Friday, July 31, 2009
One Hot Fox Rules The Road!
We want to feature a female rider who knows her stuff when it comes to riding. Brenda Fox, knows her stuff. Read all about her expertise when it comes to motorcycles.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
NEW HARLEYS FOR 2010
Showing signs of creativity and optimism Harley-Davidson unveils new 2010 line-up
New model and innovations, Harley continues down the raw and unique road
Motorcycle News RSS Feed - A free online motorcycle magazine Clutch and Chrome
July 28th, 2009
Harley-Davidson isn't letting slow sales dampen their creativity offering nine new motorcycle models, reportedly the most expansive new-product introduction in the history of the Motor Company.
The Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer experienced a 30% drop in sales for the first six months of 2009 in a marketplace that saw the two-wheel demand fall 47% during the same period.
Continuing to ride into the ongoing economic storm, Harley-Davidson hopes to achieve a fusion of tradition and technology in a motorcycle product line across six model platforms that offers more power, luxury, and style, and more value.
"This ambitious new motorcycle launch reaches to our riders with the incredible passion that Harley-Davidson has inspired for more than a century," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Core Customer Marketing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
"We are thrilled to offer our customers nine new models and a full selection of products for 2010 that lets their enthusiasm for enjoying great motorcycles continue at full throttle," he continued.
Among the highlights, the new king of the Harley-Davidson Touring line, the Electra Glide® Ultra Limited model delivers the performance upgrade of a Twin Cam 103™ engine, and features standard equipment items previously offered only as accessories on regular-production Harley-Davidson Touring models.
The new Road Glide® Custom model looks lean and mean, with a slammed suspension, 18-inch front wheel and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system, while the Wide Glide® returns as an all-new Dyna® model done in old-school chopper style, with black laced wheels, a chopped rear fender, black "wire" sissy bar, 2-1-2 Tommy Gun exhaust and an optional flame paint scheme.
The new Street Glide® Trike brings stripped-down, hot-rod styling to the three-wheel category, and joins the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® in an all new Trike family for 2010. Dressed in satin chrome and denim black, the new Fat Boy® Lo presents a darker and lower interpretation of the motorcycle that still defines the fat-custom segment.
Keeping with the 'hot-rod' theme, the 2010 Street Glide® model sees updates that include a larger front wheel, slimmed-down exhaust, and a new tail light assembly. Street Glide takes a classic Harley-Davidson Touring profile to a low, light and lean extreme.
No motorcycle on the road today matches the modern street attitude of the three exciting models in the Harley-Davidson VRSC™ family: V-Rod®, Night Rod® Special and V-Rod Muscle® (featured right). The explosive performance of the liquid cooled Revolution® V-Twin engine keeps VRSC at the top of the power cruiser food chain in 2010.
Becoming the bread winner of Harley-Davidson and being the only model to show any sales performance, the Sportster® features six models for 2010, including the $7,999 Iron 883™ (pictured below)introduced mid-year 2009 and four others priced less than $10,000.
Although many experts claim luxury items are the weakest link in any sales cycle, riders and Harley-Davidson apparently disagree when it comes to the company's Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™). Masters of shimmering chrome and bold paint, the line offers four new limited-production models for 2010.
The CVO Softail® Convertible is a versatile urban touring motorcycle, while the CVO Street Glide is a high-performance hot-rod bagger. The CVO Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® and CVO Fat Bob® models are refreshed for 2010 with new paint schemes and styling details. All CVO models are powered by a Twin Cam 110™ engine, the largest displacement V-Twin offered by Harley-Davidson.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A closer look
So what will be new and improved on the new models? What have the engineers and designers of America's favorite motorcycle brand come up with?
The 2010 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide® Ultra Limited is a new premium touring motorcycle that offers enhanced performance and features, plus distinctive styling upgrades, that make it the new king of the Grand American Touring experience.
A step up from the popular Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic® Electra Glide, the Ultra Limited model features items that have previously only been offered as accessories on regular-production Harley-Davidson Touring models. The package starts with a Twin Cam 103™ engine that delivers 10 percent more torque than the Twin Cam 96™ engine offered in other Touring models, for a significant upgrade in performance.
Brembo triple-disc brakes with ABS, heated hand grips, the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System, a Premium Tour-Pak® luggage rack, Premium saddle bag and Tour-Pak liners, and a 12-volt/15 amp Tour-Pak power supply are all standard features on the Ultra Limited.
A special two-tone paint scheme will be available only for the Ultra Limited model, which also features its own 28-spoke cast aluminum wheels with contrasting chrome accents, new titanium-tone instrument faces and distinctive Ultra Limited badges in five locations. Priced at $24,699, the Ultra Limited offers Touring customers added value by including popular options as convenient, factory-installed original equipment.
The Ultra Limited model is designed to carry its rider and passenger beyond the horizon with unrivaled comfort and confidence. All of the features that have made the Ultra Classic the most-popular touring motorcycle on the American road are retained on the Ultra Limited, including electronic cruise control, the 80-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon, CB radio/intercom, vented fairing lowers and adjustable wind deflectors. The classic Harley-Davidson “batwing” fairing and fairing lowers provide outstanding wind-and-weather protection, while locking, hard GTX nylon saddlebags and an adjustable King Tour-Pak component offer generous luggage capacity.
Built on the innovative Touring platform chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, the Ultra Limited motorcycle is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame designed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s more-powerful engines.
The 28-spoke cast aluminum wheels were designed using finite element analysis for maximal stiffness with minimal weight. Dunlop® D407 Multi-Tread tires designed specifically for the Harley-Davidson Touring chassis feature a harder center tread compound and softer shoulder compound to enhance handling and extend rear-tire tread life.
Air-adjustable rear shocks accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. Chassis geometry and suspension calibration work with the dynamics of the frame to deliver a combination of comfort and handling from a touring motorcycle that’s equally at ease rolling down the Interstate or winding through a mountain pass.
The added performance of the Twin Cam 103 powertrain is an upgrade to the Ultra Limited that will be appreciated by any touring rider. With 102 ft. lbs. of peak torque on tap – an 10 percent increase over the Twin Cam 96 engine – the Twin Cam 103 offers more power for passing, for steep climbs, and for better over-all performance when the Ultra Limited is laden with a passenger and cargo. Harley-Davidson Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) delivers easy starting cold or hot and self-adjusts to changing elevation and atmospheric conditions.
The engine is rubber-mounted in the chassis, and mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission with a tall top gear for quiet, economical highway cruising. New for 2010 is a smoother, helical-cut fifth gear. The 2-1-2 exhaust system is designed to minimize heat exposure to the rider and passenger, and the Ultra Limited is equipped with mid-frame air deflectors to further isolate the rider from engine heat.
The Ultra Limited offers features designed to enhance every aspect of long-distance touring.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.
Heated Hand Grips: Adjustable through six settings by a knob on the left bar end, these thermostatically controlled grips self-adjust so the grips remain at a constant temperature regardless of changes in ambient temperature.
Smart Security System: The H-D® Smart Security System offers automatic self-arming and hands-free disarming for vehicle electronic security functions. The Hands Free Fob communicates directly on its own unique and individualized frequency with the Hands Free Security Module and Antenna. A flashing status indicator informs the rider that the Smart Security System is armed or disarmed.
Premium Tour-Pak Luggage Rack: This full-sized rack protects both Tour-Pak lid and passenger backrest from scratches. Lightweight steel tubing incorporates high-quality welded joints and is hand-polished and chrome-plated to provide long-lasting beauty.
Premium Saddlebag and Tour-Pak Liners: Updated for 2010 with dual zippers, side pockets for small items, and rubber bottoms that help keep the interior dry and clean, these durable nylon liners make it easier to carry items to and from the motorcycle.
Tour-Pak Power Supply: Charge a cell phone or computer, or power accessories, with this 12-volt/15-amp power point, fitted with a spring-loaded cap to keep the receptor clean.
Contrast Chrome Wheels: This custom version of the 28-spoke cast aluminum Touring wheel features chrome-plated spoke faces which reflect brilliantly in morning sun or midnight neon.
Upgraded Instrument Display: New Titanium-tone instrument faces upgrade the appearance of the Ultra Limited cockpit. White LED backlighting and a large font make them easier to view.
Ultra Limited paint: A special two-tone paint scheme adds a contrasting color to the front fender, the lower fuel tank, the lower saddle bags and the lower Tour-Pak areas. Color combinations include Vivid Black/Black Ice Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl/Vivid Black and Scarlet Red/Vivid Black.
The new Road Glide Custom motorcycle is a tougher, younger vision of the shark-nose Harley-Davidson classic, a bagger with a frame-mounted fairing that offers a lean, hot-rod look. Road Glide Custom leads with a big 18-inch front wheel draped with a clean FL fender, follows with a 2-into-1 exhaust feeding a long chrome muffler, and exits with a smooth new tail light assembly. Hugging the pavement on a slammed rear suspension, the Road Glide Custom rolls with a cool swagger.
