The Kneeslider

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2009 Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic

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2009 Harley Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic

Harley Davidson is introducing a trike from the factory, the new Tri Glide Ultra Classic. Since so many companies already modify the HD touring bikes to 3 wheel configuration, HD asked, why not make them in house? The advantage of doing this is a trike with a chassis specifically designed as a 3 wheeler from the start instead of modifying a 2 wheeler for the different loads associated with tricycle operation.

From Harley Davidson:

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

Comments

  1. Looks like Harley is going after the Boomer market. Lotta trikes out there for the older riders. With a $30K price tag it’s for the more well healed customer.

    Harley is showing strength in the recent economic downturn.

  2. $30k is reasonable if compaired to a stock ultra classic plus cost of conversion. awsome. already visualizing custom trikes to come out of one of these.

  4. Mixed feelings about this 3-wheel ride … on one hand it’s great to think when you’re old and not so strong, or disabled, you still can enjoy riding a harley, but on the other hands it’s like leveraging the market by the bottom … giving a chance to ride to “non-motard” people, who either can not or do not want to commit to the motorcycling experience.
    Whatever, let’s not be too serious

  5. I checked the HD website to see the other color options and couldn’t find any trikes. I got hold of HD customer service and was informed by the rep that if it isn’t on the HD site then the model isn’t available from HD. I said I’d seen on thekneeslider site and the rep just repeated herself. What gives? When is it going to be available and how come Harley isn’t promoting it? How did thekneeslider get first look? I know HD struck an agreement with Lehman to develop an OEM trike awhile back, so what’s with the lack of product on the HD website? Just curious…

  6. wendawg, this model was just announced today along with the rest of their 2009 lineup. It should all show up on the main HD website soon.

  7. This is a great value,as a trike owner I’ve been waiting for this.Harley has put together a pkg that has all the bells you need in a trike.I ordered mine in black as soon as I heard they were out!

  9. I would consider this trike for myself cuz I can not hold up the other bikes to heavy
    have to look into this when it is availiable first time I would buy a bike for myself
    I am a baby boomer and would like to try a harley
    but was afraid of the 2 wheelers maybe not so much fear with the 3 wheeler
    thanx jan

  10. Great to see the factory goes after nichemarkets, but why not make it available to the rest of the world? we have several Lehman-trikes built and got them approved for the European Roads. But Harley decides that those products should only be available for the US markets…. Too bad!
    It looks good, it feels good and it rides fantastic! Chapeau for HD! But show us now your are a real global marketeer!

  11. The new HD trike is a good marketing idea. Harley Davidson wants to keep their long time customers because they’re not being replace, sufficiently, by younger ones. As we get older (I’m 59) we worry a bit about handling the wieght of a touring bike. I have found another solution that will keep me on two wheels for a long time. It’s a jack that stores in the saddlebag & will lift the bike if I ever drop it. You can get it at http://www.SaveYourBackJack.com. Three wheels is just not the same ride as two. Maybe, when I’m 80, I’ll think about a trike!

  13. Nicholas, I have riden over 100,000 two-wheel miles on Harleys, the last 48,000 on my 1998 Aniversary Ultra which I had converted to a Lehman trike 4 years ago. If I had not done so, I probably would not be riding now (I have over 64,000 miles on the trike now). I would seriously consider buying one of these new trikes.

  16. My wife and I have been waiting paitently for the H-D factory to come out with a factory trike. I am handicapped from a very bad motorcycle accident (totaled ’95 Electic Glide Standard) and had a new ’98 Ultra Classic converted to a Lehman trike, which I have been ridding since. We’ve aleady passed 80,000 miles and will be getting a new ‘Tri Glide’ when available. Not everyone is an “old geezer” when it comes to riding a trike. I am 52 yrs old and unable to hold up a 500lb. motorcycle let alone an ultra.

    For us handicapped riders, H-D is actually helping us out.

  17. Wonder if this tri-glide will have the same over heating problem as the 2008 96cu. in. Why Lehman for goodness sakes? Trunk space is too small. Priced at $29,999 plus $1,195 for reverse. If you want it to sound like a Harley you will need pipes and a new air cleaner system and a power commander. So figure another $2,000. Think hard before buying.

  18. California side car or Champion makes a much better trike kit. You can buy a 2008 GL1800 Honda on Ebay for much less. Better bike, less trouble, better ride and you don’t have to buy all that extra chrome to keep up with the Jones’.

  19. I own a 2006 Ultra Classic with Lehman conversion as well as a 2006 FXSTSI; love them both. The price tag of the Tri-Glide is reasonable considering the conversion expense. Bad thing is the Tri-Glide has reduced the selling value of mine by $10,000; not that I have plans of selling anytime soon. Reference Lehman vs. Champion they are two totally different rides. The Champion will lean where the Lehman will not. The problem here is the Champion leans the wrong way; not much but enough to make it less stable than the Lehman (in my opinion). Before anyone gets weird on me I am not saying the Champion is unstable; it is a fine machine. Lehman vs. Champion gives a person a choice; like BMW vs. Mercedes or Ford vs. Chevy. Obviously Harley agrees with my assessment of Lehman vs. Champion (maybe I should ask for a job). I am curious to see how they have incorporated reverse with the rear end. I am anxiously awaiting a close look at one. I for sure like the redesign of all touring models with regard to re-routing the exhaust. Harley has had its ups and downs over the years (the pit being AMF); I can always rely on Harley to improve things each year. Another job well done.

