2012 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic Review
The three-wheel pioneer designed to be the ultimate badass touring machine.
The Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® is a full-feature, factory motorcycle built to confidently chase the horizon with long-haul comfort and freedom on three wheels. The Harley-Davidson® Trike platform brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment. Trike models utilize a frame and associated chassis structure and geometry engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle.
Experienced two-wheel touring enthusiasts have an authentic three-wheel alternative with real performance, excitement and style that
is truly Harley-Davidson. The Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® Trike features ultra-comfortable, long haul conveniences, a large Twin Cam 103™ engine, lengthened and raked front fork with steering damper, a deluxe Tour-Pak® carrier and integrated trunk for 6.5 cubic feet of storage. Loaded with features like a 4-speaker, 80-watt Harmon/Kardon® Advanced Audio System, electronic cruise control and electric reverse drive, the Tri Glide Ultra Classic is ready to redefine “long haul.”
2012 Trike Models: Three Wheelin'
The 2012 Tri GlideTM Ultra Classic® motorcycle brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment, based on chassis structure and geometry engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. With a deluxe Tour-Pak® carrier and integrated trunk, a four-speaker/80-watt Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System, electronic cruise control and electric reverse drive, the Tri GlideTM Ultra Classic® motorcycle inspires confidence, passion and independence in any riding situation. The Tri GlideTM Ultra Classic® motorcycle will be available in three colour combinations: Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl/Vivid Black or Ember Red Sunglo/Merlot Sunglo.
SEAMLESS STYLING AND MATCHING PAINT
This three-wheeled pioneer is designed, developed and tested to the highest standards of the Motor Company and backed by over a hundred years of touring mastery. This is not a bolt-on, aftermarket Trike kit. It's engineered and road-tested as a whole. Every inch is integrated for comfort, cargo and confidence. From the smooth, classically designed lines to the front-to-rear matching paint, the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® model has the bloodlines of a true Harley-Davidson® motorcycle through and through.
SPLIT SEVEN-SPOKE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS
No Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is complete without a killer set of wheels. Here, the split seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels give the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® model an integrated factory-built look, adding emphasis to the deliberate detail and engineering of this three-wheeled touring masterpiece.
KING TOUR PAK® AND TRUNK
Put the 'haul' in long haul with a cargo capacity of 6.7 cubic feet and up to 80 pounds. On top of the extra stowaway space, the waterproof, injection-molded Tour Pak® keeps things classy and neat with woven-nylon soft luggage liners, plenty of storage pockets and distinctive, wrap-around rear lights. But anyone who's taken their Harley-Davidson® Trike for a cross-country trek or a trip to Biketoberfest knows it's the trunk that turns luxury touring into luxury living on the road.
BAT-WING FAIRING AND SMOKED AIR DEFLECTORS
Designed by Chief Styling Officer Willie G. Davidson, the nimble, fork-mounted Bat-Wing fairing first appeared on the touring scene back in 1969. And it continues to evolve and symbolize the essence of Grand American Touring more than forty years later. The full 8-inch windscreen gives it a classic touring profile and added protection. Add to it the full, clear Lexan® windshield and adjustable, smoked Lexan® air deflectors on the fairing sides and the wind is simply not a factor for the mile-hungry rider who wants to soak up the freedom of the open road for days on end.
PREMIUM PAINT
Up to two times thicker than the competition, custom quality paint comes standard on all Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Clearcoat layering up to five mils deep. Bigger metal flakes. Unique effects. Skimping simply is not in our vocabulary.
HAND FINISHED FUEL TANK
All Harley-Davidson® fuel tanks are finished by hand—that's what makes them stand out from the competition. Their seamless design and unmatched style are unique among all motorcycles on the road. The tanks are one of the first and last things people notice when they lay their eyes on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle—so we make it worth their time.
TWIN CAM 103™ ENGINE INNOVATION
Fire up the air-cooled, rubber-mounted Twin Cam 103™ engine and feel the low-end torque unleashed for a smooth ride. Thanks to the lightweight piston design, delivery of the added power is more refined than ever. Then put your foot on the shifter and feel how the engine and Six-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission were designed to work together. Six speeds. A strong driveline and strong internal parts. Low routine maintenance. And a low cruising rpm couldn't feel better.
PURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON STYLING
Feast your eyes on the Twin Cam 103™ engine and there's no mistaking its roots. This is authentic Harley-Davidson style through and through with an attention to detail you won't find from any other motorcycle company. Black powder-coated cylinders and cylinder heads with machined cooling fin tips are topped off with chrome rocker covers, while chrome pushrods highlight the iconic V-Twin. It's a jewel machined out of metal. Pure. Dripping with power.
