2005 Buell and Harley Davidson Line-up

Quick Take - MO Rides the Harley-Davidson XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom: Though not technically "new" this 1200C does have Harley's new "Aluminum Profile" low-profile rim option. The 2004 redesign of the Sportster family produced a vastly improved motorcycle. I've ridden the XL1200R already and was mighty impressed compared to the previous Sportsters that I've tested. However, I hadn't ridden the new cruiserfied "Custom" version with its extra Chrome and 21" front wheel. When it came time to pick a bike from the fleet for the 65-mile ride through rural San Diego County, I immediately went for a Sportster, due to their better handling and overall backroad performance compared to the Big Twins. I happened to pass this blue 1200C as I was walking through the assembled bikes to get to a 1200R. When I saw how nice and clean the C was, I decided to give it a try instead. I wasn't disappointed.

Transitional behavior is nice and responsive, with nary a wiggle and the whole package rolls down the road and through the twisties with aplomb. Ground clearance is quite good for a "custom" with forward-mount foot controls. However, the exhaust heat shield touches-down first, so be careful not to judge your lean angle by your foot's proximity to the pavement. Though a V-Rod will smoke it in a dragrace, nothing in the Harley stable (aside from the Buells), can match the overall performance of a 1200 Sportster.

In person, the XL1200C is a tidy package that pleases the eye from every angle. The add-on Chrome and miscellaneous styling flairs are nicely integrated and don't have that gratuitous flashiness that one often associates with cruisers. As a whole, the XL1200C shows quite a bit more elegance than one normally associates with Harleys. Examine the photos in this section for an idea, then go look at one in person when you get the chance, I think you'll really like it. I sure did, in fact, I might even consider buying this very test unit, once its time in Harley's Press Fleet is up.

Harley Says: The Sportster 1200 Custom offers the performance of the rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 engine with classic custom touches including a laced 21-inch front wheel and slotted disc rear wheel, chrome engine covers, forward-mount controls as well as pull-back handlebars and riser.

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MILWAUKEE (July 15, 2004) ~ The Harley-Davidson Touring family - the custom Road King, the classic Electra Glide and the modern Road Glide models - each appeal to a different rider. But each has in common long-haul comfort and the power and reliability of the vibration-isolated Twin Cam 88 engine, available with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection on every model.

A significant update to all 2005 Touring models is a new clear-lens, reflector-optics headlight. The new headlight offers increased lighting intensity and an enhanced light-beam pattern that will be especially appreciated by touring riders. The clear lens features a small Bar & Shield cloisonné on the face for a signature look. A distinctive new chrome aluminum Profile Laced wheel is an original-equipment option available on all Touring models. The Profile Laced wheel has a smooth, rounded chrome rim that's easy to clean, as well as chrome spokes and a brilliant chrome front hub that offers enhanced corrosion resistance.

The FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide is equipped with new vented lower fairings. The redesigned fairings offer refreshed looks and a new vent door, while still providing excellent weather protection. The rider can open the new vent doors to increase airflow around the feet and lower legs on warm days for increased comfort. The new lower fairings are also easier to install and remove than the previous design, and offer additional boot clearance for comfort and convenient operation of foot controls.

CUSTOM VEHICLE OPERATIONS (aka "CO" aka "Screaming Eagle")

MILWAUKEE (July 15, 2004) ~ The 2005 VRSCSE Screamin' Eagle V-Rod developed by the Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) team features high-performance engine modifications and a host of special custom components that make this limited-edition V-Rod an even more powerful force among powercruiser motorcycles. Approximately 2,400 examples of the 2005 Screamin' Eagle V-Rod will be manufactured at the Kansas City Vehicle and Powertrain Operations facility. The suggested U.S. retail price for the Screamin' Eagle V-Rod is $25,495 ($25,595 in California).

The Screamin' Eagle V-Rod is powered by a "big-bore" version of the standard liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 60-degree Revolution V-Twin engine. New cylinders and matching pistons increase the bore from 100mm to 105mm, and displacement from 1130cc to 1250cc. The cylinder heads are CNC ported for better intake and exhaust flow, and cam timing is optimized. The result is a 10 percent power increase over the standard Revolution engine. The engine is dressed with new Screamin' Eagle cylinder badges and a special Custom Vehicle Operations emblem on the clutch release cover.

Special custom features of the Screamin' Eagle V-Rod start with a choice of three exclusive color-and-graphics combinations: Candy Blue and Dark Candy Blue, Two-Tone Candy Cherry, and Electric Orange and Black. Color is applied to the airbox cover, fenders and radiator shroud. New upper and lower side covers are chrome plated. The hydroformed tubular perimeter frame receives a colormatched powdercoat. A new airbox cover features an inset chrome console holding an LED display for the fuel gauge, indicator lights and a clock. Controls are revised to include a new forged, chrome plated handlebar riser, clamp and instrument bracket which support a traditional speedometer and tachometer with spun-aluminum faces. The aerodynamic projector-beam headlight is mounted in a new chrome shroud and has a chrome bucket. Handlebars are 1.25-inch-diameter and feature internal wiring.

Other special components found on the Screamin' Eagle V-Rod include new chrome forged-aluminum five-spoke Reactor wheels and matching Reactor rear sprocket, new muffler end-caps, and a new custom seat and passenger pillion. Components from the Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories Catalog featured on the Screamin' Eagle V-Rod include: chrome swing arm; chrome upper belt guard and lower debris deflector; chrome hand and foot controls; coated braided stainless steel control cables, clutch and brake lines; and a chrome side stand. Each Screamin' Eagle V-Rod also includes a special CVO key and a CVO storage cover.

