Will this year see a resurgent Harley Davidson?

Monday, 06 February 2012 09:00

Will this year see a resurgent Harley Davidson? It might just if Q4 figures from 2011 are anything go by.

Harley has had a rough ride in the last few years with falling sales leading to a painful restructuring of the business. It seemed that the brand was treading water with innovators they had under their wing such as Erik Buell, being cast off. However bucking the trend of most big companies they posted a $105 million profit for the final quarter of 2011, and sales jumping by 10.9% worldwide in comparison with the same period in 2009, finishing the year with sales up 5.9% over 2010. Harley have put the good performance down to an increased demand for their higher spec and higher priced bikes and good overseas investments. Good to see things looking up for any manufacturer but especially for such a legendary brand.

Harley aren't sitting idle on the back of their good fortune either and are continuing their surge with two new bikes, the retro Softail Slim, and the Seventy Two.

The Seventy Two is a bit of updated 70's cool featuring mini-ape hanger bars, white walled tires and laced wheels, optional big flake paint (which looks great!) peanut style tank, retro mirrored air cleaner cover, all driven by an fuel injected 1200cc evolution engine.

The Softail Slim is a bobber style muscle machine with a 1688cc twin cam 103 evolution engine, 'Hollywood' handlebars with a 'cateye' console, hidden rear shocks, and ABS, for a nice mix of classic style and up to date technology.

Price wise the Seventy Two is $10,499 and the Softail Slim $15,499. For more details check out the HD web site http://www.harley-davidson.com By Nick Moore

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