If you're hip to The Motor Company's operating procedure, you already know that the new model lineup is typically unveiled at its dealer show, usually just before the start of the Sturgis Rally. Along with the machines, Harley rolls out its new Parts & Accessories and latest MotorClothes merchandise here as well.
Anybody who reads the business pages also knows that The MoCo has had its share of financial woes these last few quarters (the company expects to ship from 212,000 to 228,000 motorcycles worldwide this year, down 25 percent from 2008). In response, HD has decided the best defense is a big offense, and is releasing nine new models for 2010. The machines include upgrades and new features across six model platforms. According to Harley, it's never introduced so many new models in one year before.
The nine "new bikes" include five additions to the regular lineup (four new production motorcycles, one new trike), while the other four are the CVO models, which, as we already reported, include the CVO Softail Convertible, CVO Street Glide, CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide and CVO Fat Bob.
Still, it's a fuller cruiser roster than any of the other OEs are sporting this year. Here's a quick overview...
2010 FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra Limited
MSRP $24,699
There's a new king in Harley-Davidson's Touring line, and he's called the Electra Glide Ultra Limited. This seriously upgraded Ultra boosts touring performance with a Twin Cam 103 engine (the Twin Cam 96 is still used on Electra Glide Classics and Ultra Classics), and packs on standard equipment items previously available only as accessories on regular-production Harley Touring bikes. That means Brembo triple-disc brakes with ABS, heated hand grips, an integrated Smart Security System, a Tour-Pak luggage rack, saddlebag and Tour-Pak liners, and a 12-volt/15 amp power supply inside the Tour-Pak all come standard on the Ultra Limited. Several special two-tone paint schemes will be available only for the Ultra Limited model for a limited time, and the bike also features its own 28-spoke cast aluminum wheels with contrasting black and chrome accents.
That rubber-mounted 103 cu. in. mill is said to increase torque by 10% over the previous mill, for a claimed output of 102 lb-ft. The Ultra limited also gets a new set of chrome 2-1-2 dual exhausts with a tapered muffler.
The updated Premium Tour-Pak now has a sleek luggage rack outside, but inside, there are also new side pockets, D-rings for clip-on attachments and shoulder straps. The Ultra Limited gets special I.D. medallions on the fuel tank and front fender, while the pilot's-eye view offers new gauges with a 'titanium' finish, white LED backlighting, and a larger font.
2010 FLTRX Road Glide Custom
MSRP $18,999
As for the "RoadGlide will be gone" rumors running rampant on the HD forums, technically, they're right... and wrong. Harley has chosen to drop the Road Glide standard model, instead adding a new model called the Road Glide Custom. The 2010 Roadie essentially gets the Street Glide treatment, with a slammed suspension, 18-inch front wheel and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system. This is the Harley bagger that has a frame-mounted fairing (the Street Glide has a fork-mounted unit). The rear suspension has been dropped an inch, for a lower, ground-hugging profile that's complemented by "ground effects" at the bottom of the rear fender.
The back end's new taillight assembly boasts a pair of LED brake/tail/turn lamps that does away with the separate tail/stop light combo. The Road Glide Custom also gets a new 2-into-1 pipe arrangement that replaces the previous 2-1-2 exhaust system.
The 18-inch Black Slotted Disc aluminum wheel upfront has machined highlights and rolls on low-profile Dunlops that are an inch bigger than last year. A new, shorty windshield also sports a low profile, and you can't miss the familiar frame-mounted Shark-Nose Fairing upfront, with two sizeable compartments integrated into each side.
The 2010 Road Glide Custom still uses the Twin Cam 96 engine for motivation, along with the upgraded chassis that the entire 2009 Harley Touring line received. This "bagger with swagger" also carries over last year's electronic fuel injection and electronic throttle control, but its 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission has a new helical-cut fifth gear.