With one of the goals of Harley-Davidson’s Hardwire business strategy being to add more desirability to the brand, the Motor Co. has revealed the first in a series of limited-edition models designed to do just that.
The Icons Collection as the new series is to be known will present one or two models annually, with a single production run for each motorcycle model according to Harley-Davidson. That means once they’re gone they’ll never be replicated, ensuring that desirability H-D wants while also creating quite the collector’s item for prospective owners in the process. Each Icons Collection motorcycle will be serialised, and the purchaser will receive a certificate of authenticity.
“With The Hardwire, we made a commitment to introduce a series of motorcycles that align with our strategy to increase desirability and to drive the legacy of Harley-Davidson,” says Harley-Davidson chairman, president and CEO, Jochen Zeitz.
“With that in mind, I am proud to introduce our new limited production Icons Collection, a series of extraordinary adaptations of production motorcycles which look to our storied past and bright future.”
The first bike to be announced under the new initiative is dripping in Americana and will no doubt tug at the heartstrings of fans of the Police Specials once popular across the USA.
The Electra Glide Revival tips its hat to the 1969 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide in more than a few ways but is filled to the brim with modern amenities to ensure it is both retro-classic and highly functional motorcycle at the same time.
Based around Harley-Davidson’s latest touring frame which debuted in 2016 alongside the Milwaukee-Eight engine, the Electra Glide Revival is designed for the long haul. From the iconic Bat Wing fairing to its 22.7-litre fuel tank, to its cruise control and infotainment system there is very little left for the rider to ask for… apart from a pillion seat which is not part of the bike’s classically inspired aesthetic.
The engine of choice for the Revival is, of course, the Milwaukee-Eight 114 v-twin which pumps out 93hp at 5250rpm and a stump-pulling 158Nm at 3250rpm.
Like the rest of the Touring range, a single knob hydraulically adjusts the pre-load of the rear shock absorbers for optimal ride and control while up front the 49mm forks with dual bending valve suspension technology deliver linear damping characteristics for a smooth ride.
The fairing features a tall clear windshield and a split stream vent to help reduce rider head buffeting, while a halogen headlamp and incandescent auxiliary lamps provide outstanding illumination and maintain the nostalgic styling of the Revival model.
Infotainment is centred around a Boom!™ Box GTS infotainment system with colour touch screen that powers two fairing-mount speakers and features advanced navigation and hand and voice commands (when paired with a compatible headset) plus it is also compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Rounding out the electronic features of the Electra Glide Revival is Harley-Davidson’s RDRS safety aids including cornering ABS, Cornering enhanced electronically linked braking, cornering traction control, drag-torque slip control and hill hold control.
Global production of the Electra Glide Revival model will be limited to a one-time build of 1,500 serialised examples, scheduled to reach authorised Harley-Davidson dealers in late April, with a price of $43,995 ride away for New Zealand.