Every year it seems like the mid-summer seems to drag on and take forever as we anxiously await Harley-Davidson to announce its new models for the coming year. This July was no different, as we sweated through our shirts and salivated onto our desks waiting for the new models to drop.
Well, it's finally here July 27, the day H-D releases images and info to the world about what to keep their eyes out for on its dealer's showroom floors in the upcoming months. Here you'll find a very brief rundown highlighting the some of the new or key features on the 32, 2011 Harley-Davidson models. For a more in-depth look be sure to read our CVO round up in the November 2010 issue of HOT BIKE, followed by the 2011 OE lineup in the December 2010 issue.
To start things off let's look at the creme de le creme, the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models. Big 110-cubic inch engines, gobs of chrome, limited edition paint and limited quantities, the CVOs are geared towards those who want nothing but the best Harley has to offer. This year the Motor Company has four models in its CVO program, three baggers (Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Street Glide, Road Glide Ultra) and one Softail (Softail Convertible). Some of these models are experiencing multiple years as CVOs while this is the first time ever for a Road Glide Ultra in any form, as a CVO or even an OE model.
Big News:
The big news for the CVO models this year is that most of the models come with 8-gig iPod Nanos, and/or upgraded audio/electronics.
For the first time ever H-D gave the Ultra treatment (King Tour-Pak, rear speakers, CB, fairing lowers etc) to a Road Glide. Combine that with the 110ci engine, six-speed transmission, tons of chrome, shark nose fairing, and limited paint schemes and you have one of the sharpest looking touring bikes on the market.
Here are some of the new highlights of the 2011 CVO Road Glide Ultra:
NEW Road Tech zumo 660 GPS unit with integrated handlebar mount and Navigation Interface Module feeds GPS verbal commands to the radio speakers
NEW 40-watt per channel Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System features four BOOM! Audio High Performance BOOM! Bagger speakers, XM satellite radio, CB/intercom with two headsets, and a new amplifier with customized equalization for the BOOM! Audio speakers.
NEW 8GB Apple® iPod Nano with an etched Bar & Shield logo connects to the audio system through an iPod interface and iPod holder located in the saddlebag.
NEW Road Glide wind deflectors fit on top of the engine guards and redirect turbulent air from the area between the fairing and the fuel tank
Stripped down and ready to run the highways in style, the Street Glide has become a hit in the H-D lineup. Young and old seem to flock to this bike for its looks and comfort. And with the 2011 CVO Street Glide you are essentially getting the best of both worlds; long distance touring comfort/storage and custom styling. It's basically a hot rod bagger. Some of the highlights of this year's CVO Street Glide include:
NEW 19-inch, 7-spoke Agitator front wheel and Agitator floating brake rotors with chrome center web
NEW Side-fill fuel tank with flush-mount LED fuel gauge and flush-mount cap
NEW High-output audio system with eight speakers boosted by a 100-watt per channel high-efficiency amplifier
NEW 8GB Apple® iPod Nano with an etched Bar & Shield logo connects to the audio system through an iPod interface and iPod holder located in the saddle bag
NEW Low-profile seat with snake-style leather inserts and matching passenger backrest pad
NEW Smoked, 7-inch Electra Glide(r) wind deflector