  20. I also own a Harley, 2002 Deuce. Quite possibly the last one I’ll ever own. Harley does not hold it’s value like the old days (starting riding in the 60’s). Harley is probably going to water cooled engines, only way to keep down their heating problems. Harley, just like BMW, Lexus, Volvo etc. are status symbols. When you’re my age you stop caring about status and go more for comfort and reliability. Just my opinion.

  21. The heat problem can be an issue. My 2006 Ultra (with Lehman conversion) has a heat issue but mainly because the engine has been punched out to 113 cu in. Engine oil runs at about 285 degrees. I just purchased an oil cooler and plan on installing it this evening with the hope it will bring oil temp back down to an acceptable level. I agree with the HD Status symbol and I think it is a good thing. To me it represents everything American; freedom, personal choice, freedom, going your own way, freedom, road trips, freedom, and side road Mom and Pop establishments that make the best breakfast. Oh yea… did I mention freedom? Many think Trikes are for the older crowd but I disagree. It is good for the older rider who suffers from the unstoppable age syndrome and of course it is perfect for those with handicaps but refuse to give up riding. The sensation of riding a two wheel vs. a three wheel is different for sure but the three wheel sensation is just as good. I have a three wheel and a two wheel and I love them both. My wife feels safer on three wheels which may be an illusion but if that is what it takes to make her feel safe I have no issues with it. I’ve heard the jokes; geezer-glide, “…does it come with a box of Depends…”, training wheels, etc. Joke all you like; I have yet to meet a rider who does not want to take my Trike for a spin.

  22. I am 38 yoa, I had a 2007 Road Glide, was hit in April resulting in the loss of my left leg. It was rumored that HD was going to produce a trike at some point with Lehman, I am glad the rumors were true. Having said that, I am buying a new HD 2009 TriGlide. I contacted my HD dealer and they are obtaining only two for this model year. My name is on one of them. Red SunGlow.

    I only have four words to say…Sturgis, here I come!

  23. Dear HOGYLD I am so sorry about your accident and pleased with your enthusiasm. Hope you have fun with your trike for MANY years. Steve, I agree with you so much on American. I am as red, white and blue as they come. I love Harley’s, if I didn’t I wouldn’t own one now. I’m just saying I think they are over rated. I was at Myrtle Beach bike week one year and bought a hat that I liked, got home with it and looked inside and it said made in Vietnam. If I had checked it before, I would have never bought it. I doubt there is one house in America that you can go in and not find something made in a foreign country, especially after NAFTA passed. I, like you, am for FREEDOM too. I have supported our troops since the Vietnam era. I hope you and your wife enjoy riding for many years to come.

  24. I can remember thirty years ago,when trikes were badass.I would read mags that had full spreads about trikes.The trikes looked really great too.It was all about customizing in those days.And everyone would look as a trike rode by.So don’t get all big in the head,because you ride a motorcycle.I ride a motorcycle, and a trike.And yes,I enjoy riding my motorcycle more.But,my FLHTC trike is a true road warrior.So,if you get a chance to test ride a trike.I suggest you do so.

  25. I love to ride but am a whopping 5′ tall and 125 lbs and can’t hold up the big bikes I always wanted to ride. My husband has plans build me a trike but now that HD came out with this one I’ll have to give it a try.

    Thanks HD!

    MzM

  26. I have a 1979 Harley Davidson Lowrider. I loved riding it until my industrial accident on April 12, 2007, where I had to have my right arm removed to save my life after a 12,000 pound steel coil fell on my right shoulder. I have been looking for options to ride my Harley again but with my whole right arm removed my options are limited. So I began to look into trikes which I am very happy to see this trike. I wanted a trike with the Harley feel and loudness for safety on the road. I definately will buy one when they come out on the market!!!

  27. I myself just got into riding a few years ago at the “tender” age of 54. Shortly thereafter i got Meniere’s disease, which for those of you not medically educated, it is a disease of the inner ear which affects hearing and BALANCE. My wife can’t ride with me anymore and i am having more and more trouble balancing my bike. (It’s terrible at night, i am all over the road, so i don’t ride at night. However, Harley’s intro of the Tri-Glide is the answer for my problem. I won’t have to worry about balance and my wife can once again ride with me. For all of you out there who are critcal of three wheels, all i can say is, be careful, you might find yourself handicapped, or older, if you’re lucky, and be on the other side of the ridicule!!

