Harley-Davidson Freewheeler 2022 — Specifications

So, do we think a trike is for those who have given up on balance? Think again. The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler is anything but a mobility scooter for retirees. Imagine rather a hot rod that has swallowed a third wheel, a concentrated dose of uninhibited Milwaukee attitude. Alongside the Tri Glide Ultra, its luxurious and enveloping big brother, the Freewheeler displays a radically different character: streamlined, muscular, and above all nearly sixty kilos lighter. For a little more than €33,000, it offers a less costly entry into the world of three wheels, but certainly not a cut-rate experience.

Its heart beats to the rhythm of the famous Milwaukee Eight 114, an 1868 cm3 V2 that delivers a torque of 165 Nm from 2250 rpm. The power, announced at 87 horsepower, is almost a detail; it is this constant wave of traction, this ability to stick you to the seat as soon as you open the throttle that defines its character. That’s exactly what the raw sensations enthusiast is looking for, the one for whom the word "custom" rhymes with "primary reaction." Compared to other trikes on the market, often based on roadsters or GTs, the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler’s approach is clear: priority to style and raw feel, not to refined sophistication.

But don’t believe that this machine is a technological dinosaur. Recent versions, such as the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler 2021 or the 2022, benefit from RDRS advancements, electronic aids specific to trikes. Cornering ABS braking and traction control, torque management… everything is designed so that this colossus of over 500 kg in running order remains a pleasure to ride, and not a trial. The manually adjustable rear suspension offers appreciable versatility, whether you’re going for a ride with two people or loading the integrated trunk, which is quite spacious for two helmets. It is also a strength on the used market: a model like the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler 2019, already equipped with the big 114 engine, represents an excellent sensations/price ratio.

So, who is it for? Certainly not a complete beginner, despite the A2 license access. Its weight and dimensions require a certain presence. On the other hand, it will appeal to the custom touring rider seeking stability without giving up the bagger aesthetic, or the nostalgic track racer who wants to turn every straight into a sound spectacle. Numerous reviews of the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler agree on this point: it is a machine of emotions, not just an alternative to the car. It leans a bit on corner entry, its braking requires anticipation, and its consumption is around 5.5 L/100 km. But these "flaws" are part of its authentic charm, of this living mechanics that constantly reminds you that you are riding something unique.

Trying the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler is understanding that a trike can be much more than a mobility solution. It’s adopting a conquering posture with its mini-ape handlebar, savoring the deep rumble of the exhaust, and attracting attention as much for its style as for its non-conformism. Whether you are aiming for a new model or a used Harley-Davidson Freewheeler, you are buying above all a fragment of American mythology on three wheels. A motorcycle that, ultimately, fully embraces not being one.