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Harley-Davidson is more than legendary street bikes, glistening custom bikes and king of the road touring bikes. Harley-Davidson is a way of life. The ultimate result of a heritage of uncompromising commitment. The kind of commitment that comes from 76 years of understanding what the true motorcyclist wants, needs and demands from motorcycling.
To put it quite simply, Harley-Davidson is more, much more, than just a machine.
A star is born. Out of the Low Rider school of custom bike design comes a black on black blockbuster. With credits going to the design studio of Harley-Davidson.
Right down to the new, larger 3.3 gallon gas tank. In charcoal metallic and black or black on black with gold pin-stripping. The new Harley-Davidson exclusive staggered shorty duals. The extended front forks topped off with 3½" risers and drag style bars. It's destined to be a classic.
After you've seen it for a second or third time, you begin to get the complete picture. The black wrinkle finish on selected parts surrounding the massive 1000cc V-Twin engine. The new oil tank and cover. The new shorter chrome capped rear shocks. The split seat with sissy bar, stash pouch and new back rest. The 16" fat rear tyre underneath. Even the highway pegs may go by you the first time around.
And then there are the things you may never see. Important parts of the whole production just the same. The redesigned camshafts that produce even more mid-range power. The spin-on oil filter for quick changes. The XR750 race frame rear section. Then when it comes time to put the show on the road, choose from classic laced wheels or 9 spoke cast wheels. And you're ready for a command performance.
The 1980 Roadster is a show stopper and a scene stealer. There are no reserved seats. It's all out front. And it didn't get to be all that, without being more than a machine.
The heart is clearly visible - the massive V-Twin engine. Whether it be the awesome 1980 edition shovelhead, the '48-'65 panhead or the '36-'47 knucklehead, all of them deliver world renowned low end torque. And all of them are still seen on the streets today.
But even close up like this, what you can't see is the soul. It's even a bit difficult to describe. It's a combination of machine, technology and uncompromising principles. It's unflinching commitment to a tradition. It's a way of life.
It comes from years of distinctive styling and design. It comes from constant refinement and unending quality control. It comes from living, breathing and building motorcycles for over 76 years.
It comes from being the number one superbike company in the world.
You reach the soul by understanding the biker, by being a biker. And producing the right kind of accessories to fit the bike. Gear and leathers to fit the biker, body and soul.
Every time you walk into a Harley dealer's showroom. Every time you step up to the parts counter, the soul surrounds you. Because you're face to face with guys who know Harleys inside out. Guys who ride Harleys. Guys who take care in tightening up a chrome headbolt or adjusting a clutch. Every Harley is meticulously gone over, as if it were their own. They take great pride in being part of a motorcycling legend.
When you own a Harley-Davidson, you own a piece of Americana. You enter the world of Harley. You become a part of its heart and soul. Then, and only then, can you really understand how Harley-Davidson can be so much more than a machine.