MILWAUKEE (July 15, 2004) ~ The Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) crew has infused the new 2005 limited-edition FLSTFSE Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy with rowdy performance and a lean, urban custom profile. Based on the popular Harley-Davidson FLSTFI Fat Boy, the Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy features a Screamin' Eagle 103 Stroker Twin Cam engine tuned to crank out more than 100 ft. lbs. of torque, special custom colors with metal grind accents and a new steel seat. Approximately 3,400 examples of the 2005 Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy will be manufactured at the York Vehicle Operations facility. The suggested U.S. retail price for the Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy is $27,995 ($28,095 in California).

The Screamin' Eagle 103 Stroker Twin Cam displaces 103 cubic inches (1690cc) and is the largest displacement engine ever offered in a production Harley-Davidson motorcycle. In the Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy, it replaces the standard Twin Cam 88B engine, but retains that engine's precise fuel-injected throttle response. The hand-built engine is created using Screamin' Eagle big-bore cylinders and a new flywheel assembly, piston and balance shaft that combine to increase bore and stroke from 3.75 x 4.00 inches to 3.87 x 4.37 inches. The engine also features a teardrop shaped chrome air-cleaner cover over a Stage 1 air cleaner kit and a heavy-duty starter. The exhaust is routed through new slash-down mufflers with chrome heat shields and a heavy-duty clutch is hydraulically controlled. The Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy is offered in three two-tone color combinations on the tank and fenders: Platinum Mist and Slate, Candy Cobalt and Starlight Black, and Electric Cherry and Vivid Black. A metal grind finish accents all color combinations. This is the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle to feature this radical custom element. The frame, frame inserts and swingarm are color-matched to the body paint. This Fat Boy also hugs the boulevard on a lowered rear suspension. A key styling feature is a new steel pan-style seat with a decorative chrome pillion. A passenger pillion will be offered as an accessory through Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories.

A new accessory collection debuts on the Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy and includes mirrors, strut covers, rear brake pedal, footboard inserts, shift lever, shifter linkage and derby cover. A 1.25-inch handlebar with internal wiring is mounted on new risers, and the handlebar clamp includes a mount for a drag-style tachometer. A chromed front end, axle nut covers, Softail chrome front spoiler, chrome license plate and chrome lower belt guard are among the many chrome and custom components sourced from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories to complete the Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy. A Harley-Davidson alarm system with siren and a special CVO key and CVO storage cover are standard equipment with this custom motorcycle.

SCREAMIN' EAGLE FLHTCSE2 ELECTRA GLIDE - MSRP $29,995.00

MILWAUKEE (July 15, 2004) ~ The 2005 FLHTCSE2 Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide delivers extraordinary touring performance with exceptional custom styling. A creation of the Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) program, the limited-edition Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide is back for its second model year, once again powered by a Screamin' Eagle 103 Stroker Twin Cam V-Twin engine and also featuring three new paint color combinations and a number of new-for-2005 components. Approximately 3,500 examples of the 2005 Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide will be manufactured at the York Vehicle Operations facility. The suggested U.S. retail price for the Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide is $29,995 ($30,185 California).

Based on the fuel-injected FLHTCI Electra Glide Classic, the 2005 Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide is offered in three new color combinations: Sunrise Yellow Pearl and Stingray Silver, Two-Tone Candy Cherry, and Two-Tone Candy Teal. Each paint scheme includes a color-matched inner fairing panel, fairing lowers and fuel-tank console inserts. Lettering on the derby and timer covers is also color-matched. New for 2005 is a color-matched detachable chopped Tour-Pak equipped with interior light and carry-out liner.

Other features of the 2005 Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide include chrome Thunderstar wheels and chrome Thunderstar floating brake rotors, a new fendermounted license plate bracket with integrated turn signal bar, a new air cleaner cover, a new push-button fuel door, and a newly-shaped seat with imprinted leather inserts. The exhaust features touring mufflers with billet end caps.

The fuel-injected Screamin' Eagle 103 Stroker Twin Cam engine displaces 103 cubic inches (1690cc) and is the largest-displacement engine offered in a production Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The engine is hand built using Screamin' Eagle big-bore cylinders and a stroker flywheel and rod assembly that combine to increase bore and stroke from 3.75 x 4.00 inches to 3.87 x 4.37 inches. Compression is bumped from 8.9:1 to 9.0:1. The engine is tuned to produce more than 100 ft. lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm, a 20 percent increase over the stock Twin Cam 88 engine.

The Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide hugs the road on a Profile Low Rear Suspension kit and lowered front suspension. To handle the powerful engine, the drivetrain is upgraded with a high-performance hydraulically actuated clutch, an oil cooler with chrome cover, and a high-torque starter. Brake and clutch lines and the throttle cable housings are braided-and-coated stainless steel. Passenger and rider footboard inserts, handgrips, the brake pedal pad and the shifter pegs are all from the Stealth Collection by Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. All gauges feature spun-aluminum faces. The traditional Harley-Davidson "batwing" touring fairing is topped with a low-profile smoked wind deflector. The custom leather seat is fitted with a rider backrest. A premium sound system with integrated amplifier and high-performance speakers, a security system, a garage door opener, a CVO indoor storage cover, and special CVO key are all standard on the 2005 Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide.