In Production | Harley Davidson's New 2011 CVO Models

The CVO Softail Convertible in Maple Metallic and Roman Gold with Burnished Copper graphics.

The CVO Softail Convertible in Maple Metallic and Roman Gold with Burnished Copper graphic

Softail Convertible
The Softail Convertible is also back for the second time as a CVO model, with last year being its debut. This year's convertible is by far the standout of the CVO bunch with all kinds of firsts and significant upgrades.

Milestones for this model include:

* First time for tunes on a Softail; the Convertible comes with an 8GB iPod and the detachable fairing has an integrated audio system with two 3 1/2-inch two-way speakers, a 20-watt-per-channel amp, and a compartment to store the iPod.

* First time for electronic throttle cruise control (according to H-D this will be the only Softail model with cruise control)

* First time for ABS on a Softail. The bike utilizes a new system with the front ABS module in the fork tins and the rear located behind the trans. According to H-D, ABS will be optional on all the 2011 OE Softail models, except the Cross Bones.

* First locking saddlebags on a Softail model

* First time for the MoCo to use a welded mini ape handlebar. At 1 1/4 inches in diameter, the hard angled design of the new apes give the bike more of a garage-custom look and is similar in style to what the kids are running these days.

The new dash on the Convertible features a keyless ignition and digital speedo with an analog tach.

The new dash on the Convertible features a keyless ignition and digital speedo with an ana

Gone is the traditional ignition switch often found on the center console and in its place is a CVO medallion that gives off an eerie red glow. The Convertible utilizes a keyless ignition system, which means with the wireless fob in your pocket you can walk up to the bike, flip the run/stop switch, hit the start button, and you're gone. When you get to your destination, you just turn the bike off, walk away, and it will arm the alarm itself. Other key features of the Convertible include 18-inch Stinger wheels with matching floating brake rotors, a 200mm rear wheel, a rear light bar with integrated stop/turn/taillights, an illuminated digital speedo with analog tach, a high-flow Ventilator intake with alligator-style insert, and obviously a ton of chrome.

As a Convertible, this Softail is definitely the best of both worlds-long distance travel and street-wise looks. After being on the highway all day, in a matter of seconds you can pop off the compact fairing and saddlebags, then head over to Main Street for stoplight challenges against the locals. With its ultra-low seat height of 26.1 inches (second lowest in the H-D lineup) and raised handlebars, you really get that "in the bike" feeling when riding. Sure you can scrape pegs pretty quickly in the tighter turns, but sparks make the people behind think you're going really fast. Being the lightest of the CVO models, the 110ci engine at the heart of the Convertible provides plenty of juice in all six gears with still more throttle to go well into Sixth. The Softail Convertible is available in three color combos: Scarlet Red Pearl and Dark Slate Pearl with Metal Grind graphics, Midnight Sky and Candy Cobalt with Blue Ice graphics, and Maple Metallic and Roman Gold with Burnished Copper graphics. All color options also include color-matched components such as the frame and swingarm, oil tank, and frame inserts. The Softail Convertible has an MSRP of $29,599, with 2,400 units being produced.