Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri GLide Ultra CLassic Rode Test
Maverick - Jan 6, 2010

Old school motorcyclists will be the first to say: “Who me? Never!” At a recent Harley-Davidson sponsored demo ride, four trikes were in demand – sun up to sun down.  What is the appeal?Why are potential consumers (including an ample portion of naysayers), fascinated with trikes? 

I asked myself; “Why would I want to ride a 2010 Tri Glide Ultra Classic?”

Here are two of the most profound answers to questions such as those above. Jay Z., a gentleman in his fifties says he gave up his motorcycle 8 years ago and has not ridden a motorcycle since, due to a hip injury and subsequent hip replacement. He views the Tri-Glide as an opportunity to enjoy motorcycling as he once did. In the company of his brother and sister-in-law, Jay awaits delivery of his new Tri Glide and the “new” beginning of motorcycling adventures with his family and friends.

Another experienced rider, aged 79, proudly pronounced his affinity for a two-wheeler, as he dismounted from his test ride on an H-D Tri Glide, but offered; “if you really like riding and are health impaired, the trike is a feasible option.” The implied message was; the trike was not for him. Clearly, this fellow was easing into the idea of owning a trike: mentally and physically.

There is a theme here. Motorcyclists are looking into the future and realizing their two-wheel riding days are numbered, and a three-wheeler could realistically extend the adventure, in some cases, for decades. 

Sure, there are those who have decided that a trike is not a motorcycle. Not one to be drawn into such a debate, I will leave you with this common definition of a motorcycle: a motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of rider/s and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor.

The H-D Tri Glide Ultra Classic is in its second year of production, and it is the culmination of collaboration in design, engineering, and manufacturing between two great industry Companies: Harley-Davidson and Lehman Trikes. Design, development, and testing actually began years ago, and when H-D was satisfied they had the right combination of function and form, they turned things over to Lehman to manufacture and assemble into a product that will perform for years to come, while putting smiles on the faces of aging riders. 

First Impression

Cycle Matters was first exposed, up close and personal, to a 2009 Tri-Glide during the Harley-Davidson 105^th ride home. Traversing the mountainous and rain-soaked I-90 in western and central Washington, we took notice! Riding two up in a group of up to 18 two-wheelers was a Tri-Glide. 

Leading the way was JT Hasley, Western Regional Director of Harley Owners Group, and if you’ve ever ridden with him – or not – there is no time for smelling the roses. But, the ride-hard play-hard mentality was no problem for the Tri Glide Ultra Classic. Through the twisties in the mountains and on the straight-aways of the plains, the Tri-Glide kept pace. 

At stops along the way, crowds soon gathered and there was much discussion about the look and feel of the Tri Glide. Typically, the discussion evolved to how the trike looked, operation including handling, mechanics, and technical elements. Reverse, a $1,195 option, was a big hit as bikers hopped on and maneuvered into constricted parking situations more easily than they were accustomed to experiencing on a big motorcycle.

Fast forward to a recent Rode Test of the 2010 model.  

                              

The Tri Glide is a tight little package designed from the ground up for comfort, handling and performance. All parts are well-designed and manufactured with great care, resulting in the appearance that all parts have a function, and each part is formed to optimally carry out that function. Examples are the emergency hand brake (just inside the right rear tire and under the passenger footboard) and reverse switch (located among the left hand controls). Both are within easy reach of the operator, however, neither takes up much visual space.

The bike looks, feels and drives with a low center of gravity.   With a ground clearance of 4.7 inches and laden seat height of 27.5 inches, the lower centered ride experience is more than imagination.   

From the moment you step onto the Tri Glide, visions of new adventures creep into your consciousness, especially for those faced with giving up their two-wheelers.

The 2010 Tri Glide Ultra Classic comes in 3 solid colors: Vivid Black is standard for $29,999. For an additional $800, Flame Blue Pearl or Red Hot Sunglo may be had. One Two-Tone color option, Flame Blue Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl, can be purchased for $31,299.

Highlight, Features, Specifications of the 2010 Tri Glide Ultra Classic

First introduced in the 2009 model year, Harley-Davidson brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the Tri Glide. The Tri Glide utilizes a frame and associated chassis structure and geometry engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. The rear-axle assembly utilizes an aluminum center section with steel axle tubes. Dual front disc brakes are complemented by a Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated parking brake.

