Harley-Davidson 1870 Tri Glide Ultra FLHTCUTG 2021 — Specifications

Who could possibly want to ride a 564 kg machine, wider than a sedan, fitted with three wheels and a 1868 cc engine? The answer is more nuanced than you might think. The Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra FLHTCUTG holds a unique place in the global motorcycle landscape. It is quite simply the only factory-built trike produced by a major manufacturer. Not a conversion kit assembled in a garage, not a custom adaptation: a vehicle designed, engineered, and assembled in Milwaukee. This singularity has its roots in the brand's own history, having manufactured three-wheelers without interruption from 1932 to 1973 before reviving the formula stateside and then importing it to Europe in the mid-2010s.

On paper, the technical foundation borrows the Electra Glide Ultra Classic's front end, its steel double-cradle frame, and its Batwing fairing. The rear, however, receives a dedicated setup with two 15-inch wheels shod in 205/65 tires, a differential, a parking brake, and a 124-liter King Tour Pak trunk. The result exceeds the width of a Honda Gold Wing 1800 by nearly 50%. Suffice to say, the footprint commands respect on the road and a certain vigilance on narrow streets. The seat, perched at just 735 mm, does allow the rider to plant both feet flat without effort, which is reassuring given the mass of the whole package.

Beneath the fairing beats the Milwaukee-Eight 114 in Twin Cooled guise, partially liquid-cooled. This 45° V-twin produces 87 hp at 5,020 rpm, a modest figure relative to the displacement, but one that tells only part of the story. The real selling point lies in the 159.8 Nm of torque available from just 3,000 rpm. With four valves per cylinder, a 102 mm bore paired with a 114 mm stroke, and a 10.5:1 compression ratio, the engine favors smooth roll-on power and riding comfort over outright horsepower. Channeled through a six-speed gearbox and a belt final drive, this generous torque allows the trike's 564 kg to pick up speed without ever feeling strained. Top speed caps out at 170 km/h, which neatly sums up the vehicle's philosophy: you cruise, you don't sprint.

On the equipment front, Harley has spared no expense. The BOOM! GTS infotainment system features a responsive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a navigation system. The onboard electronics include a full suite of rider aids tailored to the three-wheeler: cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, electronically linked braking, and drag torque slip control. The H-D Connect system also allows remote vehicle monitoring via smartphone, with alerts in case of suspicious movement. Add in the electric reverse gear, indispensable for maneuvering such a behemoth, Daymaker LED headlights, and a 49 mm telescopic fork, and you get equipment worthy of a premium grand tourer.

That leaves the question of price and target audience. At over €40,190, the Tri Glide Ultra is aimed at a well-defined clientele: touring enthusiasts who no longer want to manage the balance of a two-wheeler, experienced riders seeking a different riding experience, or car drivers drawn to the Harley universe since the machine can be ridden with a standard car license. Getting acquainted requires a genuine adjustment period, as a trike doesn't lean into corners and reacts very differently from a conventional motorcycle in tight curves. It is neither a motorcycle nor a car — it is a thing apart. And that is precisely what makes it so appealing to those willing to play by its rules.