New 2004 HDs Date: Wednesday, August 20 @ 07:32:23 EDT Topic: News
It is probably safe to say, that CBX riders/owners are motorcycle enthusiasts. As such, we like ALL bikes and in spite of our preferences, we can appreciate two-wheel-based technology of any kind without sharing the deliberate ignorance of some other brand-loyal owners.
Let’s have a look at the new 2004 Harleys:
Biggest news is probably the “all new” Sportster line. The 2004 XL models are build around a completely new frame. The engine is now rubber-mounted and does no longer contribute to the structural integrity of the assembly. Unfortunately, this makes the frame about 50 pounds heavier. Except for the lower seat height, the dimensions of the chassis remain basically the same.
A wider rear tire of 150mm (was 130mm) necessitated changes to the rear end also. As less vibration may cause the engine to be worked harder, the powerplant was revised slightly. Bore and stroke remain unchanged, but deeper fins on new cylinders and heads and oil spray under the pistons improve cooling.
New rings are supposed to increase cylinder life. The new 1200 receives hotter cams, taken from Buell’s XB engine, and is said to make 70 hp.
In the handling and safety department, the Sportsters have been granted new brakes with less bulky calipers and a claimed reduced actuation pressure.
Line-up includes an 883 model in a base and custom configuration and two 1200s, the XL1200R which replaces both the previous Standard and Sport and a XL1200C custom.
The rest of the Harley offering remains basically unchanged, with exception of a second model V-Rod, the VRSCB, which differs
from the VRSCA only cosmetically.
The Dyna T-Sport and Heritage Springer Softail have been deleted from the model line. No big loss there. The Heritage Springer was always controversial and reminded me more of a Budweiser Clydesdale than a motorcycle. A Road King Custom is being offered and two special “Custom Vehicle Operations” editions, a Electra Glide and a Softail Deuce. All in all, nothing to get too excited about. I guess, we can keep the CBXes for at least another year.
In the handling and safety department, the Sportsters have been granted new brakes with less bulky calipers and a claimed reduced actuation pressure.
Line-up includes an 883 model in a base and custom configuration and two 1200s, the XL1200R which replaces both the previous Standard and Sport and a XL1200C custom.
The rest of the Harley offering remains basically unchanged, with exception of a second model V-Rod, the VRSCB, which differs
from the VRSCA only cosmetically.
The Dyna T-Sport and Heritage Springer Softail have been deleted from the model line. No big loss there. The Heritage Springer was always controversial and reminded me more of a Budweiser Clydesdale than a motorcycle. A Road King Custom is being offered and two special “Custom Vehicle Operations” editions, a Electra Glide and a Softail Deuce. All in all, nothing to get too excited about. I guess, we can keep the CBXes for at least another year.