THE 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON LINE-UP WILL BE DARKER AND MORE POWERFUL
Iron 883, Forty-Eight, the “S” cruisers with Twin Cam 110B engines and the Road Glide Ultra are the highlights of the new model year
MILWAUKEE (August 24, 2015) – Three powerful new Dark Custom models, the most powerful cruiser family in company history and numerous improvements in performance and styling characterize the 2016 model range.
The highlights:
• The latest incarnations of the Iron 883™ and Forty-Eight® are a successful synthesis of the rebellious spirit of a bygone era, contemporary styling and modern technology. New chassis components are among the features that make these machines better than ever. The new Street Bob Special comes with a double seat, flat handlebars and forward footrests.
• Power and style combine two new cruisers with an “S” in the model name:
The Fat Boy® S and the Softail Slim® S come with a strong finish and score with the impressive performance of their powerful Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110B engines.
• The High Output Twin Cam 103™ engines, previously only available on Harley-Davidson tourers, now increase the power of all Softail® models and create the most powerful cruiser portfolio in Harley-Davidson history.
• As the youngest member of the touring family, the new Road Glide® Ultra debuts - of course with all the features that have benefited Harley-Davidson touring bikes since Project Rushmore.
“2016 is another important year for Harley-Davidson,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We present the most powerful cruisers in our company’s history, including the brand new “S” models. And with the completely redesigned Iron 883 and Forty-Eight, we are raising the bar for dark custom bikes once again. Both uniquely embody the evolution that our design has been taking since 2008. Last, but not least, we are further expanding our expertise in the touring motorcycle segment with the new Road Glide Ultra and the facelifted Heritage Softail Classic.”
The soul of the Dark Custom
Inspired by the bobbers that once emerged in garages and backyards, the reinterpretation of the Iron 883 is a motorcycle with an original and undressed character. The new cartridge fork, continuously adjustable spring struts, lightweight cast-spoke wheels and the quilted seat ensure even more style, comfort and driving pleasure. The wide front tire, cast-spoke wheels and the mighty 49-millimeter fork give the 2016 Forty-Eight its formidable appearance. Its continuously adjustable rear suspension struts and optimized seat promise even more riding comfort. With a perfect mix of black, painted and chrome-plated surfaces, this retro bike underlines its strong visual presence. The slim, agile Harley-Davidson Street® 750 is perfect for the urban jungle and winding country roads. In the new model year, it scores points with, among other things, a new braking system. For 2016, the Motor Company is also offering a customized version of the Street Bob: the new Street Bob Special. It comes factory-equipped with some of the most popular original accessories among Street Bob customers. For further details, please see the separate press release for the Dark Custom models.
The most powerful production Harley-Davidson cruisers of all time
The new Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S are the first series machines to feature the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110B engine, which was previously reserved for the strictly limited special models from Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO). The two new models flex their muscles with dark styling and fascinating charisma. Paying homage to post-war bobbers, the Softail Slim S is available in a new military-inspired Olive Gold Denim color. The other members of the Softail family now benefit from features that have benefited the Touring series engines since Project Rushmore: In the new model year they will be delivered with High Output Twin Cam 103B engines that activate even more pressure in the lower speed range. For further details, please see the separate press release for the cruisers.
Cruise Control on Softail models
For the 2016 model year, an electronic cruise control system is available for the first time in Softail models. The system works hand in hand with a new electronic throttle grip and is standard on the Heritage Softail® Classic, Softail® Deluxe, Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S models. Electronic cruise control is available as an option for all other Softail models.
New suspension for Sportster models
With new chassis components and seats with optimized shape and upholstery, the Sportster models from the 2016 model year ensure increased comfort and driving pleasure. The new seats offer the driver more support and comfort thanks to new upholstery materials and an optimized shape. The Sportster chassis now features a new cartridge fork and new emulsion shock absorbers at the rear.
The latter work with nitrogen and a separate oil reservoir and ensure precise damping that reacts sensitively to uneven road surfaces in order to always maintain the wheel's contact with the road. The preload of the progressively wound springs can be continuously regulated. The new fork, which is made from equally high-quality components and also features progressively wound springs, is perfectly matched to the new shock absorbers.
Changed spring rates and a new damping valve effectively prevent bottoming out when braking hard.
The new Road Glide Ultra
It wasn't offered in the USA for two years, and it was never included in the official sales program in Europe: We're talking about the Road Glide Ultra . In 2016 it comes with a new look, with first-class aerodynamics and excellent ergonomics for driver and passenger, as it benefits from all the features that Harley-Davidson developed for the touring models in Project Rushmore. With its powerful Twin-Cooled™ High Output Twin Cam 103™, the new Road Glide Ultra will exceed the expectations of even the most demanding touring riders.
Heritage Softail Classic
In a successful synthesis of nostalgic flair and modern Softail technology, the Heritage Softail Classic 2016 impresses with fresh styling, the high output Twin Cam 103B, an electronic cruise control system and optimized saddlebags. For further details, please see the separate press release for the cruisers.
The new Harley-Davidson motorcycles and accessories will soon be available from authorized dealers.
Further information and the nearest dealer can be found at www.Harley-Davidson.de .
Text & Photos: Copyright Harley-Davidson Europe
