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2016 Harley-Davidson bikes cruiser Cruising Harley-Davidson Other Motorcycle Blogs review Sportster 48

5 Things I Love and Hate About the Sportster Forty-Eight

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

From a purely aesthetic standpoint, the Forty-Eight is one of the best looking cruiser motorcycles on the market. The lines are reminiscent of old school bobbers and let’s be honest, even parked it looks like it’s ready to kick some ass. I remember the first time I saw one parked outside the super hip Standard Hotel in LA and sat there admiring it for a good 20 minutes. For a while, I really wanted one. But there are a few flaws with this model that were made obvious once hitting the road.

2016 H-D Sportster Forty-Eight

Harley-Davidson

2016 Sportster Forty-Eight with low handlebars and forward controls

Forward Controls and Low Handlebars

Let me preface this section by saying that I am 6’4″ and this bike is guaranteed to fit smaller riders better than it fits me. Of course I know that forwards are a staple in the cruiser market, and on some bikes, I love them! Other bikes, like the Forty-Eight however, are set up with low bars and forward controls that make you feel like a folded omelet or a kid in gym class trying to touch his toes. Both the bars and the foot controls contribute to the low slung, aggressive look of the bike that we love, but the fit makes any sort of aggressive riding a challenge.

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight dropped mirrors

The dropped mirrors

The low mirrors do wonders for the look of the bike at the handlebars. Tucked underneath the bars, they keep that area in front of you looking nice and neat. SO nice and neat, because it’s basically like you don’t have mirrors at all. I can only see my hands and the grips without having to duck around them to catch a glance at the mirror. More than once I found myself trying to make a quick lane change or see what was happening behind me and was caught off guard by the ineffectively positioned mirrors.

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight with 16″ wheels

16″ Wheels

These might be the single biggest style factor on the bike. The 16” front and rear wheels give this bike the sort of vintage military/ raw brawler feel that has made it so popular, and they look absolutely killer. The large front tire does a little to soften the ride, but this falls into line with many of the other aspects of the bike. They LOOK killer, but they are in no way the best handling or performing option for this bike. The wide front tire makes the steering a little twitchy in the turns, which is an area that this bike needs a little attention anyway.

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Staff

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight rear suspension

Suspension Upgrades

Sportsters in the past have always needed a little love in the suspension department, so I may have been the single happiest dude to hear the news that the 48 this year would be receiving new cartridge shocks in the rear and upgraded 49mm forks up front. “Oh my god, it’ll actually turn this year!” I thought. I still get wiggles when changing lanes on the freeway on this bike. Sure, it has a little to do with that front wheel/ tire, but the big jump in performance in this system turned out to be much smaller than I had originally thought it would be.

Related: 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight: Review

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight seat

The Seat

The solo seat on this bike is another awesome style piece. It’s low, minimal, and keeps that insane visual line that the Forty-Eight is known for. But it’s one piece that drops out quickly, leaving your butt completely numb after about 15 minutes of riding. This is largely because with the forwards, all your weight rests on your butt and the stock seat is hard and thin. Sure does look good, but if you plan on doing some longer rides, this will need an upgrade.

As much as we criticize this model, we will still rubberneck 100% of the time one rides by. With a few modifications you could have yourself an incredible riding and DAMN fine looking motorcycle. Check Harley-Davidson.com for more information on this and their other killer 2016 models.

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2016 Harley-Davidson 2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S bikes cruiser Cruising Dyna Other Motorcycle Blogs Screamin' Eagle 110

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

When Harley-Davidson started rolling out the 110 in Softails a couple months ago, our first thought was “What about the Dyna!?” and we’re happy to say that our old pal hasn’t been left out. The best handling model in the H-D lineup has finally got the big engine boost that we’ve been waiting for, as well as upgraded suspension and brakes.

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

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2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S 110″ engine, pipes and air cleaner

“Riders have been asking when Harley-Davidson would build another aggressive, performance-based bike like the legendary FXR models,” said Harley-Davidson Director of Styling Brad Richards. “This is our answer to that question. The Low Rider S is informed by the current tall-bike custom trend and our own styling heritage, but also seeks to redefine Harley-Davidson performance for a new generation of riders. We wanted to really connect the rider to the road by delivering instantaneous power and agile handling with a bike that’s trimmed to the essentials.”

