MILWAUKEE, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/
-- Harley-Davidson® (NYSE:HOG) adds to the long
legacy of its Sportster™ motorcycle line with the
introduction of the Iron 1200™ and
Forty-Eight™ Special models. The latest in a line
of 100 high-impact motorcycles the company plans to introduce by
2027, these new high-bar Sportsters combine throw-back styling
trends from the custom-bike scene with the solid foundation of the
Sportster platform and the punchy performance of the Evolution 1200
V-Twin engine.
Since its introduction in 1957, Sportster motorcycles have been
repeatedly reimagined in the hands of both the Motor Company and
bike owners: The Sportster as a bobber, a chopper, a scrambler and
a café racer; as a hero on flat tracks and drag strips and
road-race courses; as an accessible entry-point for first-time
riders, and as a custom-of-one cruiser.
"Since its inception, the Sportster has offered the perfect
combination of size, power and character that makes it appealing to
so many different riders," said Brad
Richards, Harley-Davidson
V.P. of Styling & Design. "A Sportster is a relatively
easy bike to strip down and reinvent. What we've done to create the
new Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special is what Sportster owners have
been doing with their own bikes for generations."
New fuel tank graphics distinguish both the Iron 1200 and the
Forty-Eight Special, and combine bold color stripes with a formal
typeface, color and graphic elements originally popular in the
1970s.
"The art on these two fuel tanks reflect contemporary trends we
are seeing on custom bikes and in design in general, a move away
from more complex and intricate art to a look that's very simple
and clean," said Richards. "It's also important to note that these
graphics respect the shape of the fuel tank and in the case of the
Sportster, that tank shape is a classic design element in its own
right."
Iron 1200™
Powered
by an Evolution® 1200 V-Twin engine this urban brawler
brings plenty of punch to the street fight – power to blast away
from green lights and more mid-range torque to muscle through
traffic. More power means more rowdy fun.
The satin-black Mini Ape handle bar is an essential element of
the garage-built chopper look that adds instant attitude and gives
the rider a fists-in-the-wind posture. The gloss black speed screen
framing the headlamp amplifies the attitude of the tall bars, is
intended to offer some wind deflection at speed and provides a
space for easy personalization. The fast-back Café Solo Seat flows
to the rear fender and is shaped to help hold the rider in position
when the torque of the Evolution 1200 kicks in.
A classic 3.3-gallon Sportster fuel tank features multi-colored
striped graphics that wrap around the tank profile. The dark engine
finish helps draw the eyes to the bright tank graphics. Fuel tank
paint color options include Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry and
Billiard White, always contrasting with Vivid Black on the speed
screen and fenders.
The Iron 1200 is finished with all-black 9-Spoke wheels and a
solid black belt guard and rear sprocket. The Harley-Davidson Smart
Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are
factory-installed options for the Iron 1200 model.
Forty-Eight®
Special
The burly front end of the Forty-Eight Special – a wide front tire
framed by fat forks – looks especially menacing when topped with a
gloss-black Tallboy handlebar.
"We specifically selected the Tallboy bar for its shape," said
Richards. "It offer less pull-back than the Mini-Ape, a look that
really works with the steamroller front end and the smaller fuel
tank on the Forty-Eight Special model."
That 2.2-gallon "peanut" Sportster fuel tank features rows of
bold, horizontal stripes framing a simple Harley-Davidson text
logo. The fuel tank is available in three color options: Vivid
Black, Wicked Red, and Billiard White.
The Evolution 1200 engine features a black top end over an
expanse of brilliant chrome covers plus chrome muffler and exhaust
shields. Chrome lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet covers
contrast with the black cylinders to highlight the V-Twin engine
shape. High-performance Michelin Scorcher 31 tires front and rear
are mounted on Black Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels.
The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System and anti-lock braking
system (ABS) are factory-installed options for the Forty-Eight
Special model.
About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Since 1903,
Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal
freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding
experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson
motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and
apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.
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SOURCE Harley-Davidson Motor Company