Tri Glide Ultra or CVO Tri Glide - which is better for long journeys

The classic Harley-Davidson trike catches the eye on the road and never goes out of style. Despite the fact that many bikers consider three-wheeled models to be vehicles for pensioners, they are in demand not only among the elderly. This is a great solution for those who like American classics, but they cannot cope with a heavy two-wheeled monster.


According to Harley-Davidson statistics, trikes have the highest mileage. They are mainly used for motorcycle travel. This is due to the following advantages:

• ✅ Stability and safety
  
• ✅ Comfortable fit for driver and passenger
  
• ✅ Spacious luggage compartments

The American company is the leader in this specific segment. In the review, we will analyze two flagship variations in order to understand what advantages each of them has.

A bit of history

The company began producing the first model in 1932, it was called the Servi-Car. It was a real long-liver, which was stopped only in 1973, after which there was a long pause.

Since 2009, the assembly of Tri Glide Ultra has started. Many components were taken from Lehman Trikes, but the chassis was originally made for a tricycle. As one of the development engineers said in an interview, the main goal was to build a trike, in which every detail was thought out to the smallest detail. When you add in the quality of workmanship, ease of maintenance and availability of parts, it becomes clear why Harley-Davidson is the leader in this segment.

In 2015, a simpler and more affordable version of Freewheeler appeared. And since 2019, they began to produce the luxurious CVO Tri Glide, which is the best-selling model today.

Comparison

The Tri Glide Ultra is a trike with a classic style but packed with almost every modern feature. This is a Harley, the front of which resembles an ordinary bike, and at the back it looks like sports cars of the 20s and 30s.

CVO Tri Glide is designed in the tradition of Harley Davidson, but at the same time it has become more modern and technologically advanced. The abbreviation "CVO", which stands for Custom Vehicle Operations, speaks of its elitism. This is a subsidiary company engaged in the production of models of the super-premium segment.

The main parameters

It is worth noting that in both cases the driver sits upright. Due to the convenience of landing and lumbar support, you can be behind the wheel for a long time. The passenger seat is even more comfortable, and thanks to well-thought-out aerodynamics, air flows do not cause inconvenience.

In Tri Glide Ultra foot control is arranged on special platforms. In CVO, they are in the middle position, which can be not so comfortable, the legs are constantly slightly bent.

The fairings have a different shape, but at the same time they fulfill their purpose perfectly in both models. The quality of the plastic is high, it resists impacts well and can withstand pebbles.

Both modern modifications are equipped with reliable Twin-Cooled ™ Milwaukee-Eight ™ powertrains. The Ultra version has a volume of 1868 cubes, the CVO has 1923. Both there and there an ESPFI sequential injection system is installed, with regard to operating parameters, it is worth comparing the main ones. The Tri Glide Ultra has 159 Nm of torque, 65 kW of power, and fuel consumption of 6,7 liters per 100 km. CVO Tri Glide corresponding figures are 163 Nm, 77 kW and 7 hp.

Pros of Tri Glide Ultra

Massive front fender with shiny edging, lots of chrome and an impressive windscreen create that classic look that connoisseurs love so much. Attention is attracted by 4 dials on the panel, under which there is a touch screen of the on-board computer, protected by impact-resistant Gorilla Glass.

The surface is wear-resistant, but at the same time its sensitivity allows the sensor to be used with gloves and in precipitation. The program also recognizes gestures. It has a navigation system into which you can load pre-built routes. 4 speakers of 25 W per channel provide decent music quality, and for discerning customers there is Stage II - improved acoustics.


The classic-shaped tank smoothly flows into the seat, located at a height of 73 cm. Behind is not only a passenger seat, but also a Tourpak trunk with a capacity of 192 liters.

Durable duplex frame made of steel. With a column tilt angle of 26 degrees, the trail is only 10 cm, which makes it easy to control the three-wheel platform. Since 2018, the model has been equipped with Showa suspension, known for its smooth ride. Thanks to hand-held thumbscrews, you can change its settings in a minute without tools.

Four-piston calipers and dual front brakes ensure quick stopping. And ABS, with speed monitoring for each disc, adjusts the effort to ensure precise braking when cornering.

The technique is comfortable to drive, although it differs from a standard motorcycle. To get comfortable, it is enough to spend half an hour behind the wheel.

Advantages of CVO Tri Glide

A more recent version, as can be seen from the design. Still a recognizable classic that is so appreciated by Harley lovers. This is a high tech model. The manufacturer does not welcome cutting-edge electronics, but in this case an exception is made. The equipment is impressive:

• ✅ Information and multimedia system "Boom! Box GTS with damage protection and improved sensitivity
  
• ✅ The complex of electronic assistants RDRS not only helps in driving, but also increases safety
  
• ✅ All optics are LED. The Daymaker Adaptive headlight with cornering light deserves special attention.
  
• ✅ Harley Davidson Connect is a cloud service with motorcycle information. There's data on everything from range, tire pressure, to theft attempts and real-time location tracking.

The 300-watt amplifier delivers solid sound through four two-way speakers, which are located in the rear housing and front fairing. The Tour-Pak has a capacity of 124 liters, and there is another 60-liter element behind the passenger seat. The compartments are convenient to use due to built-in lighting.



Instruments and controls are arranged ergonomically, the backlight provides normal visibility in the dark, but does not create visual discomfort. Seat heating is not only for the driver, but also for the passenger. In the cold season, heating of the handles on the steering wheel will also come in handy.

The quality of the materials and attention to detail can be seen everywhere. This is the Rolls-Royce of trikes.

With the result that

If we talk about new motorcycles, then the difference in cost is striking. If the Tri Glide Ultra can be purchased from 3,8 million, which is already a lot, then the CVO Tri Glide even in the basic configuration costs more than 5 million rubles.

Ultra is a classic that has everything you need for comfortable travel. But the CVO is a flagship with advanced electronics and all available security systems. In terms of driving, there are no fundamental differences.

Used models will cost less, depending on the year of manufacture, the price ranges from a million to five. It is worth noting the fact that for both modifications, the manufacturer offers a huge number of add-ons that allow you to improve the appearance or technical characteristics. This can greatly affect the price.