Big news from AIH this year includes the availability of chrome wheels (actually, it's a chrome package consisting of wheels, matching brake carriers, pulleys, lower legs, triple-trees, axle covers, and such), which come from the factory backed by a five-year chrome warranty (five years on the wheels only) that's honored by AIH's wheel manufacturer, RC Components. Our Legend was fitted with a pair of Burner wheels: a 21x2.15-inch up front and an 18x8.5-inch anchoring a 240/40/18 Metzeler.
Powering the Legend is a 111ci polished Super Sidewinder Plus engine. This proprietary powerplant is standard on all '06 models and can be upgraded to either a polished 117-inch or a polished 124-inch motor, both from S&S (upcharges are $1,000 and $2,000, respectively). S&S's 111-incher boasts bore and stroke numbers of 4-1/8-inch bore and 4-1/8-inch stroke for smooth operation, while its compression ratio is set to 9.5:1. IronHorse only offers the motor in a carbureted version with no EFI option at this point. Completing the EPA-approved package is an AIH ignition, and a good-looking and -sounding two-into-one exhaust system, complete with heat shields.
The Legend's primary drive is standard fare, consisting of a wet chain drive and clutch setup sending rotational forces to a right-hand-drive six-speed transmission. Final drive consists of a pair of 32-tooth and 70-tooth pulleys that provide a home for a 1-1/2-inch Kevlar belt.
Other features found on the Legend are a hydraulically operated clutch designed to give the rider reduced effort at the lever, four-piston brake calipers, floating brake rotors, and a hidden-strut rear fender. The turn signals have also been upgraded from traditional bulb-style to vibration-resistant, long-life LED-style. In addition, the rear LEDs have been relocated to the rear of the fender to allow for better rearward visibility of the lights. AIH also redesigned the wiring system to include what the company calls an electronic harness controller, which is designed to give a higher degree of control over the bike's electrical system. AIH has made available to dealers two new diagnostic tools designed to work in conjunction with the harness controller. This combination makes it easier for technicians to troubleshoot and diagnose problems.
The '06 Legend shares AIH's digital information center with the rest of the line. Also new for this year is a redesigned kickstand, giving the bike more cornering learance on the left side of the motorcycle.
In addition to the chrome package itself, buyers have the option of choosing from 10 different wheel styles for that truly custom look. The base-priced Legend comes standard with a solid one-color paint job. AIH offers many different color and graphic choices; all told, there are more than 2,500 different combinations to choose from. AIH prices the paint and graphics in four tiers: Series S, $1,650; Series XT, $2,250; Series XTR, $3,100; and Series XTR Plus, $4,500. If you still can't find a combination that makes you happy, AIH will quote you a one-off paint job on a case-by-case basis.