July 09. 2007 2:00AM - Last modified: March 14. 2012 2:22PM

Harley to celebrate 105th anniversary with new line of motorcycles

By Jim Butman

Harley-Davidson Inc. today unveiled a new line of 2008 motorcycles that takes factory-custom motorcycle design to a new extreme with the introduction of three radically styled new models, and the company also announced details for its 105th anniversary celebration next year.

The Dyna Fat Bob, the Rocker and the Rocker C are included in Harley's line of 2008 motorcycles that also includes 14 models available in limited-edition 105th Anniversary styling.

A series of technical refinements for 2008 includes the availability of an all-new anti-lock braking system (ABS) as an option.

A new six-gallon fuel tank extends the range of all Touring models, which also feature a new isolated drive system that reduces noise and vibration to the rider for improved ride quality under acceleration, shifting and cruising.

Harley will offer 15 new color combinations for 2008, plus three custom color combinations.

"Only Harley-Davidson could style and engineer a motorcycle as visually exciting as the new Rocker," said Bill Davidson, director of motorcycle product development for Milwaukee-based Harley. "To offer this level of customization in a reliable, production motorcycle is simply unprecedented. We've also got the Fat Bob taking the Dyna platform in a bold, new direction. And the beautiful copper-and-black 105th Anniversary models are icing on the Motor Company birthday cake for 2008."

For more information about the new line, visit

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2008_Motorcycles/2008_Motorcycles.jsp?locale=en_US.


Harley-Davidson also announced today it will celebrate its 105th anniversary when thousands of loyal Harley enthusiasts ride home to Milwaukee via 105 different official starting points and along 25 major routes across the country for a celebration to take place Aug. 28-31, 2008.

The celebration will feature several exclusive ticketed events, as well as many activities that are free and open to the public.

"Harley-Davidson's 105th anniversary marks another milestone in a long and storied history which began with the creation of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle in a modest shed in Milwaukee," said Jim Ziemer, chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson. "But Harley-Davidson has always been more than a machine. It's the Harley-Davidson experience that will bring thousands of friends and family from around the world to celebrate together with us here in Milwaukee."

There will be 105 unique starting points around the United States, each hosted by a Harley-Davidson Motor Company representative. The 105 starting points will all feed into 25 major routes bound for Milwaukee with an arrival date of August 28, 2008.

The events will be centered around the Milwaukee lakefront area with highlights to include music, food and entertainment at the Summerfest Grounds, activities at the new Harley-Davidson Museum and a special Harley-Davidson exhibit at Discovery World.


 


The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) also will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an event at Miller Park. Most events will be available to ticket holders only, but the Main Street Exposition at Veterans Park, an outdoor festival with music, food and entertainment will be open to the public.

"The excitement is nearing an all-time high for H.O.G.'s 25th Anniversary and anticipation for next year's celebration at Miller Park in Milwaukee couldn't be greater. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to hold our 25th Anniversary Celebration at Miller Park, which is an outstanding facility," said Mike Keefe, vice oresident of Harley-Davidson Motor Co., and director of H.O.G. "CLUB H.O.G. 25 will be an exclusive premier event that will attract tens of thousands of Harley Owners Group members from around the country and around the world."

"This is a signature initiative for one of Milwaukee's greatest institutions, and we are proud to be serving as host," said Rick Schlesinger, executive vice president of business operations for the Milwaukee Brewers. "Miller Park is not only home to great baseball, it is also ideally suited for other major events. Hosting the Harley Owners Group 25th Anniversary Celebration is a great example of the versatility of this facility."


 


Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket packages will go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007. Advanced ticket sales to H.O.G. members will take place Aug. 1-15. The 105th Anniversary Celebration ticket package includes a signature 105th folio, laminated event ticket good for two-day entry to the Summerfest grounds and a one-time entry to the Discovery World Museum and special Harley-Davidson exhibit, event guide, Signature 105th Anniversary copper wristband, 105th Anniversary flag and American flag.

Those who purchase tickets before Nov. 30, 2007 will be entered into two special drawings for entrance to two limited access ticketed events.

Information on the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration will be available starting Tuesday, July 10, at www.harley-davidson.com/105th.


advertisement


Sorry, the story you tried to comment on is not accepting comments.

advertisement