Seven Shades Of Harley
Harley-Davidson kept the train running this summer with a series of new bike introductions. First there was the Sportster Low, which uses a cut-down saddle and shortened suspension to drop the 883's seat to a claimed 26 inches (with a rider aboard). The seat's step is also pushed forward, which shortens the reach to the handlebar with pulled-back bars. The 883L starts at $6895.
Next up were three 2005 offerings from H-D's Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) shop. A 1250cc V-Rod, which features a few thousand dollars of glitter and special parts plus some mild hopping-up, will go for a suggested $25,495. The Screamin' Eagle treatment was also applied to the popular Fat Boy, with its 1690cc (103ci) engine and a truckload of eye candy. It sells for $27,995. The same engine powers this year's version of the Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide, which offers a fresh round of pretty parts along with some function upgrades for about $30,000.
Harley's hot-selling Softail series has two new family members, the FLSTN Softail Deluxe and the FLSTSC Softail Springer Classic. The Softail Deluxe brings some "fresh nostalgia" to Harley's line with details such as wide-whitewall tires on laced wheels, full FL-style fenders with trim, a distinctive headlight nacelle bracketed by spotlights, long floorboards and a small standard luggage rack over a tombstone taillight. The lowdown on the seat is 24.5 inches (again, with a rider aboard). The Deluxe starts at $16,795.
As the Springer name implies, the FLSTSC has a Classic Springer front suspension, but this time most of the components are finished with black powdercoat and contrasting chrome springs and damper. The front fender dispenses with most of the chrome trim and wears just a fender light, though the tank has a distinctive aluminum trim running around it horizontally. A crossover exhaust configuration puts one muffler on each side of the bike. The passenger seat can be detached without tools, and there is a metal patent label on the oil tank. A beach bar completes the style, which you can get for $17,000 if you take basic black.
The Dyna line expands with the arrival of the Super Glide Custom, a cleaner, lower member of the family with a bit more bling. The Custom is the only Dyna with a silver-finish engine, and its fuel-tank console is painted to match. Of course, it gets an extra helping of chrome-on the engine covers, fuel-tank filler ring, speedometer housing and headlight cover, which like all other '05 H-D headlights gets a clear lens and a multifacet reflector. The Dyna Super Glide Custom starts at $13,695.
There are no additions to the Touring family, but the Ultra models do get new fairing lowers, which have been reshaped for improved aerodynamics and include vents that can be opened and closed. The Sportster models have one-inch-diameter (instead of 0.75-inch) rear axles for added rigidity. Despite slowing sales for some other brands, Harley continues to prosper. The changes made to the Sportster in '04 made it a banner year for the company.-Art Friedman
Cobra Calendar
Atlanta Motorcycle Expo
Oct. 16-17, 2004
Atlanta State Farmers Market, GA
Bring the family, because this consumer trade show welcomes bikers of all ages. The Expo showcases new, used, custom and vintage motorcycles, and you can also check out dirtbikes and ATVs along with a large selection of aftermarket goodies and apparel. For more information, see http://grs.bravehost.com
Bridge City Bike Rally
Oct. 15-17, 2004, Lake Havasu City, AZThis brand-new event is custom-made for motorcycle enthusiasts, so it has all the things riders crave: live entertainment, a poker run, bike games, stunt shows, a masquerade parade and plenty of vendors. Registration is $37.50, which includes a T-shirt and a ride pin, special meals and parking. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com or call (800) 200-4557.