Articles by Mike Ryan

Harley-Davidson is celebrating its 105th year with a host of limited edition models. 2008 Harley-Davidson enthusiasts will revel in the company's 105th Anniversary with parties, rides and special events. To note the occasion, Harley-Davidson will offer 14 models with a special package of '105th Anniversary' features, including exclusive paint and accessories. Production of these motorcycles will be limited and serialised.

XL 1200N NIGHTSTER. Stripped down and gritty, the Nightster reinterprets the Sportster legend with rugged, retro-rod styling. A solo seat and lowered suspension puts the rider just 25.3 inches above the pavement. Clipped front and rear fenders expose chunky tyres.

FLTR ROAD GLIDE. Although it's not currently scheduled for a 2008 Australian release, the FLTR Road Glide is a standout in the H-D Touring lineup thanks to its aerodynamic, "shark nose" frame-mounted fairing that not only deflects the wind, but also reduces weight on the fork & handlebars.

FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC. The FLHRC Road King Classic is pure nostalgia. Laced wheels carry wide whitewall tyres. Tooled leather covers the seat and hard shell saddlebags. Touring features include a large detachable windshield, auxiliary passing lights, and cruise control and standard. It shares features with the base Road King (not currently sold in Australia) model.

Harley-Davidson is taking factory custom motorcycle design to a new extreme with the introduction of three radically styled new models.\nThe Dyna Fat Bob, the Rocker and Rocker C are additions to a diverse line of 2008 motorcycles.\nA host of technical refinements for 2008 includes the availability of an all new Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) as an option on Touring and VRSC models.

FXSTC SOFTAIL CUSTOM. The FXSTC Softail Custom has a classic long chopper profile and the comfort of a two up seat and backrest that will please a passenger ready for a long haul. A 200mm rear tyre and Bobtail fender lend authority to the rear end. Polished ape-hanger handlebar and Fat Bob fuel tank are classic softail features.

FLSTN SOFTAIL DELUXE FLSTN Softail Deluxe is dripping with nostalgia, from its integrated luggage rack and seat with check side panels with a chrome grab rail, to its full length footboards and wide whitewall tyres on Chrome laced steel wheels.

FLSTF FAT BOY. One of the most recognisable motorcycles on the road and a modern icon in the H-D stable, the Fat Boy is still going strong after 18 years. Rolling on a 200mm rear tyre with a big 17" front wheel, both of which feature the trademark "Bullet hole" disc aluminium rims, the Fat Boy's presence is boosted with a bold chrome fork nacelle, while laced leather & bullet studs trim the two-up seat and tank strap.

FLSTC HERITAGE SOFTAIL CLASSIC. The Heritage Softail Classic offers long-range touring comfort and nostalgic, dresser style with big FL front end, chrome passing lamps, studded leather saddle bags and a full windshield.

A new, hardtail look - in the form of the Rocker - joins the popular Harley-Davidson Softail platform for 2008.\nHarley's Softail family grows in a entirely new direction for 2008 with the introduction of the FXCW Rocker and FXCWC Rocker C (see previous pages). These factory customs are developed around an all-new "Rocker Tail" rear section that reproduces the distinctive profile of a slammed, hardtail frame but still delivers the smooth, comfortable ride of a modern suspension system and remains true to its softail origins.

FXSTB NIGHT TRAIN. The FXSTB Night Train returns with its all-black powertrain - wrinkle black trim on the engine, rear fender supports, and a black fuel tank console. The raked FX front end and narrow 21" laced front wheel contrast with a meaty 200mm rear tyre on a slotted cast disc with a wide Bobtail fender. Drag bars and forward foot controls create an aggressive rider posture.

NEW FXCW ROCKER. The Rocker replicates authentic hard tail styling, but has a hidden twist. The Rockertail rear end mounts a broad expanse of rear fender sheet metal directly to the swing arm, just an inch over a massive 240mm x 18 inch rear tyre. When in motion, the rear fender and wheel move together as the Rocker tail glides through 3.4" of travel.