Harley At Large
HARLEY AT LARGE
110-inch CVO Springer Softail
Flip through the hearty 896-page Harley-Davidson Genuine Parts & Accessories catalog and you quickly understand why stonestock Milwaukee-built V-Twins are about as common as Gixxer sightings in Sturgis.
Even The Motor Company has caught the fever for adding personalized flare and flavor to its bikes. Since 1999 the Custom Vehicle Operations group has turned out a number of limitedproduction models featuring factory-accessorized styling and performance enhancements. The exercise has proven successful, not only providing a proving ground for features that may be implemented in future mainstream models but feeding the imagination of Harley owners with customizing possibilities for their current bikes.
Harley-Davidson recently invited members of the press to spend a day riding the latest CVO models through the backroads of the California central coast. Various production models have taken a turn wearing the CVO badge, usually for a year or two, and 2007 sees the Softail Springer, Dyna, Road King and Ultra Classic Electra Glide all undergoing the Screamin’ Eagle treatment. The big news, quite literally, is a 110-cubic-inch motor replacing the 103-inch stroker used in the past. The 1800cc Stage 1 configuration increases engine capacity via larger 4-inch bores capped off with new cylinder heads featuring high-flow ports and larger intake valves along with SE-255 camshafts. The CVO engine treatment uses street-legal items that are available in the catalog. It’s when you begin to tally the cost of individual components-mechanical and aesthetic-and factor in labor charges that you soon realize the value a turnkey CVO special offers, even at their elevated prices.
I sampled all four bikes, the $24,995 Softail Springer being a per-
sonal favorite for anything short of an extended luggage-toting tour.
Its blend of smooth operation, sure-footed handling and sensible ergonomics won out. I also liked the board-tracker-inspired look of the fat 1.25-inch beach-bend handlebar.
Harley claims a torque increase of more than 25 percent over that of the Twin Cam 96 engine powering this year’s standard Big Twin line. As such, running through the six ratios of the new Cruise Drive gearbox is nearly effortless, with loads of oomph available throughout the rev range. Even in this oversized state of tune, engine vibration levels remain moderate and, thanks to the retuned counterbalancer, is smoother than the rubber-mounted models.
The CVO Springer comes in three custom colors, each accented with hand-painted Tribal Flame graphics. The frame, swingarm, rigid fork members and oil tank are color-matched as well. Virtually every remaining part on the bike that lends itself to a chrome finish has been dipped in the shiny stuff. Catalog bits abound, such as the 10-spoke 21 -inch front and 17-inch rear chromed Revolver wheels carrying matching brake rotors and sprocket. The Centerline Collection grips, footpegs, shift lever and brake-pedal pads are newcomers to the accessories line. Likewise, the mini-tachometer riding atop the bars, the tri-bar taillight and the trick, flush-mount gas cap with spring-loaded pop-up knob and matching LED fuel gauge can all be found in the book.
Even the CVO buyer is unlikely to stop with what the factory has delivered. Harley knows as well as anyone that the need to customize can’t be denied. Heck, one of the reasons the CVO program was created was to have a little fun while leading by example. -Don Canet
For additional 2007 CVO photos, log on to www.cycleworld.com
