Hogging the limelight

Just like cosmetics, soft drinks and fast food, brand alignment is key and product placement crucial. The number of celebrity Harley-Davidson owners reads like an Academy Award roll call and the motorcycle itself is a star in its own right with innumerable movie appearances throughout the decades.

Cinema-goers will be quick to recall the scene from 1991’s Terminator 2 when Arnold Schwarzenegger rode the then-new Harley Davidson "Fat Boy" like he stole it. Which he did. Or 1969’s unforgettable Easy Rider, where Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper rode old ex-police Panheads converted into the famous pair of wild choppers, Captain America and Billy Bike, by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy.

Movie trivia buffs will know exactly which motorcycle Marlon Brando rode in the 1953 classic, The Wild One - and it wasn’t a Harley. But notwithstanding, the star did own a black 1970 FLH Electra-Glide and it recently fetched more than $250,000 at auction.

Other high profile actors on Harley's include George Clooney (Road King), Elvis Presley (‘56 KH), Justin Timberlake (several) as well as the original ‘wild hog’, John Travolta, who owns a Fat Boy.

Many Hollywood stars are so enamoured with their brush with Harley-Davidson fame, that they have become owners. And we’re not just talking about the stereotypical tough guy either. Many no-nonsense glamour gals don’t mind their million dollar bottoms in the seat of a Harley-Davidson.

In fact the list of leading ladies astride Harley-Davidson's includes Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Tina Turner, Angelina Jolie, Bree Turner, Cameron Diaz, Cher, Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Lauren Hutton, Lindsay Wagner, Lisa Hartman Black, Pamela Anderson, Queen Latifah and Sheryl Crow.

Cashing in on the feminine appeal, who can forget the series of titillating video- and photoshoots with American supermodel, Marisa Miller, commissioned by Harley-Davidson almost ten years ago now. Instead of just being a bit of pinup decoration for the boys’ workshop or shed, the leggy blond whose credits include Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret, is also an owner of a 1200 Nightster and an ambassador for the brand.

Stay tuned to the HH blog and we’ll have a closer look at some of the famous bikes and the stars who rode them.

• Rod Eime

It’s a fast-changing world with new consumer demands. Alongside our existing loyal riders, we will lead the next revolution of two-wheeled freedom to inspire future riders who have yet to even think about the thrill of riding.

NEW PRODUCTS!

We are planning our most comprehensive lineup of motorcycles. Highlights include:

• Extending the company’s leadership in heavyweight motorcycles by continuing to develop improved, more technologically-advanced Touring and Cruiser motorcycles that will keep existing Harley-Davidson riders engaged and riding longer.

• Introducing a new modular 500cc to 1250cc middleweight platform of motorcycles that spans three distinct product spaces and four displacements, starting with the company’s first Adventure Touring motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson™ Pan America™ 1250, a 1250cc Custom model and a 975cc Streetfighter model, all of which are planned to launch beginning in 2020. Additional models to broaden coverage in these product spaces will follow through 2022.

• Developing a more accessible, small-displacement (250cc to 500cc) motorcycle for Asia emerging markets through a planned strategic alliance with a manufacturer in Asia. This new product and broader distribution is intended to fuel Harley-Davidson’s customer access and growth in India, one of the largest, fastest growing markets in the world, and other Asia markets.

• Leading the electric motorcycle market by launching Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, LiveWire™, in 2019 -- the first in a broad, no-clutch “twist and go” portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of the sport. LiveWire will be followed by additional models through 2022 to broaden the portfolio with lighter, smaller and even more accessible product options to inspire new riders with new ways to ride.

FUTURE MODELS!

LIVEWIRE™ - Coming 2019

This new, powerful-yet-easy-to-ride premium motorcycle takes its cues from Project LiveWire™, the prototype motorcycle tested by thousands of riders around the world to inform what a true Harley-Davidson^® electric motorcycle should be.

Like every Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle, LiveWire™ is an exciting motorcycle to ride and has a look, sound and feel that is authentic and original.

PAN AMERICA™ - Coming 2020

Launching in 2020 is the first Harley-Davidson^® adventure touring motorcycle, the Pan America™ 1250cc. The commanding riding position allows the rider to see the world from another point of view. Travel coast-to-coast. On road or off. All while experiencing your own adventures.

Prototype model shown. Production model features will vary.
Not yet available for sale. All future models shown may not be available in all markets.

FUTURE STREETFIGHTER MODEL - Planned for 2020

Expanding our line of middleweight models is the first Harley-Davidson^® streetfighter motorcycle that is planned for 2020. Unapologetic modern style with enough performance and agility to carve through city streets.

Prototype model shown. Production model features will vary.
Not yet available for sale. All future models shown may not be available in all markets.

FUTURE CUSTOM MODEL - Planned for 2021

Model Year 2018 New Model Photography

With the majority of H-D models now falling into the Softail range, it follows that most buyers will be making their choice from the nine offered within this newly redesigned category.

