Harley-Davidson's PowerPoint presentation about its 2011 lineup included references to a "multi-generational cycle of growth" and the age distribution curve. Baby Boomers, known as the "pig in the python" of the U.S. age distribution, have been everybody's meal ticket since the end of WW2. Twenty-eight percent of Americans were born between 1946 and 1964, and this generation has driven every major market trend over the past six decades. The oldest Boomers turn 65 next year, and Harley-Davidson wants to ensure they continue to ride into their autumn years. It's no coincidence that Harley rolled out its first factory trike--the Tri Glide Ultra Classic--in 2009, and added the Street Glide Trike in 2010. Both trikes stay in H-D's 32-model lineup for 2011, along with four new CVO bikes.
Rider Report
2011 XR1200X
Mature riders tend to prefer touring bikes, and Harley-Davidson has likewise enhanced its touring line. It added a new model, the FLTRU Road Glide Ultra ($22,499 in Vivid Black, $23,059 Solids), which we subjected to a full test last month. Harley's popular "sharknose" bagger gets a Tour Pak trunk, honking sound system, Ultra Classic seat, air deflectors and vents, cruise control, cosmetic enhancements and the all-new PowerPak bundle, which includes the Twin Cam 103 engine, ABS and Smart Security System. The PowerPak will also be standard on the Road King Classic and Electra Glide Ultra Limited, and available as a $1,995 option on the Street Glide and Road Glide Custom. Touring models also get deeper, narrower seats with reshaped foam and covers.
Rider Report
2011 XL883L Sportster SuperLow
For $1,195, a Security Package (ABS plus Smart Security) can be added to Softail (except Cross Bones) and VSRC models, and to non-PowerPak touring models. ABS for Softail models hides the electronic and hydraulic control units for a clean look. Softails also get new hand controls, simplified wiring for easy handlebar changes and a larger LCD odometer display that now includes gear/rpm.
Just as Harley-Davidson wants to keep Boomers in its orange-and-black embrace, it's also focused on the next generation. Thanks in part to its Dark Custom line, the Motor Company is the top seller of street bikes to 18-35 year-olds. For sport-oriented types, there is the new Sportster XR1200X ($11,799), a dirt-track inspired barnstormer we rode at Road America and reported on last month. First offered last year in Europe, the X-model gets full floating front brake rotors, fully adjustable suspension, a blacked-out powertrain and 2-1-2 exhaust and orange pinstripes on the wheels.
The most accessible member of the Harley family has been the Sportster 883 Low, buyers of which tend to be female and/or new riders. Harley-Davidson heeded customer requests for better fuel range, suspension and comfort with the 2011 XL883L SuperLow ($7,999 Vivid Black, $8,289 Solids, $8,499 Two-Tone). With a mere 0.2-inch gain in seat height, now at 25.5 inches, the SuperLow has a more generously padded seat and more front/rear suspension travel. A 4.5-gallon fuel tank, smaller front wheel, larger rear wheel, more trail, taller gearing and a flatter handlebar with more pullback all contribute to a more user-friendly riding experience. The comfort gains seem fairly marginal and lean angle is even less than before, but the SuperLow is a great looking, easy-riding machine.
For information and pricing on Harley-Davidson's entire 2011 lineup, visit www.harley-davidson.com.
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