2012 Harley-Davidson range revealed
On top of larger engines for the 2012 HD range, there's also a new model -- the Switchback -- a multipurpose cruiser/tourerAfter breaking the news that Harley-Davidson would increase the capacity of almost all 2012 model year motorcycles to 103 cubic inches (1690cc) from 96 (1584cc), increasing torque output by around six percent in the process, we can now report the Milwaukee company has made a few other changes to the 2012 range.
Apart from the engine update, the biggest news is a new model has been added to the Dyna range in the form of the Switchback (FLD), a motorcycle that has been designed with a dual purpose - boulevard cruising and touring.
The Switchback features a tall screen and a pair of colour-matched panniers that Harley-Davidson claims can be unbolted effortlessly, and without the need for tools (the panniers have a payload of almost 14kg). This provides the bike twin personalities of touring and cruising, something the American motorcycle company hopes will appeal to riders who want more scope from their motorcycle.
The Switchback comes as standard with ABS, and the chassis has been tweaked a little with a slightly altered steering geometry and new 20mm cartridges for the 41.3mm forks designed to improve front end feel.
New look five-spoke wheels measure 18 inches in diameter up front, fitted with a low-ish profile 130/70 aspect ratio tyre and full coverage fender, while the rear end gets a 17-inch jobbie with 160/70 rubber. Footboards are included for the rider and there's plenty of chrome too -- around the headlight, speedometer, engine, forks, and even the cigar-tube style fully covered rear shock and springs.
The exhaust system on the Switchback is a two-into-one system, while the tank is just shy of 18 litres. Stainless steel mini ape handlebars are combined with chrome pullback isolated riders that add to the Switchback's bagger image.
Another addition due out later this year is the Road Glide® Custom, one of the four Touring models being introduced across Australia over the coming months. It features an air-cooled Twin Cam 103 engine.
But first to hit our shores is the Sportster range. Available from August 1, the family includes the SuperLow, the newly redesigned XL1200 Custom and the Dark Custom Roadsters like the Iron 883 and Forty-Eight.
Australia will also see the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models released later in the year. The range will include the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Street Glide and the Softail Convertible. Each CVO model is powered by the air-cooled Twin Cam 110™ V-Twin, the largest-displacement engine offered in the Harley-Davidson model range.
HD has also created a V-Rod 10th Anniversary special edition bike, which comes with lots of chrome, platinum crankcase and cylinder heads, light weight wheels, retuned rear suspension and like all V-Rods will get 10th anniversary graphics.
The Night Rod Special has also been modified for 2012, with plenty of new bits and pieces that will change the way the bike feels. The handlebars are pulled back three-inches, higher footpegs are installed, while tweaked front and rear suspension is designed to improve handling response.
Cosmetic changes to the 2012 Night Rod Special add a little more razzle with black anodized inverted forks, black triple clamps, a black speed screen visor and lighter wheels, which shed 2.7kg between them. A flush-mounted LED brake light is also integrated into the rear fender.
Further details on all the new 2012 models will be distributed over coming weeks, including pricing.
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