But, according to Harley-Davidson 'cool can still tour', an aerodynamic fairing offers outstanding weather and wind protection and holds a cockpit-style array of instruments. Hardshell saddlebags and the 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon are standard equipment on the new Road Glide Custom model.
Key Road Glide Custom features include;
* The rear suspension is lowered by one inch, so the Road Glide Custom model appears to hug the highway, a look that is reinforced by the "ground effects" trim at the bottom edge of the rear fender.
* An 18-inch Black Slotted Disc cast aluminum front wheel has machined highlights. Combined with a lower-profile, 130/70B18 tire, the new wheel updates the front end styling and offers enhanced steering feedback.
* An aerodynamic, frame-mounted fairing incorporates dual headlamps, a cockpit-style instrument display with silver-faced gauges, and two glove-box storage compartments. The frame-mounted fairing offers lighter steering feel than a fork-mounted fairing. New head lamp trim replaces the clear cover used on previous Road Glide models, improving serviceability.
* A low-profile dark windshield creates a sleek shape up front.
* The new 2-into-1 exhaust feeds a single, four-inch-diameter chrome muffler located below the right saddlebag.
* The new tail light assembly joins a pair of red LED brake/tail/turn lamps with a sweeping chrome bracket that doubles as a visor over the low-mounted license plate. This design eliminates the separate tail/stop lamp. Tri-line LED lighting is located at the bottom edge of the rear fender.
* The new custom bucket seat has a perforated insert in the rider position.
* GTX nylon hard saddlebags have color-matched latches. Inserts fill the spaces between the saddlebags and the rear fender.
* Streamliner footboards, brake pedal and passenger pegs feature full chrome pans and three chrome bands inset in the rubber surface.
* The 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission is fitted with a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation.
Tour with Custom Style
The Road Glide Custom model is built on the innovative Touring chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today's more-powerful engines. The cast aluminum wheels were created using finite element analysis for maximal stiffness with minimal weight. The 180/65-16 Dunlop® D407 Multi-Tread rear tire designed specifically for the Harley-Davidson Touring chassis feature a harder center tread compound and softer shoulder compound to enhance handling and extend rear-tire tread life by 25 percent.
Air-adjustable rear shocks accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. Chassis geometry and suspension calibration work with the dynamics of the frame to deliver a combination of comfort and handling from a touring motorcycle that's equally at ease rolling down the Interstate or negotiating a tight parking situation.
The Twin Cam 96™ V-Twin engine features Harley-Davidson Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) that delivers crisp response, easy starting cold or hot, and self-adjusts to changing elevation and atmospheric conditions. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) unclutters the handlebar area and enables an easy upgrade to optional cruise control. The engine is rubber-mounted in the chassis, and mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission with a tall top gear for quiet, economical highway cruising. The exhaust system is designed to minimize heat exposure to the rider and passenger.
The 2010 Wide Glide is a new Harley-Davidson Dyna® model done up old-school chopper style – a low, stretched-out custom with forward foot controls that give its rider a real fists-in-the-wind profile. Its name-sake wide front end, black-wire sissy bar and available orange-to-yellow fade flames paint scheme might be hits from the bike-builder archives, but the LED stop/turn/tail light combo is new technology that keeps its chopped rear fender clean and uncluttered. The new Wide Glide is also priced to be a great value – call it affordable attitude.
The Wide Glide motorcycle is powered by a rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96™ V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) that produces 92 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3000 rpm. The engine is finished in black powdercoat with bright machined highlights on the cylinder fins and chrome-plated rocker and derby covers.
The 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation. Distinctive Dyna Wide Glide styling cues include an under-seat battery box, exposed rear shock absorbers, and a 4.7-gallon fuel tank with the speedometer mounted in the console.
Key Dyna Wide Glide Features
* The lowered front and rear suspension reduces seat height to just 25.5 inches.
* The 49mm front forks are raked out to 34 degrees. Wide polished aluminum triple clamps create more space between the forks to open up the front-end styling and accentuate the 21-inch by 2.15-inch front wheel.
40-spoke laced wheels with black steel rims.
* The handlebar is internally wired and mounted on four-inch-high black risers.
* Black mirrors and headlamp bucket match the black risers.
* Battery box and rear fender struts are finished in wrinkle black powdercoat. A chrome strip on the battery box has an embossed “Wide Glide” logo.
* The front of the fuel tank is tilted up .75-inch to accent the Wide Glide chopper profile.
* Chrome 2-1-2 “Tommy Gun” exhaust with styled exhaust shields and staggered dual mufflers.
* Low-slung solo seat with a separate passenger pillion.
* Black one-piece “wire” sissy bar.
* A chopped rear fender exposes the 180/60B tire.
* Dual red LED rear lamps combine the stop/turn/tail functions and eliminate a large, central tail lamp. The license plate mount is moved to the side of the chassis.
* The Wide Glide model has a base price of $14,499 in Vivid Black, and will also be offered in an optional, limited-production Red Hot Sunglo and Vivid Black base with Flames paint scheme.
Harley-Davidson will offer two models on its three-wheel Trike motorcycle platform for 2010, as the new Street Glide Trike joins the Tri Glide Ultra Classic. As its name implies, the Street Glide Trike brings the lean, stripped-down, hot-rod styling of the two-wheeled Street Glide model to the three-wheel category. With a smoked mini wind deflector and no Tour-Pak® luggage carrier, the Street Glide Trike is lighter and more compact than the Tri Glide Ultra Classic.
With its Trike platform, Harley-Davidson brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment. Both Trike models utilize a frame and associated chassis structure and geometry engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. The rear-axle assembly utilizes an aluminum center section with steel axle tubes. Dual front disc brakes are complemented by a Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated parking brake.
Both the Street Glide Trike and the Tri Glide Ultra Classic models are powered by a rubber-mounted, Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs. of torque. The 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear. An optional electric reverse is integrated with the rear differential assembly and engaged with a handlebar-mounted control with LED indicator.
The molded-composite Trike bodywork is a perfect color match for the tank and front fender. Because the rear fenders are each a separate piece from the rest of the rear bodywork, they can be removed individually for repair, replacement or service. The trunk provides 4.3 cubic feet of storage space and 50-pound capacity. Matching black and machined split seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels provide an integrated, factory-built look.
Key Street Glide Trike Features
* The signature Harley-Davidson "batwing" fork-mounted fairing has a smoked mini wind deflector. Mirrors are mounted to the fairing.
* Streamliner footboards, brake pedal and passenger floorboards feature full chrome pans and three chrome bands inset in the rubber surface.
* Chrome strips highlight the top surface of the trunk.
* The deep FL front fender is free of trim.
* The instrument display features silver-faced gauges.
* Chrome, full-length fuel tank console tops a six-gallon fuel tank.
* 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harmon/Kardon powers two speakers.
* Chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers exits below the rear trunk.
* Color Options: Vivid Black, Red Hot Sunglo
Key Tri Glide Ultra Classic Features
* The signature Harley-Davidson "batwing" fork-mounted fairing with a full, clear windshield and adjustable fairing wind deflectors.
* Clear-lens reflector-optics auxiliary lamps.
* Fiberglass adjustable King Tour-Pak luggage component with passenger backrest and tail/stop light. The trunk and Tour-Pak have a combined capacity of 6.56 cubic feet and up to 80 pounds.
* Engine guards and vented lower fairings with integrated storage compartments.
* 80-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon.
* 40-watt CB radio and intercom system.
* Electronic cruise control.
* Chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers.
* Color Options: Vivid Black, Flame Blue Pearl, Red Hot Sunglo, Two-Tone Flame Blue Pearl / Brilliant Silver Pearl
The 2010 Fat Boy Lo motorcycle is a new riff on one of the greatest hits to ever roll out of the Harley-Davidson design studio. Darker and lower than that original icon of fat-custom style, the Fat Boy Lo retains the bold presence of the Fat Boy while offering a fresh interpretation of the motorcycle that still defines the segment.
Dressed in satin chrome and denim black, the Fat Boy Lo model features a reshaped seat and handlebar that places its rider "in" the motorcycle, with the lowest seat height of any Harley-Davidson model. The half-moon footboards, black wheels and leather tank panel help Fat Boy Lo rock to a singular, fat-custom beat.
The Fat Boy Lo is a Harley-Davidson Softail® model with a rear-suspension design that mimics the lines of a vintage hardtail frame, but offers the comfort of modern suspension that is hidden under the chassis. A horseshoe oil tank located below the seat, forward foot controls or foot boards, and the classic five-gallon Fat Bob® fuel tank are notable styling details of each Softail model.
A counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B™ V-Twin powertrain, rigid-mounted in the frame, powers the Fat Boy Lo model. The rigid powertrain allows tight packaging of the engine within the frame. Rated at 93.67 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3000 rpm, the engine features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and is finished in black powdercoat with bright machined highlights on the cylinder fins, and satin-chrome engine and primary drive covers. The 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation.
