H-D Industry News:

Harley-Davidson introduces Tri Glide Ultra Classic - MILWAUKEE (July 22, 2008)

Harley-Davidson brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment with the introduction of the 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle. Based on a new chassis designed specifically for this three-wheel application, the Tri Glide offers the classic styling and popular touring features of the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide in a vehicle that will be sold and serviced by the network of Harley-Davidson dealers and covered by a two-year Harley-Davidson limited warranty. The Tri Glide will have an MSRP of $29,999.

Harley-Davidson launched a “wheels-up” strategy in the development of the Tri Glide, and has created a frame and associated chassis structure that is engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. Changes to the front-end geometry enhance steering control by reducing steering effort up to 25 percent. The forks have been lengthened by 1.775 inches compared to the regular Touring motorcycle, and rake is increased from 29.25 degrees to 32.00 degrees. A steer damper controls coast-down wobble, and minimizes bumps and other road inputs during turning events.

Harley-Davidson has designed a new rear-axle assembly for the Tri Glide that utilizes an aluminum center section with steel axle tubes. The Tri Glide retains the high-strength and low-maintenance advantages of belt final drive, and the smooth operation of a rubber-cushioned, compensated rear drive. The rear suspension features dual air-adjustable rear shock absorbers.

The Tri Glide is powered by a Twin Cam 103 V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs. of torque. It retains the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission used on Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, but adds an optional electric reverse ($1,195) integrated with the rear differential assembly that is engaged with a handlebar-mounted reverse module. The Tri Glide has dual front disc brakes and a Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated park brake.

Classic Harley-Davidson Styling
The Harley-Davidson styling department gave the new body components of the Tri Glide clean lines that integrate with the existing Ultra bodywork, especially the Tour Pak luggage compartment and the passenger seating area. The new bodywork is painted with the same quality.

OEM paint and process used on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and is a perfect color match for the tank and front fender. The composite rear fenders complement the lines of the 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 or replacement, or when required to service the Tri Glide.

The molded-composite trunk provides 4.5 cubic feet of storage space and can be accessed through a rear hatch. The trunk and Tour Pak have a combined capacity of 6.56 cubic feet and are rated to carry up to 80 pounds. A single key will handle all luggage locking functions, and activate the ignition. Dual mufflers with tapered end caps exit below the trunk. Brake/tail/turn lights are located on each fender, and the Tri Glide retains the Tour Pak lighting used on the Ultra Classic, including the LED side running lights. Matching front and rear black and machined split seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels provide the Tri Glide its integrated and true, factory-built look. The 16-inch front wheel is three inches wide and carries a MT90B16 motorcycle tire, while the 15-inch rear wheels are five inches wide and are fitted with P205/65R15 tires.

Forward of the rear wheels, the Tri Glide retains the style and features of the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, including the distinctive “bat wing” fairing, auxiliary driving lamps, and deep-skirted front fender. A low-profile chrome console tops a six-gallon fuel tank. The fairing holds complete instrumentation and the 80-watt Advanced Audio System with CB radio and passenger intercom system. Adjustable air deflectors on the fairing and vented fairing lowers allow the rider to control wind flow for comfort in warm or cool weather. Cruise control is standard equipment.

The Tri Glide Ultra Classic will be offered three colors: Vivid Black, Dark Blue Pearl, and Red Hot Sunglo.

FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic features:

Road Glide, Fat Bob lead Custom Vehicle Operations line For 2009 - MILWAUKEE (July 22, 2008)

The pride and passion that define Harley-Davidson and its riders are prominent in the Motor Company’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) line of motorcycles. As the upper echelon of the motorcycle world, CVO models are hand-built with detailed craftsmanship and stand as the most desirable custom motorcycles available.

The 2009 model year marks the 10th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson CVO program. An effort that began a decade ago as a response to rider requests for factory custom motorcycles has evolved into the top class of its industry, proving that production is really the only limit when it comes to making Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles.

“Features like bigger engines, exclusive accessories and custom paint and colors, combined with limited production quantities make the Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles truly unique and inspirational,” said Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson Vice President and General Manager, Parts & Accessories and CVO. “The CVO bikes were introduced to meet customer desires and they have fulfilled our riders’ ultimate dreams with miles of memories and great riding for a decade. We expect the unique CVO experience to continue for years to come.”

The Harley-Davidson CVO line for 2009 includes the following four models:

The Fat Bob is a first-time CVO offering, while the Road Glide, Softail Springer and Ultra Classic Electra Glide all enjoy a storied history with the program. The CVO bikes are based on Harley-Davidson factory models, but are then taken to a new level of customization with an abundance of Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. (Please see separate press releases on each model for more detail.)

