Harley Davidson Question

[Fyrtwuck]

I need some information from someone who knows more about Harley's than I do. I went to Ft. Thunder yesterday to kill some time and look at the new models, thinking of getting a new bike.

While I was there, the salesman was showing me a really nice 2012 Softail that he said was a "Firefighter Special Edition". According to Harley's website it says that the only Firefighter Special Editions were Road Kings and Electra Glides. The same for "Peace Officer Special Editions".

I didn't see any of the special edition emblems on it, just red in color with pin striping.

Am I correct in thinking that the salesman was blowing smoke or did Harley come out with a Softail Special Edition?

 

[ArGyLe64]

The special editions have a paint scheme different than the other models, special badging on the side of the tank and on top of the tank. Some riders remove these badges after they buy the back for fear of 1% finding out what they do.

 

[Fyrtwuck]

These didn't have anything on them that said Firefighter of Peace Officer. The only thing that looked different from any other bike was some pin striping on the tank and fenders and a metallic Harley Davidson emblem on both sides of the tank. I thought it was strange that they were passing softails off as "Special Editions".

If I had the Firefighter Edition, I don't think I'd be worried about 1%'ers.

 

[eich]

There is a Peace Officer and a Firefighter Heritage Softtail and has been for a few years. I ride a Peace Officer Road King and have seen a couple of Heritage's in both the blue and hosedragger red. They are listed on the Harley site as well.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_U...-motorcycles.html?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US

 

[Fyrtwuck]

I totally missed that on their website. Yep, it looks just like the ones they had on display.

OK, different question. The bike I have now has an 88 engine in it. The new ones have 103's with six speeds. What are the opinions about these? I've never ridden one with a 103. What's it like?

 

[aabokla]

There is a big difference between the stock 88 vs the stock 103. While the 103 has noticeably more power, the new frames are an even bigger improvement. Another big difference you'll notice is that the new engines run noticeably temp-wise hotter than the old 88's. Sadly, the suspensions seemed to have gotten worse.

For engine options, IMO I don't see much of a need unless it could reduce the engine heat.

With all that said, I love the way a Harley rides and looks.

 

[Chard]

Do the 103's have the so called "parade mode"? Something about running on one cylinder because of heat. I ask because the last new HD I owned was and 2001 EG and I thought it ran hot.

 

[steelhorse]

My 2012 Ultra Classic has this feature. You can program it so that the rear cylinder will shut down when at idle.

 

[flatwins]

Are you guys really serious?!? Harley has a feature to shut down the rear cylinder at idle? I'm not sure whether I should laugh or cry.

 

[steelhorse]

I don't really like the idea either. That's why I don't have mine programmed to do so.