Harley-Davidson Gets Low

HARLEY-DAVIDSON GETS LOW

ROUNDUP

A Harley-Davison Alligator? No, Harley didn't announce a Dan Gurney-licensed cruiser at its annual dealer show and 2005 model introduction, but the Motor Company did show a pair of new models that feature exceptionally low seat heights. The FLSTN/l Softail Deluxe (below) is the closest to a Gurney ride, with a seat just 24.5 inches high. The lowered Softail rides on 16-inch tires with big white sidewalls, and its unique seat and shortened suspension give it one of the lowest riding positions in cruiserdom. Stretched-out floorboards preserve comfort, and raised mufflers preserve cornering clearance.

: Likewise, the XL883L offers a seat height that at 26 inches is lower than that of the prior Sportster Hugger. But this new XL wasn't simply intended to be low; it was designed to have an optimum riding position for a 5. foot, 3-inch rider.

Another interesting development is that Harley now offers Nissin-developed ABS on its police bikes due to pressure from BMW in that market.

Steve Anderson