Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra and Freewheeler Rating: The Classic Trikes at the End of the Line
- jamesjordan
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
Quick answer: Harley's classic trikes earn a combined MGR rating of 8.1 out of 10 at the end of their run. The Tri Glide Ultra and Freewheeler were both dropped after 2025, replaced by a new three wheel family for 2026, so buyers now choose between discounted final year stock and the pricier new platform.
MGR Rating: 8.1/10
Engine and performance: 8.0/10. The Milwaukee-Eight 114 makes 93 hp in the Twin-Cooled Tri Glide Ultra and 90 hp in the Freewheeler, adequate rather than exciting when hauling well over 1,100 lb of trike.
Comfort and ergonomics: 9.0/10. No balance demands, low seat heights of 27.1 and 26.2 inches laden, huge storage, and on the Tri Glide a full batwing fairing and Tour-Pak make these genuinely easy long distance machines.
Value for money: 7.5/10. At $37,999 and $31,999 in their final year these were expensive, though end of line discounts and the higher priced 2026 replacements now work in a buyer's favor.
Custom potential: 7.5/10. Trike specific parts limit the catalog compared with two wheel touring models, but audio, seats, and trim swaps are well supported.
Reliability reputation: 8.5/10. The Milwaukee-Eight drivetrain and Harley's mature trike rear axle assembly have a solid record, with the electric reverse the most cited service item.
How we rate: MGR has not ridden the Tri Glide Ultra or Freewheeler. This is an editorial research rating built from verified manufacturer specifications, published first looks, and documented owner feedback. The five criteria above average to the overall score.
Verified Spec Card: Final Year 2025 Models
Spec | Tri Glide Ultra | Freewheeler |
Final MSRP (2025) | $37,999 | $31,999 |
Engine | Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 | Milwaukee-Eight 114 |
Horsepower | 93 hp at 5,020 rpm | 90 hp at 4,750 rpm |
Torque | 120 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm | 119 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm |
Weight, running order | 1,237 lb | 1,131 lb |
Seat height, laden | 27.1 in | 26.2 in |
Fuel capacity | 6.0 gal | 6.0 gal |
What Replaced Them for 2026
Harley rebuilt its trike family for 2026 around the current touring platform: the Road Glide 3 at $36,799, the Street Glide 3 Limited at $39,199, and the CVO Street Glide 3 Limited at $54,999. The new bikes get the 117 VVT engine, a 12.3 inch Skyline OS touchscreen, a starter motor based reverse, and a new de Dion rear suspension that more than doubles rear wheel travel from 2.3 to 5.0 inches. That last change addresses the single most common ride quality complaint about the old trikes.
Who They Are For, and Who Should Skip Them
Buy one if: balance, hip, or knee issues have taken two wheels off the table, you tour with serious luggage, or you want the most stable platform Harley builds. The Tri Glide is the two-up tourer, the Freewheeler the lighter boulevard trike.
Skip them if: you expect a motorcycle that leans. Trikes steer with real handlebar effort, ride rules differ by state, and the 2026 replacements fix real weaknesses if your budget stretches.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Confidence: no tip overs at fuel stops, no flat foot anxiety, and linked brakes across three wheels.
Storage that embarrasses two wheel tourers, with the Tri Glide adding a Tour-Pak on top of the trunk.
Proven Milwaukee-Eight 114 drivetrain with dealer support in every state.
Weaknesses and real owner criticisms
Owners consistently describe the pre 2026 rear suspension as harsh over expansion joints, the direct result of just 2.3 inches of travel.
Steering effort surprises new trike riders, and front end feel in crosswinds takes adaptation.
The dedicated electric reverse motor on these final year models is a known service item and adds complexity the 2026 starter based system removes.
Heat and weight: over 1,100 lb plus a big twin between your legs makes summer stop and go work.
Buying Advice: New vs Used
Leftover new 2025 units are the play if you want the classic trike look: the platform is orphaned, so negotiate hard below the $37,999 and $31,999 stickers. On used examples, service records for the rear axle and reverse motor matter most, and a test of the reverse system under load should be non negotiable. As of August 2026, JD Power had not published settled values for recent Tri Glide years, so recent sold listings are your best pricing anchor.
Recommended Riding Gear
Legendary USA fleece-lined gloves, $120: trike riders log cold season miles two wheel riders skip.
Legendary USA gauntlet gloves, $145: full cuff coverage for all weather touring.
Legendary USA Classic touchscreen deerskin gloves, $120: soft, phone friendly, and right for boulevard duty on the Freewheeler.
Cardo Packtalk Edge headset: two-up communication is half the point of a Tri Glide, and a mesh intercom does it best.
FAQ
Are the Tri Glide Ultra and Freewheeler discontinued?
Yes. Both ended production after the 2025 model year. The 2026 trike lineup is the Road Glide 3, Street Glide 3 Limited, and CVO Street Glide 3 Limited.
Do I need a motorcycle license to ride a Harley trike?
It varies by state. Many states require a full motorcycle endorsement, while some offer a three wheel only endorsement. Check your state DMV before buying.
Do Harley trikes have reverse?
Yes. The Tri Glide Ultra and Freewheeler use a dedicated electric reverse motor operated from the bars. The 2026 replacements switch to a starter motor based reverse.
Which is better for two-up touring, Tri Glide or Freewheeler?
The Tri Glide Ultra, clearly. It carries the fairing, Tour-Pak, passenger backrest, and Twin-Cooled engine. The Freewheeler is the lighter, unfaired local cruiser.
Are the old trikes a bad buy now that the 2026 models exist?
Not if the price is right. The new de Dion suspension is a real upgrade, but a discounted final year Tri Glide still does everything it did last year, and the classic look has its own following.
More Harley Ratings From MGR
Sources
Harley-Davidson USA, 2025 Tri Glide Ultra model page: harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/2025/tri-glide-ultra.html
Harley-Davidson USA, 2025 Freewheeler model page: harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/2025/freewheeler.html
Motorcycle.com, 2026 Harley-Davidson Trike Lineup First Look: motorcycle.com/bikes/new-model-preview/2026-harley-davidson-trike-lineup-first-look-44660683
Shasta Harley-Davidson, Pricing of 2025 Harley-Davidson Models: shastahd.com/blog/pricing-of-2025-harley-davidson-models
Last updated: August 9, 2026
