New Convertible, Touring Bike Lead '94 Harley Lineup
NEW CONVERTIBLE, TOURING BIKE LEAD '94 HARLEY LINEUP
ROUNDUP
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MARKS 1994 by continuing its philosophy of slow, careful evolution. For the coming year, that process is evident in two new models-both to be introduced next spring as ’94½ bikes designed to use the motor company’s latest hardware while staying in step with the demands of Harley traditionalists.
The first of those new machines is a reprise of Harley-Davidson’s very popular and effective Convertible. Built for the last several years on the rubbermount FXRS chassis, for 1994 it will be based around the newer FXDS Dyna chassis, which uses a two
point, rubber-mounted engine. As before, the Convertible is intended as two bikes in one. In its dresser form, wearing its windscreen and leather saddlebags, it is Harley-Davidson’s vision of a sport-touring bike, intended for use on cross-country riding and brisk backroad travel.
When the traveling is done, the bike can be converted into a cruiser by the quick removal of its windscreen and saddlebags.
To enhance the bike’s feel and nimbleness in these uses, it offers a steering head angle of 28 degrees-slow by normal standards, but quick by H-D standards.
The bike also comes with an additional 1.3 inches of fork travel over that offered by the standard Dyna Glide. Front and rear springs are progressive, and the fork and shock offer damping that is a bit heavier than that found on the standard Dyna.
The other new model is the Electra Glide Road King, built upon the FLH touring chassis. This is a minimalist touring bike, with a Fat Bob tank, die-cast aluminum dash, electronic speedometer, a quick-detach Electra Glide windscreen and a removable passenger seat, to provide a custom solo look. Upgrades throughout the rest of the line are minor, and are as follows.
Sportsters: These bikes get a new wiring harness and electrical connectors for improved resistance to moisture. A new tray houses all electrical components under the seat for easy access. Sportsters also get an improved frame with a cast rear section, intended to increase the strength and durability of the frame. A new primary cover and a quick-release clutch cable are aimed at making clutch service and adjustment easier. All 883 Sportsters get the aluminum lower triple-clamp found on 1200 Sportsters. This clamp is lighter than the one previously used, and is stiffen
Big Twin engine: A changed starter-gear ratio to improve cold-weather starting and to minimize hot-start starter stall.
Touring bikes: All get a vacuum-operated fuel shut-off tap; an accessories plug and an illuminated, dash-mounted rocker switch to operate the plug; and new electrical harness and waterproof plugs. Other details: Ignition switches on selected models have been Touring bikes: All get a vacuum-operated fuel shut-off tap; an accessories plug and an illuminated, dash-mounted rocker switch to operate the plug; and new electrical harness and waterproof plugs. Other details: Ignition switches on selected models have been upgraded. Sportster and FXR models get a stronger flat-blade key and a switch with an accessory position that operates four-way flashers or accessories while the engine is not running. The Dyna Glide family’s barrel-key ignition switch is upgraded to provide the same benefits.
Prices for the ’94 Harleys hadn’t been announced at presstime-an across-the-board price increase of about 3.5 percent is expected.
Jon F. Thompson