  28. To all of those who ride. I’ve been riding used police bikes since my uncle got me my first fixer upper in the summer of 75′. {In New York City} Never so much as had a flat, But in July of 2006 while on vacation with my 1994 FLHTP @ 3:30pm on a super sunny day. I came in contact with alittle bit of road gravel that changed my life for ever. My bike made it with crushed saddle bag and a bent handle bar. I on the other hand, found the only road sign there, and got a broken back out of the deal. So a trike for me is the only way to keep the dream alive… RIDE ON!

  29. I just brought home my 2009 HD TriGlide and it is a lovely and high powered machine. I have an inner ear issue that rules out two wheeled riding. I rode a 1998 converted Sporty for 3 years and this is my big step up. Oh my, the miles I am going to ride. The Tri Glide is so much more than the advertising made it seem.

  30. Yep not everyone who wants a trike is an old geezer. My husband is only 50 and i’m only 45. We currently have a motorcycle which we plan to keep. But since I need a more comfortable ride with my back problems and the surgery i’m recooping from the trike will have the comfort I need to be able to ride with my husband. We went an saw the sunglow red trike at the harley place in san jose the other day….wooo hooo can’t wait to get one! and ps I walk with a cane..up from a walker hahah and i’m a gramma but again we’re not all old those who want the trikes.

  31. I have my 2009 trike and it does what I needed but it is a lot different than two wheels. $30K, I hope you get yours for that. My dealer didn’t come close to 30K. I’m sure it’s my fault but never expected to get screwed that bad from a fellow Harley rider. I suggest you all be very careful because as nice as the trike is it’s not worth $50K.

  32. Mike,

    You knew how much you were going to pay before you wrote the check. If you paid 50K for a Tri Glide you have nobody to blame but yourself. Before i ordered mine, i had gone to three dealerships. Not one of them tried to go above the list price and i told one dealer that i would pay list, but nothing above that. Yes, I got mine for 30K. You just have to look around. Sounds like you need nicer friends.

  33. I bought the 2009 HD Trike (red). I absolutely LOVE it. I was unable to ride a two wheeled motorcycle because of disabilities. The last time I have ridden was over 13 years ago so needless to say I am having the time of my life. I received my Trike in September, 2008. If you have a disability, you need to get a disabled license plate. I have one. I know I will be having fun this year!!! Hope everyone else will.

  34. Sharon,
    Glad to hear you are riding again. I am always glad to hear people’s reviews or opinions of the Tri Glide as it is difficult to find actual riding reviews! I also have a disability (see sixth comment above yours), and will hopefully be getting mine this month (also red). Would like to hear more about the ride, the handling, the power, etc; if you would be so kind. Thanks.

  35. Doug S.
    Sorry about your disability. I used to work with a girl that had Menieres so I am aware of the disability. You will love your Tri Glide. Hope you have yours by now. The red is a beautiful color. Since it had been years since I had driven, plus never having been on a trike, all I kept telling myself was that I was driving my Tracker. It took me a bit to get used to driving since you don’t have to worry about the curves or the stopping. It drives so easy once you get used to it. I love the 6th gear. I did not use the cruise right away but when my hand got tired I decided to give it a try and now I use the cruise as much as I can. The handling is beautiful and the power is wonderful. Just love being on the Interstate, having it on cruise, and passing the slower people. Plus, once they figure it is a female driving I really get a lot of looks and sometimes a thumbs up. Just remember–you are not driving two wheels, you have three and you have to have more room to get thru places and not hit anything. Like the gas pumps, etc. Does your wife have her license? Sharon

  36. Sharon,
    Thanks for replying. Yes, my wife has her license. Right now we are both riding Yamaha’s. Actually, hers is a maxi scooter which she loves! She’s had surgeries, and the step through for her and not having to shift is good for her. Besides, with a 400cc motor and fuel injection, that scoot moves like crazy. I enjoy riding it to. Anyway i am looking forward to getting my trike for obvious reasons, but i miss riding with my wife, which this will allow. Also, if i get tired or dizzy, i can switch places and let her drive. They (HD) got the paperwork a week ago so it should be in soon. One thing that is holding it up is that the drivers get paid by the weight. they can transport 3 bikes in the space used for the tri glide, which is why they don’t like to take them. Anyway, with all the snow here i couldn’t ride it now anyway. My wife would love to see them come out with a sportster trike. She’d buy that in a heartbeat! Who knows? Doug

  37. Sharon

    BTW, if you are interested in Tri Glide shirts, sweatshirts, hats mousepads, coffeemugs, etc; go to ” Just 4 Bikers” and look under the Harley bikes. Nice stuff though it’s always a little pricy. Good way to advertise your Tri Glide.

    Doug

  38. Doug–I am so glad your wife also has her license and it will be wonderful for the two of you to take turns driving. I will not let anyone drive mine unless they have a license but am anxiously awaitiing for a friend that rides with me get his permit soon so I can sit on the back and take pics and just relax. I was thinking about buying a scooter but just could not force myself to do that. I wanted something big and with lots of get up and go. I am hoping to put a lot of miles on the trike this year. Thanks for the infor for “Just 4 Bikers”. I will look into that. Please let me know when you get your trike and what you think of it and how you love driving it. What state do you live in? I am in Illinois. Once my dealer got the paperwork I think it was a couple of weeks before it actually got to the dealership.

