Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra 2019 — Specifications

So, a Harley-Davidson trike, really? The first time you see the Tri Glide Ultra, the question is almost automatic. But Milwaukee has a historical answer: they have manufactured trikes for nearly fifty years, from 1932 to 1973. The reintroduction of this concept in 2009, and then its arrival in France in 2014, is therefore not a marketing gimmick, but a return to the roots. It is not a motorcycle modified by a workshop after the sale; it is the only series-produced trike in the world by a major manufacturer. The project is clear: to offer an alternative to three-wheeled vehicles like the Can-Am Spyder RT, and to allow motorists with a standard B license to enter the Harley-Davidson family through the grand entrance.

Technically, it is an Electra Glide Ultra Classic to which a specific rear structure, two automotive wheels, and adapted braking have been grafted. The result is an imposing machine, with a wheelbase of 1670 mm and a wet weight of 563.8 kg. It is wider than a Gold Wing and exceeds half a ton. The aesthetics are those of the great American touring machine, with the Batwing fairing carved with an air intake, the Daymaker LED headlights, and the monumental 124-liter King Tour Pak trunk. The mechanics are the famous Milwaukee-Eight 1868 cm3 engine, here in its Twin-Cooled partially water-cooled version. It delivers 88 horsepower and a torque of 164 Nm, figures that ensure solid acceleration despite the mass. Consumption remains reasonable for such a machine, around 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers.

The driving experience is unique. You don't ride a trike like a motorcycle. The steering is direct, effortless, but the lean angle is limited by the width of the rear track. Stability is absolute, a sensation that only a three-wheeled vehicle can offer. The 2019 updates, such as the Reflex interconnected braking system with ABS and traction control, provide additional safety. The parking brake and electric reverse gear are practical amenities that recall the automobile. It is a machine for the globetrotter who wants to travel thousands of kilometers without fatigue, with maximum comfort and the ability to carry a lot of luggage. But it is not for beginners: the entry price is 39,650 euros, and handling this giant requires some experience.

The Tri Glide Ultra Classic is therefore a niche product. It does not directly compete with traditional touring motorcycles, but offers an alternative proposition for a specific audience: brand enthusiasts who want a more stable ride, long-distance travelers, or those who are limited by their motorcycle license. Searches for the Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra, its used models in France, or its accessories, testify to this interest in a machine that remains unique on the market. It is a prestige object, a rolling monument that combines the history of Harley-Davidson with modern technology, for a travel experience comparable to no other.