From the classic edge of the cooling fins to the clean lines of cases and covers—the Twin Cam 103™ engine makes an ironclad statement to holding on to what's right and staying true to what satisfies the rider.
SIX-SPEED CRUISE DRIVE®
You want a ride that rumbles—not begs for mercy—when you lean on it a little. The Six-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission provides smooth, quiet shifting and reduces engine speed on the highway, so you get a better match between engine turnover and road speed. It's a rare ride when a bike responds like this, and a low growl goes a long way when you're opening up the road ahead.
FOUR-POINT ENGINE ISOLATION SYSTEM
After three decades of keeping the vibrations of the Big Twin from getting to the rider, Harley-Davidson engineers decided to take something that is already great and make it even better, perfecting the delicate balance of shake, rattle and ride—comfortably. In 2009, we added a fourth isolation point to our three-point rubber engine isolation system. Just get that Big Twin idling and feel the difference.
TWIN CAM 103™ ENGINE POWER
Live your ride to the power of 103. The air cooled Twin Cam 103™ Harley Davidson® engine delivers more stump pulling torque, while its Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection jetting gives crisp, lively throttle reaction. It’s a performance punch that you’ll appreciate when passing, climbing hills, or rolling with luggage packed or a passenger in back—all under that signature Motor Company rumble. And it comes at lower cruising rpm, so you ride more smoothly, with less engine vibration and better highway fuel economy.
TWIN CAM 103™ ENGINE HERITAGE
The knowledge of what makes an engine truly move a rider runs deep at The Motor Company, and it was put to good use when we created the Twin Cam 103™ engine. We worked to perfect every cubic inch, pushing design and technology forward. And we did it all without compromising one bit of Harley-Davidson's unique styling. Evolved, yet carrying on the legacy of the Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution®, Twin Cam 88® and Twin Cam 96™ engines that came before. The performance and durability are a direct result of the untold miles logged on the V-Twin since 1909, and the proud heritage that comes from a century's worth of commitment to life on two (or three) wheels.
ELECTRIC REVERSE WITH HANDLEBAR-MOUNTED CONTROL
A new level of control for our stock Trike lineup. Electric reverse with LED indicator is now standard. It's one of those things we do because we know what you expect from the ultimate Harley-Davidson® touring machine. And we know the kind of performance you expect at your fingertips.
HIGH OUTPUT ACCESSORY CONNECTOR
Harley-Davidson® touring means maximum comfort in all conditions and the capacity to add whatever enhances and personalizes your ride. The high output charging system provides an electrical capacity robust enough for your add-ons: heated vests, heated seats, heated handgrips, lights to showcase the engine, you name it. So if you're hell-bent on three-wheeling it, we make sure you've got the juice to do it your way.
CRUISE CONTROL
If you're ready to take Touring to the next level, the cruise control feature will help you settle in for the long haul. Get the comfort of the cruise without the cables cluttering up your handlebar. Our electronic throttle control technology makes it possible to have the best of both worlds.
H-D® SMART SECURITY SYSTEM (OPTIONAL)
The factory installed next-generation security system features a hands-free fob that automatically arms and disarms the vehicle electronic security functions as you approach and walk away from the bike. Stick the fob on your ignition key ring and let it do all the work. It's this attention to details and security that make Harley-Davidson® motorcycle unique.
ARTFULLY HIDDEN TECHNOLOGY
Harley-Davidson leverages the latest in technology without compromising style and function. That means we hide electronics. The whole wiring harness is skillfully routed behind the jewels of the bike—the tank, engine and all the other eye-popping features you want to see. It's just another way The Motor Company goes the extra mile to give its bikes that premium, top-of-the-line fit and finish.
INTUITIVE CONTROLS
Hand controls on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle are incredibly intuitive. The turn signals are self-canceling and, based on the speed and angle of the motorcycle, they know how long to stay on. Engaging the controls quickly becomes second nature so you can focus less on turning off your signal and more on basking in the freedom of the ride.
HARMAN/KARDON® ADVANCED AUDIO SYSTEM
Naturally, the king of the road gets some royal extras. This four-speaker, 20-watt per channel premium Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio system boasts great sound for booming down the boulevard and highway, and, yeah, it might as well go to 11. It's loud, proud and comes with AM/FM receiver, CD and MP3 player, four speakers—even an intercom and CB. When it comes to hearing your tunes over the roar of the road or just keeping your own chatter free and easy, this system has it all.
OPTIMIZED STEERING
A long, raked out fork makes sure the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® model rides as smooth as it looks, offering reduced effort for steering. Plus a steering damper controls feedback from the road. So when you're out with your bagger buddies, you'll stay right at the front of the pack.
