Paul Tan's Automotive News » Harley-Davidson

The Harley-Davidson Blackline – a Softail for the young

Anthony Lim — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 03:52:15 +0000

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It’s stripped to the core, this one is. Harley-Davidson has introduced the new Blackline motorcycle in its Dark Custom lineup, effectively a Softail symbolising defiance, designed for younger riders with that bit of a rebel streak in them.

With an internally counter-balanced Twin Cam 96B V-Twin engine rigid-mounted within the frame, the styling spotlight shines on the Big Twin engine dressed in black and silver, with machined highlights reminiscent of the Big Twins of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s.

The engine – matched to a six-Speed Cruise Drive transmission – is capped off by a fuel tank shaved smooth and low, and the rider hugs the frame on the lowest two-up seat ever offered by Harley-Davidson.

Instrumentation is compact and tucked, and there’s just enough shine to make the black parts look blacker. The chopped fender, narrow, split drag handlebar, and slammed speedometer contribute to the lean and linear nature of the bike that gives the Blackline its name.

The Softail chassis utilises rear suspension control provided by coil-over shock absorbers mounted horizontally along the frame rails below the powertrain, out of sight. So, while the swingarm section replicates the lines of a vintage hardtail frame, the suspension performance and handling on this one are thoroughly modern.

Other styling cues include a blacked-out horseshoe oil tank recalling the original on the 1936 ELsmooth, black rims on profile laced aluminium wheels with black anodised rims hearkening back to the 1930s and a chopped rear fender made famous by post-WWII riders, bobbed high-and-tight. The bike rides on 21 x 2.15 inch front and 16 x 3 inch rear wheels, with Dunlop D402 MH90-21 front and MU85B16 rear rubbers.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 11:38:43 +0000.

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2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is mightier than ever

Jacob Alexander — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 07:57:49 +0000

The Ford Harley Davidson F-150 is a dream truck for many, combining the capability of America’s most popular truck with the branding of Harley-Davidson. In this 2011 edition, a new 6.2-litre V8 from the F-150 SVT Raptor makes it the most powerful Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 ever offered. The big V8 delivers 411 hp, 588 Nm of torque and maximum trailer tow capacity of 9,300 pounds.

The 2011 Ford-HD truck has a new front fascia and chrome grille, Harley-Davidson satin chrome badges, 22-inch Euroflange forged wheels enveloped in low profile performance tyres and the choice of Tuxedo Black or Ingot Silver paint. New graphics are also added to the hood and body side which feature dimensional satin chrome Harley-Davidson lettering. The graphics are reminiscent of the “speed scallops” used on hot rods.

The cabin is in Tuxedo Black with engine turned finishing on door scuff plates and console lid. Leather seats come with accent color inserts and a unique badge. New standard content for 2011 includes the touch screen voice-activated navigation, a 4.2-inch “productivity screen” (multi info trip computer), power moonroof and remote start system.

Hi res gallery after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 11:38:43 +0000.

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Marisa Miller does a burnout on a Harley Davidson

Paul Tan — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:28:09 +0000

I know most of you have probably seen Marisa Miller in a swimsuit but have you seen her do a massive burnout on a Harley Davidson motorcycle? Yup, in her new ad campaign with Harley Davidson, Marisa had to do some of the bike stunts herself, and she shares her experience in the video above. There are a few more videos related to the ad campaign after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 11:38:43 +0000.

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Naza Cars and Bikes Carnival this weekend

Paul Tan — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:51:00 +0000

Naza will be holding its Naza Cars and Bikes Carnival this weekend from the 23rd to 25th of October 2009 10am to 7pm at the Naza Automall by the Federal Highway in PJ. The event is open to public and there will be some good deals on Naza Automall cars during the carnival, other than the usual carnival fare of food and drinks.

Part of the deals include 100% financing for Naza Bikes, special financing package for Ducati and Japanese CBU bikes, and a 90% financing package for Harley-Davidson bikes at attractive interest rates, with immediate approval for financing.

