Harley-Davidson started 2009 in July, 2008, kicking off its 105th year in style with the announcement of new models and updates to the existing line. There is a new touring chassis, refreshed Dynas, Softails and Sportsters, a sleek new V-Rod and, in a concession to graying core buyers, a purpose-built trike called the Tri-Glide. Sadly, there are no plans to offer the XR1200 to North American buyers.
The VRSCF V-Rod Muscle joins the V-Rod family for 2009. It gets sleek bodywork, special wheels and suspension, internally wired handlebars and other cosmetic variances. Mechanical alterations include a higher-revving motor (good for an additional 250 rpm and one more horsepower), a slipper clutch and optional ABS. It retails for $17,199, $2200 more than the standard V-Rod, which, like the Night Rod, is unchanged except for optional ABS ($795 for all VRSC models).
Tri-GlideFL touring models also went under the knife. An all-new frame and new chassis parts update the bikes’ handling and carrying capacity. The frame is more rigid—allowing a 70-pound increase in carrying capacity—and has fewer parts and welds to ease manufacturing. The triple-clamps and swingarm are redesigned, wheels are lighter and stiffer, and Dunlop designed an all-new tire, the D407. Rubber is now 130/80-17 in front and 180/65-16 at the back. ABS is also optional on all touring models. Bodywork remains the same to retain traditional looks. Why mess with success?
Other model changes are mostly cosmetic. In the Dyna family, the Street Bob is restyled, with a new seat, bodywork, taillight, exhaust and a black finish on the frame and wheels. It also benefits from the changes applied to the rest of the Dyna line, such as the new silver-faced speedometer with a fuel-range countdown feature. Custom-model Sportsters get new suspension and a lighter rear wheel, and all the Sportys get new tire-hugging fenders. The eight-model Softail line gets cosmetic updates, as well.
An interesting addition to the lineup is the $29,995 Tri-Glide Ultra Classic. No, it’s not a personal lubricant. There is a growing demand among consumers for Harley-based three-wheelers, and this has previously been satisfied by conversion shops. Milwaukee is now cashing in with a “ground-up” design based on the Ultra Classic Electra Glide. But instead of being a simple conversion, this machine uses a trike-specific chassis and final drive mated with a fuel-injected Twin Cam 103 engine producing 101 foot-pounds of torque. A steering damper and altered geometry keep handling in control, and an optional ($1195) reverse gear will enable owners to back this heavy machine out of parking spaces. Rear wheels are 15-inchers bolted to a steel-and-aluminum rear-axle assembly. Dual Brembo brakes stop the 16-inch front wheel, and dual Hayes brakes slow the rear. ABS is not an option.
Those are more changes than usual, and they give us a peek at The Motor Company’s strategy for staying profitable in both short and long term. Younger buyers get an edgy new Buell café racer, older riders get a stylish trike, overseas consumers (Harley’s biggest-growing market thanks to weak dollar) get a Euro-styled V-Rod, and everyone else gets various improvements.