Highlights of the 2009 Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles include a Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine (1800 cc) finished in granite powdercoat on all models, integrated stop/turn/tail lights on the Road Glide rear section, new Fang cast wheels on the CVO Fat Bob, 240 mm wide rear tire and unique frame and oil tank on the Springer, and Roulette wheels and new 180 mm wide rear tire on the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

The launch of the CVO program began with the 1999 FXR2 and FXR3 models, and was so well-received that it was followed in 2000 by the FXR4. Also in 2000, the first edition of the FLTRSEI Road Glide was introduced, combining the latest touring design and Screamin’ Eagle performance parts. While initial annual production of CVO models was limited to about 900 units per model, output has increased to current ranges of between 2,450 and 4,200 units for each model.

What followed during the last decade was a series of some of very memorable motorcycles, including CVO variations on the Dyna Wide Glide, Road King, Softail Deuce, Fat Boy and Electra Glide. In addition, the CVO program boasted the 2005 Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod with its 60-degree, 1250 cc liquid cooled V-Twin engine and the 2006 Screamin’ Eagle Destroyer, designed specifically for drag racing with a 1300cc Screamin’ Eagle Revolution powertrain.

The Harley-Davidson CVO group consists of a select group of engineers, designers and supply management staff, who work together with Harley-Davidson Styling to create these limited-production, custom motorcycles. The CVO models are then produced by highly skilled technicians in special assembly areas at the Harley-Davidson plants in York, Pa., and Kansas City.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

View the Custom Vehicle Operations 2009 model brochure for more information.

Harley-Davidson® Motor Company pays tribute to historic town of Allensworth (May 30, 2008)

Thousands of engines will roar as motorcyclists from five states - Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and California descend upon the historical landmark of Allensworth State Historic Park, Star Route 1 in Earlimart, California on June 5-8 to attend the first annual West Coast Bikers Roundup (WCBRU). WCBRU is a celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the township by Colonel Allen Allensworth’s, a pioneering black man whose vision for the town was to be a thriving, prosperous and self-sustaining community.

WCBRU coordinators anticipate more than 15,000 motorcyclists, motorcycle enthusiasts, families and friends over the three-day event.  Harley-Davidson Motor Company is a major sponsor providing many fun activities, seminars and events for attendees to participate in. 

“Harley-Davidson is very pleased to sponsor the first West Coast Bikers Roundup event.  We look forward to highlighting the many contributions African Americans have made to motorcycling and celebrating the historical accomplishments of Colonel Allen Allensworth,” said Lynn Bonner Austin, director of Market Outreach, Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson Softail® stars in new Indiana Jones movie (May 22, 2008)

A Harley-Davidson Softail® Springer Classic features prominently in the new Indiana Jones movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ opening in theaters across the country today.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the latest in the series of cult Indiana Jones movies stars Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf along with a 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail Springer Classic customized to reflect the movie’s 1957 period setting. The bike’s starring role comes during one of the film’s signature action-packed chase scenes, and features Shia LaBeouf tearing through a college campus with Harrison Ford along for the ride as a passenger.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company prepared five bikes for this movie and was closely involved with the on-set handling of the bikes. After the completion of the filming, two of the bikes will be returned to the Motor Company and will be on display in the soon-to-be-opened Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Museum, which opens to the public on July 12 in Milwaukee.

Harley-Davidson® encourages women to grab the handlebars on Friday, May 2, for International Female Ride Day (3/28/08)

Over the past decade, women have increasingly embraced the sport of motorcycling – seeking the freedom and empowerment associated with riding solo on the open road. Today, in celebration of the growing presence of women in the sport, Harley-Davidson® is participating in International Female Ride Day and encouraging female riders around the world to allocate time to hit the open road.

International Female Ride Day is devoted to women riders of all ages and experience levels--spotlighting their passion for and involvement in the sport of motorcycling. The event celebrates women of all ages who take life by the handlebars by encouraging them to ride, no matter what type or style of motorcycle. This is the first year the Motor Company will be involved with this event, started last year by Vicki Gray of MOTORESS.

"The growth in the number of female riders over the past two decades is exciting, from 4 percent in 1990 to 12 percent today,” said Leslie Prevish, Women’s Outreach Manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Our participation in the event is our way of embracing and acknowledging women motorcyclists worldwide.”

Harley-Davidson Motor Company will celebrate International Female Ride Day by providing special parking for all female riders, gathering an employee ride in Milwaukee and hosting a Garage Party in the afternoon for female employees interested in motorcycles.