DUAL DISC FRONT AND HAYES™ REAR BRAKES
We've installed the ultimate complement to the reliable dual-disc front brakes. The top-of-the-line Hayes™ dual-disc assembly in back comes complete with hand-actuated parking brake. So whether you're descending a mountain of switchbacks or just trying to park in San Francisco, you can ease your mind.
TUNED TO BE RIDDEN
Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are different than any other bike out on the road. There's a balance to them. The steering, the maneuverability—it's all in concert. And each Harley-Davidson® model is tuned differently to create a unique riding experience for each individual no matter which bike they swing their leg over. Let's face it, we didn't get to where we are by being like everyone else.
THREE-WHEEL FRAME DESIGN
Trikes are bound to ride a little differently than two-wheeled machines. But when they're done right, they have a joy of their own. Harley-Davidson uses legendary engineering and ride dynamics to keep you comfortable and connected to the road. This three-wheeled pioneer is built from the ground up for maximum handling. The frame and chassis structure is engineered to specifically handle the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. And we defy you find a more comfortable ride on the touring circuit—from two to four to eighteen wheels.
TWO-UP SEAT WITH PASSENGER BACKREST
The two-up seat combines a streamlined look with comfort and convenience for either long weekend hauls or journeys beyond the state line. Premium seat material stitched together with great attention to detail and ergonomically engineered to keep your bottom side comfortable with high-tech foam filler, you can go solo for miles or bring along a passenger to share the experience. The seat features a passenger backrest that is integrated into the Tour-Pak® lid with wrap-around armrests for added comfort for every adventure.
WIDE SET HANDLEBAR
Classic style and maximum comfort. That's the perfect balance of the wide set handlebars that come standard on the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® model. They're designed to keep you comfortably propped in a commanding position while making sure your neck muscles stay calm and relaxed mile after mile, state after state. Durable stainless steel insures the structural rigidity you expect from a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle with the deep, lustrous finish you desire.
MID-FRAME AIR DEFLECTORS
Designed and tested to deflect heat generated from the V-Twin, the mid-frame air deflectors are enlisted for duty on every ride, especially the hotter days. These low-profile black deflectors are mounted to the frame of the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® model just below the seat, and move the heat away from your legs and body. Summer rides just got more comfortable.
2-1-2 EXHAUST
Welcome to the crossroads of pure Harley-Davidson style and smart engineering. The 2-1-2 exhaust helps direct heat away from the rider and passenger, while providing ample performance, and signature Harley-Davidson rumble, and big style.
VENTED FAIRING LOWERS
Don't be a prisoner to the elements outside—take control of your ride with the color-matched fairing lowers on the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® model. Pop them off for a cooler ride or leave them fixed to fight the wind tooth and nail. Use the integrated glove boxes to empty your pockets, ditch your phone, and ride free. When it comes to touring, Harley-Davidson is all about optimal comfort every time you hunt down a horizon.
ENGINE IDLE TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Our motorcycles are built to be ridden. A lot. So that means that rider comfort is top of mind. Always. With the Engine Idle Temperature Management Strategy (EITMS) feature, the motorcycle automatically cuts fuel and fire from the rear cylinder when idling, which helps reduce engine heat felt by rider and passenger. Best part, you can easily turn this feature on or off yourself whenever the bike is stopped.
SEAT ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
The seat is home for Harley-Davidson® motorcycle riders. They want a seat that has unique style without sacrificing comfort. Because of that, Harley-Davidson invests a lot of time in researching, designing and testing seats so that every bike has just the right saddle.
FULL-LENGTH FOOTBOARDS
Your boots were made for riding, in any way you see fit. Our full-length footboards boast a tried and true design that's stood the test of time. Rubber vibration isolation for a comfortable ride. Traditional toe shifting is familiar to seasoned riders and intuitive for those just starting out. Heel shifting makes getting through the gears even easier and more convenient. Height adjustable passenger boards add another level of comfort for your riding partner.
2012 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic Model Highlights
NEW Paint color options
- 30-Tooth Transmission Output Sprocket for better launch and passing performance
- Black powder-coated engine with chrome covers
- Chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers
- Split, 7-Spoke Black-and-Machined Cast Aluminum wheels
- Bat-wing, fork-mounted fairing with clear, Lexan® windshield
- Smoked Lexan® adjustable fairing-mounted air deflectors
- Vented removable lower fairings with integral storage compartment
- Chrome, low-profile fuel tank console
- Fairing-mounted electronic speedometer and tachometer plus fuel, voltage, oil pressure and ambient air temperature gauges
- 80-watt, four-speaker Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System with CD/MP3 player and CB/Intercom
- 40-watt CB radio and intercom system
- One-piece, two-up Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® comfort stitch seat
- Injection Molded hard Tour-Pak® w/soft luggage liners, storage pockets and wrap-around rear tail/brake lights; 2.26 cu. ft. volume and 30-pound capacity
- Passenger backrest and arm rests
- Electronic cruise control
- Auxiliary passing lights
2012 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic Key Features and Benefits
- Rubber-mounted Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs.
