Nowhere is this strategy more than clear that the annual revenue models from within their Vehicle Operations (CVO) unit, which has proved a very successful way to attract customers to their highest price for the goods. As such, we should not expect any major changes in the underlying philosophy proven time and again by the brains trust in Milwaukee.
That said, there are some important updates for 2011 model year, we were interested in seeing and hearing, so we stuck to each of the four new bikes in the CVO beautiful Lake Tahoe for some good old-fashioned driving impression. Kick back, throw the best leather chaps and Harley fans read about.
Before we dissect each new model, CVO, it should be noted that there are several interrelated themes for the 2011 model year. The most obvious addition of the previous year, a new focus on superior sound - and we believe cult of chrome exhaust sound chips. Harley has worked with Apple to create their own integration of the iPod Nano for each of its flagship model.
Three rounds of hard luggage with built-in feature of every iPod in the right seat, with appropriate controls for the music to control and / or settlement. For some Softail models stored in the iPod detachable windshield and uses a much simpler, non-load-connector interface.
Would be good to start at the top. Internally known as (deep breath) FLHTCUSE6, 2011 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide is one of the most expensive model of the lineup for 2011. As such, it is all the goodies, including an air-cooled, Screamin Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine with granite and powder coating cylinder.
Although this engine is the most powerful conventional HD (read: not liquid cooled Genus) V-twin, we found that it was a bit lacking final authority weight of 895 pounds, the bike is loaded. This is especially the case when the download is a six clicks when the number of available varieties is gradually accelerated. It is best to get used to downshifting fortunately not many problems. Of course transsexual click on another device without a single complaint, and the clutch effort is a little heavy, but is always positive, although a bit awkward.
Entire treatment is surprisingly good. We sent a huge chromed-out engine over a few points of concern - these monsters can easily roll backs of one thousand pounds and a full mailbox, some luggage ... lb rider plus passenger - - not to mention the 200, but it turns out, the Electra Glide is very helpful worse. At low speeds the bike is not hiding a huge weight, but a brisk walk things start to feel safer. Given the pace up further, we discovered that there are many curves to enable a fun ride through the twisty bits of asphalt from a straight-shot highway in America. And when it finally scraped, the effect is unpleasant.
There is nothing else to say about the act of driving on Ultra. The main platform was a very long time and when the frame was built a few years ago it was a very relaxing ride on the bike. All the basic goodness is still valid. Let's go.
This bike is the iPod integration is the best team that you would expect. Controls on the right system, the rider to control tracks and settings, and four speakers, 40 watts per channel Harmon Kardon sound system will change through loud and clear, no matter how fast you're willing to push the Batwing, smoothing the wind. If you are unsure of the iPod, satellite radio, CB, intercom, CD player.
Ride comfort is increased in 2011 with a new dual-seat, which serves to reduce travel for both pilots and passengers. Of course, the seat is warmed as tongs, and set a new standard for Garmin Zumo 660 Navigation system with a simple interface, a dashboard-mounted directly to the driver. Final cool techy gift for 2011 is a one-click wheel and power lock system for each bag.
Perhaps the most important for potential buyers, although the styling update for the new year. Harley is very proud of their new Chrome roulette contrast, in this case is shown in 17-inch sizes and 16-inch rear. One color was available for 2011: Black Rio Red Ember and Flame graphics.
Did you happen to prefer a frame mounted upholstery and more traditional HD Batwing fairing? I still want all the goodies offered by Ultra Series? The good news is. Harley CVO added a new model for 2011 Road Glide Ultra.
As the name suggests, Road Glide gets aerodynamic frame-mounted fairing with twin headlights and a cockpit-style instrument display. "For what it's worth, I happen to prefer Batwing, but it's nice to finally HD camp for another option.
Apart from the cockpit, there's not much here that is different than Electra. Customers have the same new model pieces as shown, including Eagle V-twin, six-speed gearbox, the 110-inch Screamin 'iPod integration, Garmin navigation system, heated double suspension kit, etc.
No wonder the two driven wheels, like a series of open road, except that management may feel a little easier with the Road Glide is a frame mounted trim on the steering wheel-mounted batwing Electra series. At low speeds, but we found a feeling that long, boring and a stationary cup projecting ... almost as if there is a discrepancy between what we asked for the wheel, and what we get from the front tires. It's only a matter of perception, but we try to check the bike out to ensure that the transition does not work for them to develop.
As for Elektra, a unit of Garmin Street Glide, but instead of a cabinet that was located on the left handlebar to slide. We prefer to place the Electra cockpit mounted, but your mileage may vary.
