Filed under: Motorcycles
Harley-Davidson launches new 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic
Considering the growing popularity of the trike market -- and we don't mean the old VW-based creations made popular in the seventies -- we wonder why it took Harley-Davidson so long to introduce its own three-wheeler. Based on the Electra Glide Touring chassis, the Tri Glide uses a belt final drive to connect a new air-suspended rear differential to the six-speed Cruise Drive transmission common to all Harley Big Twins. At the front, rake and trail have been increased to lend a bit more stability to the package while a steering stabilizer is intended to reduce front-end wobble. For the ultimate in ease of use, consider the optional electric reverse gear for an additional $1,195. Dual 15-inch rear wheels come fitted with P205/65R15 tires.
The same Tour-Pak from the Ultra model works on the Tri Glide along with the normal "bat wing" fairing that Harley-Davidson has made famous over the years. Moving all this mass down the road is a new fuel-injected Twin Cam 103 V-Twin engine that offers up 101 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-gallon fuel tank ought to keep you going about as long as your bladder can handle, and the standard cruise control will get you where you need to go with a minimum of fuss. While we personally prefer to tour on two wheels, we're sure HD will find a few buyers for the new Tri Glide, even at its $30,000 suggested retail price, which is actually a decent deal considering how much a conversion kit runs these days.
[Source: Harley-Davidson]
Press Release:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON INTRODUCES TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC
Designed from the Frame Up for Reliable, Comfortable Three-Wheel Touring
Harley-Davidson brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment with the introduction of the 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle. Based on a new chassis designed specifically for this three-wheel application, the Tri Glide offers the classic styling and popular touring features of the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide in a vehicle that will be sold and serviced by the network of Harley-Davidson dealers and covered by a two-year Harley-Davidson limited warranty. The Tri Glide will have an MSRP of $29,999.
Harley-Davidson launched a "wheels-up" strategy in the development of the Tri Glide, and has created a frame and associated chassis structure that is engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. Changes to the front-end geometry enhance steering control by reducing steering effort up to 25 percent. The forks have been lengthened by 1.775 inches compared to the regular Touring motorcycle, and rake is increased from 29.25 degrees to 32.00 degrees. A steer damper controls coast-down wobble, and minimizes bumps and other road inputs during turning events.
Harley-Davidson has designed a new rear-axle assembly for the Tri Glide that utilizes an aluminum center section with steel axle tubes. The Tri Glide retains the high-strength and low-maintenance advantages of belt final drive, and the smooth operation of a rubber-cushioned, compensated rear drive. The rear suspension features dual air-adjustable rear shock absorbers.
The Tri Glide is powered by a Twin Cam 103 V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs. of torque. It retains the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission used on Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, but adds an optional electric reverse ($1,195) integrated with the rear differential assembly that is engaged with a handlebar-mounted reverse module. The Tri Glide has dual front disc brakes and a Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated park brake.
Classic Harley-Davidson Styling
The Harley-Davidson styling department gave the new body components of the Tri Glide clean lines that integrate with the existing Ultra bodywork, especially the Tour Pak luggage compartment and the passenger seating area. The new bodywork is painted with the same quality OEM paint and process used on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and is a perfect color match for the tank and front fender. The composite rear fenders complement the lines of the front fender. Because the rear fenders are each a separate piece from the rest of the rear bodywork, they can be removed individually for repair or replacement, or when required to service the Tri Glide.
The molded-composite trunk provides 4.5 cubic feet of storage space and can be accessed through a rear hatch. The trunk and Tour Pak have a combined capacity of 6.56 cubic feet and are rated to carry up to 80 pounds. A single key will handle all luggage locking functions, and activate the ignition. Dual mufflers with tapered end caps exit below the trunk. Brake/tail/turn lights are located on each fender, and the Tri Glide retains the Tour Pak lighting used on the Ultra Classic, including the LED side running lights. Matching front and rear black and machined split seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels provide the Tri Glide its integrated and true, factory-built look. The 16-inch front wheel is three inches wide and carries a MT90B16 motorcycle tire, while the 15-inch rear wheels are five inches wide and are fitted with P205/65R15 tires.
Forward of the rear wheels, the Tri Glide retains the style and features of the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, including the distinctive "bat wing" fairing, auxiliary driving lamps, and deep-skirted front fender. A low-profile chrome console tops a six-gallon fuel tank. The fairing holds complete instrumentation and the 80-watt Advanced Audio System with CB radio and passenger intercom system. Adjustable air deflectors on the fairing and vented fairing lowers allow the rider to control wind flow for comfort in warm or cool weather. Cruise control is standard equipment.
The Tri Glide Ultra Classic will be offered three colors: Vivid Black, Dark Blue Pearl, and Red Hot Sunglo.
FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic features:
* Three-wheel specific frame
* Rubber mounted Twin Cam 103 engine with ESPFI
* 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
* Black powder-coated engine with chrome treatment
* Brembo dual-disc front brake system
* Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with integrated park brake
* Six-gallon fuel tank
* Electronic Throttle Control
* 2-1-2 exhaust system
* Engine isolation system
* Isolated Drive System
* Triple Circuit Damping (TCD) front forks
* Air-adjustable rear suspension
* Bat-wing, fork-mounted fairing
* Full instrumentation
* 80-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon
* 40-watt CB radio and intercom system
* Cruise control
* Shorty antennas
* Clear-lens reflector-optics auxiliary lamps
* Fiberglass adjustable King Tour-Pak with passenger backrest
* Tour-Pak mounted tail/stop light
* Rear luggage trunk
* One-piece, two-up Electra Glide comfort-stitch touring saddle
* Vented lower fairings with integrated storage compartments
* Adjustable fairing wind deflectors
* Steering damper
* Optional electric reverse
* Optional Smart Security System
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Wally 5:46PM (7/23/2008)
Good lord, buy a car. That's not really even riding.
