Every year it seems like the mid-summer seems to drag on and take forever as we anxiously await Harley-Davidson to announce its new models for the coming year. This July was no different, as we sweated through our shirts and salivated onto our desks waiting for the new models to drop.

Well, it’s finally here July 27, the day H-D releases images and info to the world about what to keep their eyes out for on its dealer’s showroom floors in the upcoming months. Here you’ll find a very brief rundown highlighting the some of the new or key features on the 32, 2011 Harley-Davidson models. For a more in-depth look be sure to read our CVO round up in the November 2010 issue of HOT BIKE, followed by the 2011 OE lineup in the December 2010 issue.

To start things off let’s look at the creme de le creme, the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models. Big 110-cubic inch engines, gobs of chrome, limited edition paint and limited quantities, the CVOs are geared towards those who want nothing but the best Harley has to offer. This year the Motor Company has four models in its CVO program, three baggers (Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Street Glide, Road Glide Ultra) and one Softail (Softail Convertible). Some of these models are experiencing multiple years as CVOs while this is the first time ever for a Road Glide Ultra in any form, as a CVO or even an OE model.

Big News:
The big news for the CVO models this year is that most of the models come with 8-gig iPod Nanos, and/or upgraded audio/electronics.

For the first time ever H-D gave the Ultra treatment (King Tour-Pak, rear speakers, CB, fairing lowers etc) to a Road Glide. Combine that with the 110ci engine, six-speed transmission, tons of chrome, shark nose fairing, and limited paint schemes and you have one of the sharpest looking touring bikes on the market.

Here are some of the new highlights of the 2011 CVO Road Glide Ultra:

NEW Road Tech™ zumo 660 GPS unit with integrated handlebar mount and Navigation Interface Module feeds GPS verbal commands to the radio speakers
NEW 40-watt per channel Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System features four BOOM! Audio™ High Performance BOOM! Bagger speakers, XM satellite radio, CB/intercom with two headsets, and a new amplifier with customized equalization for the BOOM! Audio speakers.
NEW 8GB Apple® iPod Nano with an etched Bar & Shield logo connects to the audio system through an iPod interface and iPod holder located in the saddlebag.
NEW Road Glide wind deflectors fit on top of the engine guards and redirect turbulent air from the area between the fairing and the fuel tank

Stripped down and ready to run the highways in style, the Street Glide has become a hit in the H-D lineup. Young and old seem to flock to this bike for its looks and comfort. And with the 2011 CVO Street Glide you are essentially getting the best of both worlds; long distance touring comfort/storage and custom styling. It’s basically a hot rod bagger. Some of the highlights of this year’s CVO Street Glide include:

NEW 19-inch, 7-spoke Agitator front wheel and Agitator floating brake rotors with chrome center web
NEW Side-fill fuel tank with flush-mount LED fuel gauge and flush-mount cap
NEW High-output audio system with eight speakers boosted by a 100-watt per channel high-efficiency amplifier
NEW 8GB Apple® iPod Nano with an etched Bar & Shield logo connects to the audio system through an iPod interface and iPod holder located in the saddle bag
NEW Low-profile seat with snake-style leather inserts and matching passenger backrest pad
NEW Smoked, 7-inch Electra Glide(r) wind deflector

For those the like to get on the bike and do 1,000-mile stretches like it’s just a another trip to the store the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide is definitely the bike of choice. Loaded to the hilt with all the comforts to make long hauls go by with the blink of an eye, the Ultra Classic Electra Glide is like the Winnebago of the H-D lineup-once you’re in it you don’t want/need to leave it. Here are some of the key highlights for the 2011 CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide:

NEW Navigation Interface Module provides an internal connection to the dash-mounted Road Tech™ zumo 660 GPS unit and feeds GPS verbal commands to the radio speakers
NEW Hammock-style suspended, dual-control heated seat with leather inserts and reshaped rider area
NEW Spring-board style suspension system in the passenger area
NEW Passenger backrest with adjustable lumbar support and leather inserts has “Ultra Electra Glide” monogram. An adjustable rider backrest also has leather inserts

If you really want to have a bike that can do double duty as a main street show bike and a highway getaway, then you’ll definitely want to look into the CVO Softail Convertible. In a matter of seconds you can strip off the windshield/mini fairing and saddlebags and you are ready to line up at the stoplight and take on any challengers. What’s that, the ol’ lady wants to get away for the weekend? No worries, just slap on the bags and windshield, add a few nights worth of clothes and send her on her way. Here are some of the key features of the 2011 CVO Softail Convertible:

NEW Electronic throttle control with cruise control standard
NEW Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
NEW Detachable compact fairing with integrated audio system featuring 3.5-inch 2-way speakers, 20W per channel amp, and 8GB Apple® iPod Nano with etched Bar & Shield logo and protective CVO pouch
NEW Chrome, 1.25-inch welded mini-ape handlebar
NEW Keyless ignition system with CVO™ backlit medallion on the tank console

2011 OE Lineup
Ok, so there are some significant and really cool upgrades/features on the CVO models for 2011. As for the OE lineup we’d say Harley played it safe and kept the 2011 OE lineup pretty simple with three new models, the Sportster SuperLow, the XR1200X, and the Road Glide Ultra (similar to the CVO just without the 110ci engine and the other CVO goodies/refinements). Just because there aren’t ton of new models to oogle over doesn’t mean there isn’t some exciting news to report for the OE lineup, there is.