    Sharon

  39. Sharon,
    They just called me today and told me it was in. I went up there to look at it. The color is BEAUTIFUL! My wife and i will be finishing the paperwork this weekend and then deciding when to have it brought home. I am having a bumper and tour pak rack installed and then making up my list of things to add on. BTW, i live in Ohio, so looks like we are both having crappy weather. If you want to give me your email address, we can talk about our bikes easier. If not, i understand. It’s just this site is tough to go back and forth on. Anyway, i hope you find some things you like on “Just 4 Bikers”. I had a chance to briefly drive it today and it felt okay. Not nearly enough time to become familiar with it. Looks great in the sunlight! Take care, write back soon.

    Doug

  40. Sharon
    Apparently, the reply i sent to you didn’t go through. They called me today and told me it was in. Went to see it and it was BEAUTIFUL! Got a short ride. Nothing to really get familiar with. I live in Ohio, so we are both dealing with crappy weather. Had a rear bumper and tour pak rack put on. Will be making up a list of things to get and put on myself. BTW, if you want to give me your email, we can write back andd forth about our bikes. Easier than using this site. If not, i understand. Take care and write soon.

    Doug

  41. Doug–I am sorry I do not get on the computer all the time. I am SO GLAD you got to see the trike. Of course, the short ride was not long enough, at least it was not with me the first time. I understand the weather you are having. It is probably like ours. Trikers/bikers need to live in nice climates. I had these things added on mine: luggage rake that goes on the tour pack, chrome bumper, and mud flaps. I also have the leather windshield accessory pockets. I am trying to figure out how to have the driver’s back rest put on it. As far as I know right now the only thing left for me is the back rest. Sure–I will give you my email address–just remember I am not always on it. conklinsharon@hotmail.com

    Later–Sharon

  42. Just bought one for my wife. Now I need an engine upgrade to keep up with her. Awsome touring bike.

  43. Charlie—love it!!!! Good for your wife–I am sure the two of you will enjoy riding. Sharon

  44. I’m the new owner of the costly Harley Tri Glide Ultra Classic and after riding Harley’s for years fill very disappointed.The handling is great for a trike and the design is trerrific but the performance ruins it all.On the interstate in sixth gear it will not rev over 3000 RPM which gives a top speed of a little over 80 MPH. Many would say that’s plenty fast but on grades it falls off of that and passing needs miles of open road to accomplish. The dealer Adamec of Jacksonville claims it’s properly tuned and that’s just the way they are. I traded in a 2003 Road King with the 88 twin cam and pulling a side car it would greatly out perform the Tri Glide with it’s 103 ci Motor. I wish I had been given the chance of riding one prior to the ink drying so I’d still be on my Road King which had some performance in it. Unless there’s a cure for this lack luster performance spend your money else where because they are very expensive to just show and not ride.

  45. I too took delivery of a triglide two weeks ago. I traded in my 07 Ultra for this , my first trike. There are alot of nice aspects to this bike but power is not one of them. I put on a set of Vance Hines this weekend and am getting a stage one breather kit this week for it in hopes of opening it up and letting it breathe. So far, 800 miles, the mileage is poor also, low thirties. I had several accesories installed at delivery and am adding more daily but if the power and mileage doesn’t come around I am not going to be a happy camper. Comfort and handling are good but no better than my 07 and performance a downgrade. Let me know if anyone here has experienced these things and what they have done to help. Thanks

  46. i am a pround owner of a 2009 harley trike , it rides like a dream . i bought mine in stafford texas from republic harley . they are a very professional place to deal with . . i have always wanted a trike and when harley came out with one ,it was a answer to all my dreams . thanks for answering my prayers . all the factory paint colors are nice , but i chose the sunglo red . myself i believe it is the best looking .. this is my first trike , i had traded in a 2005 hd electra glide ultra classic and bought this one . i have no regrets but one . i should not have had to pay extra for reverse to be put one my 2009 trike . it should come on all them . have a safe ride

  47. Currently we have over 13,000 miles on our ’09 TriGlide… Red-hot Sunglow from our dealer in Victoria, Texas… I’m the passenger but we ride alot – currently in Maine… Have read what you all have said and much has been discussed on another forum: http://hdforums.com
    Just love our TriGlide same as we did our ’98 Sporty (1200) – still have, and our ’07 Heritage Softail…
    Dutch, don’t agree with you on the performance although we had an issue with it when we first started riding then found out what we were doing wrong… Hope it’s gotten better for you… Have to say the reverse is awesome…

  48. Do they make passenger armrests for the Tri Glide? I traded an 07 Ultra and the after market product will not transfer.