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letstakeawalk 6:18PM (7/23/2008)
Trikes are very popular with disabled riders, who might not be able to keep a regular cycle up at stops.
tankd0g 7:37PM (7/23/2008)
If it doesn't lean it's not riding, it's driving.
AngeloD 6:11PM (7/23/2008)
The $30K price is less than what you'd pay for a conversion.
A very good deal considering you're getting HD's excellent warranty support and build quality.
I see huge dealer markups on these.
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AngeloD 6:16PM (7/23/2008)
"Good lord, buy a car. That's not really even riding."
Yes it is riding.
Also, consider that a trike allows a lot of people: those with disabilities or just older folks, to continue to ride.
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miklm 6:42PM (7/23/2008)
One word: SIDECAR.
Sidecars are INFINITELY cooler than trikes, and I have a friend from way back in middle school who is disabled, and he has a Harley with a sidecar. He carries his crutches in the sidecar. He is a bonified bad-ass, plays a mean bass guitar in Nashville, and you don't see him on a trike.
Matt 6:17PM (7/23/2008)
what wally said.
and the rear wheel is off center from the wheel well, or is it just me.
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miklm 6:37PM (7/23/2008)
Agreed, Wally. What a bunch of posers. For $30k just go buy you a used Corvette convertible, you'll look like less of a wanker riding around that being on a motorcycle with training wheels. What a big girl's bike. All it needs is a banana seat and a basket on the front and a cute little tingly bell to ring.
What really pisses me off is that they'll sell as many of these as they can make to recently retired 60-year old RUB wanna-bes. And they'll also sell another $10k in black T-shirts, bandanas, and "Christian Motorcyclist Association" leather vests.
Ugh.
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tankd0g 7:43PM (7/23/2008)
Would it have killed them to bring back chains for this one model?
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Schwag of Tulsa 7:47PM (7/23/2008)
Harley finally building a trike?
Google 'Harley Servicar'. Harley built trikes for forty years.
If you don't like trikes, don't buy one. Harley will sell plenty who do. They're just following the market, which is why you can still buy a new Harley today.
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Emeka Diribe 9:12PM (7/23/2008)
$30000! I could buy a good BMW for $8000!!!
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Shiftright 1:05AM (7/24/2008)
Fugly, retarded looking thing. Looks like something made by an RV conversion van manufacturer in 1974. I don't know who would be caught dead on this thing unless you're selling ice cream out the back. If I was a disabled rider, I know I'd be staying away, as it has all the grace and style of the electric Rascal at the local Wal-Mart.
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Jose Burrito 9:39AM (7/24/2008)
My ex-manager had a Honda Goldwing customized into a trike. He really enjoyed it at first but once the newness wore off, he said it was very scary to drive and would often get up on two wheels in the corners.
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buppman 3:37PM (8/10/2008)
Gosh, I was looking forward to getting older and getting a trike so Mom and I can tour the country and now I find out that I won't be cool.
Next thing, you'll say is that my Madras Bermudas and dark socks aren't cool.
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jim kaufman 7:33AM (8/16/2008)
i have benn riding a 2 up since i was i5 iam now 65 , 2 years ago iwe had a rear blow out at 85 mph , we did not go down but that ended my wifes 45 yr passenger career,
i put a voyger kit on my 2004 ultra and the wife and i just got back from alaska from mich, 11,101 miles in 37 days
then i found out about the new tri glide and bought one ,i rode the dirt ,ice raced in the studed class in lake st clair, and i find that the so called hard true bikers only go bar to bar , and less than 100 miles per trip , and they are the ones who condem the trikes ?
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v2torpedo 3:15PM (8/16/2008)
thanks jim,
i usually ignore all the mama's boys that hide here on the interNAT but i just had to wreckanize the lameness thats up in here! rock on brother.
Eleanor 10:35AM (8/20/2008)
I ride my trike every day to and from work, often taking the very long way home. I ride every weekend. Last year, I rode my little Suzuki Volusia Lehman conversion through 17 western states, 12,150 miles in 3 months - solo. Along the way I found myself in the company of bikers from posers to 1%-ers. Not one made a negative comment. In fact, the "...you are definitely a real biker..." and "... nice/sweet ride..." comments were the norm. On most days I ride farther before breakfast than many so-called bikers roll in a month.
Trikes uncool? Bwahahahahaha - if you don't get it, then I can't explain it to you.
Thank you, to The Motor Company, for recognizing, and catering to, the growing market for trikes.
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tremmel 11:30AM (8/24/2008)
After the loss of my left leg in motorcycle accident, a lehman trike conversion made it possible for me to ride again.
Dont knock it if you havent tried it.
Ijust ordered my new trike from Racine Harley in Wis.
If you think 30k is too much try a chopper from OCC.
i Am also a lifetime member of HOG and proud of it.
So 30k isnt much when it comes to fullfilling a lifetime dream of riding again.
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rftremmel 7:18PM (8/24/2008)
After the loss of my left leg in a motorcycle in 1961 the Lehman trike kit gave me the opportunity to ride again.
So dont condemn it if you havent tried it.
I just ordered my new trike from Racine
Harley in Wis.
If you dont like the price try a chopper from O.C.C.
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gary 3:33PM (9/07/2008)
sorry on the loss of your leg, i dont understand some of these guys, i thought that there was a kind of understanding with bikers. I stop when i see one on the side of the road in case he needs some help, i have a trike now, and i am planning on getting the new harley tri glide. I carry alot of items like tire repaire in case someone has a flat, and i have a air compressor also, so come on guys stick together here.