Key Fat Boy Lo Features
* The front and rear suspension are each lowered by 1.15 inches to give the Fat Boy Lo model a road-hugging stance. Seat height is just 24.25 inches, the lowest of any Harley-Davidson model.
* A new seat is narrower, which along with the low seat height makes it possible for almost any rider to place both feet flat on the ground when the motorcycle is at rest.
* Stainless steel 1.25-inch-diameter handlebar features internal wiring for an uncluttered control area. This handlebar is narrower than the Fat Boy handlebar.
* Nostalgic half-moon rider footboards are finished in gloss black.
Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum 17-inch wheels front and rear have black centers and machined outer rims. Tire sizes are 200 mm-17 rear and 140 mm-17 front.
* Rolled-edge front fender and full-coverage rear fender.
* Fat Bob fuel tank topped with a satin-chrome console with speedometer and ignition switch, a leather tank panel with Harley-Davidson medallion, and satin-chrome tank side badges.
* Over/under shotgun exhaust with satin-chrome mufflers and muffler shields, and flat-black header shields.
Denim black finish is applied to the following components: frame, swingarm, front shock covers, derby cover, horn cover, coil cover, oil tank, and air cleaner cover.
* Gloss black finish is applied to these components: triple clamp covers and nacelle, headlight bucket, air cleaner cover trim ring, rear fender supports, footboards.
The Street Glide motorcycle, the original stripped-and-slammed bagger from Harley-Davidson, is updated for 2010 with a larger front wheel, slimmed-down exhaust, and a new tail light assembly. Street Glide takes a classic Harley-Davidson Touring profile to a low, light and lean extreme, with minimal trim and chrome, a fork-mounted fairing with clipped windshield, solo headlamp and integrated mirrors, and black slotted aluminum wheels. Inspired by the street, but still ready for the long road, Street Glide is a bagger with hot-rod soul.
New on Street Glide for 2010
* An 18-inch Black Slotted Disc cast aluminum front wheel with machined highlights replaces the previous 17-inch front of the same style. Combined with a lower-profile, 130/70B18 tire, the new wheel updates the front-end styling.
* The 2-into-1 exhaust feeds a single, four-inch-diameter chrome muffler located below the right saddlebag.
* A fresh design for the tail light assembly joins a pair of red LED brake/tail/turn lamps with a sweeping chrome bracket that doubles as a visor over the low-mounted license plate. This design eliminates the separate tail/stop lamp. The 2010 Street Glide also retains the Tri-line LED lighting at the bottom edge of the rear fender.
* The 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission is fitted with a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation.
Key Street Glide Features
* The rear suspension is lowered by one inch, so the Street Glide model appears to hug the highway, a look that is reinforced by the "ground effects" trim at the bottom edge of the rear fender.
* The signature Harley-Davidson "batwing" fork-mounted fairing has a smoked mini wind deflector. Mirrors are mounted to the fairing.
* The deep FL front fender is free of trim.
* The custom bucket seat has a perforated insert in the rider position.
* GTX nylon hard saddlebags have color-matched latches.
* Streamliner footboards, brake pedal and passenger pegs feature full chrome pans and three chrome bands inset in the rubber surface.
* Inserts fill the spaces between the saddlebags and the rear fender.
* The instrument display features silver-faced gauges.
* Equipped with the 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon.
The Street Glide bike is built on the innovative Touring chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s more-powerful engines. The cast aluminum wheels were created using finite element analysis for maximal stiffness with minimal weight. The 180/65-16 Dunlop® D407 Multi-Tread rear tire designed specifically for the Harley-Davidson Touring chassis feature a harder center tread compound and softer shoulder compound to enhance handling and extend rear-tire tread life by 25 percent.
Air-adjustable rear shocks accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. Chassis geometry and suspension calibration work with the dynamics of the frame to deliver a combination of comfort and handling from a touring motorcycle that’s equally at ease rolling down the Interstate or negotiating a tight parking situation.
The Twin Cam 96™ V-Twin engine features Harley-Davidson Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) that delivers crisp response, easy starting cold or hot, and self-adjusts to changing elevation and atmospheric conditions. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) unclutters the handlebar area and enables an easy upgrade to optional cruise control. The engine is rubber-mounted in the chassis, and mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission with a tall top gear for quiet, economical highway cruising. The exhaust system is designed to minimize heat exposure to the rider and passenger.
Banking on a riders desire for not only performance but to ride something unique and different from the other motorcycles in the pack, Harley-Davidson has not only continued but increased its Custom Vehicle Operations line-up. Two models have been reprised for 2010 with new paint and features.
The CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide features a new flamed paint scheme, new LED saddlebag lights and LED King Tour-Pak brake/tail light. The seat and backrest have a new perforated leather insert. The backrest also now features adjustable lumbar support.
The ever popular CVO Fat Bob debuts an exclusive new plating process called Midnight Pearl that is featured on the headlight shell, timer and derby covers, fender strut covers and other components. An all-new paint scheme is offered in three color combinations.
Each 2010 CVO model is powered by the fuel-injected Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 V-Twin, the largest-displacement engine produced by Harley-Davidson, rated at up to 115 ft. lbs. of torque. This engine is only available from the factory in CVO models.
Getting the CVO treatment for the first time is the 2010 CVO Softail Convertible, designed to be a "two-in-one" touring-and-cruising motorcycle, the CVO Softail Convertible features a new compact fairing, leather saddlebags, a passenger pillion, and upright with backrest that are each quickly detachable. A new full-coverage rear fender, a five-inch digital speedometer with analog tachometer, Stinger chrome aluminum wheels and Ventilator high-flow engine air intake all debut on the CVO Softail Convertible.
The 2010 CVO Street Glide is a tuned-up, tricked-out version of the popular Harley-Davidson hot-rod bagger. Powered by the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110, the CVO Street Glide packs serious power from the largest-displacement V-Twin engine offered from the factory by Harley-Davidson. But this potent touring bike is also loaded with the sparkling chrome, electrifying paint and fresh custom-styling ideas that have defined the CVO program for more than a decade.
The CVO Street Glide (pictured right) presents a low-and-lean profile behind a fork-mounted "batwing" fairing with a smoke low profile wind deflector and solo headlamp, a clean front fender, and hard extended saddlebags with color-matched latches. The CVO Street Glide is built on the innovative Touring chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a new swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today's more-powerful engines.
Key CVO Street Glide Features
* Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine with 110-cid (1803cc), rubber-mounted to the frame, is rated at 115 ft. lbs. of torque at 3750 rpm. The 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear.
* New extended saddlebags are a one-piece, injection-molded, full-depth design that offer increased capacity. Locking latches are color-matched.
* Color-matched rear fascia panel fills the space between each saddlebag and the rear fender, and incorporates LED stop/tail/turn lights.
* New black 18-inch front and rear "Agitator" wheels are a seven-spoke design with contrast-chrome highlights. New seven-spoke floating front brake rotors match the wheel.
* New hydraulic rear shocks have 40mm pistons and 14mm rods, with optimized rebound and damping to deliver outstanding response on a range of road surfaces. Suspension pre-load can be adjusted by hand to accommodate rider, passenger and luggage weight. The pre-load adjustment knob is located behind the left saddlebag.
* A new trimmed front fender/bracket assembly showcases the front "Agitator" wheel.
* A new custom, low-profile seat and matching backrest pad have leather inserts and French stitching.
* Rumble Collection grips, footboard inserts, passenger and shifter pegs, and brake pedal pad.
* Standard equipment also includes ABS (anti-lock braking system), electronic cruise control, Harley-Davidson factory security system, and the 40-watt Harman/Kardon Advanced Audio System.
* A new custom paint scheme is offered in three color combinations, with color-matched front fairing skirt, upper fork slider covers, and license plate light cover:
Candy Concord with Pale Gold Leaf Graphics
Spiced Rum with Gold Leaf Graphics
Tequila Sunrise with Pale Gold Leaf Graphics
Now in its 11th year, the mission of Harley-Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) program is to design and build limited-production, factory-custom motorcycles for customers who appreciate brilliant chrome, exquisite paint, thundering power and the exclusivity of owning and riding a very special motorcycle.
New model and innovations, Harley continues down the raw and unique road
Motorcycle News RSS Feed - A free online motorcycle magazine Clutch and Chrome
July 28th, 2009
Harley-Davidson isn't letting slow sales dampen their creativity offering nine new motorcycle models, reportedly the most expansive new-product introduction in the history of the Motor Company.
The Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer experienced a 30% drop in sales for the first six months of 2009 in a marketplace that saw the two-wheel demand fall 47% during the same period.
Continuing to ride into the ongoing economic storm, Harley-Davidson hopes to achieve a fusion of tradition and technology in a motorcycle product line across six model platforms that offers more power, luxury, and style, and more value.
