Harley rolls out military-only edition

[thedrifter]

September 18, 2006
Pride in your ride
Harley rolls out military-only edition

By Rob Colenso Jr.
Staff writer

• FLSTC Softail Custom, $16,895.

If you’ve been hoping that Jesse James will show up on your doorstep with a custom-built chopper complete with military paint job, don’t hold your breath.

But don’t give up hope on owning a “moto” motorcycle, either. The celebrity bike builders from Orange County Choppers and West Coast Choppers may be too busy to hook you up, but Harley-Davidson will — if you’ve got the cash.

For 2007, the company is offering Patriot Special Edition paint jobs for a dozen models. It’s not a true custom ride, but it’s got just enough military detailing to let folks know who’s roaring by.

We’re talking red and blue accent pinstriping, an American flag on the fender and your service seal on the gas tank, all laid over a jet-black paint job.

It’s not exactly Peter Fonda’s patriotic chopper from “Easy Rider,” but you’ll be in select company — only serving military members, veterans and family members can buy one.

Customers will need to provide proof of military service. Those serving need to show a military ID or official military orders; vets need a DD214 form (if you got a dishonorable discharge, you’re out of luck). You can place an order until Jan. 15.

Harley first earned its spurs with the military back in World War I, when thousands of troops rode into combat on motorcycles. The Army used about 20,000 motorcycles in the war effort, most of them Harley-Davidsons, according to company officials. In World War II, the company produced 90,000 bikes for the military.

“Harley-Davidson is proud of the unique bond and heritage we have with the military going as far back as 1916,” said Jim McCaslin, president and chief operating officer for Harley-Davidson Motor Co. “The Patriot Special Edition is simply a way to help honor those who have served. These are special motorcycles for very special members of the Harley-Davidson family.”

Harley also offers special-edition bikes for law enforcement officers, firefighters and rescue personnel, and the Shriners of North America fraternity (you know — the guys who ride the little cars in your local 4th of July parade).

For more information on Patriot Special Edition bikes, go to www.harley-davidson.com.

The price list
The Patriot Special Edition package adds $188 to the price of each bike. Available models include:

• FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide, $20,195.

• FLHX Street Glide, $18,295.

• FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic, $17,820.

• FLHRC Road King Classic, $17,695.

• FLSTF Fat Boy, $17,095.

• FLSTC Softail Custom, $16,895.

• FXDWG Wide Glide, $16,795.

• VRSCAW V-Rod, $16,495.

• FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom, $14,645.

• XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom, $9,695.

• XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low, $9,495.

• XL883C Sportster 883 Custom, $7,795.

Ellie

[booksbenji]

More direct link: http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MO...ection=patriot