2019 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Ultra and Freewheeler Updates

In addition to the new FXDR 114, three Custom Vehicle Operations models and updates to its touring models, Harley-Davidson announced some significant updates to its trike lineup. In fact, apart from the FXDR which is brand new, the 2019 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Ultra and Freewheeler received the most updates of the company’s offerings for the coming year.

Like some of Harley-Davidson’s two-wheeled touring models, the 2019 Freewheeler and Tri-Glide Ultra are getting upgraded to the larger Milwaukee-Eight 114 from the smaller 107 engine (the Tri-Glide Ultra, of course, gets the Twin-Cooled version with radiators in the fairing lowers.) According to Harley-Davidson, the extra 7ci gives the 114 engine a 5% increase in maximum torque (claiming 121 lb-ft. for the Tri-Glide Ultra and 122 lb-ft. for the Freewheeler).

The Trikes also get the same Boom! Box GTS infotainment system update, with a 6.5-inch TFT touch-screen, faster processor and new navigation system.

Unlike the touring models, the two trikes also receive updates to their suspension, and brakes plus a traction control system.

For 2019, the trikes receive a new IMU-controlled linked braking system with ABS. The Reflex Linked Brake System electronically connects the front and rear braking, proportionally distributing brake pressure to the front and rear wheels when either the hand lever or brake pedal is applied at speeds faster than 4.3 mph. The system takes into account how hard the rider is applying the brake control, the speed and whether the trike is cornering. Harley-Davidson doesn’t quite uses the term cornering ABS, but the Reflex system does factor in lateral acceleration when calculating how much wheel slip to allow when turning.

In addition to traction control, the three-wheelers also receive what Harley-Davidson calls a Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS). The system prevents excessive rear wheel slip under deceleration, notably during abrupt downshifts or braking on slippery surfaces. While traction control modulates brake pressure, DSCS adjusts engine torque delivery to help match the speed of the rear wheels to vehicle speed.

Harley-Davidson also updated the front and rear suspensions on the two trikes. The new front forks use dual bending valves for a more linear damping performance while the emulsion technology rear suspension systems now offer preload adjustability via a single, easy-to-reach knob located beneath the seat. Both the front and rear suspension systems will be offered as accessories to be retrofitted to older Tri-Glide Ultra and Freewheeler models.