Five new models in Harley's 2011 line-up - Motorbikes Reviews, News & Advice

Harley-Davidson's 2011 model line-up has been announced, which includes two new additions to the Sportster family, and three premium limited-edition models from the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) arm of the American manufacturer.

Elsewhere, all of H-D's touring models gain power with a new standard 103 cubic inch engine. In total, the 2011 Harley range will consist of 25 models, which will all be available from Wednesday, September 1.

The new Sporties are the SuperLow and Forty-Eight. The $11,495 ($NZ12,250) SuperLow has a solo seat just 648mm high, mid-mount footpegs, and has 18-inch (front) ad 17-inch five-spoke wheels on Michelin tyres. The forks are Showa and the 17lt fuel tank should produce plenty of mileage between stops.

The air-cooled Evolution 883c V-twin produces peak torque of 75Nm, and colours are Vivid Black, Cool Blue Pearl, Merlot Sunglo/Vivid Black or Birch White/Sedona Orange.

The Forty-Eight joins Harley's Dark Custom range, and its accomplices include the Nightster, Iron 883, Fat Bob and Street Bob.

The Evolution 1200cc V-twin has 16-inch wheels, forward foot controls, under-mounted mirrors, an 8lt 'peanut' fuel tank, a chopped rear fender, fork-mounted turn signals, a dual texture solo seat, while a passenger pillion, footpegs, and backrest are some of the many accessories that can be added.

Colours are Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver or Mirage Orange, and the Forty-Eight is priced from $14,995 ($15,495).

As mentioned, the touring range now gets the Twin Cam 103 engine, which adds about 10 per cent peak torque over the Twin Cam 96 powerplant, and the seats on all the models have been re-shaped to enhance styling, improve rider leg reach to the ground, and to provide better lower back support. A key element of the new seat design is a narrower forward section of the seat, which makes it easier for more riders to place both feet confidently on the ground.

All the Softail models now feature ABS as standard, bringing the total number of H-D models with the technology to 15.

Finally, the three CVO models for 2011 are the:

Street Glide, which rolls on a new 19-inch Agitator front wheel, and new ventilated fairing lowers house two of the six speakers that are part of a 100-watt-per-channel audio system that incorporates an 8GB iPod nano with dock.
Softail Convertible, which has a new audio system that integrates 3.5-inch speakers and a 20-watt-per-channel amplifier into a redesigned inner fairing. Music is delivered by an 8GB iPod nano stored in a protective pouch. Also new are a 1.25-inch welded mini-ape handlebar, Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), cruise control, keyless ignition, and ABS.
Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® has a new suspended, heated, two-up seat with leather inserts. Dual mufflers feature new chrome billet end caps with black spears, and new mirrors are finished in mirror chrome.

Prices start from $39,995 ($42,995) for the limited-edition CVO models.

The Bikesales Network will be riding the 2011 range in mid-September.