using the front brake lever; also apples braking to a rear balenced braking combination.
It works great.
This has really helped me in my choice of trike - thank you
purchase the 214 Ultra trike gave up on it pretty quick I wish this video was out there back then great video math keep them coming take care the sound of a Harley Davidson starter is just music to my ears
in the uk so long as you passed your driving test before a certain date you can ride a trike no problem which is great for me, I really want a trike as i never ridden a bike and seeing as i am close to 40 maybe bit late to start. This review, like your earlier tri glide one, makes me want one more
I own a Harley, but I did check this out. I ended up getting a Can Am F3S. It whips through turns sideways and burns rubber in three gears. I take turns I wouldn't dare on a Freewheeler. But to each their own. The Harley does sound better! Ride safe y'all.
Munkee Nevah Rong
Hell Yeah Man , I dig those 👍
I rode motorcycles for 45 years, and am now disabled. I am very interested in one of these, but I have heard tons of horror stories about the M8 engine. Broken primary chain tensioners, valve seats that fall out, and worst of all, serious overheating. The oil temp on my former 1997 Superglide ran at around 200 degrees most of the time. Now I'm hearing stories of the M8 engine running over 300 degrees. Obviously an engine that runs that hot is not going to last long. So unless Harley fixes these problems real soon, I will have to get something else.
I haven’t heard or seen of any of those problems that you have mentioned. The M8 is one of the coolest running HD big twins I have ever ridden. Tensioners don’t break.
Once again great review! I have been thinking of buying a freewheeler so my Wife and I can once again ride together on the same bike. She has a Slim S and I have the CVO Breakout , we ride together a lot but we don' t have our bike that we can ride "together" ! This review really helps with me making up my mind about possibly buying a FreeWheeler in the near future, Thanks!
Nice video. You're very knowledgeable about your product.
Looks great in the black. I like it, would love to test ride one.
whats up guys? youtubes mandatory start or something but great review. just at local HD dealer in Fl, packed to the gills with bikes.
I love my freewheeler just got the 2019 with the 114 2 weeks ago. I rode 5 different 2 wheel bikes for 2 years and never could get comfortable. Now im on 3 wheels will never go back.
Heath Johnson do you still have your Freewheeler? If so how do you like it? I’ve been thinking about going from 2 to 3 wheels.
Heath Johnson do you still have your Freewheeler? If so how do you like it? I’ve been thinking about going from 2 to 3 wheels.
My wife has a 2015 free Wheeler and loves it, but you can not many pot holes with the bike.
She went for the free Wheeler over the tri glide because it wasn't as intimidating due to it's size, and the free Wheeler looks fast even when its parked.
I bought my Freewheeler cause it can be seen more than a 2 wheeled bike. Every time I go out for a ride, I always get a thumbs up from others that see it. Even had people take photos of it on their phones, Not sure why but the Freewheeler has a "HOT ROD" look along with the power of the 107,, VVVAAAARROOOOMM!!!,,,lol
Bryan Rogers i am 38 but have been thinking of trading my softail for a freewheeler. I haven’t rode one yet but i like the idea of being seen a little better and also not having to worry about the damn gravel and stones on the road. And i bet its great for a passenger to ride.
I have had a motorcycle sidecar so I understand where these trikes are coming from. In Australia we call that a steering dampener. They deserve to be appreciated for what they are in their own right.
Hi I have a 2015. But it has had colored lights all Harley Davis markings on it and leg extensions new hand grinds and winshield. Royal blue
A lot of bikers can't or should not ride a two wheeler for safety sake..this trike gives some of them a chance to return to the open road.....it's not about you..it's about them...support your brothers....Ride Free
E. Simons remark not about you ..but you are 100 wrong about having no responsibility ..you sir have to set the example...if not you then who.....if in fact your a vet....I myself was in the navy in 19 70 fresh out of high school....I gained a lot of wisdom in all those years...what happened to you..?
William M Trexler when i can't ride safely anymore that will be the bike for me.
Hallo my name iS lex kantoor Iam looking voor a trike 3weelerr
Thinking I need one of these to haul more stuff when needed.
And you can get enough groceries for a meal or two, too
I have been thinking about getting a Freewheeler. I always liked the looks of the Harley trikes. I have always had 2 wheels (currently a Sport Glide) but considering 3. I am about 40 but wondering does anyone around my age have one and how do they like it?
I'm in the market for a trike, I currently have a 2 wheeler and don't plan on giving it up. the trike will be more for comfort for me and my wife, my only reservation is, I'm worried about the solid axel suspension causing one of the rear wheels to leave the ground or flipping the freewheeler over, I've done a lot of research and watched a lot of videos and no one has addressed this, how hard would it be to flip a freewheeler over?
