At Sturgis 2012 and the marketing spin on the delayed launch of new 110th Anniversary models.
A couple weeks back, Harley-Davidson announced its 2013 model lineup.
I’ll cut to the chase.
What the marketing department portrays as a launch at the intersection between craft, art, and technology… it is in truth mostly carryovers and there is little to stimulate excitement other than a new paint scheme. Adding fuel to the excitement starved debate is how H-D was late to release the 2013 motorcycles compared to previous years. Why did the motor company avoid the traditional opportunity to showcase the new models at Sturgis? Instead having a wooden crate on display with the launch date stamped on it for later in August. I was disappointed and thought it was a bit lame, but it likely stopped people from asking the pesky question of where are the ’13 models, over and over of the Sturgis staff. They could just point to the box…
Post Sturgis and as expected (and previously blogged HERE) there are a number of 110th Anniversary models receiving the press attention. Understandable, given its the kick-off celebration of the 110th Anniversary. Recently at the Harley-Davidson Museum, and then in a Europe continuation of the festivities at European Bike Week in Faaker See, Austria, on Sept. 4-9, 2012. However, the ‘official’ Harley-Davidson Anniversary Celebrations will unfold in Rome, June 13-16, 2013, and in Milwaukee, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2013.
H-D vendor area at Sturgis 2012
There will be ten models available as part of the 110th Anniversary Editions. They will have unique serial number plates and Anniversary Vintage Bronze/Anniversary Vintage Black paint (CVO models get Diamond Dust/Obsidian paint). Each will feature commemorative solid bronze fuel tank badges plated in black nickel and then distressed to highlight the bronze. A bright gold-tone Bar and Shield cloisonné is inserted in the main body of the “single wing” badge along with special anniversary badging and trim. All of the Anniversary Editions will be loaded up with factory-installed options as ‘standard equipment’ including a premium price between $665 and $2,495 over the non-Anniversary models.
The ten 110th Anniversary Edition Harley-Davidsons are:
- 1200 Custom 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 1,500): MSRP $11,699
- Super Glide® Custom 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 1,450): MSRP $15,999
- Fat Boy® Lo 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 1,750): MSRP $19,499
- Heritage Softail® Classic 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 1,900): MSRP $20,799
- Road King® 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 1,750): MSRP $20,999
- Electra Glide® Ultra Limited 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 3,750): MSRP $25,999
- Tri Glide® Ultra Classic® 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of1,450): MSRP $33,499
- CVO™ Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 1,100): MSRP $38,599
- CVO™ Road King® 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 900): MSRP $30,999
- CVO™ Road Glide® Custom 110th Anniversary Edition (limited to a quantity of 900): MSRP $33,999
Historically the Anniversary models become a collector item and sometimes retain higher resale value. In addition, for 2013, the motor company is pushing the Hard Candy Custom program, a shout-out to the styling movement from the chopper era of the 1960s that showcases metal flake paint, and styling details. The motor company also introduced the new CVO™ Breakout™ model.
Photos taken by author at Sturgis 2012 and courtesy of H-D.
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