"This ambitious new motorcycle launch reaches to our riders with the incredible passion that Harley-Davidson has inspired for more than a century," said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Core Customer Marketing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
"We are thrilled to offer our customers nine new models and a full selection of products for 2010 that lets their enthusiasm for enjoying great motorcycles continue at full throttle," he continued.
Among the highlights, the new king of the Harley-Davidson Touring line, the Electra Glide® Ultra Limited model delivers the performance upgrade of a Twin Cam 103™ engine, and features standard equipment items previously offered only as accessories on regular-production Harley-Davidson Touring models.
The new Road Glide® Custom model looks lean and mean, with a slammed suspension, 18-inch front wheel and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system, while the Wide Glide® returns as an all-new Dyna® model done in old-school chopper style, with black laced wheels, a chopped rear fender, black "wire" sissy bar, 2-1-2 Tommy Gun exhaust and an optional flame paint scheme.
The new Street Glide® Trike brings stripped-down, hot-rod styling to the three-wheel category, and joins the Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® in an all new Trike family for 2010. Dressed in satin chrome and denim black, the new Fat Boy® Lo presents a darker and lower interpretation of the motorcycle that still defines the fat-custom segment.
Keeping with the 'hot-rod' theme, the 2010 Street Glide® model sees updates that include a larger front wheel, slimmed-down exhaust, and a new tail light assembly. Street Glide takes a classic Harley-Davidson Touring profile to a low, light and lean extreme.
No motorcycle on the road today matches the modern street attitude of the three exciting models in the Harley-Davidson VRSC™ family: V-Rod®, Night Rod® Special and V-Rod Muscle® (featured right). The explosive performance of the liquid cooled Revolution® V-Twin engine keeps VRSC at the top of the power cruiser food chain in 2010.
Becoming the bread winner of Harley-Davidson and being the only model to show any sales performance, the Sportster® features six models for 2010, including the $7,999 Iron 883™ (pictured below)introduced mid-year 2009 and four others priced less than $10,000.
Although many experts claim luxury items are the weakest link in any sales cycle, riders and Harley-Davidson apparently disagree when it comes to the company's Custom Vehicle Operations™ (CVO™). Masters of shimmering chrome and bold paint, the line offers four new limited-production models for 2010.
The CVO Softail® Convertible is a versatile urban touring motorcycle, while the CVO Street Glide is a high-performance hot-rod bagger. The CVO Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® and CVO Fat Bob® models are refreshed for 2010 with new paint schemes and styling details. All CVO models are powered by a Twin Cam 110™ engine, the largest displacement V-Twin offered by Harley-Davidson.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A closer look
So what will be new and improved on the new models? What have the engineers and designers of America's favorite motorcycle brand come up with?
The 2010 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide® Ultra Limited is a new premium touring motorcycle that offers enhanced performance and features, plus distinctive styling upgrades, that make it the new king of the Grand American Touring experience.
A step up from the popular Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic® Electra Glide, the Ultra Limited model features items that have previously only been offered as accessories on regular-production Harley-Davidson Touring models. The package starts with a Twin Cam 103™ engine that delivers 10 percent more torque than the Twin Cam 96™ engine offered in other Touring models, for a significant upgrade in performance.
Brembo triple-disc brakes with ABS, heated hand grips, the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System, a Premium Tour-Pak® luggage rack, Premium saddle bag and Tour-Pak liners, and a 12-volt/15 amp Tour-Pak power supply are all standard features on the Ultra Limited.
A special two-tone paint scheme will be available only for the Ultra Limited model, which also features its own 28-spoke cast aluminum wheels with contrasting chrome accents, new titanium-tone instrument faces and distinctive Ultra Limited badges in five locations. Priced at $24,699, the Ultra Limited offers Touring customers added value by including popular options as convenient, factory-installed original equipment.
The Ultra Limited model is designed to carry its rider and passenger beyond the horizon with unrivaled comfort and confidence. All of the features that have made the Ultra Classic the most-popular touring motorcycle on the American road are retained on the Ultra Limited, including electronic cruise control, the 80-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon, CB radio/intercom, vented fairing lowers and adjustable wind deflectors. The classic Harley-Davidson “batwing” fairing and fairing lowers provide outstanding wind-and-weather protection, while locking, hard GTX nylon saddlebags and an adjustable King Tour-Pak component offer generous luggage capacity.
Built on the innovative Touring platform chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, the Ultra Limited motorcycle is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame designed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s more-powerful engines.
The 28-spoke cast aluminum wheels were designed using finite element analysis for maximal stiffness with minimal weight. Dunlop® D407 Multi-Tread tires designed specifically for the Harley-Davidson Touring chassis feature a harder center tread compound and softer shoulder compound to enhance handling and extend rear-tire tread life.
Air-adjustable rear shocks accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. Chassis geometry and suspension calibration work with the dynamics of the frame to deliver a combination of comfort and handling from a touring motorcycle that’s equally at ease rolling down the Interstate or winding through a mountain pass.
The added performance of the Twin Cam 103 powertrain is an upgrade to the Ultra Limited that will be appreciated by any touring rider. With 102 ft. lbs. of peak torque on tap – an 10 percent increase over the Twin Cam 96 engine – the Twin Cam 103 offers more power for passing, for steep climbs, and for better over-all performance when the Ultra Limited is laden with a passenger and cargo. Harley-Davidson Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) delivers easy starting cold or hot and self-adjusts to changing elevation and atmospheric conditions.
The engine is rubber-mounted in the chassis, and mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission with a tall top gear for quiet, economical highway cruising. New for 2010 is a smoother, helical-cut fifth gear. The 2-1-2 exhaust system is designed to minimize heat exposure to the rider and passenger, and the Ultra Limited is equipped with mid-frame air deflectors to further isolate the rider from engine heat.
The Ultra Limited offers features designed to enhance every aspect of long-distance touring.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.
Heated Hand Grips: Adjustable through six settings by a knob on the left bar end, these thermostatically controlled grips self-adjust so the grips remain at a constant temperature regardless of changes in ambient temperature.
Smart Security System: The H-D® Smart Security System offers automatic self-arming and hands-free disarming for vehicle electronic security functions. The Hands Free Fob communicates directly on its own unique and individualized frequency with the Hands Free Security Module and Antenna. A flashing status indicator informs the rider that the Smart Security System is armed or disarmed.
Premium Tour-Pak Luggage Rack: This full-sized rack protects both Tour-Pak lid and passenger backrest from scratches. Lightweight steel tubing incorporates high-quality welded joints and is hand-polished and chrome-plated to provide long-lasting beauty.
Premium Saddlebag and Tour-Pak Liners: Updated for 2010 with dual zippers, side pockets for small items, and rubber bottoms that help keep the interior dry and clean, these durable nylon liners make it easier to carry items to and from the motorcycle.
Tour-Pak Power Supply: Charge a cell phone or computer, or power accessories, with this 12-volt/15-amp power point, fitted with a spring-loaded cap to keep the receptor clean.
Contrast Chrome Wheels: This custom version of the 28-spoke cast aluminum Touring wheel features chrome-plated spoke faces which reflect brilliantly in morning sun or midnight neon.
Upgraded Instrument Display: New Titanium-tone instrument faces upgrade the appearance of the Ultra Limited cockpit. White LED backlighting and a large font make them easier to view.
Ultra Limited paint: A special two-tone paint scheme adds a contrasting color to the front fender, the lower fuel tank, the lower saddle bags and the lower Tour-Pak areas. Color combinations include Vivid Black/Black Ice Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl/Vivid Black and Scarlet Red/Vivid Black.
The new Road Glide Custom motorcycle is a tougher, younger vision of the shark-nose Harley-Davidson classic, a bagger with a frame-mounted fairing that offers a lean, hot-rod look. Road Glide Custom leads with a big 18-inch front wheel draped with a clean FL fender, follows with a 2-into-1 exhaust feeding a long chrome muffler, and exits with a smooth new tail light assembly. Hugging the pavement on a slammed rear suspension, the Road Glide Custom rolls with a cool swagger.
But, according to Harley-Davidson 'cool can still tour', an aerodynamic fairing offers outstanding weather and wind protection and holds a cockpit-style array of instruments. Hardshell saddlebags and the 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon are standard equipment on the new Road Glide Custom model.
Key Road Glide Custom features include;
* The rear suspension is lowered by one inch, so the Road Glide Custom model appears to hug the highway, a look that is reinforced by the "ground effects" trim at the bottom edge of the rear fender.
* An 18-inch Black Slotted Disc cast aluminum front wheel has machined highlights. Combined with a lower-profile, 130/70B18 tire, the new wheel updates the front end styling and offers enhanced steering feedback.
* An aerodynamic, frame-mounted fairing incorporates dual headlamps, a cockpit-style instrument display with silver-faced gauges, and two glove-box storage compartments. The frame-mounted fairing offers lighter steering feel than a fork-mounted fairing. New head lamp trim replaces the clear cover used on previous Road Glide models, improving serviceability.
