Mount up for the ride of your life

Harley-Davidson is one of the most established motorcycle brands in the UAE and has been operating since 1989. It had humble beginnings, starting off in an aircraft hangar at Abu Dhabi International Airport and expanding to two designer stores located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

According to Mr Marcel A Bode, General Manager of Harley-Davidson in the UAE, it is dominating the local big-bike market, which he defines as over 650 cubic centimetres (cc), a term which refers to the total volume of air/fuel mixture an engine can draw in during one complete engine cycle.

The custom vehicle operations (CVO) bikes are created in limited edition. They are available in four models, which are categorised by their frame, engine, suspension, and other characteristics. They have been decked out in a range of colours and eye-catching designs, as well as the trademark Harley-Davidson features. If you are to believe Harley Davidson, these colourful bikes should be on a pedestal and not on the road. Priced between Dh115,000 and Dh150,000, you might be reluctant to take them out on the roads and just show them off.

Over the years, motorbikes have become a popular form of transport because of their elegant design, and their convenience in big cities such as Dubai. In the UAE, the Harley Owners Group includes many professionals who love riding Harley Davidsons.

When asked which famous names had traded their luxury cars for the stylish bikes, Bode remained tight-lipped. “Harley-Davidson never reveals who is riding their product from a privacy protection point of view. Believe me, a lot of celebrities are riding with our products and recently a lot of Indian celebrities joined our family,” said Bode.

The custom bikes’ names are unusual and evoke images of trailblazing down the highway and touring along winding roads.

Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide is a touring bike and has all the special add-ons for long-distance trips, including touring Cross-Over mufflers that provide solid sound and feel and a premium luggage rack. The most expensive, it costs Dh149,000. The Screamin’ Eagle Road King (pictured above) is another touring bike but the road kings have a more retro appearance. The CVO model, priced at Dh139,900 features redesigned custom leather seat, backrests and saddlebags.

The colour combinations, of either Twilight Blue and Candy Cobalt or Black Diamond and Silver Dust are finished off with Ghost Flame Graphics. Frame and swingarm colours are matched with each paint scheme.

The Screamin’ Eagle Dyna, priced at Dh115,900, is a street machine and looks the part with its hot rod styling. According to Harley-Davidson, it has a “ wicked combination of street style and performance”. The six-speed Cruise Drive transmission offers lower cruising rpm in top gear and an active intake and exhaust system enhances performance and sound quality. The powertrain is finished in a new CVO-exclusive Granite coat with chrome covers.