Harley-Davidson is adapting to the motorcycle market’s most recent demands and the best proof of this fact is the newly launched blacked-out Sportster model. The latest Dark Custom of the series shares most features with its larger sibling, the Nightster 1200, but not the engine and therefore not the price. Everything from the slammed suspension to the side-mounted license plate holder is there, but the most important unit – the V-twin engine – displaces 883ccs while the price starts just under $8K. Full story
This Harley-Davidson Sportster underwent an unusual transformation which may very well bring the behavior from the old west back on modern highways in the mind of the author, of course.
Harley’s latest addition to their Dark Custom lineup – the Iron 883 – is nothing more than a blacked-out, stripped-down Sportster which addresses to the younger crowd, but it sure rocks.
In the promotional video, the bike is presented as being perfect for commuting, cruising and even to be ridden down the drag track in the weekends. And by the way, becoming a part of the exclusive Harley-Davidson club requires no password apart from the machine’s $7,899 MSRP.
Starting from the idea that a guarantee should mean something, Harley-Davidson uses the power of example and launches a program called Ride Free through which they encourage riders to buy the Sportster model.
More precisely, those who buy a ’08 or ’09 Sportster (excluding XR1200) from a participating dealer until March 31, 2009 are offered the opportunity to ride it for up to one full year and then trade it for a new Dyna, Softail, VRSC or Toruing model and receive the original MSRP value of their Sportster motorcycles.
Also, those who already own a ’07, ’08 or ’09 Sportster can trade it until March 31 and have the same benefits.
Although that might seem like one great opportunity (which it actually is), it is recommended that you take in consideration the fact that the economy is going through a tough period and there will be more and more such offers. Still, in March the weather starts being just good for riding so I bet you won’t abstain yourself.
See what makes each of Harley’s 5 motorcycle families unique. Includes interviews with the engineers and designers, including Willie G. Davidson. Clip 1. Softail, Dyna Clip 2. VRSC, Sportster Clip 3. Touring