* A low-profile dark windshield creates a sleek shape up front.
* The new 2-into-1 exhaust feeds a single, four-inch-diameter chrome muffler located below the right saddlebag.
* The new tail light assembly joins a pair of red LED brake/tail/turn lamps with a sweeping chrome bracket that doubles as a visor over the low-mounted license plate. This design eliminates the separate tail/stop lamp. Tri-line LED lighting is located at the bottom edge of the rear fender.
* The new custom bucket seat has a perforated insert in the rider position.
* GTX nylon hard saddlebags have color-matched latches. Inserts fill the spaces between the saddlebags and the rear fender.
* Streamliner footboards, brake pedal and passenger pegs feature full chrome pans and three chrome bands inset in the rubber surface.
* The 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission is fitted with a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation.
Tour with Custom Style
The Road Glide Custom model is built on the innovative Touring chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today's more-powerful engines. The cast aluminum wheels were created using finite element analysis for maximal stiffness with minimal weight. The 180/65-16 Dunlop® D407 Multi-Tread rear tire designed specifically for the Harley-Davidson Touring chassis feature a harder center tread compound and softer shoulder compound to enhance handling and extend rear-tire tread life by 25 percent.
Air-adjustable rear shocks accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. Chassis geometry and suspension calibration work with the dynamics of the frame to deliver a combination of comfort and handling from a touring motorcycle that's equally at ease rolling down the Interstate or negotiating a tight parking situation.
The Twin Cam 96™ V-Twin engine features Harley-Davidson Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) that delivers crisp response, easy starting cold or hot, and self-adjusts to changing elevation and atmospheric conditions. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) unclutters the handlebar area and enables an easy upgrade to optional cruise control. The engine is rubber-mounted in the chassis, and mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission with a tall top gear for quiet, economical highway cruising. The exhaust system is designed to minimize heat exposure to the rider and passenger.
The 2010 Wide Glide is a new Harley-Davidson Dyna® model done up old-school chopper style – a low, stretched-out custom with forward foot controls that give its rider a real fists-in-the-wind profile. Its name-sake wide front end, black-wire sissy bar and available orange-to-yellow fade flames paint scheme might be hits from the bike-builder archives, but the LED stop/turn/tail light combo is new technology that keeps its chopped rear fender clean and uncluttered. The new Wide Glide is also priced to be a great value – call it affordable attitude.
The Wide Glide motorcycle is powered by a rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96™ V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) that produces 92 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3000 rpm. The engine is finished in black powdercoat with bright machined highlights on the cylinder fins and chrome-plated rocker and derby covers.
The 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation. Distinctive Dyna Wide Glide styling cues include an under-seat battery box, exposed rear shock absorbers, and a 4.7-gallon fuel tank with the speedometer mounted in the console.
Key Dyna Wide Glide Features
* The lowered front and rear suspension reduces seat height to just 25.5 inches.
* The 49mm front forks are raked out to 34 degrees. Wide polished aluminum triple clamps create more space between the forks to open up the front-end styling and accentuate the 21-inch by 2.15-inch front wheel.
40-spoke laced wheels with black steel rims.
* The handlebar is internally wired and mounted on four-inch-high black risers.
* Black mirrors and headlamp bucket match the black risers.
* Battery box and rear fender struts are finished in wrinkle black powdercoat. A chrome strip on the battery box has an embossed “Wide Glide” logo.
* The front of the fuel tank is tilted up .75-inch to accent the Wide Glide chopper profile.
* Chrome 2-1-2 “Tommy Gun” exhaust with styled exhaust shields and staggered dual mufflers.
* Low-slung solo seat with a separate passenger pillion.
* Black one-piece “wire” sissy bar.
* A chopped rear fender exposes the 180/60B tire.
* Dual red LED rear lamps combine the stop/turn/tail functions and eliminate a large, central tail lamp. The license plate mount is moved to the side of the chassis.
* The Wide Glide model has a base price of $14,499 in Vivid Black, and will also be offered in an optional, limited-production Red Hot Sunglo and Vivid Black base with Flames paint scheme.
Harley-Davidson will offer two models on its three-wheel Trike motorcycle platform for 2010, as the new Street Glide Trike joins the Tri Glide Ultra Classic. As its name implies, the Street Glide Trike brings the lean, stripped-down, hot-rod styling of the two-wheeled Street Glide model to the three-wheel category. With a smoked mini wind deflector and no Tour-Pak® luggage carrier, the Street Glide Trike is lighter and more compact than the Tri Glide Ultra Classic.
With its Trike platform, Harley-Davidson brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment. Both Trike models utilize a frame and associated chassis structure and geometry engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. The rear-axle assembly utilizes an aluminum center section with steel axle tubes. Dual front disc brakes are complemented by a Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated parking brake.
Both the Street Glide Trike and the Tri Glide Ultra Classic models are powered by a rubber-mounted, Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs. of torque. The 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear. An optional electric reverse is integrated with the rear differential assembly and engaged with a handlebar-mounted control with LED indicator.
The molded-composite Trike bodywork is a perfect color match for the tank and front fender. Because the rear fenders are each a separate piece from the rest of the rear bodywork, they can be removed individually for repair, replacement or service. The trunk provides 4.3 cubic feet of storage space and 50-pound capacity. Matching black and machined split seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels provide an integrated, factory-built look.
Key Street Glide Trike Features
* The signature Harley-Davidson "batwing" fork-mounted fairing has a smoked mini wind deflector. Mirrors are mounted to the fairing.
* Streamliner footboards, brake pedal and passenger floorboards feature full chrome pans and three chrome bands inset in the rubber surface.
* Chrome strips highlight the top surface of the trunk.
* The deep FL front fender is free of trim.
* The instrument display features silver-faced gauges.
* Chrome, full-length fuel tank console tops a six-gallon fuel tank.
* 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harmon/Kardon powers two speakers.
* Chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers exits below the rear trunk.
* Color Options: Vivid Black, Red Hot Sunglo
Key Tri Glide Ultra Classic Features
* The signature Harley-Davidson "batwing" fork-mounted fairing with a full, clear windshield and adjustable fairing wind deflectors.
* Clear-lens reflector-optics auxiliary lamps.
* Fiberglass adjustable King Tour-Pak luggage component with passenger backrest and tail/stop light. The trunk and Tour-Pak have a combined capacity of 6.56 cubic feet and up to 80 pounds.
* Engine guards and vented lower fairings with integrated storage compartments.
* 80-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon.
* 40-watt CB radio and intercom system.
* Electronic cruise control.
* Chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers.
* Color Options: Vivid Black, Flame Blue Pearl, Red Hot Sunglo, Two-Tone Flame Blue Pearl / Brilliant Silver Pearl
The 2010 Fat Boy Lo motorcycle is a new riff on one of the greatest hits to ever roll out of the Harley-Davidson design studio. Darker and lower than that original icon of fat-custom style, the Fat Boy Lo retains the bold presence of the Fat Boy while offering a fresh interpretation of the motorcycle that still defines the segment.
Dressed in satin chrome and denim black, the Fat Boy Lo model features a reshaped seat and handlebar that places its rider "in" the motorcycle, with the lowest seat height of any Harley-Davidson model. The half-moon footboards, black wheels and leather tank panel help Fat Boy Lo rock to a singular, fat-custom beat.
The Fat Boy Lo is a Harley-Davidson Softail® model with a rear-suspension design that mimics the lines of a vintage hardtail frame, but offers the comfort of modern suspension that is hidden under the chassis. A horseshoe oil tank located below the seat, forward foot controls or foot boards, and the classic five-gallon Fat Bob® fuel tank are notable styling details of each Softail model.
A counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B™ V-Twin powertrain, rigid-mounted in the frame, powers the Fat Boy Lo model. The rigid powertrain allows tight packaging of the engine within the frame. Rated at 93.67 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3000 rpm, the engine features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and is finished in black powdercoat with bright machined highlights on the cylinder fins, and satin-chrome engine and primary drive covers. The 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation.
Key Fat Boy Lo Features
* The front and rear suspension are each lowered by 1.15 inches to give the Fat Boy Lo model a road-hugging stance. Seat height is just 24.25 inches, the lowest of any Harley-Davidson model.
* A new seat is narrower, which along with the low seat height makes it possible for almost any rider to place both feet flat on the ground when the motorcycle is at rest.
* Stainless steel 1.25-inch-diameter handlebar features internal wiring for an uncluttered control area. This handlebar is narrower than the Fat Boy handlebar.
* Nostalgic half-moon rider footboards are finished in gloss black.
Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum 17-inch wheels front and rear have black centers and machined outer rims. Tire sizes are 200 mm-17 rear and 140 mm-17 front.
* Rolled-edge front fender and full-coverage rear fender.
