Harley Goes High-Tech
HARLEY GOES HIGH-TECH
WHO'D HAVE THOUGHT Harley-Davidson, that pillar of bike-building conservatism, would embrace technology? Well, it has-and in a big way. Not that you can see it, of course. “We want to keep the essence-the look, sound and feel-that our customers desire, adding new technology when and where it’s needed,” explained product-development head Bill Davidson at a recent 2001-model press luncheon.
Top o’ the list is the new Sequential Port Fuel Injection that is an $800 option on all Softails. Visually, the subtle lettering on the air-cleaner cover is the only giveaway. Inside, however, there’s knock detection, a programmable idle and updated diagnostics with serial-bus communication. Other alleged benefits are instant hot and cold starting and smooth running re-
gardless of altitude or ambient temperature. All the while retaining the favored “potatopotato” exhaust note at idle. Mating state-of-the-art EFI to already-in-use counterbalanced Twin Cam 88B engine and beefed-up, better-shifting gearbox may mean an ’01 Softy will be the Harley to buy.
Harley is equally proud of its « new on-bike security system. The $250, key-fobactivated, Big Twin-only system disables the ignition and starter (and fuel delivery on injected
bikes), and features continually variable coding, bump and leanangle detection, and three sensitivity levels. A flashing key icon located on the speedometer face serves as a reminder that the alarm is activated. Should you “lose your key in the outhouse,” the system can be disarmed manually. If desired, a 105-deci-
bel “smart siren” can also be added. Retrofitting year-old models is possible, we’re told.
Harley also unveiled two new civilian models and a Twin Cam 88-engined cop bike, the appropriately named Dyna Defender.
The FXDXT Dyna Super Glide T-Sport replaces the Dyna Convertible, which had a loyal-butsmall following. Billed as a sport-tourer, the bike is be-decked with a fork-mounted fairing and easily removable, expanding saddlebags. Fully adjustable suspension, triple-disc brakes and touring-compound tires are standard. Suggested retail for the base Vivid Black model is $14,720.
The $14,595 FXDL Dyna Low Rider, meanwhile, is a re-styled, cut-down version of the old Low Rider. Suspension travel was shortened both front and rear, and seat height measures a mere 25.2 inches, nearly 1.5 inches lower than before. Say goodbye also to the prior model’s buckhorn handlebar, which was replaced by a new low-rise job attached to pull-back risers.
Other meeting notes: Throughthe-roof sales of the award-winning Deuce has prompted a startling 78 percent increase in its production. And speaking of big numbers, Harley will make 26,000 Fat Boys in 2001. In the Milwaukee bike-maker’s 98-year history, only one machine-the army-spec 1943 WLA-was produced in greater quantity.
Matthew Miles
