September 2008 - New Harley Touring Bike

[Buzz Kanter]

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, WHAT’S NEXT?
Chris Maida and I have just returned from test-riding and learning all about the exciting, new-generation Harley frames on the 2009 Big Twin touring models. We spent several intensive days in and around Milwaukee interviewing Harley engineers and marketing staff about what they did, how they did it, and why. And, in spite of the horrific weather forecast, we were able to put plenty of highway and byway miles on a new, pre-production 2009 Ultra, as well as the old 2008 Ultra for comparison (see the world-exclusive article in this issue).

In the days following our Milwaukee visit, I have given a lot of thought to the many new motorcycles I’ve ridden, and what I have been fortunate enough to learn from the impressive and passionate engineers and marketing staff at Harley-Davidson. And I’ve learned at least as much from our many knowledgeable readers and advertisers in the 17 years since I took over as editor-in-chief at American Iron Magazine www.aimag.com. I apologize if this sounds simplistic, but, in many regards, the Motor Company is a conservative organization, mostly preferring evolution to revolution in its growth and products. Typically Harley does not launch radically different machines (the obvious exception is the liquid-cooled V-Rod platform), preferring instead to release a new engine or new chassis. Typically, Harley uses a time-proven frame to house a new engine, as it did when launching the Panhead, Shovelhead, Evo, and Twin Cam engines in existing frame designs. Then, after gaining enough experience and confidence in the engine, Harley typically looks to upgrade or redesign the frame housing it.

The Twin Cam has been on the market for a few years, so, after about three decades using basically the same tried-and-true frame for the Big Twin touring motorcycles, Harley spent a lot of time and money redesigning it to work better (and it does) and look as similar as possible to the old one. The result is a 2009 model-year frame that works significantly better than the one it replaces, but it would take a keen eye to tell them apart in the parking lot.

Okay, so Harley is announcing a new chassis for the Big Twin touring models, and is offering the hot new XR1200 Sportster in Europe. And H-D continues to refine the V-Rod family, so what, you might ask, is next? Well, I’d like to start by asking the decision makers on Juneau Avenue to consider bringing the XR1200 to American dealerships. Hey, Harley is an all-American manufacturer, the Sportster is America’s first muscle bike, and they’re made here in the US of A. So it makes sense to sell them on our own shores. I’d definitely like to spend some time getting to know the machine.

In addition, rumors are flying around about a number of possible changes to existing-model Harleys in the “dark custom” direction, and possibly a whole new platform for Harley-Davidson to build upon, which would move the company away from evolution and closer to revolution. Whatever direction the Motor Company decides to take, you can count on us at American Iron Magazine www.aimag.com to be there to share the details in print and online at www.AIMag.com.

AMERICAN IRON CUSTOMS
Harley riders are as affected by the current economic conditions as non-riders. And while we get more miles and smiles per gallon than the four wheelers, we share the need to tighten the expenses where we can until things get better again. Knowing this, we shifted the editorial direction of our latest issue of American Iron Customs to the frugal do-it-yourselfer. Every custom motorcycle in this newsstand-only issue, which went on sale a few weeks ago was built by the owner in his garage, house, or basement. Every one! Additionally, all the tech and do-it-yourself (DIY) articles can be done by any of us with average mechanical skills by following the step-by-step photos and corresponding write-ups. Plus, we’ve highlighted dozens of great new bolt-on products to improve how our bikes look or ride. A lot of us still plan on building our own ground-up customs, but most of these projects will have to wait a little longer. In the meantime, the new American Iron Customs should be a great reference for what you can do with the bike you already have. If you can’t find a copy where you usually buy your magazines, copies of the new American Iron Customs, as well as most of our older issues, can be purchased online at www.GreaseRag.com, or by calling Wanda at 203/425-8777. American Iron Customs is a newsstand special issue that is not part of a regular subscription.

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun.



Buzz Kanter
Publisher/Editor-In-Chief