* Fat Bob fuel tank topped with a satin-chrome console with speedometer and ignition switch, a leather tank panel with Harley-Davidson medallion, and satin-chrome tank side badges.
* Over/under shotgun exhaust with satin-chrome mufflers and muffler shields, and flat-black header shields.
Denim black finish is applied to the following components: frame, swingarm, front shock covers, derby cover, horn cover, coil cover, oil tank, and air cleaner cover.
* Gloss black finish is applied to these components: triple clamp covers and nacelle, headlight bucket, air cleaner cover trim ring, rear fender supports, footboards.
The Street Glide motorcycle, the original stripped-and-slammed bagger from Harley-Davidson, is updated for 2010 with a larger front wheel, slimmed-down exhaust, and a new tail light assembly. Street Glide takes a classic Harley-Davidson Touring profile to a low, light and lean extreme, with minimal trim and chrome, a fork-mounted fairing with clipped windshield, solo headlamp and integrated mirrors, and black slotted aluminum wheels. Inspired by the street, but still ready for the long road, Street Glide is a bagger with hot-rod soul.
New on Street Glide for 2010
* An 18-inch Black Slotted Disc cast aluminum front wheel with machined highlights replaces the previous 17-inch front of the same style. Combined with a lower-profile, 130/70B18 tire, the new wheel updates the front-end styling.
* The 2-into-1 exhaust feeds a single, four-inch-diameter chrome muffler located below the right saddlebag.
* A fresh design for the tail light assembly joins a pair of red LED brake/tail/turn lamps with a sweeping chrome bracket that doubles as a visor over the low-mounted license plate. This design eliminates the separate tail/stop lamp. The 2010 Street Glide also retains the Tri-line LED lighting at the bottom edge of the rear fender.
* The 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission is fitted with a new helical-cut fifth gear for smooth operation.
Key Street Glide Features
* The rear suspension is lowered by one inch, so the Street Glide model appears to hug the highway, a look that is reinforced by the "ground effects" trim at the bottom edge of the rear fender.
* The signature Harley-Davidson "batwing" fork-mounted fairing has a smoked mini wind deflector. Mirrors are mounted to the fairing.
* The deep FL front fender is free of trim.
* The custom bucket seat has a perforated insert in the rider position.
* GTX nylon hard saddlebags have color-matched latches.
* Streamliner footboards, brake pedal and passenger pegs feature full chrome pans and three chrome bands inset in the rubber surface.
* Inserts fill the spaces between the saddlebags and the rear fender.
* The instrument display features silver-faced gauges.
* Equipped with the 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon.
The Street Glide bike is built on the innovative Touring chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s more-powerful engines. The cast aluminum wheels were created using finite element analysis for maximal stiffness with minimal weight. The 180/65-16 Dunlop® D407 Multi-Tread rear tire designed specifically for the Harley-Davidson Touring chassis feature a harder center tread compound and softer shoulder compound to enhance handling and extend rear-tire tread life by 25 percent.
Air-adjustable rear shocks accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. Chassis geometry and suspension calibration work with the dynamics of the frame to deliver a combination of comfort and handling from a touring motorcycle that’s equally at ease rolling down the Interstate or negotiating a tight parking situation.
The Twin Cam 96™ V-Twin engine features Harley-Davidson Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) that delivers crisp response, easy starting cold or hot, and self-adjusts to changing elevation and atmospheric conditions. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) unclutters the handlebar area and enables an easy upgrade to optional cruise control. The engine is rubber-mounted in the chassis, and mated to a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission with a tall top gear for quiet, economical highway cruising. The exhaust system is designed to minimize heat exposure to the rider and passenger.
Banking on a riders desire for not only performance but to ride something unique and different from the other motorcycles in the pack, Harley-Davidson has not only continued but increased its Custom Vehicle Operations line-up. Two models have been reprised for 2010 with new paint and features.
The CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide features a new flamed paint scheme, new LED saddlebag lights and LED King Tour-Pak brake/tail light. The seat and backrest have a new perforated leather insert. The backrest also now features adjustable lumbar support.
The ever popular CVO Fat Bob debuts an exclusive new plating process called Midnight Pearl that is featured on the headlight shell, timer and derby covers, fender strut covers and other components. An all-new paint scheme is offered in three color combinations.
Each 2010 CVO model is powered by the fuel-injected Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 V-Twin, the largest-displacement engine produced by Harley-Davidson, rated at up to 115 ft. lbs. of torque. This engine is only available from the factory in CVO models.
Getting the CVO treatment for the first time is the 2010 CVO Softail Convertible, designed to be a "two-in-one" touring-and-cruising motorcycle, the CVO Softail Convertible features a new compact fairing, leather saddlebags, a passenger pillion, and upright with backrest that are each quickly detachable. A new full-coverage rear fender, a five-inch digital speedometer with analog tachometer, Stinger chrome aluminum wheels and Ventilator high-flow engine air intake all debut on the CVO Softail Convertible.
The 2010 CVO Street Glide is a tuned-up, tricked-out version of the popular Harley-Davidson hot-rod bagger. Powered by the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110, the CVO Street Glide packs serious power from the largest-displacement V-Twin engine offered from the factory by Harley-Davidson. But this potent touring bike is also loaded with the sparkling chrome, electrifying paint and fresh custom-styling ideas that have defined the CVO program for more than a decade.
The CVO Street Glide (pictured right) presents a low-and-lean profile behind a fork-mounted "batwing" fairing with a smoke low profile wind deflector and solo headlamp, a clean front fender, and hard extended saddlebags with color-matched latches. The CVO Street Glide is built on the innovative Touring chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a new swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today's more-powerful engines.
Key CVO Street Glide Features
* Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine with 110-cid (1803cc), rubber-mounted to the frame, is rated at 115 ft. lbs. of torque at 3750 rpm. The 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear.
* New extended saddlebags are a one-piece, injection-molded, full-depth design that offer increased capacity. Locking latches are color-matched.
* Color-matched rear fascia panel fills the space between each saddlebag and the rear fender, and incorporates LED stop/tail/turn lights.
* New black 18-inch front and rear "Agitator" wheels are a seven-spoke design with contrast-chrome highlights. New seven-spoke floating front brake rotors match the wheel.
* New hydraulic rear shocks have 40mm pistons and 14mm rods, with optimized rebound and damping to deliver outstanding response on a range of road surfaces. Suspension pre-load can be adjusted by hand to accommodate rider, passenger and luggage weight. The pre-load adjustment knob is located behind the left saddlebag.
* A new trimmed front fender/bracket assembly showcases the front "Agitator" wheel.
* A new custom, low-profile seat and matching backrest pad have leather inserts and French stitching.
* Rumble Collection grips, footboard inserts, passenger and shifter pegs, and brake pedal pad.
* Standard equipment also includes ABS (anti-lock braking system), electronic cruise control, Harley-Davidson factory security system, and the 40-watt Harman/Kardon Advanced Audio System.
* A new custom paint scheme is offered in three color combinations, with color-matched front fairing skirt, upper fork slider covers, and license plate light cover:
Candy Concord with Pale Gold Leaf Graphics
Spiced Rum with Gold Leaf Graphics
Tequila Sunrise with Pale Gold Leaf Graphics
Now in its 11th year, the mission of Harley-Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) program is to design and build limited-production, factory-custom motorcycles for customers who appreciate brilliant chrome, exquisite paint, thundering power and the exclusivity of owning and riding a very special motorcycle.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
NEWARK -- Footage of a now infamous traffic stop shows a third speeder was riding with two off-duty law enforcement officers caught going close to 150 mph.
Advertisement
The Ohio Highway Patrol released the dashboard camera video Friday that shows the amiable encounter -- with plenty of chuckles and back-slapping -- between three motorcyclists and two uniformed patrol troopers in June on Interstate 70 near Buckeye Lake.
Trooper Jason Highsmith, 35, and Gahanna Police Officer Christopher Thomas, 33, are the two identified riders, traveling at 147 mph and 149 mph, respectively, according to their citations, in the 65 mph zone.
Although the video rolls for 14 minutes, the sound apparently is turned off by Granville Post Trooper Bryan Lee shortly after a second on-duty trooper leaves the scene.
The stop occurred June 28, and the tickets for both drivers were filed Monday and Tuesday.
One of the troopers informs the third mystery rider he has eluded radar detection by the patrol plane flying above.
"We didn't get him," the trooper states in the video. "He got lucky."
One of the riders explains why he opened the throttle on his 2008 Kawasaki.
"(The road) opened up and I was like '(expletive) it. I'm gunning it,'" the man said.
Another comment makes reference to Highsmith's then-assignment on the patrol's Motorcycle Unit.
"He's a motorcycle cop, what? How fast was he going?" a voice can be heard saying before letting loose a laugh.
Thomas, who has legal representation, has requested a continuance for his Tuesday arraignment. 10TV reported Thomas has been on paid leave since December after a slip on ice. The city is investigating his disability status, 10TV reported.
