Road Glide, Fat Bob lead Custom Vehicle Operations line For 2009

Press Release:

MILWAUKEE (July 22, 2008) - The pride and passion that define Harley-Davidson and its riders are prominent in the Motor Company’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) line of motorcycles. As the upper echelon of the motorcycle world, CVO models are hand-built with detailed craftsmanship and stand as the most desirable custom motorcycles available.
The 2009 model year marks the 10th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson CVO program. An effort that began a decade ago as a response to rider requests for factory custom motorcycles has evolved into the top class of its industry, proving that production is really the only limit when it comes to making Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles.

“Features like bigger engines, exclusive accessories and custom paint and colors, combined with limited production quantities make the Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles truly unique and inspirational,” said Matt Levatich, Harley-Davidson Vice President and General Manager, Parts & Accessories and CVO. “The CVO bikes were introduced to meet customer desires and they have fulfilled our riders’ ultimate dreams with miles of memories and great riding for a decade. We expect the unique CVO experience to continue for years to come.”

The Harley-Davidson CVO line for 2009 includes the following four models:

CVO Fat Bob
CVO Road Glide
CVO Softail Springer
CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide
The Fat Bob is a first-time CVO offering, while the Road Glide, Softail Springer and Ultra Classic Electra Glide all enjoy a storied history with the program. The CVO bikes are based on Harley-Davidson factory models, but are then taken to a new level of customization with an abundance of Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. (Please see separate press releases on each model for more detail.)

Highlights of the 2009 Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles include a Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine (1800 cc) finished in granite powdercoat on all models, integrated stop/turn/tail lights on the Road Glide rear section, new Fang cast wheels on the CVO Fat Bob, 240 mm wide rear tire and unique frame and oil tank on the Springer, and Roulette wheels and new 180 mm wide rear tire on the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

The launch of the CVO program began with the 1999 FXR2 and FXR3 models, and was so well-received that it was followed in 2000 by the FXR4. Also in 2000, the first edition of the FLTRSEI Road Glide was introduced, combining the latest touring design and Screamin’ Eagle performance parts. While initial annual production of CVO models was limited to about 900 units per model, output has increased to current ranges of between 2,450 and 4,200 units for each model.

What followed during the last decade was a series of some of very memorable motorcycles, including CVO variations on the Dyna Wide Glide, Road King, Softail Deuce, Fat Boy and Electra Glide. In addition, the CVO program boasted the 2005 Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod with its 60-degree, 1250 cc liquid cooled V-Twin engine and the 2006 Screamin’ Eagle Destroyer, designed specifically for drag racing with a 1300cc Screamin’ Eagle Revolution powertrain.

The Harley-Davidson CVO group consists of a select group of engineers, designers and supply management staff, who work together with Harley-Davidson Styling to create these limited-production, custom motorcycles. The CVO models are then produced by highly skilled technicians in special assembly areas at the Harley-Davidson plants in York, Pa., and Kansas City.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

View the Custom Vehicle Operations 2009 model brochure for more information.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.