Harley-Davidson Highlights 2009
Here is Black Bear’s definitive guide to the key features for 2009.
Firstly, the most significant is the arrival of the new V-Rod Muscle! This bulging, broad shouldered machine combines aggressive styling with awesome power – a 1250cc Revolution liquid-cooled engine and an exhaust that mimics the side-pipes found on muscle cars. This delivers improved mid-range power and torque, as well as sounding great!
VRSCF V-Rod Muscle
A chopped fender covers a wide 240mm rear tyre with combined stop-turn-tail LED lights. ABS comes as standard on this and the whole VRSC range. V-Rod Muscle prices start from £12,330 with both solid and pearl colours available and we reckon this is going to be a popular bike for the year ahead. Not available until the end of 2008.
The V-Rod Muscle may be the only new addition to the Harley family, but both the FXDB Street Bob and FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic have undergone a significant revamp for 2009.
The Street Bob has been refined to strengthen its ‘Bobber’ roots even further. It comes with a new black and silver engine, internally wired handlebars, new ‘bobbed’ rear fender, new LED retro tail lights, a larger 180mm rear tyre, new solo seat and gloss black steel laced wheels. Prices start from £8,945 for this minimalist, pure Harley-Davidson.
Street Bob
Other upgrades on 2009 Dyna models include new lower-profile front fenders and new silver-face speedometer with fuel range countdown.
The Heritage Softail Classic gets a more comfortable pillion seat, newly styled chrome nacelle; retro chrome cat’s eye console, retro half moon rider footboards, new taller handlebars, new saddlebag and seat trims, new LED retro tail light, clean styling cues on the front fender, retro large oval brake pad, glass-filled 3D gas tank badge and gas tank graphics. There’s so much that’s new, it’s almost a new bike!
FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic
Demand for Harley’s flat track racer inspired bike, the XR1200, continues to grow. Designed solely for the European market it has sport tuned Showa suspension, including 43mm inverted front forks, powerful Nissin brakes, downdraft fuel injection and lightweight cast wheels with a Flat Track 3-spoke design, finished in black.
XR1200
All Sportster models have improved suspension damping for better ride quality and new tyre-hugging front fenders. This is also a feature for all FX models.
The five Touring models roll on a new chassis that combines a new frame, swingarm, wheels and tyres, plus revised exhaust and engine mounting. The all-new 67% stiffer chassis makes for a more agile and precise bike, enhancing rider comfort. The range also benefits from new LED rear tip lights, larger 180mm rear tyre and ABS is now standard.
And finally, let’s not forget the CVO range – that’s Harley’s own Custom Vehicle Operations, a team let loose to produce limited edition, striking motorcycles that ooze custom cool! And 2009 marks the 10th anniversary of the CVO programme. The FXDFSE Dyna Fat Bob; FXSTSSE Softail Springer; and FLHTCUSE Ultra Classic Electra Glide make guest appearances this year.
Screamin' Eagle Fat Bob
The Roadster, Dyna Low Rider and Softail Deluxe have all been discontinued.
Buell Highlights
The talking point for Buell is the brand new 1125CR, a 21st Century take on the legendary Café Racers of the ‘50s and ‘60s. An awesome looking motorcycle with “sinister styling” that delivers brute power and torque with its 1125 liquid-cooled V-Twin engine.
The New 1125CR
The Lightning Range has been condensed into two models for ’09 – the XB12Ss Lightning Long and XB12Scg – which combine all the best Lightning features moulded into these two improved bikes. They get the blacked-out look and have an increased strength and durability Veyance Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology, which was originally developed for the 1125R. This is a feature for all ’09 Buell models.
The Lightning Long has a new sculpted streetfighter seat, measuring 776mm, and raised front and rear suspension.
The City X has a new lowered seat height of 33mm (from 797mm to 764mm) and also features the new blacked-out engine.
The Ulysses XB12X and XB12XT are also updated with the blacked out look. Headlight reflectors with increased headlight output benefit the XB12XT while the XB12X has new black footpegs with saw-tooth pattern for better grip.
And last year’s new kid on the block, the 1125R comes with a range of eye-catching colours and has a threaded mount added to the swingarm for slider bobbins and use of a rear stand.
1125R in New Arctic White
The XB12S & XB12STT Super TT have been discontinued.
More details on the 2009 range can be found at Buell’s new and improved website at www.buell.com
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