Hi Kevin. I have a 2015 Freewheeler. I live in a state that requires you to take a 2-day class to get your drivers license endorsement. In the class one of the excercizes was to try to get your trike up on two wheels. I couldn't do it no matter how hard I tried. Some of the guys/ladies on Harley trikes were able to get it on two wheels but I couldn't. The guys/girls on CanAm Spiders seemed to be able to get it on two wheels easier than the Harleys, but again, they had to really try hard. I hope that answers your question. If you're looking for long-range comfort I would suggest the Harley Tri-Glide or a CanAm. I admit I was a little jealous of the people on the CanAm's but I have been a Harley person for a very long time and I'm not ready to give that up. If you get a Harley be prepared to get another seat. The stock seat on my Freewheeler is not made for touring. I get monkey butt in a short period of time. Hope that helps.
I ride a Can-Am F3-S and a Buell in Europe. In Thailand, I have three two-wheelers, but I'd sell two of them if Harley Thailand sold this. It's a 114 now, isn't it?
First-class review. Easily the best on here.
A rolling beer cooler, friggin awesome! How many six packs does it take to wheelie? I want one.
saddlebag haha. Exactly. You can fit a lot of beverages in there.
I got a 2016 103, love it always rode 2 wheelers but it rolls, in the wind.
I have never rode a motorcycle but I love the style of the trikes. I was curious if Harley Davidson has a trike that is fully automatic?
Nope.
Excellent review 🙏🏾
right interesting review Matt. glad Harley-Davidson is trying to stay in the motorcycle market and bring these machines up to date. matt, you think they can stay competitive without a major increase in pricing and survive? like to hear your view on this question, thank you! great review and video! ~t.bone
I love this bike. I hope to get this bike by summer.
They are cool. Think you will enjoy it especially the power of that engine. Ride safe.
The traditional Servi-car had enormous utility. They need to bring it back.
Is there any automatic transmission out there
Great review. Maybe when I get older I would take a look. For now two wheels on the Fat Bob is good for me. Great review!
Like your review. I will be looking at more of reviews. I ride these days a 21 Freewheeler. You turn like on a ATV a push pull. In a year right at 9k miles on her. Love to see what you think of the new ones with the 114.
I just got to sit on one of these today here in AZ and I’m actually kinda iffy on it as I would have some issues shifting but I’m sure I could find a way to make the shifting possible? Like, maybe by hand? Or something a little more accessible to my foot? Great video btw! Very informative!
Interested to know your impressions on 2017 Freewheeler vs 2022 model. Love your videos bro. 👍 😎
Love, love, love my Trike!!!
I would love a Harley trike. Great review👍
As always a great informative video thanks. That is a really cool looking three wheeler.
What is involved in installing the passenger backrest? Is it a multi hour job in the service department?
I got a switchback but I want one of these too.I love Harley Davidson
Very professional thanks, the best on RUclips.
That thing sounds so good man.Wonder if the 103 sounds that good too on the freewheeler.I want one because it does seem like a sports car type feel too it.Great video.Thanks
Nice review. I wonder if it would not be a great idea to include this electric reverse possibility on the heavier HD two wheeled bikes. Or then being able to move it around forward electrically for short distances i.e. while servicing it in your garage. Just dreaming...
Could always put in the Baker 6 speed with mechanical reverse in. I was contemplating it on my '16 Ultra, traded it for a '17 Road King...
Whatcost the moror bike.
V
NIC ebike
side note here. love the smooth run and sound of the new motors! hope they do more for cooling on them for the future generations to enjoy them and not be like Indian struggling to be in the market.
Mazen Ahmed ~ let me clear up the "struggling" part. agree on the "not" and doing well(compared to the past) and a redefined machines they are. LOL, 111 engine, yes wildly insane. just hope Harley is on the track to advance more as Indian has. yet "all" sales still at a somewhat stale mate (not up or down). very hopeful that all of them can do well and not see bike companies cutback to go in failure mode to relive the early 80's of who is left standing and government involvement to make it unfair to selected manufacturers.my best to all of them for pushing forward with better rides and features. it's a breath of fresh air with fresh ideas to boot.👍
some day if I live long enough I will need one of these because three wheels be better than no wheels but that day is not today thanks MATT for ya vids !😎
I find it to understeer on corners and also if you go into curves to fast you can wind up in the ditch ahead of you
i could see myself on this bike. i have an 02 heritage now but this would be nice for an old guy.