of torque
- 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission
- Lengthened and raked front forks optimize steering
- Air-adjustable rear shocks
- Rear-axle assembly with lightweight aluminum center section and steel axle tubes
- Dual front disc brakes and dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated parking brake
- Trunk provides 4.3 cubic feet of storage space and 50-pound capacity
- Height-adjustable passenger footboards
- Optional Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with next-generation hands-free security fob
USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: Vivid Black $30,499, Solids $31,324, Two-Tones $31,824 USD
Dimensions
Length 105.8 in. (2687 mm)
Overall Width 54.7 in. (1389 mm)
Overall Height 59.3 in. (1506 mm)
Seat Height:
- Laden2 27.1 in. (688 mm)
- Unladen 28.9 in. (734 mm)
Ground Clearance 4.7 in. (119 mm)
Rake (steering head) 26°
Fork Angle 32°
Trail 3.9 in. (100 mm)
Wheelbase 66.6 in. (1692 mm)
Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series, bias blackwall front and radial blackwall rear):
- Front – D402F MT90B16 72H
- Rear – Signature P205/65R15
Fuel Capacity 6.0 gal. (22.7 L) (warning light at approximately 1.0 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 4.0 qts. (3.8 L)
Transmission Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)
Primary Chain
Case Capacity 1.4 qts. (1.3 L)
Weight:
- As Shipped 1157 lbs. (524.8 kg)
- In Running Order 1191 lbs. (540.2 kg)
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1700 lbs. (771.1 kg)
- Gross Axle Weight Rating:
- Front 500 lbs. (226.8 kg)
- Rear 1200 lbs. (544.3 kg)
- Luggage Capacity:
- Volume 6.7 cu. ft. (.2 m3)
- Weight 80 lbs. (36.3 kg)
Engine
Engine Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103™
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.875 in. x 4.38 in. (98.4 mm x 111.3 mm)
Displacement 103 cu. in. (1690 cc)
Compression Ratio 9.6:1
Fuel System3 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Paper, washable
Lubrication System Pressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler
Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 34/46 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 30/70 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 6-Speed Cruise Drive®
Gear Ratios (overall): U.S.
- 1st 10.537
- 2nd 7.303
- 3rd 5.425
- 4th 4.393
- 5th 3.742
- 6th 3.157
Chassis
Frame Mild steel, square-section backbone with twin downtubes
Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections with plate junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 41.3 mm telescopic, triple-circuit damping
Rear Shocks Air-adjustable
Wheels4: Black 7-Spoke Cast Aluminum
- Front 16 in. x 3 in. (406 mm x 76 mm)
- Rear 15 in. x 5.5 in. (381 mm x 140 mm)
Brakes:
- Caliper Type 32 mm, 4-piston fixed front, 31.75 mm single piston floating rear
- Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented fixed front rotor, dual fixed rear rotors
- Front (dual) 11.81 in. x .2 in. (300 mm x 5.1 mm)
- Rear 9 in. x .24 in. (228.6 mm x 6.1 mm)
Suspension Travel:
- Front Wheel 4.61 in. (117 mm)
- Rear Wheel 2.99 in. (76 mm)
Parking Brake Lever actuated dual parking brake
Performance
Engine Torque5 (per J1349):
- North America 100 ft. lbs. @ 3250 RPM (135 Nm @ 3250 RPM)
Fuel Economy6 (EPA urban/highway test) 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km)
COLOR OPTIONS
Solids
- Vivid Black
Two-Tones
- Ember Red Sunglo/Merlot Sunglo
- Big Blue Pearl/Vivid Black
U.S. MSRP
Vivid Black $30,499
Solids $31,324
Two-Tones $31,824
Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 28-amp/hour, 370 cca
Charging Three-phase, 50-amp system (585W @ 13V, 2000 rpm, 650W max power @ 13V)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
- Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
- Tail/Stop Lights Two 8W/28W (5W/21W)
- Turn Signal Lights 28W (21W) self-canceling, rear
- Indicator Lamps: integrated into Tail/Stop lamps, High beam, running lights, front fender, running lights, directional light bar, low
oil pressure, engine diagnostics, cruise control, speakers, accessory, security system7 (optional), 6 speed, low fuel warning, reverse enabled
- Auxiliary Lamps (except where prohibited by law) Two @ 35W
Reverse Gear Electric reverse actuated by handlebar mounted hand controls
Warranty
Warranty8 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Service Interval9 First 1000 miles (1600 km), every 5000 miles (8000 km) thereafter