• Helical cut 5th gear for improved transmission sound
• Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
• Chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers
• Split, 7-Spoke Black-and-Machined Cast Aluminum wheels
• Bat-wing, fork-mounted fairing with clear, Lexan® windshield
• Smoked Lexan® adjustable fairing-mounted air deflectors
• Vented removable lower fairings with integral storage compartment
• Chrome, low-profile fuel tank console
• Fairing-mounted electronic speedometer and tachometer plus fuel, voltage, oil pressure and ambient air temperature gauges
• 80-watt, four-speaker Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System with CD/MP3 player and CB/Intercom
• 40-watt CB radio and intercom system
• One-piece, two-up Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® comfort stitch seat
• Injection Molded hard Tour-Pak with soft luggage liners, storage pockets and wrap-around rear tail/brake lights; 2.26 cu.ft. volume and 30-pound capacity
• Passenger backrest and arm rests
• Electronic cruise control
• Auxiliary passing lights

• Rubber-mounted Twin Cam 103TM V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs. of torque
• Air-adjustable rear shocks
• Rear-axle assembly with lightweight aluminum center section and steel axle tubes
• Dual front disc brakes and dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated parking brake
• Trunk provides 4.3 cubic feet of storage space and 50-pound capacity
• Height-adjustable passenger footboards
• Optional electric reverse integrated with the rear differential assembly
• Optional H-D Smart Security System with next-generation hands-free security fob

• Length (in./mm): 105.80/2687.32
• Seat Height (laden) (in./mm): 27.50/698.50
• Wheelbase (in./mm): 66.60/1691.64
• Tires: Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series, bias blackwall front (D402F MT90B16 72H) and radial blackwall rear (Signature P205/65R15
• Weight: 1,139.6 lbs.

• Front: Black, 7-spoke Cast Aluminum 16 in. x 3 in. (406.40 mm x 76.20 mm)
• Rear: Black, 7-spoke Cast Aluminum 15 in. x 5.5 in. (381.0 mm x 139.70 mm)

Fuel Capacity (U.S. gals/liters): 6.0/22.71

Weight as Shipped (lbs./kg): 1139,6,0/516.92

• Engine: Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103
• Displacement (in./cc): 103 cu/1690 cc
• Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Transmission: 6-Speed Cruise Drive
• Miles Per Gallon: 48.HWY/33.0 CITY

Harley-Davidson provides an extensive list of fit, function, and style accessories from which new owners can choose to customize the Tri Glide.

Settled into a cockpit designed for comfort and safety, we rode the Tri Glide on hills, valleys, twisties, and in an environment that included crowded city streets and rural highways. 

The Tri Glide not only performed on a par with the H-D cruisers and tourers, it was more comfortable, notably stable, and there was no worry about balance on the highway or off while starting or stopping.

Some skeptics have questioned the Tri Glide’s handling and stability in corners. H-D’s engineers created a new triple clamp to change steering geometry, lengthened and raked (26 degrees), the front forks to reduce turning effort and improve handling, and added a steering stabilizer beneath the triple tree to help control coast-down wobble.

We noticed when making a ninety-degree turn at low speeds, the drive wheels tended to push toward the outer circumference of the turn radius. While initially a bit disconcerting and something the operator must learn and compensate for at slow speed, such a dynamic was not evident at higher speeds. In other words, at speeds of 10 mph and above, the rear wheel push was not evident. Turning and tracking was firm, and there was not a sense of need to lean into the curve. Learning there is no need to lean is a good thing because the Tri Glide does not lean.

The 103 cubic inch engine provided ample power. Again, the question is how much power is enough? My passenger and I had a great time moving with traffic and, on occasion passing other motorcycles (two-wheelers), much to the surprise of their operators. 

Cruising on the Tri Glide was comfortable and a fun experience. 

Everything about the Tri-glide is comfortable. Cushy seat, for operator and passenger, floor boards, reach to the controls, backrests, ample room for cargo, and all this before rolling on the throttle.

Now lets ride! The ride is smooth, turns are swift, acceleration is brisk, and it stops on a dime. You still get cold if its cold and wet if it’s raining. Otherwise, you are good to go and go and go!.  

We tried to find reasons to convince ourselves, and perhaps our readers, to conclude the Tri Glide Ultra Classic is not a good motorcycling option. We could not find those reasons. It looks nice just like most other motorcycles. Of course it’s easy on the eyes…a Harley-Davidson in Tri Glide clothing!

The Tri-Glide is an agile motorcycle. It starts and moves into traffic easily, and demonstrates its torque and maneuverability on hills, curves, and straight-aways.  

Perhaps it goes without saying, but I will say it anyway. At 1139.6 lbs, this is a big bike. There is no worry or concern about balancing the Tri Glide, and with the reverse option, the Tri Glide maneuvers into parking much easier than many two wheel bikes.

It has ample storage space (6.5 cubic feet or 80 lbs). The Tri Glide maneuvers in and out of traffic easily. And, you can maintain highway speeds for hours or enjoy a trip to a local restaurant or your favorite social scene. 

The stability, handling, and performance of the Tri Glide at roadway speeds in wet and dry conditions is remarkable.