In 1903, four brothers working out of a tiny wooden shack in Milwaukee turned an experiment with internal combustion into what has become a certifiable American legend. One hundred years later, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company is ready to kick-start another century with style.
The arresting image of twin cylinders jutting out at 45-degree angles; the distinctive low rumble guaranteed to startle squares; the sudden glint of smooth chrome rocketing past: Over the years, Harley-Davidson has made these the hallmarks of that rare product combining rugged technical performance and almost organic grace and beauty. Their latest model, the 2003 100th Anniversary VRSCA V-Rod, promises to be the snazziest hog on the blacktop.
Last year’s version, named “Bike of the Year” by several publications, triggered widespread drooling among motorcycle buffs and design aficionados alike. With its long, lean and low chassis, Harley took a modern design and powered it with an even more forward-thinking principle: a water-cooled motor, produced in part by Porsche.
Dubbed the “Revolution” engine, it’s the most radical change ever undertaken by Harley-Davidson, and the V-Rod’s hydroformed, rubber-mounted perimeter frame displays it proudly. And not without good reason. Inspired by the company’s Superbike racing division, this baby can safely rev to 9,000 rpm and packs the power of 115 horses. It also has dual overhead cams, a high compression ratio, and other technical innovations too numerous and intricate to catalogue succinctly.
And it sure as hell looks nice. Since the VRSCA’s bodywork is composed of anodized aluminum — a chemical process that toughens the surface, preventing chipping and discolouration — it should stay that way for years to come.
“We wanted to deliver something really special to our customers in 2003,” says Willie G. Davidson, vice president of styling, and grandson of one of the original founders. Each of this year’s models will feature a 100th Anniversary medallion on the engine crankcase and a special nameplate. In addition to the original aluminum version, Harley is offering a two-tone, black and silver version with a variety of Anniversary styling elements, an elaborate striping application and gold-cast wheels. Select models will be available in red, blue, or pearl-white paint jobs, satisfying the more ostentatious asphalt slicers.
If you’re lucky enough to already own one, the V-Rod may be the last bike you ever purchase. If you’ve always wanted a motorcycle, or merely considered it in passing, it makes for a great first.
Looks Ain’t Everything:
The Harley-Davidson 2003 VRSCA V-Rod features unprecedented power and performance, European engineering, and an entirely original design from the ground up. It’s the most radical reinterpretation of a Harley Chopper in over 50 years, and it’s wrapped up in a sleek, sexy, hot-rod style chassis to fulfill any roadhog’s dream.
Cool Your Jets:
The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected Revolution engine puts out 74 ft-lb. of torque and boasts 115 horsepower.
100 Years:
Harley-Davidson is going all-out this summer to celebrate its milestone anniversary. On Aug. 17, it will launch the “Ride Home,” a U.S.-wide motorcycle rally culminating in Milwaukee, with intermittent fundraising events for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This will be followed by a three-day festival for ticket-holders — more than 200,000 revellers are expected — ending in a free birthday bash on Aug. 31. Expect live entertainment, fireworks, exhibits, food, and of course, plenty of shiny chrome and dusty leather.
www.harley-davidson.com
With files from Mike Drach
