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2010 Harley-Davidson Lineup

Text: Ken Freund • Photography: Tom Riles, Brian Nelson

Battling a tough recession, Harley-Davidson unveiled its new lineup in Denver recently with some exciting changes. Bill Davidson, Vice President of Core Customer Marketing, said, "This ambitious new motorcycle launch reaches to our riders with the incredible passion that Harley-Davidson has inspired for more than a century. We are thrilled to offer our customers nine new models and a full selection of products for 2010 that lets their enthusiasm for enjoying great motorcycles continue at full throttle."

These new models (including the CVOs covered in our last issue) represent the largest number delivered in the Motor Company's history. Although there aren't any new platforms or engines, a host of changes and up-grades provide more luxury, power, value and style.

Topping the touring line is the Electra Glide Ultra Limited, which gets the bigger Twin Cam 103 engine that delivers 10 percent more torque than the TC96 engine, plus added standard equipment. Features include dual front brakes with ABS, heated grips, a security system and Tour Pak luggage. Special two-tone paint will be offered, along with unique 28-spoke wheels, dash trim and badges.

The new Road Glide Custom gets a hot-rodded look with a one-inch lowered rear suspension, 18-inch front wheel, and new 2-into-1 exhaust. A low-profile windscreen tops the frame-mounted fairing with dual headlamps and a slew of gauges, while new rear lighting and a premium audio system round out the features.

Back is the Wide Glide Dyna model, done up in old-school chopper style with black, laced wheels, a chopped rear fender, short black sissy bar, tommy-gun exhaust and an optional flame paint job. It has a black battery box with a chromed "Wide Glide" logo, a mini sissy bar and the front of its 4.7-gallon fuel tank is raised 3/4 of an inch to accentuate the feeling of sitting "in" the bike. There's no traditional taillight, instead the red turn signals double as brake lights (first seen on Sportster Nightsters).

Dressed in satin chrome and dull "denim" black, the new Fat Boy Lo uses the signature styling cues of the popular Fat Boy series, including the beefy fork, solid-disc wheels and Fat Bob gas tank on the Softail chassis. An over/under shotgun exhaust with flat-black header shields, "Bullet Hole" 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, with a wide 140mm front tire and a 200mm rear, carry on the Fat Boy look. H-D achieved the "Lo" part by dropping the rear suspension 1.15 inches and adding a slimmer seat, resulting in the lowest seat height of any Harley at a ground-hugging 24.25 inches. Combined with a reshaped handlebar, it's designed to appeal to newcomers and inseam-challenged riders.

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For the complete article of the riding impression(s) and technical specifications, please purchase the November/December 2009 back issue.