It’s very rare that I share a press release from Harley-Davidson (last week they announced that they had a 9% increase in sales in Q1 compared to the pandemic-stricken 2020, but I didn’t care enough to tell you that), but I’m a huge fan of what showed up in my inbox this morning. Harley has announced the “Icons Collection, an annual program offering very limited-edition motorcycle models designed to elevate traditional forms and celebrate Americana, either by revisiting classic Harley-Davidson design themes or by exploring ideas that represent the future of motorcycle style.” That’s apparently a long way of saying that they’re going to make new versions of classic Harley designs, and I think it’s pretty cool.
“The Icons Collection will present one or two models annually, with a single production run for each motorcycle model. Production of that model will never be resumed or repeated. Each Icons Collection motorcycle will be serialized, and the purchaser will receive a certificate of authenticity.”
The first one is the Electra Glide Revival, which is “inspired” by the 1969 Electra Glide (the first Harley with the optional Batwing fairing). The new model is limited to 1,500 examples and will set you back a hefty $29,199.
“The look of the Electra Glide Revival model is inspired by the 1969 Electra Glide, the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle available with an accessory “batwing” fairing. The fairing became an iconic – and often imitated – Harley-Davidson styling cue, its shape an instant on-the-road identifier of many Harley-Davidson models and the foundational design of the fairing featured on current models. In 1969, the accessory fairing and saddlebags were only offered in white molded fiberglass, and the Electra Glide Revival replicates that look with a Birch White painted finish. The period-inspired tank medallion and Electra Glide script on the front fender complete the look. The Electra Glide Revival will be offered in a single color scheme inspired by the original 1969 colorway: The two-tone fuel tank in Hi-Fi Blue and Black Denim bisected with a Birch White stripe, with Hi-Fi Blue paint on the fenders and side panels.”
What do you think? Click here for Harley’s website on the Icons program, or read below for the full press release from Harley-Davidson:
NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON ICONS COLLECTION CELEBRATES AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DESIGN
Icons Collection Debuts with Limited-Edition Electra Glide Revival Model
MILWAUKEE (April 26, 2021) – Harley-Davidson today announced its new Icons Collection, an annual program offering very limited-edition motorcycle models designed to elevate traditional forms and celebrate Americana, either by revisiting classic Harley-Davidson design themes or by exploring ideas that represent the future of motorcycle style.
The Icons Collection will present one or two models annually, with a single production run for each motorcycle model. Production of that model will never be resumed or repeated. Each Icons Collection motorcycle will be serialized, 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,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO Harley-Davidson. “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 of a New Collection
The Harley-Davidson® Icons Collection will debut with the introduction of the Electra Glide® Revival™ model, a retro-classic motorcycle for the nostalgist who longs to ride a bike with style both distinctive and timeless. Global production of the Electra Glide Revival model will be limited to a one-time build of 1,500 serialized examples, scheduled to reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealers in late April, with an MSRP of $29,199.
The look of the Electra Glide Revival model is inspired by the 1969 Electra Glide, the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle available with an accessory “batwing” fairing. The fairing became an iconic – and often imitated – Harley-Davidson styling cue, its shape an instant on-the-road identifier of many Harley-Davidson models and the foundational design of the fairing featured on current models. In 1969, the accessory fairing and saddlebags were only offered in white molded fiberglass, and the Electra Glide Revival replicates that look with a Birch White painted finish. The period-inspired tank medallion and Electra Glide script on the front fender complete the look. The Electra Glide Revival will be offered in a single color scheme inspired by the original 1969 colorway: The two-tone fuel tank in Hi-Fi Blue and Black Denim bisected with a Birch White stripe, with Hi-Fi Blue paint on the fenders and side panels.
“We live in a very dynamic time, each of us experiencing constant change,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson vice president of styling and design. “The Electra Glide Revival model is an oasis in this daily turbulence, a way to reconnect with the fundamental Harley-Davidson DNA that created Grand American Touring.”
Design highlights of the Electra Glide Revival model include a solo saddle with a black-and-white cover and a chrome rail, mounted over an adjustable coil spring and shock absorber, also a nod to Harley-Davidson FL models from the 1960s and a functional feature that adds rider comfort. Chrome steel laced wheels and wide whitewall tires add to the nostalgic look, as do brilliant chrome on front fender rails and saddlebag rails, front fender skirt, Ventilator air cleaner cover, fork covers, and auxiliary lights. Old school cool never looked so good.
Milwaukee Eight® 114
The Electra Glide Revival model is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine which delivers inspiring performance and classic Harley-Davidson look-sound-feel.
Displacement: 114 cu in (1,868 cc)
Torque: 118 ft. lb. @ 3250 RPM
Four valve cylinder heads (two exhaust and two intake valves per head, eight total); increased airflow through the engine contributes to power output.
Dual spark plugs for more complete combustion of the air/fuel charge and maximized power and efficiency.
6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission reduces engine RPM at highway speeds to enhance fuel economy and rider comfort.
Harley-Davidson Touring Model Features
The Electra Glide Revival offers classic style, but its design and technology is absolutely modern. The foundation of the Electra Glide Revival model is the single-spar Harley-Davidson Touring frame with a rigid backbone design to sustain the weight of luggage and to support current engine power. The entire chassis is designed for the long haul. A single knob hydraulically adjusts the pre-load of emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers for optimal ride and control. The 49mm forks with dual bending valve suspension technology deliver linear damping characteristics for a smooth ride.
The classic Bat Wing fairing features a tall clear windshield and a splitstream vent to help reduce rider head buffeting. Electronic cruise control holds a steady speed for comfort on long rides, while a halogen headlamp and incandescent auxiliary lamps provide outstanding illumination and maintain the nostalgic styling of the Revival model.
A Boom!™ Box GTS infotainment system with color touch screen powers two fairing-mount speakers and features advanced navigation and hand and voice commands (when paired with a compatible headset) plus Android Auto™ application and Apple CarPlay® software compatibility.
Also standard is the suite of Harley-Davidson RDRS Safety Enhancements, a collection of technology designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking, including:
Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Brake System (C-ABS)
Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB)
Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)
Drag-torque Slip Control System (DSCS)
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
To learn more about the Harley-Davidson Icons Collection, and the Electra Glide Revival model, go to: www.h-d.com/icons.
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About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-davidson.com.