Harley-Davidson 1870 Tri Glide Ultra G.I. FLHTCUTG 2022 — Specifications

Imagine a machine that's as much ocean liner as motorcycle, painted in a military green that would make a Humvee jealous. The 2022 Tri Glide Ultra G.I. is Harley-Davidson playing the wartime nostalgia card with a 1,243-pound trike at full wet weight. A three-wheeled beast that never leans, never tips over, and turns every outing into a Fourth of July parade.

The lineage with the mythical WLA from the 1940s is unmistakable. Harley chose a shade called "Mineral Green Denim Deluxe," an unapologetic replica of the famous "Olive Drab" that dressed the US Army's machines. The regulation white star sits proudly on the tank and rear trunk, setting the scene without any ambiguity. This edition is part of the "Enthusiast" collection, a limited series reserved for the American market, following in the footsteps of the Pan America Special G.I. The concept is simple: each year, Harley picks a model from its lineup and gives it a limited-run themed livery. A styling exercise that flatters collectors, even though the price tag climbs $2,400 over the standard Tri Glide for a purely cosmetic difference. No additional parts, no mechanical upgrades. Just paint and decals.

Beneath this militarized bodywork beats the Milwaukee-Eight 114-cubic-inch V-twin displacing 1,868 cc. With 87 horsepower at 5,020 rpm and, more importantly, 117.9 lb-ft of torque available from just 3,000 rpm, this engine isn't chasing performance but smooth cruising. The character is that of a refined diesel: long pulls, a whisper of throttle enough to get the machine rolling again, constant and predictable thrust. To move over half a ton of metal, this low-end generosity is an absolute necessity. The six-speed gearbox and belt drive do their job without drawing attention to themselves.

The steel double-cradle frame houses a 49 mm telescopic fork with 4.6 inches of travel up front, while the rear axle rides on two wheels shod in 205/65-15 rubber. Braking relies on two 300 mm discs with four-piston calipers up front and a 270 mm disc at the rear, all managed by a linked braking system paired with Cornering ABS. Traction control and drag-torque slip control round out the electronic arsenal. On the comfort side, the BOOM Box GTS infotainment system with its 6.5-inch TFT screen integrates radio, GPS, MP3 player, and Bluetooth connectivity. The seat, perched just 28.9 inches off the ground, reassures riders of smaller stature. And the 6-gallon tank demands regular stops, with the 106 mph top speed remaining more theoretical than practical on such a land yacht anyway.

The most distinctive aspect of this Tri Glide is undoubtedly its administrative accessibility. As a trike, it can be ridden with a standard car license, which opens the doors to the Harley world for those who never obtained a motorcycle license. For fans of American-style cruising who want the spectacle without having to manage the balancing act, it's a logical choice. For dyed-in-the-wool motorcyclists, it's an object of curiosity, even bewilderment. The Tri Glide Ultra G.I. isn't trying to win over skeptics. It's aimed at Americana enthusiasts, Harley collectors, or riders who want to cruise in the open air without the constraints of a two-wheeler. A niche vehicle within a niche, where the $2,400 premium buys above all a story to tell.