  49. Peggy…There is no secret when a cycle reaches 3000RPM in six gear and will go no further it’s not factory tuned as it should be.If you’re refering to down shifting into fifth that’s not cool at interstate speeds when the trike starts falling off on very minor gardes (1 to 2 %). I passed on a trip with others into the mountains of Tennessee because I knew on steep grades I’d be in the truckers lane with the engine screaming in fourth gear. I have added Python mufflers which allowed a little more top end and have ordered a Vance&Hines FuelPak and Drak breather which should help but why should I have to spend an additional $1000 to get a very expensive cycle running properly when the factory or dealer should have done it before it went on the showroom floor. Maybe you were lucky and got one tuned properly I hope so but mine is a big bored dog. Plus my gas mileage is barely over 20MPG.

  50. in reference to the tri glide not having power we too traded from 07 ultra to a tri glide 09
    if you take your reverse motor completely off the bike than try it. the reverse was staying engaged when running we had a real bad pinging and lousy horse power and even worse up hills and bad fuel mileage. very annoying paying for something that is suppose to work
    took reverse motor off and now very slight pinging, more horse power, and fuel miles increased.Harley Davidson in Farmington, NM found the problem when one burned up that was having the symptoms.

  51. I have recently bought a 09 tri glide, and i love it. I haven’t had any power problems. My wife and i have done alot of long trips and the only problem we have had is water leaking into the lower luggage compartment. The fuel mileage is not what the say it would be, but it never is. I hope it gives us years of satisfaction for it cost alot. Red hot sunglo was the best choice of color, reverse is a must. But i paid for a security system that don’t sound a alarm, horn or nothing. It just flashes the hazzards, going to have to upgrade that.

  52. I just bought a harlet triglide, and it is next to impossible to shift to neutral when bike is stopped. Does any orher owners of the trike have the same problmn, and is this a normal problmn with this bike?

  53. we just got our black tri glide this week and we love it. we love the performance, the comfort and the handling of this very powerful machine. my husband has been riding for years and traded in his springer. he is a little sad about the loss of that but otherwise we are having a blast. i think i might even learn to ride and let this become my bike so he can get back on 2 wheels. what does amaze me though is how some other bikers treat you. when you tell them you got a trike they look at you like you are stipid! we arent’ geezers either. i’m 50 and my husband is 57. i keep telling him we are just trendsetters. anyway, we are going to enjoy many trips on this bike.

  54. I have had mine since Sept. 08–Sunglow and still in love with it. About four weeks ago went on vacation–13 days and 3500 miles. It was SUPER!!! Because of the mountains and the way it was driven it averaged 31 MPG. I did have some problems going up the mountains but now realize what I needed to do. I have not had a motorcycle in years and never before a tri. Someone said they had trouble with leakage in the lower trunk . You should have received something in the mail–they have a problem and i have already had mine done–it was a new seal. A couple of times the clip in the lower trunk has fallen out. I just take it to the nearest Harley dealer and they put it back on. I have ordered another one in case I lose the original. I know how to fix it but just cannot get my fingers in there to put it back on. Plus I have had problems with the “emergency brake”. It tends to get lose and not hold so the trike moves. Again, they have shown me how to do this also. Shifting into Neutral–it took me forever to get the hang of this. Now I very seldom have a problem. I have had so many people say they wished they had one instead of the two wheels. I was in Vegas on my trip and even had women taking pics of me on it and doing the thumbs up sign. I LOVE it when women drive and loves the looks when men actually realize I am a woman driving it. I have a friend that goes places with me and why is it that other men think it belongs to the man and not me??? I have almost 12000 miles on it. Hoping everyone wonderful rides and be safe. Sharon

  55. MY THIRD TRIKE———After I had several two-wheel H.D.’s, I put a Lehman trike kit on a 2002 Ultra. The Drum brakes were terrible when wet and the trunk leaked. The motor had no power, so I put all three stages in the motor, but it made very little difference.
    Then I got a 2005 Honda 1800 with a Lehman trike kit. The trunk leaked and the hinges in the trunk fell out of the body and had to be fiberglassed back in. It had good reverse and a lot of power. But the disk break shoes didn’t last and they were very expensive. ($75.).
    I now am the owner of a new 2009 Tri Glide. The trunk gasket had to be replaced 3 times with 3 different types of trunk seals. Trying to find neutral is almost impossible. There is no power on the lower end. There is no adjustment on the rear brakes.The reverse breaker fuse is under the seat, which is a poor place to have it. The rear air shocks will not hold air for more than two days, and you have to remove the side cover to put air in the shocks. So I have concluded that these problems are a repeat of the problems Harley and Lehman have had in the past. Oh–by the way—I’ve been riding since 1952.

  56. I have a 2008 Ultra Classic with a Champion trike kit installed. Before this one I had a 1995 Ultra with Champion kit, I put 91,000 miles on. Went to Harley dealership for free demo ride on Tri Glide. You couldn’t give me one of them. Poor handling, Body style not attractive. What’s up with steering Damper? Don’t need it on Champion. No Power, my 2008 will pull front off ground in 2nd and 3rd. Run 75/80 on Interstate no problems. Run in mountains of north Georgia all the time with no problems. Just came back from Dragons Tail and two wheelers had hard time catching up. Average of 40 miles to gallon. I will stick with Champion. I am also 60 years old and ride a trike because of wreck on Two Wheeler several years ago.

