The year 2008 was Harley Davidson's 105th anniversary which isn't a particularly well recognised milestone I'll admit but that didn't stop them celebrating it with style as they have done every 5 years since God Knows when. It also happened to be the 25th Anniversary of H.O.G. - the Harley Owners Club - which was arguably more significant.
Several events were planned by Harley Davidson to mark the occasion. Kicking off a full four days of partying was an organised State-Wide ride-out. Beginning at 105 separate dealers across the country the run was planned to culminate at the Milwaukee lakefront and follow naturally through to a non-stop festival of activities and music. They also opened a museum dedicated to the history of the brand and produced a limited edition styling pack for 14 separate models in their range.
They weren't just simple styling packs either. As well as offering delicious copper and black colour schemes, with tasteful detailing including copper shield decorations to tanks and air cleaners plus matching inserts to seats, they also offered something new. Fitted as an option to some models and standard to the top of the range was a Harley Davidson first - Advanced ABS with Brembo disks.
Not content with implementing an existing system the image-conscious brand felt it necessary to design the system from the bottom up, hiding many of the elements completely from sight within the wheel hubs themselves. The result also ended up being rather lighter than the existing methods would have allowed.
The very top of the range motorcycle to receive this treatment was the already impressively spec'd CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Fitted as standard with luxuries as far-reaching as heated leather seats and built in Satellite Navigation, the addition of a truly functional ABS braking system to the Anniversary Edition made it a touring machine and a half.
The best thing of all though is the engine. It's what makes Harley Davidson's so iconic in the first place and the Twin Cam 110 (1803cc) motor they use in this machine keeps all the character of noise and shake we have come to expect. Extensive rubber mounting ensures the shake stays with the engine though, keeping the rider and passenger free of stress able to enjoy the ride and just listen to that glorious noise.
The only real competition this motorcycle has in its class is, in my opinion, the Honda Goldwing. On paper they have an amazingly similar spec, even the engine sizes almost match. But in reality let's be honest, one of them has infinitely more style than the other. In fact it takes image into a completely different league. And with brakes that actually work I can't imagine there's much choice left at all and the votes will have already been cast.
Several events were planned by Harley Davidson to mark the occasion. Kicking off a full four days of partying was an organised State-Wide ride-out. Beginning at 105 separate dealers across the country the run was planned to culminate at the Milwaukee lakefront and follow naturally through to a non-stop festival of activities and music. They also opened a museum dedicated to the history of the brand and produced a limited edition styling pack for 14 separate models in their range.
They weren't just simple styling packs either. As well as offering delicious copper and black colour schemes, with tasteful detailing including copper shield decorations to tanks and air cleaners plus matching inserts to seats, they also offered something new. Fitted as an option to some models and standard to the top of the range was a Harley Davidson first - Advanced ABS with Brembo disks.
Not content with implementing an existing system the image-conscious brand felt it necessary to design the system from the bottom up, hiding many of the elements completely from sight within the wheel hubs themselves. The result also ended up being rather lighter than the existing methods would have allowed.
The very top of the range motorcycle to receive this treatment was the already impressively spec'd CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Fitted as standard with luxuries as far-reaching as heated leather seats and built in Satellite Navigation, the addition of a truly functional ABS braking system to the Anniversary Edition made it a touring machine and a half.
The best thing of all though is the engine. It's what makes Harley Davidson's so iconic in the first place and the Twin Cam 110 (1803cc) motor they use in this machine keeps all the character of noise and shake we have come to expect. Extensive rubber mounting ensures the shake stays with the engine though, keeping the rider and passenger free of stress able to enjoy the ride and just listen to that glorious noise.
The only real competition this motorcycle has in its class is, in my opinion, the Honda Goldwing. On paper they have an amazingly similar spec, even the engine sizes almost match. But in reality let's be honest, one of them has infinitely more style than the other. In fact it takes image into a completely different league. And with brakes that actually work I can't imagine there's much choice left at all and the votes will have already been cast.
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