Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic

Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic

Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic
Manufacturer Harley-Davidson
Predecessor Harley-Davidson Servi-Car
Class Three-wheeler
Engine air-cooled OHV V-twin engine
Transmission 6 speed manual, optional electric reverse
Tires Front: MT90B16 72H
Rear: 2 x P205/65R15
Rake, trail 32°, 3.94 in (100.1 mm)
Wheelbase 66.6 in (1,692 mm)
Dimensions L: 105.8 in (2,687 mm)
W: 55 in (1,397 mm)
Seat height 27.5 in (698 mm)
Fuel capacity 6.0 US gal (23 L)
Related Harley-Davidson FL, Harley-Davidson Freewheeler

The Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic is a three-wheeled motorcycle manufactured by Harley-Davidson and introduced in the 2009 model year. Its model designation is FLHTCUTG.

History

The Tri Glide Ultra Classic is the first three-wheeled motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson since the Harley-Davidson Servi-Car, which was manufactured from 1932 to 1973.[1]

The Tri Glide is based on the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic, a conventional two-wheeled touring motorcycle.[1] Harley-Davidson entered into an agreement in 2008 with Lehman Trikes of Spearfish, South Dakota to provide parts and "conversion services",[2] and final assembly of the Tri Glides was initially completed at Lehman's facility. Company owner John Lehman died in January, 2012, and the Tri Glides are now assembled at the Harley-Davidson plant in York, Pennsylvania.[3] Shortly after the product introduction, a Tri Glide led the way in the parade at the Inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009.[4]

Harley-Davidson briefly offered a second trike model called the Street Glide Trike with fewer standard features, starting in the 2010 model year.[5] The Street Glide Trike is no longer manufactured.

Harley related a new trike model in 2014, the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler.

Target market

Because of its inherent stability, the Tri Glide, like other three-wheeled motorcycles, is marketed to motorcycle riders who are experiencing health problems due to aging[1] or injuries,[6] and to female riders.[3] Three-wheeled motorcycles comprise a "significant niche" in the current motorcycle market.[1]

Features

The Tri Glide is powered by a 103 cu in (1,690 cc) overhead valve V-twin engine that produces a claimed 101 ft lbs of torque and 70 rear wheel horsepower, and is equipped with a six speed transmission.[1] The engine has electronic fuel injection.[7] Electric powered reverse was available as an option when the Tri Glide was introduced,[7] but later became a standard feature. Electronic cruise control is standard.[5]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Salvadori, Clement (December 12, 2009). "2009 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic Road Test". American Rider (Ventura, California). Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  2. "Timeline: History". LEHMAN TRIKES: Leader of the Three World. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Barrett, Rick (July 7, 2012). "After years on 2 wheels, some riders shift to trikes". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee). Retrieved July 8, 2012.
  4. Huse, Brian (March 5, 2009). "Harley-Davidson Rides Robots for Growing Demand on New Tri Glide". Robotics Online. Robotic Industries Association. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Gantriis, Peter; Doug Mitchel; Dain Gingerelli; Greg Field (2011). Harley-Davidson Buyer's Guide: 1984-2011. MBI Publishing Company. p. 166. ISBN 9780760338599.
  6. Maverick (January 6, 2010). "Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic Rode Test". Cycle Matters. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  7. 7.0 7.1 "Harley-Davidson Tri Glide". Motorcycle USA. 2009. Retrieved July 4, 2012.

External links