Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra 2021 — Specifications

How does one approach the Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra without a certain degree of awe? We’re not talking about a simple motorcycle, but an institution on three wheels, a vehicle at the crossroads of worlds that is as unsettling as it is fascinating. At over €40,000, this 564-kilo behemoth in running order is not for the masses, but for a specific audience: the car driver seeking motorcycle sensations, or the seasoned Harley touring rider who wants to trade the kickstand for absolute stability. It's a radical proposition, the ultimate concession to comfort and peace of mind, far from the thrills of counter-steering.

On paper, the concept seems like a compromise. Take an Electra Glide Ultra Classic, replace the rear swingarm with a rigid axle and two car tires, add a giant trunk and electric reverse gear. You get an engine as wide as a sofa, more imposing than a Goldwing, and which is driven with a simple B license. But that would be ignoring the deep logic of the beast. Beneath this Batwing fairing beats the heart of a Milwaukee-Eight 114 Twin Cooled with a displacement of 1868 cm3, a V2 that delivers 164 Nm of torque from 3250 rpm. The thrust is phenomenal, almost indecent for a machine that never risks falling over. Top speed is around 170 km/h, but the interest lies elsewhere: in this feeling of inexhaustible power, in this rumble that vibrates the road.

Harley has intelligently equipped this ocean liner with the latest electronic aids from the Rushmore project. The RDRS system, with its cornering-specific ABS and traction control, provides valuable safety when approaching a roundabout with the elegance of a semi-trailer. The Boom! GTS multimedia system, compatible with Apple CarPlay, and the H-D Connect connected service transform the experience into that of a grand tourer… very American. We’re talking about a motorcycle, but the parking brake, the 124-liter trunk, and the traditional rear suspension are a reminder that we are navigating in hybrid waters.

So, who buys a Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra in 2023 or is looking for a recent used one in France? Certainly not the aspiring track rider. This trike targets the long-distance travel enthusiast who prioritizes comfort and carrying capacity over agility, or the car convert who wants the Harley style and community without the acrobatics. Accessories and custom decoration are, in fact, a thriving market for these owners, allowing them to transform this giant into a veritable rolling living room. The road test reveals a strange driving feel, where you steer more than you lean, but with reassuring stability on the highway or in the rain.

The verdict is final. The Tri Glide Ultra is not a motorcycle; it’s a statement. A niche vehicle for those who fully embrace their choice of riding differently, with the budget and garage space to match. It fills a void between the convertible car and the large touring bike, bringing with it all the panache and flaws of Harley culture: an imposing look, a characteristic sound, a respectable fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km for its category, and dedicated maintenance. For a B license, it’s the most prestigious gateway to the Milwaukee world, but it requires, in return, accepting its laws and its cumbersome singularity.