Colors: red and black graphics Ember Rio quartzite, coal and black slate with quartzite twilight Vintage graphics and mat with ivory and gold, you guessed it, quartzite graphics. We recommend the last option to avoid (see below) seems to RV Road Glide Ultra flywheel and is almost universally hated by drivers are informal patients.
Prices for the new-for-2011 CVO Road Glide Ultra is just under half-brother of Electra at $ 35.999. Yowza again.
Next in the pecking order of the HD's Street Glide CVO, who are second consecutive year of production. It also happens that our particular favorite Harley CVO line for 2011 models ... especially when painted in green are available (in fact, the Kryptonite) metallic colors in some of our photos. Indeed, while riding around on bikes, which are intended to be seen, you can with a shin stenosis paint job, right?
As expected, Street Glide gets a 110 cubic inch drive with a six-speed gearbox, but it's just a bit stronger in this package a little less difficult. Still not what you would call happy, but we take what we get.
Add 2011-model contains a new set of wheels at the front, is now one inch wider than last year, up to 19 inches. For what it's worth, the front wheel of the biggest ever offered on a Harley touring bike, and it starts a new low-profile front fender. We asked if there is a performance advantage of the new wheels ... no. Rear wheels measure 18 inches.
We appreciate the inclusion of fuel tanks with an LED meter, but it's pretty hard to see polarized sunglasses in bright sunlight. Moreover, the big news is that you add iPod integration, which in this case send your music to 100 watts per channel (two channels), amplifier, six speakers mounted in the house. It is very hard, but not as strong as a whole in the two higher spec horses that we have discussed.
Riding Street Glide is almost like riding on her two older brothers, except that it is not quite so many possibilities, it is a bit less top-heavy as a small reservoir and the lack of wood.
Available colors are Black Diamond Tag Crimson Autumn Haze graphics and the old stock, Black Diamond, Orange and Inferno finally Kryptonite and Black Diamond. Price? $ 32,499.
And now we come to the Softail. We level with you on this ... consider CVO Softail style convertible put too much stuff. Nowhere is this more true than when the road gets twisty. Although none of the HD CVO models are designed for a series of explosions winding road, Softail rear suspension was a hit too low to make a good swing.
Of course, on the other hand, that this procedure is really low seat height, and fully understand that some drivers are less than the other. If you can your connection - it is the seat 24.4 inches (loaded) of asphalt below. If not, then our proposal, either look elsewhere or used to boot behind the shock load possible - and it would be the case if a passenger or a significant amount of luggage.
Anyway, CVO Softail Convertible gets its name by offering leather-covered hard bags and windshield, which can be easily removed without tools. Seats and back, and leaves the stage exit when not needed. We tried it myself and found that the process of change is relatively painless. And really look at the turn round, turning a little-convertible sorta acceptable linear highway mounted in true boulevard cruiser.
Indeed, we argue that the shield must handbags and pretty much stops as soon as possible, because this bike was made clear with the image as a matter of consequence. We can still hear echoes our pins on our journey to the bottom and we are all full.
A nice feature is common to all Softail using 110-inch Twin Cam B motor that has a balance shaft, and therefore can not Shake, Rattle and Roll into oblivion at every stop.
In addition to very low speed needles, we find that the curves of weld defects mini ape hanger bars, although I really do not look cool to passersby.
As we said in the beginning, but an HD CVO models for 2011, which uses a lot easier aux-out port for connecting an iPod. There are two speakers in a small glass chamber under customs control, and predictable level of sound from them is how, as a smaller but more full-featured set of Harmon Kardon other CVO models.
The colors are Scarlet Red Pearl and Pearl with Dark Slate Metallic graphics, Midnight Sky and Candy Cobalt with Blue Ice Metallic Maple graphics or Roman gold and copper with polished graphics. It can be yours for a price of $ 29,599.
And so we end our trip reports. If it seems like we were cursed, each of these models with little praise, not exactly our goal. Actually, if you are asked to only one wheel, which crisscross the entire U.S. with some of the things we choose to process, we can very well act-2011 CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. As a flagship bike HD, Ultra is equipped with everything but the kitchen sink (it's not quite fit in balance ...), and it destroys the driver and passengers in comfort, while a lot of power and a reasonable handling dynamics. This is a nice bike and it's beautiful in person.
This means that we not only target demographic for this series motorcycles. Our favorite Harleys risk sports institutes and liquid-cooled bars. But a few wealthy customers out there who wants to look beautiful and confident with custom motorcycle manufacturer Harley, you can do much worse than driving home one of these CVO models.
And finally, there really is something special about the sound of classic high-definition 45-degree air-cooled flat roared away as the miles roll past. This is a classic Americana at its best, largely summarizes his feelings in 2011, Harley's CVO lineup ..
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