Pictures: Harley-Davidson model lineup gets darker, more powerful for 2016



MILWAUKEE -- Harley-Davidson unveiled its 2016 model lineup on Monday, August 24th. The lineup includes two new Dark Custom models, the most powerful cruiser lineup in company history, and a broad range of performance and styling enhancements.

"They`re beautiful! And they`re sleeker looking. They're smoother. They're quieter," John Welsh, who owns a Harley said.

"We spend a tremendous time talking to our customers, trying to better understand what makes them tick, what are they looking for in a motorcycle. The enhancements, I don`t want to down play their significance, and they`re going to increase both the ride performance and the riders' confidence. It's about attainability -- giving every customer, no matter where they come from, what walk of life, the opportunity to ride our products," Michael Spateh, Harley-Davidson customer segment lead said.

2016 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Highlights







          Dark Custom Soul

          The new Iron 883 is intentionally raw and rough around the edges, with a modern design inspired by garage-built bobbers past and present. All-new front and adjustable rear suspension, lighter-weight mag wheels and improved seating increase comfort and control to smooth the road ahead. The new Forty-Eight achieves its menacing stance with a burly front tire, new mag wheels and a massive front end with new 49mm forks, and also benefits from improved adjustable rear suspension and seating. Retro styling cues and a perfect ratio of black, color and chrome give this bike a bold visual presence. Riders navigating rough and tumble urban streets on the lean and nimble Harley-Davidson Street 750 and 500 models will appreciate the improved confidence from new front and rear braking systems.

          Most Powerful Cruiser Lineup Ever

          Rear tires will beg for mercy with the most powerful cruiser model lineup in Harley-Davidson history. Powered by the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine, the new Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S cruisers deliver power and performance once reserved for Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models. Both limited-edition models feature dark styling for menacing looks that match their muscle. The Softail Slim S is available in a new Olive Gold Denim color with military-inspired styling, paying homage to the post-war customs that launched the bobber movement. Harley-Davidson gives more riders a dose of Project RUSHMORE performance by making the High Output Twin Cam 103 engine standard in every other 2016 Softail model. The High Output Twin Cam 103 is also the new standard engine for all 2016 Dyna models except the Street Bob® model.

          Softail Cruise Control

          There’s more cruiser news in 2016; for the first time ever electronic cruise control is available on all Harley-Davidson Softail models. The convenience of Harley-Davidson electronic cruise control, enabled by new electronic throttle control, is standard equipment on 2016 Heritage Softail Classic, Softail Deluxe, Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S models and available as an accessory for all other 2016 Softail models.

          "I like the idea of putting cruise control on some of the cruisers," Curly Hanrahan, who owns a Harley said.

          New Sportster Suspension

          All 2016 Sportster® models will tame rough roads with all-new front and rear suspension and improved seats working together to enhance rider comfort and control. The new seats incorporate premium materials and revised shapes to provide more supportive comfort. The re-engineered Sportster suspension pairs emulsion coil-over shocks with new front cartridge forks. Nitrogen gas-charged shocks resist oil aeration and feature an internal valve stack with 36mm pistons and high-performance oil to provide superior compression and rebound damping control that reacts quickly to small bumps and keeps the tires in contact on uneven road surfaces. Progressive-rate spring pre-load is adjustable by a threaded collar using a spanner that stows under the seat. Tuned to complement the shocks, the stout forks feature a calibrated piston and valve stack and progressive rate springs for consistent feel throughout the compression and extension range of the suspension. The triple-rate spring and oil lock allows the forks to resist wheel hop under hard braking.

          Road Glide Ultra

          A two-year absence from the Harley-Davidson Touring line was time well spent infusing the Road Glide Ultra with enhanced style, outstanding aerodynamics and optimized touring ergonomics for rider and passenger– the full influence of the customer-led Project RUSHMORE product-development effort. Propelled by the unrelenting performance of the Twin-Cooled™ High Output Twin Cam 103™ powertrain, the new Road Glide Ultra will exceed the expectations of the most demanding touring motorcyclist.

          Heritage Softail Classic

          Combining nostalgic style with smooth, modern Softail performance, the Heritage Softail Classic receives refreshed styling for 2016 plus the High Output Twin Cam 103 powertrain, standard electronic cruise control, and a new and improved saddlebag support structure.

          The new 2016 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and accessories start rolling into Harley-Davidson® dealerships immediately. Visit H-D.com to see all 2016 Harley-Davidson models.