Harley-Davidson has unveiled its new lineup of 2014 motorcycle models. The star of the show is not a single bike – rather eight new bikes under the banner Project RUSHMORE, the outcome of a new customer-driven product development effort, which Harley-Davidson implemented to re-engineer the world’s best-selling line of touring motorcycles.
In the largest scale new model launch in the company’s 110-year history, Project RUSHMORE encompasses eight new motorcycles that feature improved power and braking performance, enhanced rider ergonomics, and dramatic styling updates that completely redefine and fundamentally transform the touring motorcyclist’s experience.
“Project RUSHMORE is the first project to reap the benefits of our product development transformation,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “We’ve been one with our riders and dealers for 110 years, and we’re now doing a much, much better job bringing their insights and needs into great new bikes; and getting the job done 30 percent faster so they can enjoy it all sooner!”
Building on the technological foundation that established the company’s clear leadership in the touring motorcycle segment, eight new 2014 Harley-Davidson Touring, Trike and Custom Vehicle Operations models, including Road King, Street Glide, Street Glide Special, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Ultra Limited, Tri Glide Ultra, CVO Ultra Limited and CVO Road King feature innovative Project RUSHMORE-inspired enhancements in four key areas:
Control: Project RUSHMORE bikes pass faster, stop quicker and see farther at night, thus inspiring rider confidence. Some models feature the new Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 while others get the new High Output Twin Cam 103 powertrain – both with fuel injection. Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) is new for all models and the new Daymaker LED is also standard on some models while others get new Dual Halogen lighting.
Infotainment: New color-screen Boom! Box infotainment systems feature the first original-equipment voice recognition and touchscreen for music, GPS navigation and phone in motorcycling, with quality audio, Bluetooth connectivity, text-to-speech technology, plus support for intercom and CB communications in a single module.
Feel: Aerodynamics and ergonomics come together to improve comfort – from the new Batwing fairing with splitstream venting, which reduces head buffeting by 20 percent, to best-in-class ride for passengers with wider and deeper seats and new back and arm rests.
Style: The form and the function of many components are improved – a larger Tour-Pak and saddlebags with convenient One-Touch latches, sleeker fenders, lighter cast aluminum wheels and intuitive hand control switches.
Additional headlines from the 2014 Harley-Davidson lineup include the restyled Fat Bob model, the availability of anti-lock brakes on all five 2014 Sportster models and the continued integration of H-D1 Factory Customization.
The web-based H-D1 Factory Customization program allows customers to select factory-installed options that personalize fit, function and style to the Sportster 1200 Custom and Street Bob.
All new 2014 models, including Project RUSHMORE bikes will be on dealer showroom floors in the U.S. starting this week.