Highsmith hired Columbus attorney Samuel Shamansky after pleading not guilty Wednesday to his minor misdemeanor speeding violation, court records show.
Highsmith told Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool he wanted to resolve the case at his initial appearance but changed his mind when the judge told him he would be suspending Highsmith's license upon conviction.
Branstool cited the "relating to reckless operation" clause that can subject a defendant to the same license suspensions that would be applied to someone ticketed for reckless operation even if they were ticketed solely for speed, as were Highsmith and Thomas.
Advertisement
The Ohio Highway Patrol released the dashboard camera video Friday that shows the amiable encounter -- with plenty of chuckles and back-slapping -- between three motorcyclists and two uniformed patrol troopers in June on Interstate 70 near Buckeye Lake.
Trooper Jason Highsmith, 35, and Gahanna Police Officer Christopher Thomas, 33, are the two identified riders, traveling at 147 mph and 149 mph, respectively, according to their citations, in the 65 mph zone.
Although the video rolls for 14 minutes, the sound apparently is turned off by Granville Post Trooper Bryan Lee shortly after a second on-duty trooper leaves the scene.
The stop occurred June 28, and the tickets for both drivers were filed Monday and Tuesday.
One of the troopers informs the third mystery rider he has eluded radar detection by the patrol plane flying above.
"We didn't get him," the trooper states in the video. "He got lucky."
One of the riders explains why he opened the throttle on his 2008 Kawasaki.
"(The road) opened up and I was like '(expletive) it. I'm gunning it,'" the man said.
Another comment makes reference to Highsmith's then-assignment on the patrol's Motorcycle Unit.
"He's a motorcycle cop, what? How fast was he going?" a voice can be heard saying before letting loose a laugh.
Thomas, who has legal representation, has requested a continuance for his Tuesday arraignment. 10TV reported Thomas has been on paid leave since December after a slip on ice. The city is investigating his disability status, 10TV reported.
Highsmith hired Columbus attorney Samuel Shamansky after pleading not guilty Wednesday to his minor misdemeanor speeding violation, court records show.
Highsmith told Licking County Municipal Court Judge David Branstool he wanted to resolve the case at his initial appearance but changed his mind when the judge told him he would be suspending Highsmith's license upon conviction.
Branstool cited the "relating to reckless operation" clause that can subject a defendant to the same license suspensions that would be applied to someone ticketed for reckless operation even if they were ticketed solely for speed, as were Highsmith and Thomas.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Bikers Against Child Abuse
Bikers Against Child Abuse, is a strong organization of dedicated individuals that are willing to sacrifice any and all in order to protect and secure the childrens basic right to a happy childhood. BACA was founded by John Paul Chief Lilly. Chief is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor, and Part-time faculty at Brigham Young University. He has been in practice for twenty years, most of which has been spent in the treatment of abused children. Chief became keenly aware that while the system was able to offer much in the way of helping the children to heal, there were gaps that needed to be filled.
The two major gaps were: providing for the safety of the children and, providing funding for their therapy. Even with the court involvement to protect children from further abuse with the issuance of protective orders and removing perpetrators from neighborhoods, the perpetrators were continuing to access and wound the children. It would be naive and misrepresentative to believe that law enforcement officials could protect these children from their perpetrators on a continual basis. Further, many children that are abused do not qualify for therapy funding because their cases did not meet the basic requirements of the rules of evidence, and the cases are closed. While it might be obvious that a child has been abused, that child might not qualify for therapy benefits because he/she was too frightened to provide enough evidence for the case to be pursued. Chief noted that safe children are more capable of telling the truth because the threats made by an abuser are offset by the presence of dedicated bikers that have now become family.
BACA also provides for the children by attending court proceedings and parole hearings with them, escorting them to and from school or errands if necessary, and many other ways to insure that the children are free from fear and can return to their previous level of adaptive functioning.
One of the greatest and unique assets of BACA for the children is its biker family attitude. Bikers are a tightly knitted group. The brotherhood and family values are not just a way to live, but a way of life. One for all and all for one, is not just a quote, it is our reality. The children have an uncanny sense for honesty and trust. The children can feel when they are being lied to or told the truth. When a large group of bikers ride to a childs house to support and honor that child, and the bikers tell that child that he/she does not need to be scared anymore because the bikers are there and will be there under any circumstances, the children feel the security of a brotherhood. Children understand that child abusers are cowards that prey on the helpless. After children have been adopted into the BACA family they are not helpless or powerless anymore.
The two major gaps were: providing for the safety of the children and, providing funding for their therapy. Even with the court involvement to protect children from further abuse with the issuance of protective orders and removing perpetrators from neighborhoods, the perpetrators were continuing to access and wound the children. It would be naive and misrepresentative to believe that law enforcement officials could protect these children from their perpetrators on a continual basis. Further, many children that are abused do not qualify for therapy funding because their cases did not meet the basic requirements of the rules of evidence, and the cases are closed. While it might be obvious that a child has been abused, that child might not qualify for therapy benefits because he/she was too frightened to provide enough evidence for the case to be pursued. Chief noted that safe children are more capable of telling the truth because the threats made by an abuser are offset by the presence of dedicated bikers that have now become family.
BACA also provides for the children by attending court proceedings and parole hearings with them, escorting them to and from school or errands if necessary, and many other ways to insure that the children are free from fear and can return to their previous level of adaptive functioning.
One of the greatest and unique assets of BACA for the children is its biker family attitude. Bikers are a tightly knitted group. The brotherhood and family values are not just a way to live, but a way of life. One for all and all for one, is not just a quote, it is our reality. The children have an uncanny sense for honesty and trust. The children can feel when they are being lied to or told the truth. When a large group of bikers ride to a childs house to support and honor that child, and the bikers tell that child that he/she does not need to be scared anymore because the bikers are there and will be there under any circumstances, the children feel the security of a brotherhood. Children understand that child abusers are cowards that prey on the helpless. After children have been adopted into the BACA family they are not helpless or powerless anymore.
Protect your motorcycle, save money with Progressive and LoJack
Riders can get a 20 percent discount on motorcycle insurance plus $50 rebate on recovery system
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than 60,000 motorcycles were stolen last year: that's one bike stolen every 8.7 minutes. But riders may be able to save money and protect themselves from motorcycle theft by taking advantage of a program from LoJack Corporation and Progressive.
Riders can get a $50 rebate from LoJack on the LoJack for Motorcycles Stolen Vehicle Recovery System by downloading the online rebate form on motorcycle.progressive.com. Progressive insurance customers who have LoJack installed on their bikes can now also get a 20 percent discount on their Comprehensive coverage premium.
Each LoJack system includes a small, silent radio transceiver hidden on the bike by a LoJack certified technician. Once a theft is reported to law enforcement, the LoJack transponder is activated. The system sends out a signal that police vehicles, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, equipped with LoJack Police Tracking Computers, can follow to recover the stolen bike. In the last three years, the LoJack System has helped law enforcement recover more than 1,500 stolen bikes.
The rebate and discount are available in select states. For more information about Progressive's motorcycle coverages, visit motorcycle.progressive.com, and for motorcycle theft prevention tips, click here. For more information about LoJack, visit http://www.lojack.com.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, more than 60,000 motorcycles were stolen last year: that's one bike stolen every 8.7 minutes. But riders may be able to save money and protect themselves from motorcycle theft by taking advantage of a program from LoJack Corporation and Progressive.
Riders can get a $50 rebate from LoJack on the LoJack for Motorcycles Stolen Vehicle Recovery System by downloading the online rebate form on motorcycle.progressive.com. Progressive insurance customers who have LoJack installed on their bikes can now also get a 20 percent discount on their Comprehensive coverage premium.
Each LoJack system includes a small, silent radio transceiver hidden on the bike by a LoJack certified technician. Once a theft is reported to law enforcement, the LoJack transponder is activated. The system sends out a signal that police vehicles, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, equipped with LoJack Police Tracking Computers, can follow to recover the stolen bike. In the last three years, the LoJack System has helped law enforcement recover more than 1,500 stolen bikes.
The rebate and discount are available in select states. For more information about Progressive's motorcycle coverages, visit motorcycle.progressive.com, and for motorcycle theft prevention tips, click here. For more information about LoJack, visit http://www.lojack.com.
California Motorcycle Smog Test Proposal Modified by State Senate
Thanks to the efforts of thousands of AMA members and other concerned motorcyclists, the sponsor of a proposed California law to require motorcycles to undergo periodic exhaust emissions testing has backed away from the idea, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
The measure — Senate Bill 435 introduced this year by state Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica) — would have required all model year 2000-and-newer on-road motorcycles with engine displacements of more than 280cc to be tested every two years. The motorcycles would have been included in the state Department of Consumer Affairs "smog check" program, which involves testing for unacceptable levels of pollutants in emissions.
