Dubbed model year 12,5 releases, the all-American motorcycle juggernaut company has launched two more interesting models to add to the massive family of divergent two-wheelers.
The first comes from the sportster family and is named the “Seventy-Two”. This brings back the Ape Hangers that were so popular on Chopper bikes of the ‘70s. The colour schemes also need to give a message. And the message is of course “seventies”. Although Big Blue Pearl and Black Denim are available, in this case the one to go for would be the Big Red Flake with a deep lustre of aluminium flake and lots of clear coat. Motive force comes through a classic air-cooled 1 200 cm3 Vee-Twin putting out 96 N.m of torque.
The fuel tank is also a classic “peanut” with only 7,9 litres and you won’t have any help to push you if you run out of fuel since the seat is strictly “solo”. Exhausts are staggered duals and the wheels make use of shiny chrome spokes, complimented by white sidewall tyres. Why “72”? Well, there is a street in East Los Angeles called Whittier Boulevard which was a well-known cruising venue. It is also known as “Route 72”. The price for the Seventy-Two is R118 000.
The other new model is a stripped-down Softail simply called the Slim. This is another modern classic reminiscent, this time of 50s bikes that were uncomplicated and straightforward. To accentuate the engine, all other parts are trimmed back to bare minimum. The handelbars are very wide with a cross-brace harking back to before the Second World War when such a “Holywood” bar was an option on models with a Springer fork. A big 1 690 cm3 air-cooled 103B engine with smoothing balance shafts gives it go and provides 132 N.m of torque. A six-speed transmission and sixteen inch wheels round it off and with the Slim you can travel much further with its 19-litre fuel tank. Half-moon footboards and once again a solo seat means that this is another Harley for the lone riders. ABS brakes are standard. The price of the Softail Slim is 209 500.
For more info see www.harley-davidson.co.za
