2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 (FLTRT) Test Ride and Review 

After DJ Yella has ridden the Trike for several weeks now he says he feels like the steering is a lighter feel than his Tri-Glide was.

No shame in riding one of these beautiful machines, my father got a new one every year once his arthritis got bad and it was a blast to drive!

I'm the 73 year old with the cane. And yes, HD trikes are of great interest to me. This new one is STRIKING!

I've never been much of a trike fan, but this instantly grew on me. Wow.

Harley Davidson dealer owner or not, you always give a straight up no Bullshit review and call out anything Harley missed the boat on! Thank you sir for the great reviews. Always enjoy watching your videos.

Center line Matt, center line!

THANKS MATT & ANDREW ! I traded my Fatboy 114 in on this new RG3 about one month ago and I am waiting for delivery. So your review and opinions were timely and spot-on. Makes me feel a lot better about the decision to trade. I am 75 years old and although I still get around purdee good I will feel a LOT more confident on this RG3. I always enjoy the Laidlaw Team approach to sales and road trips. THANK YOU !!!!

Can't wait to ride one of these in 40 years

Always a good day when Matt releases a video.

That stash is level 10 dad mode… you need a jean jacket too Matt to complete the look 😁👍

Thanks for the honest opinion. $33k MSRP is not in my budget

@MattLaidlaw, Just bought 2024 RG3, love this trike. It is a game changer! It has so much power and sounds great with stock pipes. I agree with you that it is not difficult to turn and maneuver.

I’m 73 and own a rg3 now. I love everything about it!

First, GREAT video. I’m on a 2020 Ultra Trike. Gotta say, for me, the steering is much tougher on your upper body on the trike over a 300+ mile day vs. my Road King- not sure how it couldn’t be- even with average/slightly above average upper body strength for a 50 year old. Not necessarily brutal or prohibitive on your arms, but it truly is like riding a 4-wheeler all day. Very different ride experience. Note: I think if my dad were still around, he’d 100% agree that it extends your riding life by 5-7 years minimum, past what most knees will allow on 2 wheels.

Been on a Freewheeler for almost 2 years and love it. I noticed that new trike riders either ride the yellow line or over it. They go by the front wheel and not how wilde the back is. Once you get use to size to me I get to relax a little more on a trike then two wheels. But it keeps me in the wind.

I don't like trikes and do no think they are motorcylces per say BUT, I read about some people having difficulties keeping their balance and love the fact that harley makes these bikes available for them to simulate the motorcycle experience. It's actually a really cool thing.

I rented a slingshot - they mix the worst of all worlds - gets really hot when stopped and you feel all the engine heat, it’s noisy, it’s not very quick and when you use the power mode the only thing that happens is the rear wheel spins, it’s really tough to get in and out of too.

Matt I live Stuart FL. I’m 72 in good shape except for lower back surgery. I have a 2021 Street Glide CVO. I’m hoping to be able to handle it after my surgery. I saw the original owner take a right turn on it and he ended upon its side. That was around 94-95. Honestly, it makes more sense to have the two wheels up front but I’m staying with Harley. I go for surgery on the 9th. I’m thinking I should take a test ride before the surgery first. By the way I started on a mini bike at 13 and been riding the whole time. When I’m up to riding soon after the surgery and I’m going to take a class from Robert Simmons. Thank you for doing what you do on your channel. Cliff Peranio

Brilliant bike. I've had a bike/side-car set up before and these things are a lot of fun. They are also very stable and easy to drive. Very easy to manoeuvre,with the reverse gear being essential. A small rear fender to save low impact damage. Maybe even a reverse camera or signal to save hitting people who walk behind. Some ways around town I would have an open face helmet for better vision.

I’d definitely ride one of those. I think it’s awesome looking.

