STRIPPED to the essentials of form and function, and shaped by nearly 60 years of heritage, Harley Davidson has created a pure riding machine with the launch of the new Harley-Davidson Roadster.
The new model joins the Dark Custom line-up with a minimalist design inspired by classic racing motorcycles, current trends in stripped-down, naked custom bikes and a profile reminiscent of racing Sportster motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s.
The Roadster delivers modern performance with a combination of new wheels and tyres mated to premium suspension components and an air-cooled 1200cc V-Twin engine that delivers a strong pulse of mid-range torque. The 19-inch front and 18-inch rear Offset-Split 5-Spoke cast aluminium wheels were designed specifically to contribute to its balanced, athletic stance.
Suspension is enhanced by new 43mm inverted single-cartridge forks with tri-rate springs, gripped in robust triple clamps and rear suspension featuring gas-charged emulsion coil-over shocks and tri-rate springs with adjustable pre-load. Outstanding stopping power is achieved with dual 11.8-inch floating rotors on the front wheel. The Roadster also comes standard with ABS brakes.
The Roadster puts its rider in an aggressive posture with a new low-rise handlebar and mid-mount foot controls that centre the rider’s weight over the classic profile of the 12.5 Litre Sportster fuel tank.
In keeping with the Roadster’s stripped-down styling, the rear fender has been clipped 1.5 inches shorter than previous bobbed Sportster fenders.
The slotted belt guard and muffler shields mimic the lightening holes drilled through race-bike components and a single four-inch diameter instrument tucked low in front of the triple clamp features a sweeping analogue tachometer with an inset digital speedometer.
Rear turn signals mounted directly to the fender struts and fast-back seat design give the rear of the bike a tight and uncluttered look.
The Harley-Davidson Roadster model will be offered in four colour choices: Vivid Black with a charcoal denim pinstripe; Black Denim with a red pinstripe; Velocity Red Sunglo with a red pinstripe; and two-tone Billet Silver/Vivid Black with a burgundy pinstripe.
At home in urban landscapes, on twisting roads and makes a bold visual statement even when standing still, the new look Roadster will hit the road from $19,495 ride away.