  57. Bought a new Tri-Glide for my wife, and she loves it. Except for the tremendous heat that it puts on her right leg. Just put 2000 miles in 10 days and after the first day she rode it into the nearest Harley Dealer and told them she couldn’t ride it. They said the only thing they could do is a stage one setup. SERT/download/air cleaner/Screaming Eagle slip-ons helped some, but next 100 degree day wore her out. Also can’t dyno download. Leathers help some, but my FLHRSE doesn’t get anywhere near this hot. How about removing the lowers??? Haven’t tried that yet. The chrome on the air cleaner is starting to blue!

  58. Hey fellow TriGlide riders:

    Love my new TriGlide. However, gas mileage is terrible. Power at higher speeds seems lacking.

    Dealer tells mea 70 mph in 6th is lugging engine- should use 5th. They got 38mpg on 40 mile trip in 5th. That is not satisfying either concerning specs.

    Has anyone else had this problem with TriGlide? How did solve?

    Is this a tunning issue?

    Need help to help my Harley Dealer

    John “The Hammer”

    P.S. Traded my 100th anniversary ultra in on this. Begining to have 2nd thoughts

  59. There seems to be a lot of conflicting good and bad stories or comments on this site about the new Triglide! Sounds like maybe all dealerships should have some sort of demo ride for the buyer BEFORE spending a bunch of money or trading in bikes you’ve been happy with for years! Some of these stories are really making me wonder if I want to really trade in my 2 Harleys for one trike and possibly be regretting that VERY COSTLY decision after the first ride or two! If I want to keep riding as I age and my body “falls apart” at an alarming rate, a trike seems like the only logical way to go for me and the wife. After reading some of the stories on this site, I’m wondering if maybe I should wait a year or two until HD can hopefully get these “rumored” bugs?? ( leaky trunks, no power, too hot, etc.) worked out of their new trike line up before dropping the big bucks! Has anybody tried or had any problems with the new 2010 Streetglide trike?

    Robert…It might sound stupid or too simple for your right leg heat problem, but have you checked the right side adjustable lower vent below the glove box to see if it’s open or somehow closes while driving? I live and ride in 100+ heat also and extra hot legs would NOT be very desirable to say the least!!

  60. Bob, Yes i made sure the vents were open. And please don’t get me wrong. My wife loves her new trike. It is amazing how quickly she has overcome her uneasiness of previous motorcycles. I no longer have to look in the mirror and watch her disappear from site. She’s always right there. Even at 75 mph in the rain. I will also admit I have been known to steal it occasionally just because its fun to ride. I would by it again without hesitation. I’m going to do some heat comparisons against my 103 and see where it stands before I go back to the dealer.

  61. Well, I have mixed emotions about the Tri Glide now. I am station in Baghdad and was planing on buying one when I get home but I am not to sure now because all the mixed reveiws. Its alot of money to spend and find out your not happy. I was hoping to clear up all my worries by reading some of the blogs but it looks like it did not help at all. I can get a tri glide here for at AAFES new car sales for $29800.00, and that tax, tag, and reverse included. Have always wanted a trike but never got serious until HD made one. I have a 2007 Road Glide I bought in Afghanistan last year and would love to move up to a trike without getting ripped off.
    Stan

  62. My mind is made up now…I’m going to make my 03 Wide Glide into a trike and not get the Triglide. I got a backseat ride on a Mystery designs trike conversion with independent suspension, WOW! This trike was an 07 Ultra mod with the main difference being the rear end, otherwise it looked the same as the Triglide. We were taking posted 60 mph corners at up to 80 and I only slightly leaned into the corners from “habit”! I still haven’t had a chance to ride or drive Harley’s trike to compare rides. I’m not trying to bad mouth or put Harley’s trikes down, but having pretty much a straight axle rear end I don’t see how it can come close to the handling of an ISS setup. Anybody have experience driving the different axle/suspension setups with comments on their likes and dislikes?

  63. I’ve never ridden any trike except the Tri-Glide, so how an independent suspension would compare I cannot tell you. I can tell you this thing handles like a sports car. If you turn the bars, it will go. It does take some getting used to, but once you do, you can turn with the two wheelers. Also changes lanes with ease at any speed. I put three hundred miles on it today, all freeway, extremely stable even around 18 wheelers.

  64. I would like more information on what people are doing about he heat the left side is putting out on the trike’s. Has any one had the dealer do any thing about it. The truck on my 09 leaks I have had is back to the dealer 3 time, my revers also goes out about every 15th time I back up. I would like some suggestion. I would also like to know it the dealer are doing any thing. Better yet why isn’t Harley contacting us they know there is a problem.