In the area I live in (Northern Illinois) we have not only winters to contend with but, also, a lot big, really heavy, 18-wheelers that contribute to the rough roads, With a two-wheeler motorcycle both wheels follow the same track so you, the rider, have a lot of options on picking the the smoothest path on your side of the road. With a trike, you options become really limited as to the smoothest path as you now have three different wheel tracks to consider. The solid rear axles of the Harley's exacerbate that situation because it induces a lot more “head shake” into the motorcycle than one with an independent rear suspension (I.R.S.). “Head shake” is a phenomenon where the steering head seems to shake back and forth like a pit bull with a long rope play toy. What is actually happening it that the front wheel is tracking straight but the rear end (and chassis) is “dancing” side to side due to the roughness of the road. I.R.S. seems to significantly mitigate that “head shake” a lot. “Head shake” really becomes a major consideration as you get older and develop arthritis in your hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, or spine, It also affects the tendons in your arms and can cause/aggravate tendonitis (So-called "tennis elbow".)! Pothole avoidance obviously becomes problematic on any trike which is why broken rims are not uncommon at Harley dealers. None of the afore mentioned problems are an issue if you live and ride in an area where all the roads are always smooth as glass. Bet then, for you, every day must seem a holiday, every meal a banquet, and payday is like winning the lottery! Ride safe and watch out for the other guy......he might be me!

I just watched an old movie and there was a street scene where an old Caddy went by towing a trike! Thanks for the education!

If you're in the market for a trike but you don't want the goober factor, this is it. That thing is actually cool looking. 👌

The issue of lanesplitting… it just became legal here in Arizona, and is real sketchy on a Roadglide, you really have too ready for anything 😎

Thanks for the lesson on the history of Harley-Davidson trikes.

Another awesome video, complete with history and background info, thank you! Could definitely see myself on one of these someday, likely the biggest one (triglide). ‘21 CVO RG and ‘12 WG here.

No doubt whatsoever that the Harley Davidson traditional 1-2 configuration is much more aesthetically pleasing than the 2-1 platform! They truly are beautiful machines! Now that I am pushing 60, I am starting to realize that my two wheel days will come to an end at some point, hopefully later rather than sooner, and I can't imagine not being able to ride anymore, so this will definitely be an option for those of us that love to ride.

Matt’s video’s are the best. I’m out in Murrieta…hope to cross your path someday Mr. Laidlaw to say thank you🙏🏾💯👍🏽🏍️🔥🦾

Thanks for the video Matt & Andrew! I think that the Road Glide 3 is pretty cool looking and I could see myself with one of those one day when I don't feel comfortable on the 2 wheels anylonger! 👍

I could use it to go shopping with,,cool,always great videos,keep it up matt..love the knowledge

Even though I own an EG Standard… I have to be honest that the shark nose is growing on me and definitely looks sharp on this bike.

Well done Matt. Have a 2022 Tri Glide delived here to NZ in January. Love the experience.... Watch all your vids from New Zealand, a great fan!

The smile in Andrews eyes and uplifted tone in your voice says it's fun to ride in my opinion. Besides the LED upgrade I'm thinking a Ahooga horn from the HD parts book would be a nice touch. All fun aside excellent work as always,ty...

I have a 2019 triglide I love it it’s great bike but I have 2007 NighTrain to I really like that bike too the only I had problem with on the trike was putting my feet down other then that never noticed any of the other stuff but I live in Minnesota so I ride atv and snowmobiles All the time I am not it shape it’s very easy to ride I just like them that’s why I ride one no other reason

Appes , Highway bars , back rest and stylish rack on rear deck and of course 4.5 zombies

Did HD fix the 19-20’ Deathtrike issues with RDRS with the Trikes?

Nice Job Matt ! It is a great look to the trike line.

The best video, by far that I've seen on this bike. Informative & fun.

Great video I’m waiting for my local dealership to get one. I’m in my late thirties but my left knee cannot handle two up anymore.Soccer player since I could walk. So the roadglide 3 is a must now. I have owned three brand new Harley’s. I ride 21 Rg right now

Funkadelic for sure and a lot cooler than I thought. Very informative and interesting review of these three wheelers. Thank you, Mr. Laidlaw, really enjoyed your presentation.

Good to see can't wait to see in person

One of the things that Can Am has done well is appealing to the many people who want to ride a motorcycle but for whatever reason are intimidated by a two-wheeled motorcycle. There are a lot of these people as I learned after I bought a Tri Glide. People approach me all the time to talk about the trike and it's very common for them to say something like, "I don't know about a regular motorcycle but I might ride one of these." Unfortunately there's a perception in the community of H-D riders that trikes aren't "real" motorcycles and only debilitated people ride them. It's not uncommon for an H-D rider to refer to the Tri Glide as a mobility scooter. People toward the end of their riding careers are buying H-D trikes but beginning riders are buying Spyders. I've recently been seeing a lot of Can Am advertisements using the motto "Everyone can ride" and they're selling motorcycles by embracing that concept.