Hey Matt, would you be willing to do a review of the 2021 Freewheeler, and compare your thoughts on it vs this older model? I am interested in making the move to a trike from my '17 Road King. Injuries to my left hip and knee from a bad crash years ago are beginning to catch up with me now at 52 years old, but I still want to ride. Is the Freewheeler still shorter than the Tri-Glide? It felt smaller to me in the past, but that could be in my head. Is the rider seating area smaller on it compared to the Tri-Glide? Thanks!
hey matt here's an idea for a cool video, why don' you do a shootout between all the harley's and their corresponding bikes from different manufacturers, like a v-rod and xdiavel and indian scout, then a roadking and indian chief and honda goldwing....and so on and so forth...so that people get a wide range of perspective about how harley's have improved in comparison to their newer counterparts...👍👍👍👍
Guys i figured out why Matt's channel doesn't have more subscribers even though he does amazing and awesome reviews of harley's....He doesn't have a Bikini Clad Hot blonde showing her ass off for the camera...he just gives honest reviews without any bullshit and for many guys its not enough...😬😬😬😬
navin babji haha. Thanks man. My content will get better. I'm just getting started. Probably will never have tits and ass to get me views though.
Matt Laidlaw right on man...looking forward to more videos from you....👍👍👍
Great review...I want one!
Great info again as always, thanks a again! Very informative!
Thank you, very good information and explanation!
AWESOME REVIEW AND YOU ARE AN AWESOME GENTLEMAN, THANKS MUCH.
Can I put the HD Mimi Apes on it without extra wiring?
Great information 👍 thank you
I'm female 30, no motorcycle experience.. this convinced me:)
At say 45 mph if you had to swerve or turn sharp can it flip
Do u need a motorcycle liscence to test ride a trike cuz i want to test ride the freewheeler i own a 2010 tri glide tour but i wanna try the freewheeler harley dealership where i live wont let me test ride one cuz i dont have m1 liscence which i find kinda strange cuz i test rode my 2010 before i bought it
Yes you will need the m endorsement to operate this
Thats weird cuz i test rode my tri glide when i was looking at it and i got insurance
Hey Matt can Auxiliary lights be put on the Freewheeler like ROAD KING?? Thx good video
Thanks Matt! You've mad another great video for a great bike; I personally think the Freewheeler is just awesome looking and great for H-D; when I see earlier trike conversions, they are cool but small in comparison to how H-D designed this more substantial machine. Hey, can you review a CVO Street Glide and give some of your insights?
Before I lost the leg 89 yes I use to not only work on them but drive them since 11. All started wt a Honda 70 trail at 8 yrs from good ol dad. Heh heh😜🤘I’m 53 yrs old
Great video as for the law do we need a m1 license to write thisI know you said we didn't but it's 2019 I'm not sure if we do now
My Wife is 4.10'' and she is too short to ride most two wheelers. This is interesting if the foot controls can be taken back a bit to mid.
This would be a great second bike for newbs and learner friends
Is this a good bike for a beginner?
This is what I have. They are awesome.
Iam seriously considering getting a trike...this coming year
I want it.Great video.Love the new motor.
I'm one of those guys who never learned to ride a bicycle as a kid, and am worried that if I try to learn to ride a motorcycle I'll fall or crash. Is the freewheeler good for guys like me?
+Ksawarrior Yea. If you're worried about learning the mechanics of riding a 2 wheeled vehicle then the free wheeler is a great alternative. Try a test ride and see how you like it.
Matt Laidlaw I don't think the Harley places here in NorCal let you test drive if you have no motorcycle license or training.
learn to ride a scooter first it will help you with the basics and get the feel for it.
One more reason to have a trike is that in my country for example you need normal car driving license for owning a tricycle or a quad bike and you don’t need to get a motorcycle license for these.
how is the cornering? Seems like it would want to fish tail around a corner at higher speeds.
Curtis Zwilling no fish-tailing. Requires and little more upper body strength holding the bars through a turn and hanging on because there is no lean. You get used to it though. Your butt had a tendency to want to slide off.
Actually one more possibility for people looking at bikes like this is people needing more storage to carry things. Been contemplating between trying to get a drivers license or motorcycle license, and if I get the latter I'll likely go with something just like this, (probably the new 2020 model) so I can actually carry groceries.
what do you think about the steering is it hard
great review i was literally typing in reverse , until you said it at the end lol
How would you compare it to the 2019 Freewheeler?
Does USA allow car parking lot for three wheeler if two motorcycle parking lots side by side is not available
Matt, Can you do a review of the 2020 Freewheeler with the REFLEX DEFENSIVE RIDER SYSTEMS? BTW does it also have the TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM?
How tall are you ? it's alot smaller than I thought. Is it still for 2?
Very well done Sir, I appreciate it! Thanks and Blessings!!!
I m buying now
I LOVE it!