Harley-Davidson, the definitive American motorcycle manufacturer, has released its 2009 models, and there are a few surprises to take note of, including the introductions of two brand new bikes. The VRSCF V-Rod Muscle (above) builds on the same liquid cooled platform of past VR models and adds a new rear fender design, dual side exhaust pipes and revised bodywork to the wide 240 mm rear tire that some models already feature. The second new bike is The Motor Company's first trike, the Tri Glide. Using a brand new rear differential along with air suspension in back, Harley looks to capitalize on the growing three-wheeler trend in the states.
In other news, HD has also revised the frame of all its '09 Touring models, and we recently got the chance to feel the new, more solid-feeling frame ourselves. It's a definite improvement, especially important since the revised Tour-Pak is capable of holding even more gear and weight. Nearly all new Duna and Sportster models feature a new front fender said to more closely follow the contour of the front wheel, improving the appearance of the bikes in the process.
The original V-Rod was described as a muscle bike when it was introduced, competing against such intense machines as the original V Max from Yamaha and the Rocket III from Triumph. This year, The Motor Company has seen fit to actually introduce a new model based on that same VRSC platform that carries the name Muscle. Let's get this out of the way now: we're not fans of the moniker. Despite the odd name, we like what makes this machine different from other models sharing the same platform with its liquid cooled 1250cc V-Twin engine. For instance, that new rear fender with its integrated stoplight looks great, as do the dual exhausts with one pipe on each side. One questionable styling choice could be the airbox extensions, which appear riveted into place.
All VRSC models get optional ABS for their Brembo triple disc brakes, including the new VRSCF. The Muscle shares the same 240 mm rear tire that was on our Night Rod Special test bike, and it looks just as mean in this application as it did there, while that fat rubber surrounds new five spoke cast wheels.
