|
|
 |
Wake-Up Call
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic
Neale Bayly
10/01/2005
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Tom Riles and Brian J. Nelson
|
As free time becomes ever-more elusive, we find ourselves
drawn to extraordinary experiences that fully exploit that precious luxury. And
while piloting the latest motorcycle to roll out of Willie G. Davidson’s Custom
Vehicle Operations, it quickly becomes evident that the 2006 H-D Screamin’
Eagle Ultra Classic answers this need. As I rumble through New York’s
picturesque Hudson River Valley, cruising through small towns before powering
back onto sinuous back roads, the powerful, luxurious Ultra Classic reveals
itself as a head-turning custom built for long-distance touring. With one of the
sweetest, smoothest power plants on two wheels, a slick-shifting gear box, and a
competent chassis, the bike also benefits from creature comforts: a broad,
comfortable seat, well-placed footboards, and handlebars that allow you to sit
up straight without reaching. The large fairing and leg shields provide decent
wind protection. The only reasons for stopping are for fuel or food—or to admire
the scenery.
Especially considering its small size, even within the context
of Harley-Davidson, the 32-member Custom Vehicle Operations team, which brings
Willie G.’s visions to reality, has had a broad impact on motorcycling. Starting
in 1999 with 900 carefully customized FXRs, the department has broadened its
scope to offer four models for 2006. The group will produce 12,000 Ultra
Classics this year, 4,000 each of three colors: Black Emerald with Majestic
Green Pearl, Black Candy Crimson with Charcoal Slate, and Autumn Haze with Vivid
Black.
Custom Vehicle Operations aims the Ultra Classic squarely at the rider
who wants a custom motorcycle, but who doesn’t care to waste valuable riding
time waiting for one-off work. From its stunning custom-painted gas tank, to
its ostrich-skin seat and leather-bound tour pack luggage system, every aspect
of the bike is luxe. Elements such as extra chrome and a color-matched fairing
inset that holds beautifully turned metal-faced gauges create a distinctly
custom feel. The wheels shoot off bursts of sunlight from their polished
surfaces, and the chrome front-end augments the light show. Custom
floorboards—the vertical lines matched in the gas tank cover—complement the
custom passenger footboards and handgrips. The list goes on, details which put
the CVO Ultra Classic in a class by itself.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
