V-Rods and Trikes
Harley's much vaunted first foray into liquid-cooled performance appeared to promise much when it was introduced 15 years ago - but while the long-denied plans for "baby-rod" versions of the Revolution engine developed for Harley by Porsche (among others) has materialised, a bright new future in which Harley's dealers would be able to add performance bike market share to the balance sheet has not. This year sees no changes except paint for the present 2-model line-up so given that standing still is to go backwards, is this the final year for muscle bikes that have failed to convince?
V-Rod Captions…
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While the traditional Milwaukee customer demographic is right in the trike sweet-spot, the aftermarket and factory courting of dodgy-knee and hip-replacement boomers may be inevitably destined to be a short-lived phenomena (or will it be? Discuss ...) could there be an unexpected twist in the future of life with a third wheel as Can-Am, with their Spyder and now Polaris, with their well received Slingshot, point to a possible next stage in Harley's post Lehman co-op program return to trike manufacturing? For now their two existing specifications, power plant options and price-points appear to have the mid-ground well covered ...
Harley's much vaunted first foray into liquid-cooled performance appeared to promise much when it was introduced 15 years ago - but while the long-denied plans for "baby-rod" versions of the Revolution engine developed for Harley by Porsche (among others) has materialised, a bright new future in which Harley's dealers would be able to add performance bike market share to the balance sheet has not. This year sees no changes except paint for the present 2-model line-up so given that standing still is to go backwards, is this the final year for muscle bikes that have failed to convince?
V-Rod Captions…
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| VRSCDX Night Rod Special - described by Harley as "a sinister looking machine" with the 60 degree liquid-cooled 76"/1250cc Revolution engine, delivering a "v-twin growl and massive power." Styled for performance-minded enthusiasts who like a "blacked-out, no-hassle ride, and an aggressive, drag-inspired riding position." |
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| VRSCF V-Rod Muscle - a "brawny bruiser with off-the-line power ... it offers big air scoops, musclebound mufflers, and a 240 mm rear tire." |
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While the traditional Milwaukee customer demographic is right in the trike sweet-spot, the aftermarket and factory courting of dodgy-knee and hip-replacement boomers may be inevitably destined to be a short-lived phenomena (or will it be? Discuss ...) could there be an unexpected twist in the future of life with a third wheel as Can-Am, with their Spyder and now Polaris, with their well received Slingshot, point to a possible next stage in Harley's post Lehman co-op program return to trike manufacturing? For now their two existing specifications, power plant options and price-points appear to have the mid-ground well covered ...
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FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic – checking out at $33,499, it features the twin-cooled version of the High Output 103 inch Twin Cam (air-cooled with integrated oil cooler) and 6-speed Cruise Drive with electric reverse and new reduced-width primary housing/derby cover |
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| FLRT Freewheeler - marginally the smaller, and at $8,000 less than the Tri Glide, this is by far the less expensive of Harley's two trikes; it has the older air-cooled version of the High Output 103 incher, 6-speed Cruise Drive and new reduced-width primary housing/derby cover |
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