Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra 2022 — Specifications

Imagine a thing. An icon of the American motorcycle industry, a 1868 cm3 engine weighing over 560 kg when the tank is full, and moving on three wheels. That’s the raw essence of the Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra. It's not a motorcycle to which a wheel has been added; it's a factory creation, a trike conceived as such from the first bolt. And that's precisely what gives it its aura and unique character in the landscape.

To understand the beast, you must first accept its size. With a weight of 563 kg when ready to ride and a width that would make a Goldwing pale, it commands respect before even turning the key. It is based on the legendary Electra Glide Ultra Classic, but its specific rear frame, its two car tires, and its immense King Tour Pak trunk transform it into a liner of the roads. Riding it is not about negotiating tight turns; it's about commanding a ship. The strong point? Absolute stability, a world away from the sensations of a two-wheeled vehicle. The weak point? The lean angle is, logically, a notion that disappears from the vocabulary. This is the accepted compromise to offer unwavering serenity, especially for those who take the plunge after years in a car.

Under its imposing Batwing fairing beats the famous Milwaukee-Eight 114, in Twin Cooled version. With 164 Nm of torque available from 3250 rpm, it moves this mass with impressive nonchalance. We're not talking about pure performance – the maximum speed is around 170 km/h – but about a torrent of accessible force that makes acceleration and overtaking effortless. All of this is framed by a suite of sophisticated electronic aids, from Harley’s RDRS program. Adaptive traction control and cornering ABS, linked braking... everything is there to manage the particular physics of this three-wheeled vehicle. The H-D Connect system, even though it becomes a paid service after one year, allows you to keep an eye on your beast via smartphone, a modern touch for this machine with a retro look.

Who is this behemoth for? Clearly not for a beginner seeking thrills in curves. The target audience is the experienced globetrotter who prioritizes absolute comfort, storage space – 124 liters in the top-case – and the iconic image. It is also, and this is a significant argument, the motorist wishing to join the Harley family without having to retake a motorcycle license. With a B license, you can indeed take the controls of this Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra. At a price, of course: count an entry ticket of around 43,000 euros for the new model, which explains the dynamism of the used market for the Tri Glide Ultra. You must add the budget for accessories and decoration, an integral part of Harley culture.

Ultimately, the Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra is comparable to nothing, except perhaps the Can-Am Spyder, which offers a radically different philosophy with its active steering. The Harley, on the other hand, remains faithful to its DNA: a V engine that rumbles, an overwhelming physical presence, and a way of life. It’s not a motorcycle; it’s a statement. It swallows highways with the appetite of a liner, offers living room comfort, and allows you to avoid putting your feet down at red lights. A giant with clay feet in the hairpin turns, but an undisputed king on its straight and endless road.