  65. Still working on the heat. However there is now a recall notice for the trunk. It includes a new seal and also new parts for the push latch/lock. The lock has a tendency to stick in making it impossible to close. I found that a shot of wd40 fixes the lock just fine.

  66. As for the difficulty finding neutral, these Trikes have the Heavy Duty Clutch and SE Compensater. On new bikes, pre 1000 the clutch will wear in and the new Trans will wear in. An adjustment may be needed on your first 1000 mile service but it should clear itself up by then. Watch what you put in the Primary and you will keep a smooth action on that wet clutch.

    The heat is a product of the EPA Requirements and Harley’s stubborn resistance to going water cooled. You already have the little oil cooler hanging off the front or the frame. A small radiator won’t kill the looks of a big loaded up bagger. The EMC Contolled fuel injection system has to keep the fuel leaned out to pass EPA requirements. Big Twin Cams that run on the lean side run hot. Harley loves to sell you all the mods required to cool it down, so they have had no incintive to build a cooler running bike/trike.

    They do not even hang their premium oil cooler on it, the 6 row cooler should have been replaced with their 8 row premium oil cooler. The Jag 10 row will give you 40% more cooling and less restriction on the oil flow. The cooler will not help much when stopped at long lights on hot days or in slow traffic on hot days. The Lanale cooling fan is a snap to install and you plug it direct into your accessory switch. Keep it with no thermostat so you can flip it on before the engine gets to hot.

    Lose the Ambient Air Temperture gauge and replace it with a oil temperture gauge so you can tell what your oil temp is doing. As someone said go with synthetic oil on the first 1000 mile service, it won’t break down until over 300 degree’s.

    Do the above if you want to keep the Trike stock. The only real fix beyond this is slipons, AC upgrade and a Tune,”richen the fuel mix, AFR”. The Harley purest will also do the cam mod because the stock cam is more for EPA than your engine’s extended service life.

    2010’s lose the CAT but you did not hear me say that. I don’t pull mattress tags off either!

  67. FYI, it’s not all negative, trunk leak has a new gasket dealer fix for the 09’s, under warranty. You can’t take a Harley ultra-classic and get this conversion for this price. You also get the improved handling,”extended forks and a little extra front end rake”, a reinforced frame and swing arm, heavy duty clutch and SE Compensater and the Harley Two Year warranty with the option to buy several years of extended warranty.

    The early twin cams, 96 cu. in. have been known to get over 100,000 miles if you do your regular scheduled maintenance. No reason the 103 Cu. In. won’t do the same thing if you go synthetic and don’t fudge on your maintenance.

    Last thing to consider is your resale value, Harley just planned to make 2500 trike’s in 09. I don’t know if they hit their production numbers or not for 09 in a depressed economy. I know the 2010 sales will be even tougher in a deep recession. If you bought a Tri-Glide you own a high end Harley with low production numbers. All recessions end at some point, you will have one of the Highest resale value Trikes on the Market. Go ride it and enjoy it, you will probably get your money back in a few years if you decide to sell it.

    The price! Well, I have not seen a Brinks truck in a funeral procession! The last suit you wear don’t have any pockets! And Hey! it’s a Harley, when you buy Harley you buy into the total concept. The price, the robber baron dealerships, the built in quirks and problems. I believe they will have to start paying attention to customer satisfaction before this recession is over but until then, just part of the Harley experience!

  68. I’ve been riding since I was a teen in the 70’s. I’ve owned nearly every Japanese brand out there and a BMW R100RS (really cool bike), to boot.
    After I bought my 2004 Dyna Super Glide (partially with the estate check from a deceased parent), I finally realized that this was what I (we) always looked for in a motorcycle.
    Fast forward to now. I’m 52 and getting older. My wife and “co-pilot” of 30+ years (and a “couple” years older) suffers from arthritic joints and doesn’t enjoy our longer rides as much, anymore. While I am still capable of riding the Dyna and have no plans to sell it, I am willing to do almost anything to keep my “old lady” on the passenger pillion. In addition, I’m sure that the time will come where two wheels is just no longer an option for me.
    We’re not “well healed”. We only just paid off our mortgage and made our last car payment. Both our boys are grown and out of the house. I still have a number of years to retire. For once, I’m going to take a big gamble and buy a 2010 Tri Glide (with payments, not a trust account).
    For us, this is a necessity. I’ve looked forward to many long distance rides with my wife and this looks to be the answer. We chose to stay with Harley because (A. We love our current bike B. We want our grandkids to say “my Nana and Grandpa ride a Harley” and C. When it comes time, I think we’ll get most of our investment back).
    You can talk all you want about Geezer Glides and cheaper brands (you get what you pay for). Our decision is being based on what we love to do and want to keep doing for a long time to come. Lengthy chats with your loved one, while taking in the exquisite scenery that can only be appreciated on a bike, THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is a genuine reason for owning one of these.
    Ride to Live…Live to Ride!

  69. yeah right on people I’m 43 and was injured at work and would still like to ride,and I just cannot hold up my softail deluxe anymore thinking of trading it in for the new 2010 tri-glide.and I guess I can be a gezzer at 43 lol. and then again who cares because my face is in the wind no matter what I ride. ride safe everyone.

