Harley-Davidson is still pumping out the new-ish models, the latest being the 1200 Custom.
Harley describes the new Sportster as a model with “Phattitude”. Seriously?
The new bike gets its phattitude with a new, wide front end that uses a fat, 130/90-16 front tire. Other new features include a reshaped headlight brow, a new LED taillight and revised suspension rates. Also new are the five-spoke wheels.
Harley also uses the 1200 Custom to introduce the new H-D1 Factory Customization program. This new online program allows you to custom tailor the 1200 Custom with different wheels, seats, handlebars, paint and engine finishes.
You can also alter the riding position by combining different handlebar, seat and foot control locations.
Once you’ve configured your machine, which you can view virtually on the website, you can print out a description of it and take it to your dealer to place the order. Delivery is expected in as little as six to eight weeks.
Base price for the 1200 Custom is $11,839 and the price goes up from there when building your own.
You can fiddle with Harley’s H-D1 bike configuration tool here, no purchase necessary.
I know there’s a target demographic for these things, but it baffles me how HD can rearrange the same nuts and bolts for decades and call it a “new” model. In a car world example of how to do it right, Mazda came out with the Miata which basically updated the British roadster, making it reliable and successful. Why doesn’t HD do the equivalent? You know, have the best of the modern world and older styling? I don’t know anyone under 45 who finds HDs attractive. In another ten years HD is going to have some serious market problems, or they’re going to have to contract to being a niche player. The motorcycle industry in NA needs a shake-up. Introducing smaller displacement bikes would be a start; getting the likes of HD to take some product risks and actually innovate for a new generation of riders would be another good thing.
ROSSCOE: My apologies, you are correct. I should have said contemporary or late-model sporty. I just tend to associate the twin cam name to any Harley after 2000.
Kinda cool. Traditionally the Custom always had the thinnest tire, now they went in the opposite direction.
yaaaannn.. just another over priced boat anchor… YUCK..
A twin cam sportster you say – Sportsters have had four cams since they were introduced in 1957 . . . .
Other than the price…I like it…I like the big front wheel look…I don’t normally like the look of the Harley’s (exception being the V-rod line)…I may have to go look at one of these…then wait a couple of years for them to depreciate and buy one at a steep discount… :roll
Later.
Wow. That’s alot of money considering you could buy a used twin cam sporty for 5 grand and spend another grand or two making it look and feel half decent.
Ah……ahhhhhh….. :sigh