2011 Harley-Davidson Model Line-Up
What’s New For 2011?
This time of the year is like Christmas for me when I was a little tacker. I get all excited in anticipation as to what the Harley-Davidson line up will look like in 2011.
For those of you who don’t know the routine, it goes something like this. Harley has what it calls the Summer Dealer Meeting which is held in different locations though out the USA every year. It’s winter in the southern hemisphere which means its summer over there. The Summer Dealer Meeting is that time of the year when Harley presents to their world wide dealer network, and the press, the new model line up for the coming year (usually held the last week in July or the first week in August). Our GM, Gary Kelly (the lucky bugger) got the chance to attend this year’s dealer meeting and he got to see all the new goodies from H-D up close and personal. It also means he brings back with him the new model, Screamin’ Eagle and accessories catalogues (dribble dribble) for us to check out.
Ok, enough of all that. What’s in and what’s out for 2011?? Plenty folks. And it’s all good J
Sportsters
If you would have said to me 5 years ago that Sportsters would sell out before the model year was done, I would have personally paid for your counselling. But that’s the way it has been with past couple of years since the introduction of the Nightster, and last year the super popular 883 Iron. So H-D, not one to miss the boat, has added a new bike to the Sportster range, the Sportster 48. I have not seen one in the flesh at time of writing, but from what I have seen, it looks the goods. Low bars, lowered Speedo mount, peanut gas tank, upside down mirrors, solo seat and most noticeably a fatter front end and fat 16 inch front wheel (blacked out) gives the bike a more retro look. I predict it will sell very well as the bike lends itself to retro look that is all the go right now. See the video below
Continuing the tradition of a Custom in the Sportster range and a low Sporty for us not so tall folks, is both those bikes combined in the new 883 Super Low. The 883 Super Low has the cool looks of the Sportser Custom, the low seat height of the 883 Low, the beefy front end of the new 48, and all the bling you have come to expect with the Custom, like trick mag wheels, custom gas tank, cruiser style handlebars and a great range of both solid and two tone colours to choose from.
Of course the 1200 Nightster and the ever popular 883 Iron will again grace the Sportser line up this year and at this stage apart from different colour options, I can’t tell you that there are any significant changes to either of these models for 2011. I mean why mess with a good thing right??
Softail
The Softail range has changed for 2011. Gone is the Softail Custom, which has been replaced with the CVO Softail convertible. What you have here is a very clever piece of marketing, and a bike that could be best described as a bit of all rounder. Fitted with detachable locking leather covered saddlebags, removable passenger seat and sissy bar, and a detachable screen up front, hence the name convertible. The screen is a lot more than just a bug and wind deflector. It is colour matched to the bike with a built in stereo system included. The sound system allows you to hook up your IPod so you can play all your favourite songs and at 60 watts per channel, you should be able crank up Smoke on the Water to a reasonably anti social level. How cool is that? But wait, there’s more. Colour matched frame and oil tank, chrome mag wheels, FL front end, typical CVO build quality and paint work, running boards, welded ape hangers, digital Speedo with analogue tacho, and wait for it, keyless ignition. But wait, there’s even more. The convertible also comes standard with ABS brakes, cruise control and a Screamin Eagle 110 cubic inch engine. If you don’t think that’s just about everything you could ever want in custom cruiser, then perhaps you should take up ping pong! The Softail convertible is one of the most technological advanced bikes to ever to roll off the production line. Limited numbers of these bikes will be available, so my tip is, get in early to avoid disappointment. Of course the Heritage Classic, the Fatboy, the Fatboy Lo, the Softail Deluxe, Softail standard and the Rocker C are all available again in 2011.
Dyna
Nothing new in the Dyna range this year worth raving about except to say that sadly, the FXD, the Superglide is no more. The Superglide has been part of the Harley range, and a popular entry level Big Twin, since the early 1970’s. So it’s sad to see it no more after all these years. Of course the fabulous Superglide Custom is still available as is the Fatbob, Streetbob and the Wideglide. Of course as is the case, there are a number of new colour options available across the model range for 2011.
VRod
The ever popular Nightrod Special and the VRod Muscle have seen little change for 2011 apart from colour options. It’s more a case as steady as she goes with the VRod range for 2011. The VRod is not a bike for the traditionalists for sure, but if you like to be a bit of a hoon and enjoy launching yourself off the lights like cat shot in the bum, then you really need to come test ride a VRod today J
Tourers
All the usual suspects are available in 2011, including the Streetglide, Roadking and Roadking Classic, and of course the big daddy of them all, the Ultra Classic. But it doesn’t end there in 2011. The CVO range is back and better than ever. As I mentioned earlier, there is the new CVO Softail Convertible. But I am very excited by the two other machines to proudly wear H-D’s CVO tag. The CVO Streetglide and the CVO Ultra Classic. I absolutely love the Streetglide CVO. I am biased I must admit because the CVO Streetglide is not too big for me to handle (being vertically challenged and all) and it has no top box, which doesn’t quite toss my cookies if you get my drift. Both CVO tourers share the same hardware. 110 cube Screamin’ Eagle motor, bling galore, ABS brakes, cruise control, awesome paint, mag wheels etc etc. Either bike is awesome, it basically comes down to seat height and whether you require a top box or not. The brakes, frame, suspension, forks, motor, gearbox, in fact the bikes are near identical from top to toe. So like I said previously, it really comes down to seat height, weight and if you need a top box or not. Either way, these bikes look and go awesome and would have to satisfy even the most fussy buyers.
But don’t take my word for it. Come in and see for yourself. Pop into our dealership anytime and chat to our friendly motorcycle crazy team. Moreover, the annual Metal Mayhem Tour, where you get the opportunity to test ride anything and everything in the Harley range, will be on Saturday the 9th of October 2010. Book your test ride soon to avoid disappointment
Ride Safe, Ride Smart!
