Harley-Davidson Dark Custom Motorcycles for 2016

We all know what Harley-Davidson's are well known for, and you guessed it, their legendary sexy motorcycles! And for 2016, Harley-Davidson asserts its Dark Custom leadership with the new Iron 883 and Forty-Eight motorcycles, hard-nosed machines that offer an authentic, affordable experience to a new generation of riders. Designed with perfection, the Iron 883 and Forty-Eight models balance function with style, that would guarantee to make heads turn.

Harley-Davidson's Styling Director, Brad Richards shared with us that with dark custom, they embrace the beauty of the basic motorcycle structure. From the smallest specs to the biggest specs, Harley Dark Custom reaches back to the styling roots, but also invites riders to move forward, making the Dark Custom motorcycle a masterpiece of its own to create a different experience for the riders.

Iron 883

The Iron 883

Inspired by the garage-built bobbers from the past and present, the new Iron 883 model is chopped and drilled intentionally to look slightly raw and rough around the edges. Not to forget the classic clipped fenders, blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, drag-style handlebars and a solo tuck-and-roll seat cover to evoke bare-knuckle street performance. Bullet-hole details on the belt guard exhaust shields and front fender brace recall a racers effort to lighten the bike.

Close up detail shot

Even the colour and finishes for the Iron 883 were carefully selected to hide the grit and grime of riding and living in the urban environment. It has been a vision to Dais Nagao (Harley Davidson Senior Stylist, who led the Iron 883), that this bike would look better with some dirt and patina. The art of the Iron 883 is that it's the privilege of the owner get some scruffs and scratches that eventually becomes a part of the story of the bike.

Close up detail shot

The Iron 883 is powered by an 883cc Evolution V-Twin engine tuned to power away from stop lights and to deliver a satisfying performance. It even has a floating front brake rotor that complements the nine-spoke cast aluminium wheels finished in black to reduce unsprung weight to improve on comfort and handling. Other machine highlights would bet that it has new cartridge-style forks and new emulsion rear shock absorbers to dial in shock performance to adapt to different road conditions.

Close up detail shot

The 2016 Iron 883 are available in four colour options, namely Charcoal Satin, Black Denim, Olive Gold with an eagled-and-shield tank logo and Hard Candy Custom Gold Flake with flame details paired with black fenders. Selling price is at RM89,000 with GST included.

Forty-Eight

The Forty-Eight

The Forty-Eight motorcycle, on the other hand, has a more muscular stance. It has burly 130mm front tires suspended by 49mm forks secured in massive forged aluminium triple clamp and an aluminium fork brace. The classic 7.9-litre peanut fuel tank. The classic 7.9-litre peanut fuel tank creates a narrow sexy athletic wait with chopped fenders, and a perfect balance of colour and chrome that gives the bike a bold visual presence.

Close up detail shot

We had Ben McGilney (Harley Davidson Industrial Designer/Stylist, who led the Forty-Eight), who explained that the low handlebar and forward food control, that makes the Forty-Eight in an aggressive posture. The front wheel is like a steamroller coming down the street, with smaller round steel air cleaner and chrome on the exhaust to draw eyes to the engine.

Close up detail shot

The fuel tank features horizontal stripes, a throwback to 1970s style that's reappearing today on custom bikes. Those lines are repeated, that includes the seat stitching, slotted exhaust shields, rear sprocket and belt guard. New lightweight cast aluminium wheels feature nine split spokes and a solid black finish with machined highlights. The 49mm forks feature a cartridge design tuned to complement the new emulsion collar, a combination that delivers a premium, controlled ride over the roughest urban pavement. A shock adjustment spanner is stashed under the solo seat, which has been formed to support the rider with all-day comfort.

Close up detail shot

The 2016 Forty-Eight is offered in four solid colours, namely Vivid Black, Billet Silver, Velocity Red Sunglo and Olive Gold. Hard Candy custom options would include candy cancun blue flake and hard candy gold flake at a net selling price of RM106,000 with GST included.

Close up detail shot

Both the Iron 884 and the Forty-Eight includes 5 years warranty, two and a half year free service and on year free Harley-Davidson Owners Group (HOG) assist within their pricing. The new 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycles and accessories are already available in all Harley Davidsons dealerships in Malaysia. Be sure to visit www.harleykualalumpur.com to see all the 2016 Harley-Davidson models today!

Sara xx