The carnival is held in conjunction with the Malaysian MotoGP 2009 and Harley Davidson of Kuala Lumpur’s first anniversary celebrations. In conjunction with the MotoGP, a convoy of between 500 and 600 bikes of Ducati, Harley-Davidson and Naza bikes will be riding from the Naza Automall SIC on Sunday for the race. The convoy is open to all motorcycles, not just the mentioned brands. The convoy is expected to leave at 9.30am.

Other than the good deals on cars and bikes, there will be a number of interesting exhibits there that you might be interested in – the new Ducati Streetfighter, the new Porsche Panamera, and the new C207 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe.

The E-Class Coupe replaces the CLK in the Mercedes-Benz range so if you want to get a glimpse of the new coupe even before Mercedes-Benz Malaysia officially launches even the sedan body – this is your chance. Basically since Naza deals with all kinds of cars and brands, you can even consider this a “PJ Motorshow”. A charity activity has also been lined-up, with part of the proceeds going to several charities and children’s homes.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 11:38:43 +0000.

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Harley-Davidson buys MV Agusta

Paul Tan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:48:48 +0000

What does Proton and Harley-Davidson have in common? In a few weeks time, both would have been owners of the MV Agusta Group, which owns the MV Agusta and Cagiva motorcycle brands.

Harley-Davidson signed an agreement last week to purchase 100% of MV Agusta for 70 million Euros, or roughly 355 million ringgit. This sum includes clearing existing bank debuts of about 45 million Euros, or roughly 228 million ringgit.

MV Agusta will continue to be operated from its Italian HQ but a new leadership team including a new Managing Director will be appointed. Claudio Castiglioni will continue to serve as the group’s Chairman, and Massimo Tamburini will continue as the group’s chief designer. Harley Davidson will also use MV Agusta’s European dealership network to expand its Harley Davidson and Buell motorcycle sales.

“Motorcycles are the heart, soul and passion of Harley-Davidson, Buell and MV Agusta. Both have great products and close connections with incredibly devoted customers. The MV Agusta and Cagiva brands are well-known and highly regarded in Europe. They are synonymous with beautiful, premium, Italian performance motorcycles,” said Harley Davidson CEO Jim Ziemer.

Hat tip to Nahar ARS.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 11:38:43 +0000.

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Naza Group gets Harley-Davidson franchise

Paul Tan — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:41:39 +0000

Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd is now the sole authorised dealer for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, clothes and accessories from the 5th of June 2008 onwards. The company plans to launch its flagship Harley-Davidson of Kuala Lumpur showroom by August 2008, with some of the first models to be made available are the limited edition range of Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Models.

“The Naza Group has always been committed in bringing luxury brands to Malaysia and today marks another milestone for our motor division, as we celebrate the arrival of the ultimate motorcycle brand into the family. We are honored by the recognition, trust and confidence that Harley-Davidson has shown in Naza. Harley-Davidson represents a lifestyle in its own category that has big growth potential in the years to come. Our mission at Naza is to provide a solid platform for this rapidly growing brand. We plan on further enhancement with new additions, innovative facilities, and services, all of which will significantly contribute to the success of Harley-Davidson in Malaysia,” said Naza group of companies chairman SM Nasarudin.

â€œHarley-Davidsons choice of NAZA Group as its partner was based upon NAZA Groups long history of success in Malaysia, where they have consistently met our international standards. We are confident that â€˜Harley Davidson of Kuala Lumpur will help us to maintain and further strengthen our presence within this region,” said Harley-Davidson Vice President for the Asia Pacific region, Rod Copes.

Other than a motorcycle and merchandise showroom, the new Harley-Davidson of Kuala Lumpur showroom will be equipped with a large fully equipped and air-conditioned service centre which will be connected online to Harley-Davidsons worldwide dealer support database. No idea where it will be though.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 11:38:43 +0000.

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Paul Tan's Automotive News » Harley-Davidson

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