Inside Harley-Davidson’s Dark Custom Line

When people think of Harley-Davidson, they picture an old man sitting atop a mountain of chrome and to be fair, that describes my father to a T. He’s been riding a heavily accessorized Heritage Softail for well over a decade and loving every minute of it. Although stereotypes often contain an ounce of truth, they never tell the whole story. Is Harley-Davidson reaching a new generation of riders?

You might be surprised to learn that Harley-Davidson sold more motorcycles in 2008 to men and women aged 18-34 in the U.S. than any other manufacturer, and have expanded that lead every year since. This includes all displacements, but if you solely focus on Heavyweight motorcycles (651cc+), they sold almost half the motorcycles registered. Harley-Davidson currently makes over thirty models, but the driving factor behind their success is seven motorcycles that comprise Dark Custom. The retro-inspired line reflects Harley-Davidson’s 100+ years of inspiration and innovation, and clearly has struck a chord.

Iron 883: This Sportster was introduced in 2011 and is among the best selling models. Black paint complements the extensive black powder coating on the 883cc engine. The lowered suspension, chopped fenders, side-mounted license plate, drag bars and fork gaiters give it an unmistakable retro feel. Prices start at $7,999. More info.


Nightster: If you like the Iron 883, the Nightster shares most styling queues, but substitutes a more powerful 1200cc engine. The grey powder coating complements a variety of colorful paint schemes including Blue Pearl. Prices start at $9,999. More info.


Forty-Eight: the Forty-Eight is the newest Sportster in the Dark Custom line. It shares the 1200cc engine along with the Nightster, but has a more minimal, aggressive stance reflected in the one piece seat, under mounted mirrors, tall and fat tires and forward foot controls. The only drawback is the limited range of the gorgeous 2.1 gallon “peanut” tank. Prices start at $10,499. More info.


Street Bob: Returning WWII servicemen stripped down motorcycles to increase their power to weight ratio and ended up with a distinctive look known as “bobbers”. The Street Bob is a tribute to that era with many period features including chopped fenders, coil-over shock absorbers, solo seat and ape-hanger handlebars. Although the look is rooted in the 40’s and 50’s, the 1584cc Twin Cam V-Twin engine and six-speed transmission are decidedly modern. Prices start at $12,999. More info.


Fat Bob: The second Dyna in the Dark Custom line shares the powertrain of the Street Bob, but has a wider stance thanks to the addition of a bobtail rear fender, long range 5 gallon fuel tank, drag style handlebars, and 130mm front and 180mm rear tires. Also notice trick accessories like twin headlamps and 2-1-2 exhaust. Prices start at $14,999. More info.


Blackline: The newest addition to the Dark Custom family is the Blackline. Although this Softail has a 1584cc Twin Cam V-Twin engine, six-speed transmission and 5 gallon fuel tank, it has a remarkably low-slung profile. The seat height is only 24 inches off the ground, the lowest two-up seat offered by Harley-Davidson. The rear suspension is concealed under the chasis giving the bike the lines of a hardtail. Classic elements like a horseshoe oil tank and round air filter cover complete the package. Prices start at $15,499. More info.


Cross Bones: While the Blackline strives to keep a low profile, the Cross Bones is built to attract attention. This softail shares the same powertrain and many design elements, but what sets it apart is the high ape-hanger bars, springer-type front fork and sprung solo seat. It evokes memories of a long-gone era, but those memories come at a price starting at $16,999. More info.