The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883N Iron 883 is the personification of a stealthy and evocative bike that the Sportster line has been known for since it was born on the gritty dirt tracks and drag strips of the 50’s.
Fast forward to 2012 and the Iron 883 is still a favorite cruiser for Harley enthusiasts, highlighted by a design that evokes its Dark Custom styling.
Among the stand-out features of the Iron 883 include new black side covers, black powder-coated engine and covers, a black headlamp bucket with black visor and a satin trim ring, a black drag-style handlebar and riser, a chrome exhaust with dual straight-cut mufflers, black fork sliders and fork gaiters, and a pair of 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels wrapped in 31" Michelin Scorcher front and rear tires.
Inside, the Iron 883 runs with an 883cc Evolution V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). The ridiculously powerful engine comes with a five-speed transmission with a dual staggered exhaust system.
True to its calling as an all-world cruiser, the Iron 883 takes attitude to a really, really dark place. It reflects the style of riders who want a quality
ride with no hassles; it’s the blacked-out, back-alley bruiser that’s considered the “anti-chrome” Harley model.
The Iron 883 is for those who want their first taste of that ride-hard-and-put-up-wet lifestyle that Dark Customs bikes are famous for.
Find out more about the Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 after the jump.
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The ’M’ in the Suzuki Boulvard M109R stands for ’muscle.’ That alone should be enough to tell you what this beastly machine is all about.
The bike’s unique body styling, coupled with its incredible performance, will most definitely make you feel like you’re riding a bike that’s meant to contort your face when you’re blasting off into the road. That’s what happens when you’re sitting on top of a 1783cc, 8-valve DOHC, 54-degree, liquid-cooled, fuel injected V-Twin engine that has been designed for strong throttle response and quick acceleration while also being tuned to produce massive torque all the way from idle to redline. This translates to an acceleration that you can’t possibly believe until you feel it yourself. The performance of M109R is no laughing matter, especially if you’re the type that likes your adrenaline to be jacked up to the moon. Certain elements about the bike’s powertrain set-up include a class-leading electronic fuel injection system that features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) with 56mm throttle bodies, maintaining optimum air velocity for smooth low to mid-range throttle response.
To go along with its unspeakable performance credentials, the Boulevard 109R needs to have the right handling characteristics for those awesome numbers. To that, Suzuki used a high-tensile double cradle steel frame that has been built to comfortably handle all the power and torque while delivering agile handling and a plush, smooth ride. Inverted front forks feature race-proven cartridge internals with 46mm stanchion tubes and provide 5.1" of wheel travel while a cast aluminum alloy swingarm works with a progressive shock linkage and a preload-adjustable single rear shock delivering 4.6" of wheel travel.
All boasting aside, the Suzuki Boulevard M109R is the kind of powerful cruiser riders dream about and other cruisers have nightmares about.
Find out more about the Suzuki Boulevard 109R after the jump.
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In terms of design, the Suzuki Boulevard S40 comes in a very attractive package, influenced by larger Boulevard models. You only need to take one look at it to realize that it bears a striking resemblance to an S83, except that it comes with "only" a single-cylinder engine. The classic design exudes a retro-vibe, particularly the ergonomically-designed handle that’s both easy to grip and comfortable to use, especially when you’re throttling out on the open road. The Boulevard S40 also comes with a custom flat handlebar design and custom-style rear view mirrors, both of which provide a very aesthetically-pleasing appearance to the bike, as does a sleek, one-piece saddle with a low seat height of just 27.6", making it an ideal bike for novice riders.
It may look the part of a svelte and agile cruiser, but make no mistake, the Boulevard S40 packs a mean punch, thanks to a 652cc, four-stroke, air-cooled, OHC, single-cylinder engine with a TSCC (Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers) cylinder head and high mass crankshaft, producing strong low-end power and torque. A smooth-shifting 5-speed transmission is complemented by a low-maintenance belt-drive system that’s quiet, durable, and simple to adjust and clean, while an electric starter with automatic decompression system has also been installed, allowing for quick and easy engine starting. Lastly, a precision electronic ignition system brings all the power in and out of the bike at an impeccably sharp rate.
Handling is also a key component of the Boulevard S40, especially when it comes to its chassis and suspension set-up. A 19" front tire and a wide 15" rear tire provides the classic cruiser look while coming with a hydraulic front disc brake and a drum-type rear brake, providing strong, reliable braking performance.
Find out more about the Suzuki Boulevard S40 after the jump.
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’Interstate’ might not be the first word that comes to mind when you’re thinking about an all-world cruiser bike, but don’t let the name fool you; the 2012 Honda Interstate is the perfect mix of style and performance wrapped in one awesome package.
Featuring long, low lines that embody all the characteristics of a cruiser bike, the Honda Interstate blends two worlds of motorcycling style: traditional looks plus progressive elements. The deeply balanced fenders arc downward in classic retro style, yet the all-new rolling chassis and overall lines bring a fresh look to the class. The Interstate also has stylish hard leather bags that offer ample storage space, as well as an enormous windscreen that allows you enjoy the spoils of riding one of the best cruisers on the market today. The Honda Interstate was designed to capture the imagination - and bank accounts - of riders who want their motorcycle to not only travel long distances, but also look stylish while doing it.
Meanwhile, the Honda Interstate is powered by a mighty 1,312 cc V-twin engine that lets out a deep throaty rumble that only a big V-twin engine can have.
We know what it feels like to look at a dealership and see a glistening custom cruiser bike staring at you, begging to be plucked. That’s the emotion the Honda Interstate gives you. It’s a cruiser that not only merges style with performance, but it also belongs in the hands of a man that can make the most out of it.
Find out more about the Honda Interstate after the jump.
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Classic cruising has never been a problem for the Honda Rebel. When you boast of a retro design that’s complimented by a fuel efficient commuter engine, then you can ride around town with the kind of confidence befitting the name of your bike.
The Rebel is not all about power, although it offers plenty of that in its own regard. The bike also features a design that a lot of riders can be proud of. The low-lying stance greatly accentuates the classic styling cues, including the prevalent use of chrome on the make-up of the bike. The low seat height of the Rebel is both comfortable and confidence inspiring, exuding a no-frills, all-business look that’s just right for the taste of a wide range of consumers.
Then there’s the engine. For the 2012 Rebel, Honda fitted the bike with a proven 234cc twin-cylinder SOHC four-stroke engine that’s smooth, quiet, and relatively easy to maintain. The engine is also mated to a five-speed transmission while an electric starter allows you be on your way at just a push of a button. Plus, you get the kind of reliability and low maintenance Honda is known for – all at a shockingly low price.
There is also a semi-double-cradle frame with a hydraulic front fork with dual Syntallic bushings and dual rear shocks that feature five-position spring preload adjustment, bringing together a bike that has taken the long and rich history of the Rebel name to a whole new level.
You don’t expect anything less from Honda.
Find out more about the 2012 Honda Rebel after the jump.
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