Harley Davidson Motor Trike: What It Is and Why Touring Riders Convert

If you’ve ever loved the idea of a big Harley touring bike but hated the stress of balancing it at a stoplight—or backing it into a tight parking spot—you’re not alone.

That’s where a “Motor Trike” conversation usually starts.

Not as a fashion statement. As a comfort-and-confidence move for riders who still want to eat up highway miles.

What does “Motor Trike” mean?

Motor Trike is a company that manufactures trike conversion kits—meaning they build systems that convert a two-wheeled motorcycle into a three-wheeled trike.

In other words: you keep your Harley as the base bike, and an installer converts it into a trike using a kit designed for that platform.

Motor Trike explains this directly on their company overview page. (I recommend reading it so you hear it in their words.)

Pro Tip: When riders say “I’ve got a Motor Trike,” they usually mean their Harley was converted using a Motor Trike kit—not that Harley-Davidson built it as a trike from the factory.

Harley Davidson motor trike conversions: how they work (high-level)

A trike conversion is a major change to the rear of the bike. If you’ve been Googling “Harley Davidson motor trike,” this is the kind of conversion most people are talking about.

At a high level, you’re taking a two-wheel touring motorcycle and replacing the rear section with a trike rear end that adds:

• A second rear wheel (so you have two rear wheels instead of one)

• A trike body and trunk area (varies by kit)

• Suspension components designed for a three-wheel setup

Motor Trike’s Harley-specific kit pages (for example, their FL-series Gladiator IRS conversion) show the general idea and describe features like air ride suspension and integrated braking, along with warranty details on their conversions (Motor Trike: Gladiator IRS Conversion for Harley-Davidson FL Series).

That said, here’s the rider-real takeaway:

• The bike starts to feel less like “balancing” and more like “driving” at low speeds.

• The trade-off is you give up leaning like a two-wheeler (more on that below).

Why touring riders convert in the first place

Most riders don’t convert because they can’t ride.

They convert because they want to keep riding longer.

Here are the big touring wins riders chase with a Harley trike conversion:

1) Less stress at stops

On a two-wheel bagger, every stop is a little balance check—especially two-up, fully loaded, or on uneven pavement.

A trike setup can take that pressure off.

2) More confidence carrying weight

If you tour with a passenger, pack heavy, or run long days in crosswinds, stability matters.

A trike can feel planted—particularly in the slow-speed moments that wear riders out over time.

3) Storage and “touring-ready” comfort

Conversion kits often add trunk space and a different rear-body setup, which can be a real plus for long trips.

The trade-offs: what you give up vs two wheels

A trike is not “a motorcycle but easier.” It’s its own thing.

Here are the big differences to understand before you fall in love with the idea.

You don’t lean the same way

On two wheels, leaning is part of how you corner.

On three wheels, you steer through turns more like an ATV or side-by-side. That can feel strange at first if you’ve got years on two wheels.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t assume your two-wheel instincts will transfer perfectly. Give yourself time to relearn cornering feel and braking behavior on three wheels.

Steering effort and front-end setup matters

Some trikes steer heavier than the same bike on two wheels—especially at parking-lot speeds.

You may also hear riders talk about a “rake kit.” That’s a front-end geometry change meant to reduce steering effort on some trike setups.

Whether you need one depends on the exact conversion, your comfort, and your physical stamina. It’s a real question to discuss with the installer.

You’re wider, and parking gets real

A trike takes up more space. Period.

You’ll feel it when:

• Filtering between cars is no longer an option

• Your garage door suddenly feels smaller

• You pick a parking spot that used to be “no problem”

Backing up is a common pain point, too. Some setups use reverse solutions; Motor Trike notes compatibility caveats on their reverse page, including that some systems are designed for OEM applications and may not work with certain aftermarket components.

Maintenance and tire wear change

You’ve now got three tires on the ground and more hardware in the rear.

That doesn’t mean “unreliable.” It just means your service routine and wear items won’t look exactly like your old two-wheel setup.

Motor Trike conversion vs Harley Tri Glide: what’s the difference?

This is the other fork in the road.

You can either:

1. Convert a Harley touring bike into a trike (with a kit installed by a dealer/installer), or

2. Buy a factory-built Harley trike like the Tri Glide Ultra

Harley-Davidson positions the Tri Glide Ultra as a long-haul touring trike with serious storage built in. You can see Harley’s own overview on the Tri Glide Ultra model page.

Here’s the practical way to think about it:

• Conversion route: You may be able to keep the bike you already love (and already have set up), and convert it into a trike.

• Factory trike route: You’re buying a trike that was designed and supported by Harley as a complete three-wheel platform.

Neither is “always better.” The right answer usually comes down to:

• Whether you’re converting your current bike or shopping from scratch

• Your budget and timeline

• Your comfort with the installer/dealer support path

What to ask before you commit (dealer/installer questions)

This is where smart riders separate a good experience from a headache.

Bring these questions to your installer or dealer:

1. Which Harley touring models does this kit fit—exactly? (Don’t guess. Confirm by model and year.)

2. What changes on the rear end, and what stays stock?

3. How does braking work on this setup?

4. Do you recommend a rake kit for steering comfort on my bike? Why or why not?

5. How does warranty support work on the kit and the bike?

6. What’s the realistic turnaround time (and what delays it)?

7. Will my current accessories still fit? (Tour-Pak/luggage setups, lighting, etc.)

If you’re still deciding which Harley touring platform is right for you before you even think about converting, this MotorFlagKing guide may help you narrow it down: entry-level Harley touring models for highway comfort.

If you’re running a Tour-Pak and want to avoid fitment surprises, this is worth bookmarking: Harley Tour-Pak rack explained.

Safety and training: get a 3-wheel baseline

Even if you’ve got decades on two wheels, three wheels handle differently.

Harley-Davidson offers a 3-wheel-specific training option—the Riding Academy’s 3-Wheel New Rider Course—which includes classroom instruction and practice-track riding exercises with MSF-certified coaches. See Harley’s overview of the 3-Wheel New Rider Course.

That kind of training can make your first weeks on a trike smoother—and a lot safer.

FAQ

Is a “Motor Trike” the same thing as a Tri Glide?

Not exactly. “Motor Trike” typically refers to a trike conversion kit and the converted bike. A Tri Glide is a factory Harley-Davidson trike.

Can you still tour long-distance on a trike conversion?

Yes—many riders convert specifically because they want more comfort and confidence on long days. The key is picking a setup that fits your body, your passenger needs, and your service/support situation.

Will a trike conversion steer like my two-wheel Harley?

It will feel different. You steer through turns more than you lean through them. Most riders adjust, but you should plan for a learning curve.

Do I need reverse on a trike?

It depends on your strength, your parking habits, and where you ride. Trikes are heavier and wider than two wheels, so backing up can be more of a chore.

Next steps

If you’re thinking about converting, don’t start with the catalog.

Start with your use case:

• Do you ride two-up?

• Do you tour loaded?

• Do you want stability at stops, or do you want factory-level integration?

Then go talk to an installer with your exact model/year in hand.

And if you’re building a touring setup and want rider-to-rider guides (racks, fitment basics, and highway comfort), you can explore the MotorFlagKing blog.