Great looking trike!! Now put the 117 in it and hopefully it won't be too long before we see a CVO version. I can only imagine what it would look like all macked out in a kick ass paint job and PNA accessories.

Rewaco makes a trike. It doesn't have a motorcycle motor, but its still badass IMHO

On the billiard blue and gray, CHROME!!!

Every time I need a good laugh , I LOOK AT THIS THING !!!!😆😆😆😆😆😂😂😂

While I love the blacked out bikes, the Blue Freewheeler in chrome is very classy. If I had to pick, I would pick the chrome for the blue paint.

Another great vid Matt! I would definitely add one of these to the stable to go along with my RGU. I definitely think you are correct that the MOCO should do a service car version with a patina paint scheme. Even one better would be to have a model that has a pickup bed on it or could be swapped with the trunk. Add some oak bed rails and you’d be cooking then.

Pennsylvania requires a class M for three wheeled vehicles including a slingshot or a vanderhall to show the differences state by state

It looks like a lot harley davidson left over parts from bikes and it looks pieced together. And what about the morgan 3 wheeler?

This is a great additive to the trike family. I like it very much. I ride 2019 TriGlide.

Another great review Matt. I am digging the Sharknose fairing and the styling of the Road Glide 3!

Very nice. I love mine and have been adding a lot of cosmetic mods. I have enjoyed it for my first 300 miles and it holds a lot of interest. I love these and recommend getting one.

For me at 61 years old I own a 2021 FXBBS and a 883 Iron. But I hate taking the wife on the back too much work for me. This would be perfect for her and she said she will feel safer.

For the Freewheeler, I definitely liked the chrome, especially the wheels on last year’s version. This Road Glide 3 definitely looks awesome. I dig the chrome wheels on this one.

Very informative, thank you for putting this out

Awesome vid and the tri glide is beautiful. I seen ya all in that left lane. Not used to that left wheel stickout out like that I bet. I gotta take one for a ride.

Great video Matt. Very thorough and informative.

Thanks for the sneak peek. We haven't seen this or a breakout at our store yet

I have a 22 Freewheeler and love it, NOW, I just put new Legend shocks front n Rear and that was a game changer, buy at 70mph, the wind is the same

This bike makes me wish I was old. If only for a moment. Nice wheels. Great idea. I think we will be seeing a lot of these this summer. Not for me personally but I respect it

Thanks for history of HD trikes! I have a TriGlide Ultra and didn’t know any of that history.

So I bought a 120 Anniversary TriGlide, I love it!

If ever I have to switch due to medical reasons or reasons of age this will be my choice! This Trike looks great and has the soul of a Harley-Davidson. Good Job, you Guys in Milwaukee!

Great video. Learned a lot.

Love the content…subbed n like!!✊🏽🤙🏽

I just got a trike Road Glide the billiard blue haven't got a hundred miles on it yet and I like it I like it I like it thanks for the share

Ordered one. Still waiting for a VIN. Trading in my 2022 Freewheeler. Thanks for the informative video

i test rode one this weekend at Adamacs Harley in Jacksonville Florida. i was pleasantly surprised how smooth it was. i have a new rode glide special and one i was up to highway speed on the interstate at 75 i felt no difference. was so weird. i really like it. i think these will do well. i am sure i will end up with one at some point. i am an older guy.

Thanks Matt, appreciate the review / comparison. I've been riding a 2019 Triglide for 3years and really enjoy it. I even road Tail of the Dragon in May 2022 and really enjoyed the experience. One comparison you did not note was the difference in the frame mounted fairing vs. triple-tree mounted batwing fairing. Did you notice and major differences in this area? Your new product reviews are the best!

I absolutely love it! And HD is class of it's own, in trikes especially. Only complain is that it should have LED's all around. This video makes me want to buy one, Vivid Black with chrome.

Great video bro. I like this new model. The shark fairing hits off the 3 wheel silhouette really well. Heading to my local HD to learn more about it.

