Harley is still gunning for those that favor the dark side with two new model releases this past week (1/25/10). For the Darth Vader crowd there's the the Death Star AKA the 2010 CVO Ultra. And for the rebellious young Luke Skywalker in all of us there's the Landspeeder or as Harley affectionately calls it, the Forty-Eight.
With the introduction of this new CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide ($35,999), it appears as though Harley was getting some heat from some of it's long haul riders for not having an off-the-showroom-floor-blacked-out-dark custom model that fit their liking. Outfitted with the CVO 110ci engine, six-speed tranny, Tour-Pak, Gloss Black Rumble Collection accessories, low smoked windshield, dual control heated seat, leather passenger backrest with adjustable lumbar support, and a handlebar-mounted Road Tech Zumo 660 GPS Navigtor--for starters. The bodywork is doused in Crimson Mist Black/Dark Slate with Flame graphics, and according to Harley the black Cadillac of the touring models features "approximately 185 unique black parts, components and accessories," but why no black pipes? Supplies are limited so order yours now. Ours is on its way from a galaxy far far away for a road test review in a future issue
For those who are into lighter weight and more frequent gas stops, Harley offers its newest dark custom Sporty model (I think that makes three now?) the Forty-Eight ($10,499). Going for the real minimal approach, Harley slimmed down the gas tank to mere 2.1 gallon design, but still features the classic peanut shape. The Forty-Eight Sporty sports a chunked up front end with wide triple clamps and new forks, and a big slab of 130mm rubber on a 16 inch spoked rim leading the way. With the four cam 1200cc engine pushing the 567 pound brawler down the street, steam rolling over Miata's and Smart Cars shouldn't be a problem. Short and sweet fenders keep the clutter to a minimum, while underslung mirrors, low profile handlebars, a solo seat, and a smattering of black components keep styling subtle and tight.
The name Forty-Eight is pretty interesting and fitting for this bike. It has to do with....ah! You'll have to read our upcoming Road Test and accompanying Historically Speaking article to find out.