Is a three-wheeled motorcycle considered a two-wheeler? Good question, but that's the least unusual thing about the new vehicle that started being sold in Israel today—meet the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler, the first trike motorcycle to arrive here.
The trike, whose name is a combination of "tri" (three) and "bike" (motorcycle), features a front part similar to a motorcycle with steering via handlebars, the engine positioned in front of and beneath the rider, and gear and brake operation. The rear part is what differs, with two wheels on the driven axle.
The first model arriving in Israel is the Freewheeler, based on Harley-Davidson's large touring motorcycle from the "Road King" family. The engine, as usual with Harley-Davidson, is a V-twin configuration. The displacement is a true American style at 1,868 cc, but with relatively low power of 87 hp and an impressive torque figure for a motorcycle—16.2 kgm. The dimensions are also in the realm of Uncle Sam—2.5 meters from end to end, a wheelbase of 168 cm, and a dry weight (before fluids and riders) of 496 kg. And if you were wondering how you're supposed to move such a large vehicle in reverse—it has an electric motor for that.
Due to its very different steering characteristics compared to a regular motorcycle, it comes with electronic control to prevent the inner wheel from locking during turns and traction control.
Its uniqueness compared to any other two-wheeled vehicle makes it pre-suited for a different type of customer than what is typically seen in the two-wheeler market. The importer is also targeting it not at those seeking practical transportation but at a segment of riders aged 40 and up who are looking for a vehicle that is unlike anything else on the road, or those who previously rode two-wheelers and want to return to the experience of having handlebars in their hands but are concerned about regular motorcycles.
Either way, despite the unconventional structure, a two-wheeler license is required to ride it, specifically an A-level license.
As expected, the price is not low, and like in the United States, it is priced much higher than motorcycles, even those from Harley-Davidson. The local price tag is set at NIS 275,000, with an introductory offer of NIS 270,000.
As we reported in May, its arrival was made possible following an expedited approval process by the Transport Ministry and official certification for this type of motorcycle. Until now, three-wheeled vehicles marketed in Israel had two wheels at the front, such as the Piaggio MP3, Yamaha Tricity, or the Yamaha Niken motorcycle.
Alongside several workshops in the United States and Europe, Harley-Davidson is currently the only manufacturer officially producing these vehicles, while Polaris and Can-Am produce the Slingshot and Spyder, which also present a similar concept, but there the two wheels are at the front and a single wheel is at the rear.