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S rear shocks

Those essential elements begin with the powertrain. The Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine is a powerhouse V-Twin and the largest-displacement engine Harley-Davidson installs at the factory. Equipped with a Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather performance intake and Fat Bob-style 2-into-2 exhaust, this engine pounds out 115 foot pounds of peak torque at 3500 rpm – 13 percent more power than the standard Low Rider model. A heavy-duty clutch delivers that power to a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission. Cruise control enabled by electronic throttle control is standard equipment. The entire powertrain and exhaust is finished in a combination of gloss black and wrinkle black powdercoat.

The Low Rider S model is equipped to be as maneuverable as it is powerful. Premium Ride nitrogen gas-charged emulsion shocks and a Premium Ride cartridge fork deliver exceptional handling and comfort. Front and rear suspension components react quickly to small bumps and keep the tires in contact with the road surface for confident, controlled handling and braking performance. Triple disc brakes with dual floating front rotors are equipped with standard Anti-Lock Braking System. A new solo seat, flat drag bar on 5.5-inch-tall risers and mid-mount controls put the rider in an aggressive hands-up position square over the pegs. Seat height remains low, at 26.6 inches.

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S right side

The rider views the road over a distinctive speed screen that gives the Low Rider S motorcycle instant identity on road.

“When you ride fast in this upright position, you need a little wind protection,” said Harley-Davidson Senior Stylist Dais Nagao. “Then the way we inset the headlamp deeper into the speed screen gives the Low Rider S an aggressive face. It’s a powerful way to communicate the personality of the motorcycle.”

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S front view

The solo seat, chopped rear fender and side-mount license plate keep the rear end uncluttered. Because no other color makes a statement like black, the Low Rider S is offered only with Vivid Black on the sheet metal. Other black finishes maintain the dark theme from the forks to the console to the rear fender struts. The single exception: new Magnum Gold lightweight cast-aluminum wheels, a finish inspired by the gold-tone magnesium wheels used on race cars in the 1960s. A gold tank badge pays homage to the 1977 XLCR Café Racer model.

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S right side profile

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S right side profile

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S exhaust side profile

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S

For more information on this and other 2016 Harley-Davidson, check out Harley-Davidson.com

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2016 Harley-Davidson 2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout bikes cruiser Cruising CVO Breakout Harley-Davidson Other Motorcycle Blogs

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout profile

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2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

Harley-Davidson this week announced the addition of two new models to it’s 2016 lineup, the Lowrider S and this Softail CVO Pro Street Breakout. Equipped with the new 110″ power plant, inverted forks, blunt cut mufflers and the new Smoke Satin Chrome color scheme, this Softail is pulling inspiration straight from the drag strip.

“The Pro Street Breakout represents a new dimension of CVO motorcycles,” said Harley-Davidson Styling Director Brad Richards. “The Pro Street Breakout takes its cues from the streets and reflects our own changing tastes. It still delivers the depth of detail and value and the bragging rights the CVO customer expects, but gets there in a different way. Its colors may be subdued but also have incredible depth. We’re developing alternate finishes to bright chrome – brushed and anodized surfaces and tinted clear-coat, for example. The Breakout really lent itself to this new styling direction.”

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

One new finish being introduced on the CVO Pro Street Breakout model is called Smoke Satin Chrome.

“We worked intensely with our plating suppliers to develop the hue and depth of Smoke Satin Chrome, and we are the first to use it in the motorcycle industry,” said Harley-Davidson Senior Stylist Dais Nagao. “It’s a finish that looks really contemporary and exclusive but also kind of sinister. We’ve carefully placed Smoke Satin Chrome next to a black surface so it creates a layered effect. For example, the top rocker cover is gloss black, and the lower cover is Smoke Satin Chrome. It’s on the exhaust header shields next to the black engine and black mufflers. We used Smoke Satin Chrome on the oil lines and fittings to add an unexpected detail.”

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout front wheel and disc brakes

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout front wheel and disc brakes

Scorched Chrome, a second new finish debuting on the CVO Pro Street Breakout, plates the Aggressor custom wheels. Restyled derby and timing covers have a new, mechanical look. Sheet metal is finished in solid Starfire Black or two-tone White Gold Pearl/Starfire Black, each with a single hand-applied graphic stripe flowing along the tank and rear fender to reinforce the performance theme of the CVO Pro Street Breakout.

