Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra 2018 — Specifications

So, do you feel like a ship's captain? Because riding the Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra is exactly that sensation: commanding an imposing, majestic mass that attracts all eyes and is never inconspicuous. This trike is not simply a motorcycle to which a wheel has been grafted; it is a philosophy in its own right at Harley-Davidson, a three-wheeled institution whose history dates back to the 1930s. The 2018 version we are examining here represents the culmination of this lineage, powered by the famous Rushmore project.

Under its Batwing fairing, the all-new Milwaukee Eight 1745 cm³ twin-cylinder engine reigns supreme. In its Twin Cooled, partially liquid-cooled version, it delivers 152 Nm of torque from 3250 rpm. A vital asset for moving the announced 564 kg in running order without stress. Yes, you read that right: over half a ton at the finish. This mass, combined with a wheelbase of 1.67 meters, imposes a relaxed, anticipatory riding style. The beast devours highways with the nonchalance of an airship, its colossal torque making overtaking almost too easy. On the other hand, forget tight corners: the 125 mm ground clearance and the width of the rear frame, equipped with car tires, quickly remind you that you don't lean here, you barely incline. This is the price of absolute stability, a comfort that will reassure former motorists converted.

Speaking of that audience, the Tri Glide Ultra is a royal gateway to the Harley universe for those who only hold a Category B driver's license. This legal accessibility is a massive argument against a competitor like the Can-Am Spyder. But be warned, the entry ticket is just as much: count 37,650 euros for this rolling monument. For this price, Harley-Davidson loads you with equipment: the BOOM! 6.5 GT system, the Daymaker LED headlights, the interconnected ABS, the parking brake and, above all, this 124-liter King Tour Pak trunk that transforms the machine into a veritable mobile home. Searching for a used Tri Glide Ultra in France can then prove to be a judicious strategy to cushion the shock.

Ultimately, who is this machine for? The hardcore long-distance traveler, wanting to travel in a three-wheeled armchair, or the epicurean seeking a unique stage presence. It’s not a motorcycle, it’s a fluid, noisy, and comfortable mobility experience. It forgives a lot, but requires a solid wallet and space in the garage. Trying a Tri Glide Ultra is understanding that Harley-Davidson doesn’t just sell motorcycles, but pieces of American freedom, even on three wheels. A fascinating UFO, to be reserved for initiates or converts ready to assume all its extravagance.