The year 2008 was Harley Davidson's 105th anniversary which isn't a particularly well recognised milestone I'll admit but that didn't stop them celebrating it with style as they have done every 5 years since God Knows when. It also happened to be the 25th Anniversary of H.O.G. - the Harley Owners Club - which was arguably more significant.
Now Harley Davidson are fairly adept at holding commemorative festivals and 2008's was certainly no exception. They took over the Milwaukee lakefront for four whole days of parties, run-outs and displays with H.O.G. holding their own bash at Miller Park. On top of this they arranged no fewer than 105 runs from separate Dealerships across the states, all ending at the event and released no less than 14 separate limited edition style modifications to their range.
They weren't just simple styling packs either. As well as offering delicious copper and black colour schemes, with tasteful detailing including copper shield decorations to tanks and air cleaners plus matching inserts to seats, they also offered something new. Fitted as an option to some models and standard to the top of the range was a Harley Davidson first - Advanced ABS with Brembo disks.
They didn't just fit and modify an existing system either. Instead they designed much of it from scratch even going so far as to hide most of the mechanism within the hub of the wheel. The result was a Harley with wheels that looked exactly as they were meant to but with remarkably efficient ABS.
One of the bikes to receive this treatment was the top of the range CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Already a bike with more features than a headline festival, including a built in navigation system, Harmon-Kardon stereo system, Cruise Control and even heated seats, the Anniversary edition is truly an incredible touring bike to behold.
The Twin Cam 110 motor behind this half tonne behemoth is an extraordinary 1803cc V-Twin with a manual 6-speed gearbox. It puts the standard UC Electra Glides 1583cc to shame and is big and smooth enough - it's fully rubber mounted - to make even the longest journey's a total pleasure.
So there you have it, a Goldwing beater with panache. It looks better, sounds better and well to be honest that's about it really. But it doesn't matter if the Goldwing is 10 times better on paper. It might handle better, use less fuel, use less oil or anything at all. I don't know and I don't particularly care. The 105th Anniversary Edition FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide is infinitely better in the style department which is the only place that counts really. Otherwise we'd all drive cars wouldn't we?
Now Harley Davidson are fairly adept at holding commemorative festivals and 2008's was certainly no exception. They took over the Milwaukee lakefront for four whole days of parties, run-outs and displays with H.O.G. holding their own bash at Miller Park. On top of this they arranged no fewer than 105 runs from separate Dealerships across the states, all ending at the event and released no less than 14 separate limited edition style modifications to their range.
They weren't just simple styling packs either. As well as offering delicious copper and black colour schemes, with tasteful detailing including copper shield decorations to tanks and air cleaners plus matching inserts to seats, they also offered something new. Fitted as an option to some models and standard to the top of the range was a Harley Davidson first - Advanced ABS with Brembo disks.
They didn't just fit and modify an existing system either. Instead they designed much of it from scratch even going so far as to hide most of the mechanism within the hub of the wheel. The result was a Harley with wheels that looked exactly as they were meant to but with remarkably efficient ABS.
One of the bikes to receive this treatment was the top of the range CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Already a bike with more features than a headline festival, including a built in navigation system, Harmon-Kardon stereo system, Cruise Control and even heated seats, the Anniversary edition is truly an incredible touring bike to behold.
The Twin Cam 110 motor behind this half tonne behemoth is an extraordinary 1803cc V-Twin with a manual 6-speed gearbox. It puts the standard UC Electra Glides 1583cc to shame and is big and smooth enough - it's fully rubber mounted - to make even the longest journey's a total pleasure.
So there you have it, a Goldwing beater with panache. It looks better, sounds better and well to be honest that's about it really. But it doesn't matter if the Goldwing is 10 times better on paper. It might handle better, use less fuel, use less oil or anything at all. I don't know and I don't particularly care. The 105th Anniversary Edition FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide is infinitely better in the style department which is the only place that counts really. Otherwise we'd all drive cars wouldn't we?
About the Author:
John Vincent writes for used motorbikes in the midlands and the moped spot in his spare time. The rest of his life is meaningless.
No comments:
Post a Comment