The Harley-Davidson Garage Party is a women’s only event held at dealerships nationwide to help women learn more about motorcycling and to meet others who are interested in riding. Attendees experience activities that are both entertaining and educational with topics including a review of the basic motorcycle controls, how to customize a motorcycle’s style and ergonomics, how to pick up a motorcycle and how to gear up for a ride.

Motorcyclists reminded that April is ‘Check Your Helmet Month’ (March 27, 2008)

As the motorcycle riding season gets fired up around the country, now is the time to make sure helmets are ready for riding. During April's “Check Your Helmet Month” and throughout the year, motorcycle enthusiasts are reminded to follow a few simple rules to make sure their helmets are ready for summer riding:

  1. Fit is vital – a helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A good fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit, wear a helmet for 15 minutes before making a final buying decision.
  2. They don’t last forever – manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend helmets be replaced every three to five years, depending on use. Glues, resins and other helmet materials break down over time and can make a helmet less effective. Every new Harley-Davidson helmet comes with a “purchased on date” sticker that can be placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.
  3. Keep it clean – a clean and well cared for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings.
  4. Mirrors are not hangers – hanging a helmet on a motorcycle’s mirror can damage the impact absorbing liner inside.

A Helmet Designed for Women
Harley-Davidson recently released the Skyline Helmet, the first and only helmet designed specifically for ladies who love to ride. The Skyline has a deeper cavity to provide a better fit, 3D-type comfort padding with removable and interchangeable pads for a custom fit, a notch for a pony-tail and an anti-static liner to keep hair smooth.

Who to Ask?
Harley-Davidson dealers can work to find the right helmet and fit for every rider. Harley-Davidson carries a range of helmet styles including half, three-quarter, full-face and modular helmets, and dealers can provide even more detail with “The Heads-Up on Helmets” brochure.

In addition to the information provided by MotorClothes Specialists at local dealerships, consumers can visit www.harley-davidson.com for detailed information about helmet styles, components, fit, care and replacement, as well as check out the selection of helmets offered by Harley-Davidson. This information can also be accessed in the Helmet Guide section at www.harley-davidson.com/helmets.

Harley-Davidson’s Women’s Day Ride raises more than $67,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Association (March 10, 2008)

On Tuesday, hundreds of Harley-Davidson women riders joined together in Daytona Beach, Fla., along with Season two “American Idol” star Kimberley Locke for one of the largest Harley-Davidson women’s rides in history.

Originally, the Harley-Davidson Women’s Day Ride benefiting Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was to be limited to 105 women, but after an incredible response from women riders asking to join the ride, Harley-Davidson decided to increase the size to accommodate the large demand.

Locke and hundreds of other female riders were joined by Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of one of the Company’s founders, as well as the six Get Down to Daytona contest winners as they cruised through the streets of Daytona to thunderous applause from spectators.

"The success of the Women's Day Ride reflects the growth of our female riders over the past two decades, from 4% in 1990 to 12% today. The event raised more than an incredible $67,000 in contributions,” said Davidson.

Women participating in the ride raised money for their local MDA office to help send children to MDA Summer Camps. Three women received special recognition as the top fundraisers for the event:  Joanne Mold of Forest Hill, Md., ($3,055 raised), Dee Roberts of Bernville, Pa., ($2,717) and Lynne Cone of Houston ($2,715). Each received a 105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson women's jacket, and had lunch with Karen Davidson, the six Get Down to Daytona contest winners and MDA ambassadors.

One week at MDA Summer Camp costs $800 per child, so women who raised that amount or more received a unique Harley-Davidson/MDA sterling silver and gold charm in recognition of their gold-level fundraising. Women who raised at least $400 received a sterling silver charm.

For more information about the Get Down to Daytona contest, profiles of the six winners, and more, visit www.harley-davidson.com/womensride.

H.O.G.® sets June 30 as Million Mile Monday - MILWAUKEE (February 29, 2008) On Monday, June 30, 2008, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members around the world will band together in a singular challenge, to log a cumulative one million riding miles by the day’s end.

Whether they ride around the block or all day, solo or as part of a group, wherever in the world they ride, H.O.G. members participating in Million Mile Monday will ride together in a unique opportunity to make club history.

“Ride to work, at lunch, or all day long. Ride alone, with friends, or with your chapter,” said Mike Keefe, V.P. of the Harley Owners Group. “Just get out, ride and have fun.”

Million Mile Monday, which H.O.G. hopes to make an annual event on the last Monday of June, is open to all H.O.G. members-- riders or passengers. The feat will be recorded by logging into the club’s exclusive members-only website (members.hog.com), where participants can register their miles ridden on that day. For more information about H.O.G. log onto www.hog.com.