Yes I love this bike

Love the history background in your Videos. Just the price is a bit out of sight for me

Is the rear axle posi track or one wheel drive? I am 76 years old and currently riding a 2016 Freewheeler, due to knee and hip issues. I do miss my 2 wheeler.

Im not a huge trike guy but I think I would ride this for sure. Its sexy.

That’s what a trike should look like. Damn!

You spoke of the Service Car from back in the day. learned Columbus Ohio on one of those doing a job for a Car Wash the did detailing for dealers. I would ride to the dealer and hook the Trike on the back (Cars had metal bumpers then 1967) and return to the Car Wash and also on the return delivering the car back to the dealers. I was 18 years old then and between Jr. and Sr. years in school.. Great summer job. By the way, That trike was a 45 flathead engine, and it had the left hand twist grip except it was the "Spark Advance".

Another great presentation matt...

Great review Matt, my buddy just purchased the Road glide 3 this past weekend. Looking forward to seeing and taking it for a ride.

Thanks for the great review Matt, I turn 70 next month and have been riding Harleys for more then 40 years. But with my short legs and not as strong as I once was I am seriously looking at the Tri Glide. But I have heard stories about them not being safe in fast turns. But with the new technology that you explained I think I might just go for a Trike. I am now riding a 2021 CVO Ultra. Thanks again .

Great video. I want the Road Glide 3, and it seems like the best bang for your buck deal

The Icon Series idea Matt mentions might be really interesting take on a modern trike.

Damn good video! I'm sold!

Great video & history presentation, I never thought I would like them but it’s frowning on me I hope by the time I’m ready to get one, besides the reverse gear, they come with rear camera ..

That looks like a comfy trike!

The Roadglide set up is definitely a cool version! Love the new wheel design too!....Hey Matt, do you have any idea on when the Factory is going to start releasing the other CVO models?........Hopefully, soon! Thanks for another informative video!...........Ride Safe!...........O'yeah, I can't imagine someone wanting to lane split a trike!...lol

Man Mr. L. you always do a good job on these vids. However this time you hit it out of the park with the information, Great job. I did not think I would ever hear you say N.W.A. Love it. Great job.

The RG3 is pretty nice looking aesthetically speaking. Not ready for a 3 wheeled ride but if I'm ever in the market, it makes the top of my list! Would be cool if it had the 117" motor, but hey, you're still getting a lot of bang for your buck. Looks like something Batman would proudly ride!

That is one nice trike. Harley keeps stepping up there game.

Great Video Matt!!! Love the design of the Road Glide 3 (Trike)! Minor point… first time riders should know with the wheel placement it is a little more difficult to steer around debris or pot holes. I love your idea that Harley should make an ICON Collection Servi-Car. That would be So Cool and fit what the Icon Collection is all about.

Wowzers that is one sexy trike. Nice!!! I love how sleek it looks instead of it giving a bulky wheel chair like appearance.

As you see by my thumbnail pic I have a 2019 Freewheeler. I have waited to convert my trike to RG3 but from day one owning this bike it's been my ultimate goal. Now I only hope I can get my conversion done with the same BlueMax paint scheme since in 2019 the Road Glide had that offering in paint! Beyond that maybe a crate motor and a turbo from Trask to make my two wheel friends cry foul as I blow past them like they are standing still.......he he he! My 114 has a stage 2 but even at my age I crave the need for speed and plan on having it. Live Free and Ride Free Always! Great video Matt!!!

Never interested in 3 wheelers. After watching Matt’s video, ‘I want bike!’ Kudos Matt, you sold me my second Harley onwards, and gone thru quite a few now. MoCo owes you an international bonus!😊

Beautiful bike! I would love one of those!

🛑🛑 The Trikes are cool. I saw a Roadglide 3 at my local dealership. It is very stylish and nice. 💯 I think the Trikes offer older riders and those with impairments a chance to enjoy a sport that they might not otherwise be able to, without the aid of the third wheel. 🛞 Cool Bike..Cool Video👍💯

Great stuff, Matt Laidlaw! Love the idea about a Servi-Car special edition, too.

My brother just ordered one of these, will get it next week sometime. Vivid Black.👍

Nice review keep up the good work

Fantastic detailed video boys