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout front view

That performance is delivered by the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110B, the most-potent Harley-Davidson production air-cooled engine. To extract maximum performance the engine is fitted with black blunt-cut mufflers, an open-element Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather Elite intake, and a high performance Assist & Slip clutch with hydraulic actuation. To help the rider take full advantage of the Screamin’ Eagle power, the CVO Pro Street Breakout is equipped with new 43mm inverted forks gripped in a robust three-bolt triple-clamp, plus the added stopping power of dual front disc brakes with floating rotors, a Reduced Reach front brake lever, and standard Anti-Lock Braking System. The stiff front end and 19-inch front wheel enhance agility, while a massive 240mm-wide rear tire effectively transfers power to pavement.

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout controls and gas tank

There’s a lot of drag-racer influence found on the Pro Street Breakout, from the flat 1.25-inch drag-style handlebar to the wind-cheating speed screen and the color-matched chin spoiler. The deep bucket seat and bolstered pillion combine to hold the rider in place when the clutch is dumped and its Screamin’ Eagle horsepower launches the CVO Pro Street Breakout off the line. Other styling features include a trimmed front fender, blacked-out Airflow Collection accessories on hand and foot controls, black Profile custom mirrors, and a low-profile console with smoked braided vent lines. Electronic cruise control and the H-D Smart Security System featuring a new hands-free integrated security and locking fob are also standard equipment on the CVO Pro Street Breakout.

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout engine

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout Screamin’ Eagle 110″ engine

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout headlight

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout headlight cowl

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout intake

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout air cleaner

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

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2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout oil lines

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout engine and air cleaner

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout engine and air cleaner

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout points cover

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout

Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson

2016 Harley-Davidson CVO Pro Street Breakout Softail profile

For more information on this and other new models from Harley-Davidson for 2016, go to Harley-Davidson.com

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2016 Harley-Davidson Cruising h-d Harley-Davidson Other Motorcycle Blogs sportster Sportster 48

2016 H-D Sportster 48 Preview

We’ve loved the Sportster since we first saw it in 2010. I think it is one of, if not the best looking model of the H-D lineup. Especially this year with the new 49mm forks, big old triples and the killer new tank graphic. The 48 is a versatile, comfortable and powerful cruiser that as at home in the city as it is cruising down an open rural highway. And with this year’s upgrades, it just got a lot more comfortable.

New for 2016

  • Emulsion technology rear shocks with 50 mm range of pre-load adjustability and an under-seat, rear shock suspension adjustment wrench
  • Front forks with cartridge dampening technology
  • Fork brace and massive triple clamps
  • Optimized seat design for all-day comfort, minimalist style
  • Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels in gloss black with Machined highlights
  • Open design sprocket
  • Blacked-out belt guard
  • Turn signal mounts off upper triple
  • Chrome exhaust shields with unique cutouts to show off blacked-out mufflers
  • Paint color options including Hard Candy Custom™ color
  • Retro-mod tank graphics

For more information on the new Sportster 48 and other 2016 Harley-Davidson models, visit H-D.com

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2016 Harley-Davidson bikes cruiser Cruising Fat Boy Fat Boy S h-d Harley-Davidson Other Motorcycle Blogs Softail Fat Boy S

2016 H-D Softail Fat Boy S

It’s exactly what you’ve been waiting for. A Harley-Davidson model outside of the CVO line with the Twin Cam 110B. Darkened up with new accents, the Fat Boy S is all business. One of the most popular Softail models already, the addition of the 110 is sure to make the Fat Boy one of the top sellers of H-D’s 2016 lineup.

The old-school headlight, solid black wheels and front fork shrouds give this Fat Boy an awesome look and one hell of an attitude. We couldn’t be happier that H-D decided to offer their Twin Cam 110″ on a couple more bikes this year, and just as happy they chose this and the Softail Slim S to do it on.

