Harley-Davidson previews MY16 range

"This is another historic year for Harley-Davidson," said Adam Wright, Director of Marketing for Harley-Davidson Australia & New Zealand.

"We're introducing the most powerful collection of cruisers in our history, including the brand-new S series. We're raising the bar on Dark Custom motorcycles with the new Iron 883 and Forty-Eight models, the purest expression of the design movement we started in 2008.

 

 

_New Iron 883 and Forty-Eight models assert Harley-Davidson's Dark Custom leadership with motorcycles inspired by the rebellious spirit of the past updated with modern design and new suspensions that put a little extra smooth in the Harley-Davidson soul.

_New S series limited-edition cruisers feature big power and cutting-edge style. The Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S combine rich finishes with the impressive Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine to deliver head-turning style and performance.

_Previously only available in Harley-Davidson Touring bikes, the High Output Twin Cam 103B engines upgrade the power for all Softail models (excluding S models), rounding out the most powerful cruiser line-up in Harley-Davidson history.

 

 

The new Iron 883 is intentionally raw and rough around the edges, with a modern design inspired by garage-built bobbers past and present. All-new front and adjustable rear suspension, lighter-weight mag wheels and improved seating increase comfort and control to smooth the road ahead. The new Forty-Eight achieves its menacing stance with a burly front tyre, new mag wheels and a massive front end with new 49mm forks, and also benefits from improved adjustable rear suspension and seating. Retro styling cues and a perfect ratio of black, colour and chrome give this bike a bold visual presence.

Riders navigating rough and tumble urban streets on the lean and nimble Harley-Davidson Street 500 will appreciate the improved confidence from new front and rear braking systems (see separate Dark Custom release for details).

 

Rear tyres will beg for mercy with the most powerful cruiser model line-up in Harley-Davidson history. Powered by the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110 cubic inch engine, the new Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S cruisers deliver power and performance once reserved for Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models.

Both limited-edition models feature dark styling for menacing looks that match their muscle. The Softail Slim S is available in a new Olive Gold Denim colour with military-inspired styling, paying homage to the post-war customs that launched the bobber movement. Harley-Davidson gives more riders a dose of Project RUSHMORE performance by making the High Output Twin Cam 103 engine standard in every other 2016 Softail model.

 

There's more cruiser news in 2016; for the first time ever electronic cruise control is available on all Harley-Davidson Softail models. The convenience of Harley-Davidson electronic cruise control, enabled by new electronic throttle control, is standard equipment on 2016 Heritage Softail Classic, Softail Deluxe, Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S models and available as an accessory for all other 2016 Softail models.

 

All 2016 Sportster® models will tame rough roads with all-new front and rear suspension and improved seats working together to enhance rider comfort and control. The new seats incorporate premium materials and revised shapes to provide more supportive comfort. The re-engineered Sportster suspension pairs emulsion coil-over shocks with new front cartridge forks.

Nitrogen gas-charged shocks resist oil aeration and feature an internal valve stack with 36mm pistons and high-performance oil to provide superior compression and rebound damping control that reacts quickly to small bumps and keeps the tyres in contact on uneven road surfaces.

Progressive-rate spring pre-load is adjustable by a threaded collar using a spanner that stows under the seat. Tuned to complement the shocks, the stout forks feature a calibrated piston and valve stack and progressive rate springs for consistent feel throughout the compression and extension range of the suspension. The triple-rate spring and oil lock allows the forks to resist wheel hop under hard braking.

 

Combining nostalgic style with smooth, modern Softail performance, the Heritage Softail Classic receives refreshed styling for 2016 plus the High Output Twin Cam 103B powertrain, standard electronic cruise control, and a new and improved saddlebag support structure. See separate Cruiser release for details.

 

The new 2016 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and accessories start rolling into Harley-Davidson dealerships soon with availability from 1 October, 2015.