HARLEY-DAVIDSON INTRODUCES TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC
Designed from the Frame Up for Reliable, Comfortable Three-Wheel Touring
MILWAUKEE (July 22, 2008) – 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