Harley Davidson HOG The Limelight With A Momentous Bike Release And Anniversary Celebrations

By John Vincent

Harley Davidson had a good year in 2008. They opened a new museum dedicated to the history of their brand, their owners club (H.O.G.) reached a landmark 25th Silver Anniversary and they themselves celebrated 105 years of building a cult American Motorcycle.

Now Harley Davidson are fairly adept at holding commemorative festivals and 2008's was certainly no exception. They took over the Milwaukee lakefront for four whole days of parties, run-outs and displays with H.O.G. holding their own bash at Miller Park. On top of this they arranged no fewer than 105 runs from separate Dealerships across the states, all ending at the event and released no less than 14 separate limited edition style modifications to their range.

These limited edition bikes were all painted in the same anniversary livery of copper and black with matching seat and tank decorations as well as some carefully considered detailing, again in copper or black, to many other parts such as the air cleaners or head casings. Some of the models also received a Harley Davidson first in the form of optional ABS with Brembo brake disks with the top of the range machines fitted as standard.

They didn't just fit and modify an existing system either. Instead they designed much of it from scratch even going so far as to hide most of the mechanism within the hub of the wheel. The result was a Harley with wheels that looked exactly as they were meant to but with remarkably efficient ABS.

Top of the Harley Davidson range in 2008 was the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. This is a bike with more features than an American sitcom. It has a 160 Watt stereo system, Satellite Navigation, Cruise Control and even heated leather seats! With the addition of ABS that doesn't even lock up when applied on gravel it becomes something truly magnificent.

Then there's its positively huge Twin Cam 110 engine to consider. There's a full 1803 cubic centimetres of V-Twin power under the tank of these monsters. And it's fully rubber mounted to allow the traditional Harley Shake to continue unhindered without affecting rider comfort over whatever distance you care to ride. It hardly rattles the bike at all but still sounds so beautifully 'Harley' and looks the part as well.

So who would ride a bike like this? Maybe the same kind or person who would ride a Honda Goldwing? No, I doubt it. This bike might fit into the same category as the ubiquitous 'wing' but it has infinitely more style. After all, it's a Harley Davidson and they know a thing or two about image don't you think? Oh, and did I mention that the brakes work on this one? - 21392

About the Author:

Before buying used motorbikes online be sure to check out John Vincents' home: Fasttrack Motorcycles.