"This is an initial victory for California motorcyclists, but we can't let our guard down just yet," said Nick Haris, AMA western states representative. "Senators deserve credit for recognizing how this proposal would have created an added burden for motorcyclists, motorcycle businesses, and the cash-starved state bureaucracy, and they reworked the measure to limit its scope to focus on catalytic converters. The bill is on its way to the state Assembly, but we have to remain vigilant because it could revert back to its original form."
Haris added that, in addition to AMA members, ABATE of California and the California Motorcycle Dealers Association put a lot of effort into changing the proposal.
In addition, at least one senator argued the legislation was expensive, unfair to those who ride motorcycles for recreation, and was ostensibly nothing more than another tax. Political insiders saw the proposal as just a creative way for the cash-strapped state to find more money.
"California's motorcyclists are willing to do their fair share to keep our skies clear, but this bill asked motorcyclists — whose two wheels are far less of a resource drain than four-wheelers — to shoulder an extra burden," said Haris. "The California Legislature has already raided $90 million of user-generated fees from the state's OHV fund. Some legislators saw this as an opportunity to create yet another motorcyclist-funded program with no thought as to the burden it placed on the backs of motorcyclists."
California's motorcycle engine emission standards are already the strictest in the nation and, because of their relatively low yearly mileage totals when compared to other vehicles, the state's motorcycles have the lowest emissions of any motor vehicle category in California.
More than 3,000 motorcyclists used the AMA Action Alert section at AmericanMotorcyclist.com to let Sen. Pavley know that they opposed the legislation. They also expressed their concern that the bill could require motorcyclists to always have a stock exhaust system, whereas automobile owners are allowed to install aftermarket systems, which can be less costly.
The emissions testing provision was dropped out of the bill and it cleared the Senate on June 1. The measure is now in the Assembly for consideration, where it could be further amended.
All motorcyclists are urged to stay abreast of the issue by checking the Rights section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
The measure — Senate Bill 435 introduced this year by state Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica) — would have required all model year 2000-and-newer on-road motorcycles with engine displacements of more than 280cc to be tested every two years. The motorcycles would have been included in the state Department of Consumer Affairs "smog check" program, which involves testing for unacceptable levels of pollutants in emissions.
"This is an initial victory for California motorcyclists, but we can't let our guard down just yet," said Nick Haris, AMA western states representative. "Senators deserve credit for recognizing how this proposal would have created an added burden for motorcyclists, motorcycle businesses, and the cash-starved state bureaucracy, and they reworked the measure to limit its scope to focus on catalytic converters. The bill is on its way to the state Assembly, but we have to remain vigilant because it could revert back to its original form."
Haris added that, in addition to AMA members, ABATE of California and the California Motorcycle Dealers Association put a lot of effort into changing the proposal.
In addition, at least one senator argued the legislation was expensive, unfair to those who ride motorcycles for recreation, and was ostensibly nothing more than another tax. Political insiders saw the proposal as just a creative way for the cash-strapped state to find more money.
"California's motorcyclists are willing to do their fair share to keep our skies clear, but this bill asked motorcyclists — whose two wheels are far less of a resource drain than four-wheelers — to shoulder an extra burden," said Haris. "The California Legislature has already raided $90 million of user-generated fees from the state's OHV fund. Some legislators saw this as an opportunity to create yet another motorcyclist-funded program with no thought as to the burden it placed on the backs of motorcyclists."
California's motorcycle engine emission standards are already the strictest in the nation and, because of their relatively low yearly mileage totals when compared to other vehicles, the state's motorcycles have the lowest emissions of any motor vehicle category in California.
More than 3,000 motorcyclists used the AMA Action Alert section at AmericanMotorcyclist.com to let Sen. Pavley know that they opposed the legislation. They also expressed their concern that the bill could require motorcyclists to always have a stock exhaust system, whereas automobile owners are allowed to install aftermarket systems, which can be less costly.
The emissions testing provision was dropped out of the bill and it cleared the Senate on June 1. The measure is now in the Assembly for consideration, where it could be further amended.
All motorcyclists are urged to stay abreast of the issue by checking the Rights section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sickshooter TV Supports Sturgis
Motorcycle riders get ready for the 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that always continues to please its fans. Known as the largest motorcycle event in the nation, Sturgis brings riders from all over the world to experience a common love of riding, music, networking, shopping, and more.
http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com
Monday, July 6, 2009
Worlds colllide: More women taking to road on motorcycles
By Victor R. Martinez / El Paso Times
Posted: 07/04/2009 11:08:20 PM MDT
The Road Queens Motorcycle Club members include, from left, Cindy Barba, Gracie Martinez, Irma Sierra, Cynthia Camacho and Virginia Gallegos. (Rudy Gutierrez / El Paso Times)
EL PASO -- Cynthia Camacho is passionate about three things -- finding her buyers the right property, helping her sellers get the most out of their home sale and enjoying her 2008 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider.
For this real estate broker and Harley enthusiast, fulfillment comes from giving her all to make others' dreams come true. And, of course, there's nothing like the feeling of climbing atop a rumbling Harley-Davidson and temporarily leaving her responsibilities behind.
And when these worlds collide, it's almost as sweet as the sound of a deep, thumping Harley engine.
"I had an experience where I was in my minivan, and this man wanted me to go look at his house so we could sell it," said Camacho, founder of Camacho Real Estate and Mortgage Company.
"I noticed his Harley in the garage, and I recognized the stock because my husband has the same one, a Softail Deuce. He was very impressed that I knew what model of bike it was, and right there and then he signed with me."
Camacho isn't shy about showing a home on her Harley-Davidson Dyna.
"Sometimes I have the clients follow me on my Harley," she said, laughing. "I don't mind showing my homes on my bike; it's who I am. This little old lady I showed a home to asked me to come by and show her my new bike."
In the ultimate female road-trip movie, "Thelma & Louise," Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis hit the open road in a convertible.
That's soooooo 1990s.
Today, those ladies would be riding Harleys.
According
Advertisement
to the Motorcycle Industry Council, more than 5.75 million women have made the move from the passenger's seat to behind the handlebars.
"Women riders are increasing because they don't want to be passengers or controlled again," Tim Buche, president of three major U.S. organizations related to motorcycling and performance vehicles, said in a report published by CENS.com.
Buche, who represents the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and Motorcycle Safety Foundation, said that in 1998, the percentage of women riders in the U.S. was only 8.2 percent, but it rose to 9.6 percent in 2003 and 12.3 percent in 2008. Even more significant, of about 2.5 million people who rode motorcycles in the United States in 2008, 23 percent -- or 5.75 million -- were women.
The list of reasons why women decide to ride motorcycles -- particularly Harley-Davidson ones -- is as long as the open road. Some common reasons are the adventure, the camaraderie and the freedom.
"I've been riding for about four years," said Camacho, whose first bike was a 2001 Harley Sportster.
"I reached a certain age in my life where I wanted a bike. My dad has two Harleys -- a Fatboy and a Trike -- and when we were kids, he would take us for rides around the block."
Camacho is a member of the Road Queens Motorcycle Club, a women's riding club in El Paso.
"We just celebrated our sixth anniversary," said Gracie Martinez, the club's president. "Our mission is to help women and children with cancer. This year, we helped a 9-year-old little girl from Socorro. We had over 400 riders show up for it."
Martinez, whose first bike was a Harley Sportster, has been riding for nine years.
"When you are out there, you don't have to answer your phone; you don't need to listen to anything," she said. "It's just you out there riding in the wind."
Martinez, who has owned four motorcycles, rides a Harley Road King. She said it is important for anybody, not just women, to take a safety course before buying a motorcycle.
"I got my license in 2000 after taking the safety course," she said. "When women want to join our club, that is one of the things I tell them. Take the safety course, and they start to hang around with us for a little while just to see what we are about and make sure it's something they want to do, because it is not only a commitment to us, but to the entire biker community."
Cindy Barba said she enjoys the independence that riding a motorcycle gives her.
"Some women like to sew or paint, but I am not an artsy-fartsy kind of gal. I'm a lady, but just a little bit rough on the exteriors," she said. "My dad rides a Harley as well, so he says I'm a chip off the old block."
Barba rides a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500.
"My ex-husband used to ride, and I would ride (in the back) with him," Barba said. "I used to see women ride, and I thought, 'I could do that.' Right after I had my daughter, I went in and took the course, and two weeks later I was hooked. I haven't been on anybody else's bike except for mine since then."
Another aspect of women on bikes is the looks they get from other motorists.
"I always get double takes from other drivers, but I get a lot of thumbs-up, especially from other women," Barba said. "There are even men who yell out, 'You go, girl' and that makes me feel good because it's something you don't see every day."
Barba looks forward to the weekends when she can ride with the Road Queens Motorcycle Club.
"We are a small group and we help support each other," she said. "I am a single mother, so this is my time, this is my hobby, this is my alone time. All these girls are doing the same thing. This is their time on the bike and we all share the same interest, just being out there on our own with the wind in our face."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)