Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

2006 Harley-Davidsons Some say that riding a new Harley is better than sex. We went to Denver to find out the truth The new 35th anniversary Super Glide. By BLAKE CONNER PHOTOS COURTESY OF HARLEy-DAVIDSON W h an elevation of 5280 feet - measured to the 15th step of the state's capital building - Denver is nicknamed the "Mile-High City." But closer to two-miles high in the mountains just west of Denver, there are some of the best riding roads in the country. Just ask any of the thousands of Harley riders that attended Hawgfest in Winter Park, Colorado, the same weekend as the annual Harley-Davidson dealer convention and the same week as the press launch for the 2006 Harleys. Six new 2006 models and a host of changes throughout the rest of Harley's lineup were introduced to dealers and journalists the last week of July. The six new models come from the Dyna, Touring, Soltail, VRSC and eva families. Read on for more information. Dyna The new FXDBI Street Bob and the FXDI 35th anniversary Super Glide headline the Dyna range, joining the updated Super Glide, Super Glide Custom, Low Rider and Wide Glide. The entire Dyna range receives a host of updates for 2006, the most important of which is the new Six-Speed Cruise Drive transmission. Harley customers have been begging for an additional gear for years, and it has finally arrived. The taller topgear ratio reduces engine rpm for those long jaunts on the highway. The new tranny uses helical-cut gears instead of straightcut gears for improved shift feel, shorter throws and improved durability. Additionally, the redesign of the ball-andramp mechanism and a new clutch diaphragm reduce clutch effort by 3S percent, which is quite apparent on the road. In addition to the new transmission, the Twin Cam BB motor receives additional updates, including a new cam-plate design with a new roller chain, plain cam bearings and a new hydraulic automatic cam-chain 30 AUGUST 17, 2005 • CYCLE NEWS adjuster. Additionally, the oil pump's efficiency has been improved. The primary drive features new housings and a new primary chain tensioner that eliminates the need for adjustment and the need for the inspection cover. The primary drive ratio is raised from 1.44 to 1.3S3: I. There are changes to the Dyna's frame and chassis as well. The frame features new axles and wider swingarms to accom- modate the new 160mm rear tires, while the front fork diameter has been increased from 39mm to 49mm in addition to new triple clamps with different offset and new rake figures. The new Dyna Street Bob is styled after early "Bobbers" with its minimalist design, ape-hanger handlebars, midmount foot controls and solo seat. On the road, the Street Bob is a nice ride, as long as you are comfortable with the ape-hangers and seating position. Personally, I prefer the new Super Glide, especially the Evel Knievel-Iooking. 35th anniversary edition. To me, the Super Glide is the epitome of a well-balanced cruiser, with a comfortable seating position, and good handling and balance on the highway, in the twisties and around town. The red, white and blue paint scheme (a tribute to the 1971 FX Super Glide that Willie G. himself deSigned) is a love-it-or-Ieave-it affair, but the profile-laced wheels, Fat Bob fuel tank, new 160mm rear tire and shorty staggered exhausts should be popular with all. The Super Glide features midmount foot controls, pulled-back bars and a ribbed two-up seat. Only 3500 units of the 35th anniversary limited editions will be produced. TOURING There is one major addition to the Touring range for 2006: the FLHX/I Street Glide. The Street Glide is a stripped-down full dresser with obvious lineage to the Electra Glide, but without a top case (like on the

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