FXDFSE CVO Fat Bob
MSRP $25,299 and limited to a production of 1,300 units. Returning for its second year, the CVO Fat Bob is based on the Dyna platform. The bike comes with Tommy Gun 2-1-2 exhaust pipes, a Screamin' Eagle Heavy Breather high-flow intake scoop, a pair of the 16-inch powdercoated and chrome-plated CVO Fang wheels-130 up front and 180 on the rear-and black solid rotors. New to this model is the Midnight Pearl plating process that is featured on the dual headlamp shell, Tri-Bar LED taillight cover, timer and derby covers, and horn cover and fender strut covers. The other highlights are the Diamond Black Collection footpegs, shifter peg, brake pedal pad, and grips. Also new this year is the Brown distressed-leather two-piece seat that is a convertible from rider/passenger to solo configuration.
The Fat Bob comes in three custom colors: Cryptic Black with Hellfire Flames, Opal Blue with Hellfire Flames, and the Pewter. Of all the bikes that we rode, I would say this model was my favorite. It was smooth-riding with very little vibrations at the bars and less in the seat. It took corners tight and switched back and forth through the turns like a sport bike and had the pull as you accelerated out of the turns. I hope we can get this model for a long-term test bike.
FLSTSE CVO Softail Convertible
MSRP $27,799 and limited to a production of 2,500 units. The biggest news of the trip was the Softail Convertible all new to this year's CVO family. It replaced the CVO Softail Springer of 2009. With its compact fairing and smoked windshield, and leather-covered saddlebags to hold gear, the CVO Softail Convertible is a touring machine ready for a weekend get-away with a passenger comfortably supported by the wide pillion and padded backrest. Because each of these components can be quickly detached, the CVO Softail Convertible can be stripped down in just minutes.
Based on the Harley-Davidson Softail platform, the CVO Softail Convertible features a rear-suspension design to look like a vintage hardtail frame, but it offers the comfort of a modern suspension that is hidden under the chassis. The power plant is a fuel-injected Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110B V-Twin counter-balanced and rigid-mounted to the frame. The six-speed Cruise Drive transmission features a new helical-cut fifth gear.
The bike features new 18-inch chrome aluminum Stinger wheels with a matching Stinger chrome sprocket and Stinger floating brake rotors, and for the rear tire, a 200/50R18 radial. The sheetmetal is a full-coverage wide rear fender and trimmed front fender, with two-piece chrome and color-matched tank console. Also new is a rear light bar with integrated stop/tail/turn lighting. To enhance the bike's look, a high-flow Ventilator engine air intake with engine-turned insert and rain sock as well as Rumble Collection grips, footboards, passenger and shifter pegs, brake pedal pad and mirrors were added.
The custom paint offered for the CVO comes in three color schemes, with color-matched frame, swingarm, frame inserts, oil tank, and saddlebag supports. And the colors are Inferno Orange with Vivid Black and Silver Braze Graphics, Abyss Blue with Sapphire and Silver Braze Graphics, and Crimson Red Sunglow with Autumn Haze and Black Candy Grind. This will get you noticed.
Without gear
With gear