Touring Models
The touring models feature new seats, which include new seats pans narrower width, and deeper buckets. The big news for the touring models is that Harley now offers a PowerPak for select touring models. The PowerPak includes a 103ci engine, ABS, Smart Security System and new engine identifiers. The PowerPak is claimed to put out 102ft-lbs of torque at 3,500 rpm, 9.6 percent more than the 96ci engines. The PowerPak will be available as an option for the Street Glide and Road Glide Custom.

The Power Pak will be standard on the Road King Classic, Road Glide Ultra, and Electra Glide Ultra Limited.

The Road King, Electra Glide Classic, and Ultra Classic Electra Glide will only come with the 96ci engine.

Due to customer/dealer feedback and requests the Road Glide Custom and Street Glide will return to the balanced look of a two-into-two exhaust setup.

Here are the 2011 OE Touring models and some highlights:

NEW Security Package Option including factory-installed Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
NEW Sculpted seat for added comfort and easier straddling

NEW PowerPak setup with large, 1690 cc, Twin Cam 103™ engine, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob
NEW Sculpted seat for added comfort and easier straddling
NEW Tank medallion styling
NEW Black powder-coated powertrain with chrome covers

NEW Security Package Option including factory-installed Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
NEW Sculpted seat for added comfort and easier straddling

NEW Security Package Option including factory-installed Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
NEW Sculpted seat for added comfort and easier straddling

NEW PowerPak setup with large, 1690 cc, Twin Cam 103™ engine, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob
NEW Sculpted seat for added comfort and easier straddling

NEW Optional PowerPak setup with large, 1690 cc, Twin Cam 103™ engine, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Harley-Davidson(r) Smart Security System with hands-free fob
NEW Security Package Option including factory-installed Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
NEW Sculpted seat for added comfort and easier straddling
NEW Custom floorboard for comfort and confidence

NEW PowerPak setup with large, 1690 cc, Twin Cam 103™ engine, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob
NEW Injection Molded King Tour-Pak® with soft luggage liners, storage pockets and wrap-around rear tail/brake lights; 2.26 cu. ft. volume
NEW Vented lower fairings with integral storage compartments
NEW 80-watt, four-speaker Harmon/Kardon® Advanced Audio with CD/MP3 player, and CB/Intercom
NEW One-piece, two-up Electra Glide® classic comfort stitch seat shaped to improve rider leg reach to the ground, and to provide better lower back support

NEW Optional PowerPak setup with large, 1690 cc, Twin Cam 103™ engine, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob
NEW Security Package Option including factory-installed Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
NEW Sculpted seat for added comfort and improved ground reach
NEW Custom floorboard

2011 V-Rods
There are two V-Rod models offered this year, the Night Rod Special and the V-Rod Muscle, both of which will be offered with a new Security Package option that includes Harley-Davidson’s Smart Security system with hands-free fob and ABS brakes. Also new this year are Michelin Scorcher tires and color options.

2011 Sportsters
Sportsters are gaining a big resurgence amongst young riders, new riders, women, and well, actually everybody. This year H-D offers two new Sporty models at two opposite ends of the spectrum. On one end you have the SuperLow aimed at the beginner rider and at the other end you have the XR1200X for those who like speed, performance, and handling. Then you still have the Nightster, Forty-Eight, Sporster Low, and Iron for the rest of the crowd.

Totally geared towards the new rider, the SuperLow features revised steering geometry with wider lock to lock movement, increased seat padding with a 25 1/2-inch seat height, a 68/29 (2.34:1) final drive ratio matched to the rear tire diameter to help promote smooth acceleration at stops and low speed, smaller 18-inch front wheel, and radial tires just to name a few.

NEW Wheel size: front 18 x 3.5 inches, rear 17 x 4.5 inches
NEW 4.5-gallon fuel tank for extended range
NEW Easy-reach handlebar
NEW Revised rear suspension with 2.5 inches wheel travel for added comfort

Another new model in the Sportster lineup is the XR1200X. with its long history in racing, Harley has updated one of its most iconic models, the XR750 with this distant relative the XR1200X. Last year we saw the XR1200 and this year the XR1200X carries many of the same characteristics except with a more sporty/performance oriented edge with Showa adjustable front and rear suspension, Nissin dual front brakes with 292mm full-floating rotors and four piston calipers.

• Isolation-mounted XL Evolution® 1200 cc V-Twin engine with black powder-coated finish features downdraft Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), high-performance camshafts, precision oil-cooled cylinder heads and a large-capacity oil cooler
• Upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight-shot exhaust system with satin black finish
• Cast aluminum swingarm
• 3.5-gallon fuel tank with aircraft-style aluminum alloy fuel filler

2011 Dynas
With their classic styling and broad palette for customization, the Motor Company didn’t fuss with the Dyna family too much for 2011. This years offering includes four models all of which received new paint options.

2011 Softails
One of the most popular groups in the Harley lineup, the Softail models received several new upgrades and options across the board such as new hand controls with the trip/odometer switch relocated to the left hand control and a single hazard switch incorporated into the right control. The new controls also sport fewer/smaller wires to make handlebars swaps easier. Also new is a larger odometer readout with gear and RPM display. Another new element is the availability of an ABS option for all models except the Cross Bones. The ABS option is part of the Security Package for an MSRP $1,195.

2011 Trikes
Yes there are still trikes in available in the 2011 lineup. There are two models, the Tri Glide Ultra Classic and the Street Glide Trike. Both models feature 103ci engines, six speed transmissions, new paint options, an updated body section and a 30-tooth transmission output sprocket for better launch and passing performance.