Specifications

Dimensions Specifications
Length 94.1 in. (2390 mm)
Seat Height 26 in. (660 mm)
Fuel Capacity 5 gal. (18.9 L)
Dry Weight 709 lbs. (322 kg)
Powertrain
Engine Air-cooled, Twin Cam 110B
Displacement 110 cu. in. (1801 cc)
Engine Torque 108 ft. lbs. @ 4000 RPM (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM)
Transmission 6-Speed Cruise Drive
Wheels/Tires
Wheels Black, Bullet Hole Disc Cast Aluminum
Front D408F 140/75R17 67V
Rear D407 200/55R17 78V
Color Options
Solids Vivid Black; Denim Black

For more information on the Fat Boy S and the other models from H-D’s 2016 lineup, visit H-D.com

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2016 Harley-Davidson bikes cruiser Cruising h-d Harley-Davidson Other Motorcycle Blogs softail Softail Slim S

2016 H-D Softail Slim S Preview

The Softail has always been a hit for those that like the old-school look. The rear swing-arm being an obvious homage to old hardtailed bikes, it only makes sense that the rest of the bike would catch up with the vintage aesthetic as well. Put simply: Harley knocked it out of the park with this one.

We love the bobbed rear fender, the instant classic paint with the large white star, the dual 16″ wheels, and most of all: how darn skinny the thing is.

Combined with new dark elements, and powerful new upgrades, the Softail Slim S is built to turn heads and get you where you’re going in the ultimate comfort and style.

Softail Slim S SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
Length 92.3 in. (2390 mm)
Seat Height 28.2 in. (665 mm)
Fuel Capacity 5 gal. (18.9 L)
Dry Weight 682 lbs. (309 kg)
Powertrain
Engine Air-cooled, Twin Cam 110B
Displacement 103.1 cu. in. (1690 cc)
Engine Torque 109 ft. lbs. @ 3500 RPM (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM)
Transmission 6-Speed Cruise Drive
Wheels/Tires
Wheels Black Steel Laced
Front D402F MT90B16 72H
Rear D402 MU85B16 77H
Color Options
Solids Vivid Black, NEW Olive Gold Denim

For more information on Harley-Davidson’s 2016 lineup, visit H-D.com

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2016 Harley-Davidson bikes cruiser Cruising Dark Customs Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Other Motorcycle Blogs sportster

2016 H-D Iron 883 Preview

The Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 is jam packed with custom attitude from the second it hits the factory floor. Part of the Dark Custom line, the Iron is designed to fit your unique style.

The Iron 883 motorcycle turns up the authentic premium Bobber style, urban practicality, and comfort. Visually refreshed, its new dark finishes are better equipped for the urban environment to let riders tear up the asphalt instead of washing paint and polishing chrome.

NEW FOR 2016

  • Emulsion technology rear shocks with 50 mm range of pre-load adjustability and an under-seat, rear shock suspension adjustment wrench
  • Front forks with cartridge dampening technology
  • Optimized solo seat design with filler components for all-day comfort and Bobber tuck and roll style
  • Three paint color options selected for urban practicality and one Hard Candy Custom™ color
  • Eagle and Iron Shield graphics
  • Bullet-hole design details in exhaust header shield, blacked-out belt guard, and front fender trim
  • Black, 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels with Machined highlights, 19-inch front, 16-inch rear
  • Blacked-out floating brake rotor
  • Blacked-out, stamped, air cleaner cover
  • Blacked-out mufflers and muffler shields
H-D Iron 883 SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions
Length 85.8 in. (2180 mm)
Seat Height 28.9 in. (735 mm)
Fuel Capacity 3.3 gal. (12.5 L)
Dry Weight 540 lbs. (245 kg)
Powertrain
Engine Air-cooled, Evolution
Displacement 53.9 cu. in. (883 cc)
Engine Torque 53.8 ft. lbs. @ 3750 RPM (73 Nm @ 3750 RPM)
Transmission 5-speed
Wheels/Tires
Wheels Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum with Machined Highlights
Front Tire Scorcher “31” 100/90B19 57H
Rear Scorcher “31” 150/80B16 77H
Color Options
Color Options Solids: Black Denim; Charcoal Denim; NEW Olive Gold; Hard Candy Custom Colors: NEW Hard Candy Gold Flake

For more information on the Iron 883 and the rest of Harley-Davidson’s 2016 lineup, visit H-D.com