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 legendary American motorcycle manufacturer appear to be operating under the famous movie adage of 'if you build it, they will come'. And those in charge may not be too far off the mark.

After all, who can resist a new motorcycle?

Riding in from the storm

Between the costs of restructuring, exiting the Buell product line and discontinuing operations with the MV Agusta brand, Harley-Davidson reported a full-year net loss of $55.1 million, or $0.24 per share, and a fourth-quarter net loss of $218.7 million, or $0.94 per share for 2009.

"These results were not surprising because they were the direct result of the economic climate and the decisive actions we took throughout the year," Harley CEO Keith Wandell said in a conference call with investment analysts in January.

But by the time the annual results were widely reported in January 2010, Harley-Davidson had already rolled out a sparkling new line-up of motorcycles hoping to achieve a fusion of tradition and technology in a product line across six model platforms offering 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.

"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 right) 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 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 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.

In January Harley-Davidson released two more models for the 2010 line-up.

Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® trades the shine of chrome for a fade to black in its debut as the new, darker version of this truly exceptional Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle.

Each motorcycle is serialized from one to 999, and displays a formidable array of blacked out components, led by the serialized CB pod insert and the Gloss Black Rumble Collection and low-smoked windshield, the new CVO Ultra adds leading-edge technology with a handlebar-mounted Road Tech™ z?mo® 660 GPS Navigator and an integrated automatic lock system that now includes the ignition knob.
The CVO Ultra is powered by a black and chrome Screamin' Eagle® Twin Cam 110™ engine and a 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission, which is the largest-displacement V-Twin engine offered from the factory by Harley-Davidson. Besides the black powertrain, this menacing touring bike revels in all things dark with a Crimson Mist Black / Dark Slate and Flame graphics base color, and approximately 185 other unique black parts, components and accessories meticulously melded to form and function by the CVO team.

Among the main attractions on the dark road to CVO Ultra custom inspiration are the Contrast Chrome Roulette wheels, the Rumble Collection featuring nine Gloss Black accessories from mirrors to saddlebag latch covers, black engine and saddlebag guards, and Diamond Black gauge faces. All these deeply dark features combine to make the Ultra into an inspired motorcycle that could only come from Harley-Davidson CVO.

Not only is the new CVO Ultra darker, but lower as well with the motorcycles profile reduced up front with a 6.5-inch smoked windshield and adds premium Touring features like anti-lock braking system (ABS), LED saddlebag lights, Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), a six-gallon fuel tank, Brembo brakes and 160-watt CD/AM/FM/WB/MP3 Advanced Audio System by Harman-Kardon, CB and intercom, and passenger audio with controls, cruise control, plus standard XM Radio.

Key CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide Features;

• Screamin' Eagle Black and Chrome 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 with black and chrome case features a helical-cut fifth gear.
• Developed for Harley-Davidson by Garmin, the Road Tech z?mo 660 has a new mounting position for convenient viewing by both rider and passenger with a glove-friendly touch screen, left-handed controls and a bright, UV-resistant display that's easy to read in sunlight.
• Gloss Black Rumble Collection featuring rider footboard inserts and pans, passenger footboard inserts and pans, shifter pegs, brake pedal, highway pegs, mirrors, windshield trim, saddlebag latch covers and heated hand grips with end caps.
• Contrast Chrome Roulette wheels, 17-inch front and 16-inch rear.
• Suspended, dual control heated leather seat with new perforated printed insert. Leather passenger backrest with adjustable lumbar support and new perforated, leather insert.
• New custom paint scheme is Crimson Mist Black / Dark Slate with flame graphics.

The CVO Ultra is built on the innovative Touring chassis introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2009, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and swingarm specifically developed to suit the needs of long-haul touring rides. But interested riders will need to move sooner than later, production of the 2010 CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide will be limited to approximately 999 units.

 

Taking the basic road back to profits?

Finally, some might say the legendary motorcycle manufacturer isn't just yearning for the record sales of its glory days, but also looking to a classic model to help ride it back to better times.

The new Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight motorcycle is a factory custom in the legendary tradition of the hot rod Sportster line with the raw, elemental appeal of the Dark Custom™ bikes.  Riding low with a slammed suspension and featuring the classic 2.1-gallon "peanut" fuel tank, the Forty-Eight backs up its bulldog appearance with the performance of its blacked out and polished rubber-mounted Evolution® 1200 cc V-Twin engine.

The low solo seat, under-mounted mirrors, side mount license plate, clean rear fender and tall and fat front tire emphasize the Forty Eight's focus on chiseled customization.

And while the Forty-Eight model may break bad when it comes to radical attitude and straight-on style, it won't break the bank starting at just $10,499 MSRP in Vivid Black.

Lying low from tire-to-tire, the Forty-Eight model showcases more of its black 1200 Evolution V-Twin engine with polished accents and other components with a clean look highlighted by the traditional peanut fuel tank, small solo seat and lightening holes in the backbone mounting bracket. The Forty-Eight has more than just custom cool styling with the smooth ride on new front fork sliders, a tall and fat front tire and slammed rear suspension.

With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Forty-Eight motorcycle delivers a powerfully responsive ride with smooth clutch effort. The pipes on the chrome, shorty dual exhaust pound out the distinctive Harley-Davidson American V-Twin sound.

The Forty-Eight embraces the street up front with forward foot controls, low profile custom handlebar, under-mounted mirrors, fork-mounted turn signals, slammed speedometer mounting bracket and fork brace with lightening holes. A unique dual texture solo seat with a height of 26 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger pillion, footpegs and backrest are some of the many accessories that can be added.

The black chopped rear fender with combination stop/turn/tail lights and a side mounted license plate help show-off the 150 mm rear tire and 16-inch Black Steel Laced wheels. The front tire also rides on a wide black wheel.

The Forty-Eight model comes in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver and Mirage Orange Pearl colors and will be available soon at Harley-Davidson dealers.

Forty-Eight features and highlights:

• Blacked out rubber-mounted Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine with polished covers
• Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Steel 2.1-gallon peanut fuel tank with lightening hole mounting bracket
• One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat
• 26-inch seat height
• Tall and fat 130 mm Dunlop MT90 front tire
• 16-inch Black Steel Laced wheels
• Low profile custom handlebar
• Under-mounted mirrors
• New front forks with wide triple clamps
• Chopped front fender mounted on fork brace with lightening holes
• Blacked components including air cleaner cover, clutch and brake levers and turn signals
• Chopped rear fender
• Stop-turn-tail lights
• Side-mounted license plate
• Two-year factory warranty
• Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System

As a Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycle, the Forty-Eight is ready to ride as a radical custom and also primed to take on its rider's character and personality. Dark Custom accomplices of the Forty-Eight include the Nightster®, Iron 883™, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob®.

Harley-Davidson Sportster models like the Forty-Eight have retained an aura of rebellion since their introduction in 1957, when the foundation of custom culture was being formed by hot rod gear heads hanging out on city street corners, in gritty garages or at dusty dragstrips. Sportster motorcycles became an iron canvas for many legendary choppers of that hot rod era and beyond.

"With its classic bulldog shoulders stance, the Forty-Eight strikes a distinctive look and low profile that could only come from Harley-Davidson," said Ray Drea, Harley-Davidson Senior Director of Styling. "The Forty-Eight model has a collective past life experience and broken-in look that is raw and authentic."