Harley-Davidson Freewheeler 2020 — Specifications

How do you make a nearly two-liter engine rumble without having to juggle a precarious balance? For those who dream of the look of a Harley-Davidson but prefer the stability of three points of contact with the ground, the answer has long been the Tri Glide Ultra. But in the shadow of this comfortable giant, another machine has emerged: the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler. This trike, unlike the luxurious philosophy of its sibling, adopts a more raw, more direct stance. It’s not a motorcycle stripped of a wheel, but a deliberate creation, a three-wheeled cruiser that proudly claims its hot rod character.

Its heart is the famous Milwaukee-Eight, an 1868 cc V2 that, even without liquid cooling, delivers 87 horsepower. The figure seems modest, but it’s its 165 Nm of torque, available from 2250 rpm, that dictates the pace. This rotating mass, almost 500 kg dry weight, is propelled with quiet authority, without requiring a frantic search for higher gears. The final belt drive and the 22-liter fuel tank promise journeys where the essence is rhythm, not speed. For a model like the 2020 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler, this mechanics is the backbone, a simple and effective proposition.

The fundamental difference with the Tri Glide is apparent at first glance. The Freewheeler abandons fairings, luxury, and weight. With a price tag around €31,000, it is also more accessible. Its design is streamlined, almost skeletal, highlighting the engine, the double cradle frame, and this atypical rear end with its wide 205 mm rear tire. The 700 mm seat height and mini-ape handlebars impose a classic riding posture, arms raised, which suits its assertive character. It’s a machine for the rider who wants American cruiser style and the feel of a big twin, but with the inherent safety of a trike. A test ride on a Harley-Davidson Freewheeler trike quickly reveals this duality: the attitude of a custom, the tranquility of a stable vehicle.

However, the handling is not that of a motorcycle. The wheelbase of 1670 mm and the weight of over 500 kg when fully fueled require a revision of reflexes. Fortunately, the electronic suite is there to assist. The interconnected braking and traction control systems, specific to Harley trikes, act to stabilize the machine, especially in corners. They are essential to master this mass. The announced consumption, around 5.5 L/100 km, is surprising for such a displacement, but the real subject is the size. Weaving through city streets or parking this giant requires anticipation. It’s a machine for open roads, long journeys, or for those who, holding only a standard driver's license, want to experience motorcycle sensations without the complexity of balance. For these riders, finding a used Harley-Davidson Freewheeler can be a smart entry into this world.

The Harley-Davidson Freewheeler doesn’t seek to be the most agile, the fastest, or the most comfortable. It reaches a top speed of approximately 170 km/h, which is sufficient for its role. It is an object of assumed compromise. It offers the iconic Harley pulse, a strong visual presence with its third wheel, and a new freedom for some riders. Its integrated trunk, capable of holding two helmets, is a not inconsiderable practical argument. Faced with its trike competitors, often more oriented towards total comfort, the Freewheeler positions itself as the sporty, stylish, and less expensive option. It is the trike for the aesthete who prefers roughness to softness, for those who want the mechanics to be visible and heard. An opinion on the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler is often divided: you either love its frank character, or you regret its lack of versatility. But for its niche, it remains a unique and captivating proposition.