You’ll recall we tested the Street Bob last September and we’ve ridden the Fat Boy, and Breakout since then and can report that each one has its own character and appeal - or not.

Our Milwaukee-Eight 107ci Low Rider test bike came from Harley Heaven Western Sydney.

“The boys have fitted a Screamin’ Eagle Stage 1 kit with race tuner, Street Cannon mufflers and an extreme flow air cleaner,” said sales manager Joe as he handed me the keys, “so you’ll notice a little extra sparkle in this one.”

He wasn’t kidding. Not that a Stage 1 will blow you away exactly, but you will notice the (around) 10 per cent extra power and torque coming in early and staying there as you accelerate through the rev range. The ‘oomph’ kicks in quicker and the twin pipes have the orchestra playing with extra ‘forte’. My apologies to the neighbours.

MY18 Key Features. FLSL.

This bike also came in the factory ‘Vivid Black’ scheme which harks back to knee-high sports socks and horseshoe moustaches thanks to the retro tank livery. There’s lashings of chrome too, all around the twin tank dials and front fork arrangement. This much chrome can have its downside though when the bright sun reflects off it. Get HH to throw in some H-D polarised sunglasses with this one.

Out on the road, I found myself on the pace quickly within our riding group of mixed abilities. We took the familiar route through the Royal National Park south of Sydney and back through Appin and Wallacia, so there’s plenty of tight corners and some lovely sweepers. Some might feel the riding position unfamiliar and perhaps not suited to brisk riding through the twisty bits but - remember I’m still a H-D novice - I don’t think I would have gone any faster or slower on any others from the Softail range.

The rear monoshock can be easily adjusted to suit your own style and comfort

Low Rider comes in close to the Softail range entry-level and will suit regular sized guys and gals (up to about 180cm) and those keen on further customisation. And when you’re trying out your new Softail, be sure to test them all. It’s a very personal choice and if the Low Rider is not for you, there are eight others to choose from.

Test Bike:

MY18 Harley-Davidson Low Rider

107ci Milwaukee-Eight engine (1,745 cc) with optional Stage 1 Screamin’ Eagle performance kit.

Priced from $24,250

Stage 1 kit fitted: poa

Test bike supplied by Harley-Heaven Western Sydney

70 Sunnyholt Road,

Blacktown, New South Wales 2148

This is it.....

Introducing you to the Harley-Heaven Sydney Battle of the Kings 2018 Street Bob.

Our crew at HH Sydney had some fun with this one and we loved the finished product.

Voting opens soon, stay tuned!

#findyourfreedom

Introducing to you, the Harley-Heaven Dandenong x Battle of the Kings 2018 Project....

It was decided, the HH Dandy Battle of the Kings concept had to have mass appeal, be understated, with a spoonful of menace and edge. A 2018 114ci Black Denim FXFBS Fat Bob was the starting point with a determination to have everything set below the handlebars.

The ‘little’ 16 inch rims had to go. We sourced wide and dark 18 x 5.5 spoked rims with contrasting chrome nipples and the widest possible Pirelli tyres. This instantly provided the bike with a healthy diet of fatness. Whilst the rims and tyres complemented the Fat Bob’s proportions, the bike was then slammed front and rear to create the tough look we were after.

We lowered the bike with rideability in mind which resulted in a competent road machine that looks fat as. A fender eliminator was a no brainer.

We chose one that eliminated the bulky rear indicators providing minimal but intensely bright LED items. We also fitted integrated LED indicator mirrors which minimised frontal bulk. Reflectors were removed accentuating the dark persona we were looking for.

The performance of this bike had to support the appearance so the exhaust chosen was a dyno proven off the shelf two into one.

We also installed a Screaming Eagle stage II kit to ensure that the engine was grumpy at idle and delivered additional grunt. Sounds mean, goes hard. Black cosmetic items including pushrod tubes and bolt covers were also added to continue the blackened theme.

When the Fat Bob finally rolled out of the workshop there was no doubt that the bike had met the brief of ‘Dark, Fat and Muscular’.

We named it ‘The Steamroller’ and we hope you like it.

Click here to book: https://www.harleyheaven.com.au/i-want-to/book-a-service.html

Harley-Heaven Adelaide are getting stuck into their Battle of the Kings 2018, Harley-Davidson Iron 1200.

This is an all new model for Harley-Davidson and what the boys in Adelaide have lined up for this thing is pretty exciting.

Check out the progress & stay tuned for the reveal.

Replay Episode 1 here

The crew at Harley-Heaven Dandenong are well into the build of their Battle of the Kings 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob. Here's a peak at what they are up to. Stay tuned for the reveal!

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Battle of the Kings Contest has began and this is our man, Luke Rafferty from Harley-Heaven Sydney talking about what they have planned.

This is going to be fun.

Stay tuned...

#battleofthekings #harleydavidson #BOTK