  70. I’ve been riding 2-wheels all my 62 years… Balance problems put me on a trike… My first trike was a 2001 Wing with a Motor trike conversion with a rake… Plenty of power but very uncomfortable handlebars… I traded it for a Tri-Glide and this is what I found out… Handlebars are better but they offer a pull back on 2-wheel Ultra’s but not on the Tri-Glide yet…It’s 2 full inches which should make touring a lot nicer… Handles way better than the Wing on the twisty roads… I have owned it a month and have 6700 miles in all sorts of riding conditions except major snow… Only problems I have are the front turn lights get water in them an blow the bulbs… I drilled a hole in bottom of lens which snaps on and haven’t blown any bulbs since… I ride a lot at night and replaced the driving lights with 130K ones and they light up the road very well… Lower trunk leaks but they are fixing that the next time I go there… Air Temp gauge is worthless… Wish it had an on-board compressor like the Wing for the rear suspension… Stock seat is way comfortable and I have no need for back rest… I do ride 10 hrs’s plus at a time sometimes… They have approached me with a price to step up things to 113 for a good price, which should make the mountains climbable in 6th gear… Not sure yet what the bike will be like in parades in the heat but it does have wings to open to direct air over cylinders… The front and rear audio contols are a nice touch as wife and I like different music… All things considered I like the bike and if I upgrade to 113 it will still stay under warranty which they will put in writing… One thing for people that don’t like the idea of sitting almost on the tank, they might not like the bike..

  71. Been ridiing motorcycles since 1965, various brands. Medical problems caused me to sell my ’05 Ultra, 95 inch in the spring of ’09. Got my new 2010 Sunglo Red Triglide Oct 3. Never had a chance for a test ride on a trike, so this was a real gamble. Rode it around the parking lot a few times before riding it 50 miles home. It was a very windy day, and I found it took much more steering force to handle than I had imagined it would. I had worries that the clutch would be too hard for me, due to weakness on my left side, but that proved not to be the case. Other first impressions-now have 150 miles on it: beautiful, comfortable, harder to get used to than anticipated. Really glad I opted to get the electric reverse option. Other optional goodies: remote-controlled rider backrest, rear chrome bumper, Tour-pak chrome luggage rack with L.E.D. bar for extra visibility. Almost impossible to find neutral with engine running. Have to slam the trunk to get it to latch closed. Can’t make the trunk lock and get the key out. I’ve had it up to 70 and in 6th gear on level highway, but feel it needs more power-had to downshift to 5th gear while going up a long hill doing 65. My first tank fillup produced 30 MPG. Can’t figure out how to remove the right-side cover so I can pump up the rear air shocks. Hoping I will get used to riding it, as it was VERY expensive. Sure get a lot of looks while out riding it.

  72. I wrote much earelier on this board about my experience with my
    Tri Glide regarding concerns I had. To be honest none have gone away, still underpowered, and ride is not all that great. I spent over a grand on stage one air, fuel pak, and pipes and still unhappy with performance and mileage. Just how unsatisfied, I have ordered a 2010 Ultra CVO and will be trading in the TriGlide. This was one very expensive experiment to say the least. I have put just under 5000 miles on it and ready to say good bye.

  73. Back on June 13, 2009 I posted a blog – we were in Maine with 13,000 miles on our ’09 Red-Hot Sunglow TriGlide…

    We got back home beginning of Sept ’09 – currently with 26,000 miles on same TriGlide… We have daily write-ups/blogs and hundreds of pictures of our travels on our website including being rear-ended riding West on I-40 in Tennessee – can’t believe one of you didn’t ride because of the ‘hills’ etc in Tennessee… From our photos you’ll see where we rode, etc… Our webside is: http://www.triglide.multiply.com

    Some of you have written of your problems and not liking the TriGlide – We rode through 45 states; 11 Canadian Provinces; etc, on all kinds of roads; in all sorts of traffic, etc… Don’t complain, get out there and ride… It’s wonderful…!!

    Sad, as shortly after riding back home, my husband became disorientated along with vision problems… Needless to say, he had brain surgery a month ago… We had plans to ride for a couple more months but it won’t happen…

    There is no way he’ll be able to ride a motorcycle again – these past 10 years of riding over 220,000 miles have been such treasures…

    Enjoy… Peggy

  74. Hey Peggy,

    I read a story about how a lady took her blind, diabetic brother to Sturgis on the back of a trike. He couldn’t do the driving, so she did.

    Is there any possibility of that kind of action in your future(s)? I’ll hope for the best for you two.

    As four our new (just delivered) 2010 Tri Glide, at 25 degrees and dropping, I’m afraid we won’t get to enjoy the ride until spring. We’re just not THAT hardy. It IS a beautiful machine, though.

    Live to Ride…Ride to Live.

  76. I would like to find a rear bumper for my h.d. champion trike kit also can a h.d rear guard be modified to fit