2014 Harley-Davidson and Museum Exhibit

Ready for the New (Model) Year? 

Harley-Davidson is launching what they call the biggest model release event in the company's 110 years of making motorcycles. No less than 8 new bikes are being introduced for 2014.

For three years, HD has been working on Project Rushmore; a customer feedback system for specifically implemented so the company could custom make their newest models based on what riders want and need.
According to HD Senior Vice President, Mark-Hans Richer, company is not just taking into account feedback from surveys and service issues. The new feedback system calls for HD honchos to actually get out on the road and listen to what people are saying.

Chief Engineer of Project Rushmore, Ben Wright, is excited about the new exhibit at the HD Museum, which showcases not only the new models, but their 3 year evolution. There will be specific focus on the 2014 Touring Bike, which has over 100 upgrades.

So far, customer response has been good. The first models were released to dealerships last week, and reports from dealers are claiming that people are lining up to buy the 2014's. They aren't just having a hard time keeping the bikes on the floor, some of the bikes never get to see the floor. Customers have been lined up to meet the delivery trucks.

What's New?

So what can you expect to see on the 2014 Harley-Davidsons? Lets start with which bikes are getting the make-over:

• Electra-Glide Ultra Classic
• Electra Glide Ultra Limited
• Road King
• Street Glide
• Street Glide Special
• CVO Ultra Limited
• CVO Road King
• Tri Glide Ultra Trike

And here are just a few things that  HD is promising it's customers, based on their own feedback:

• New Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 for better power and more efficient cooling

• Hydraulic clutch for every model except the Road King

• Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS

• New Tour-Pak option designed to carry more, and has a one-touch latch

• New one-touch latch hard saddlebags to match the Tour-Pak

• More passenger legroom thanks to redesigned saddlebag guards

• Larger and more rigid 49mm forks and larger bearing supports for steering stem

• Redesigned fairing with a centered intake port, better hand coverage, 

• Jukebox compartment with USB port for charging phones and music players

• Daymaker LED headlamps and improved halogens for Road King, Street Glide, and Street Glide Special

• Boom!Box infotainment system for the tech lovers, including Bluetooth connectivity, high-quality sound system that feeds from either radio, iPod, or satelite, and voice recognition technology

All of this, as well as increased rider ergonomics, GPS, touch-screen dashboard, and new cast aluminum wheels. And some of these bikes are pretty easy on the eyes too.