The 2009
Tri-Glide gives riders who might be intimidated by a big bike a chance to confidently grab the handlebars and go.
"There is likely no profile on the American road more distinctive than that of a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle, and we were able to retain the character of each model (in '09) while significantly improving the riding experience in many ways," said H-D's VP of Operations, Bill Davidson.
This doesn't mean that The Motor Company didn't take the Ultra Classic Touring platform to new three-wheeled heights. I've seen plenty of kits on Harley Tourers at custom shows in the past, but the 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic is straight from the factory. With a few helpful hints from the crew at Lehman in South Dakota, the new production trike has all the features of an Ultra Classic - same front fairing, same king-sized front fender and instrumentation. A new triple clamp did allow for revised steering geometry with an increase in rake angle and a reduction in trail. The front end also has a steering stabilizer beneath the triple tree to help control coast-down wobble.
The Tri Glide's 103ci engine is a little over 100cc larger than the Ultra Classic's Twin Cam 96. It uses a heavy-duty clutch with a differential rear end. It has a set of 15-inch Dunlops and dual disc brakes out back to go along with a 16-inch wheel up front.
The molded composite trunk integrates cleanly into the fenders and provides 4.5 cubic-feet of storage space. Teamed with the Tour Pak topcase, the Tri Glide's storage capacity jumps to 6.56 cubic-feet. The rear fenders, topcase and trunk appear to be one piece, but the whole rear end comes off with only six bolts and the fenders are removable.
The 2009 Harley-Davidson
Tri Glide Ultra Classic is powered by a 103 V-Twin engine with ESPFI.
The ergos on the Tri Glide make you feel spoiled. Big floorboards, laid back reach to the bars, big comfy seat. The controls have the same lever effort as the Ultra's. Electric reverse is an option that can be added to the hand controls and is worth the $1195, especially if you're already plunking down $29,999 for the three-wheeled Ultra Classic. Jim Hofmann, H-D's Director of Core Motorcycle Product Planning, says its creation is a direct result of customer's requests, and can "extend the riding life of customers and bring in new riders who might be intimidated by the thought of riding a big bike (of the two-wheeled variety, that is)."
Coming straight off a motorcycle, it takes a while to become confident in a trike's front end. A little three-wheeler 101. Don't put your foot down when turning. Ride it like an ATV. The first time you bank it hard in a turn and it drifts on you, you're going to want to dab your foot out of habit. Don't do it. You'll roll right over your ankle. Not that I speak from experience, or anything like that. But this tidbit of wisdom could save you a trip to the hospital.
