MILWAUKEE (August 25, 2014) – Harley-Davidson^® takes fit further with the 2015 Ultra Limited Low motorcycle, a new model that offer the lowest seat height, and the highest rider confidence, available in a premium touring bike. The seat is slammed to get a rider’s feet closer to the road, but that’s just one of the ergonomic enhancements built into this new Low model that offers more freedom to more riders, right off the showroom floor.

From the width of the primary drive housing to the diameter of the hand grips, Harley-Davidson went over its premium Touring motorcycles from top to bottom, responding to customer input to develop a better fit for riders as short as 5 feet 5 inches tall. Visually indistinguishable from standard Harley-Davidson Touring models, the Ultra Limited Low is also equipped with the full complement of Project RUSHMORE features that have recalibrated the expectations of touring for motorcyclists. The look, sound and feel of the premium Harley-Davidson Touring experience is unaltered, but the fit will be right for more riders.

“With this new model we are addressing the important issue of fit, perhaps the ultimate expression of personalization,” said Michelle Kumbier, Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President of Motorcycle Operations. “This Low model will allow many riders to feel more comfortable and more confident when they settle into the seat.”

The Ultra Limited Low shares a package of features designed to work together to address comfort and fit issues specific to riders of shorter stature.

• A seat height of 25.6 inches – 1.7 inches lower than the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic model and the lowest of any premium touring motorcycle on the market today – allows more riders to place both feet flat on the ground when the motorcycle is stopped. A new low-profile seat reduces the reach to the foot controls. Premium front and rear suspension lowers the bike’s center of gravity and makes it easier to lift the motorcycle off its side stand, yet delivers outstanding comfort and handling.

• The width of both the primary drive housing and derby cover has been reduced to further improve leg clearance to the ground.

• A new handlebar places hand controls two inches closer to the rider, putting many riders in a more comfortable position that can reduce back and shoulder strain.

• Smaller-diameter hand grips reduce finger reach to the brake and clutch levers.

• Assist and Slip hydraulic clutch reduces lever effort, a key benefit in stop-and-go traffic.

• A new passenger footboard mount allows the footboards to be folded up so they are out of the way when pushing the motorcycle in a garage or driveway.

• A new toe tab extension reduces foot reach required to retract the side stand.

The 2015 Ultra Limited Low redefines touring motorcycle refinement. The Twin- Cooled™ High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine delivers steady performance in any riding situation.  A Touch screen and GPS navigation are features of the 100-watt Boom! ™ Box 6.5GT infotainment system. Contrast chrome Impeller cast aluminum wheels, rich two-tone paint schemes, a premium Tour-Pak luggage rack, premium saddlebag travel bags and a premium Tour-Pak travel-pak are among the deluxe features of the Ultra Limited Low.

MILWAUKEE (August 25, 2014) – Propelled by Project RUSHMORE, the global launch of the Street^™750 motorcycle and the electric buzz of Project LiveWire^™, Harley-Davidson^® (NYSE:HOG) stays hard on the throttle with the introduction of its 2015 model line-up. Combining world-class aerodynamics, exhilarating audio performance and dialed-in ergonomic fit, Harley-Davidson expands its diverse offering of motorcycles and gives riders more ways than ever before to lead their own pack to the open road.

“The broad 2015 Harley-Davidson model lineup demonstrates our commitment to delivering amazing products to our customers through world-class, customer-led product design,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “We are one with our riders around the world, and everything we do is about delivering what they expect and deserve from Harley-Davidson.”

MILWAUKEE (August 25, 2014) – The 2015 Harley-Davidson^® Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)^™  line-up wields big paint, killer wheels, massive power, exclusive technology, and custom-shop details to create four fabulous, limited-production factory custom motorcycles ready to stir the soul of the most demanding rider.

The all-new CVO^™ Street Glide model is a hot-rod bagger boasting a new Boom! Audio system backed by 600 watts of power streaming through four bi-amped front and rear three-way speakers for exhilarating volume and clarity. Boasting best-in-class aerodynamic performance, the all-new CVO^™ Road Glide Ultra model combines a full complement of premium touring amenities with triple slipsteam vents on the all-new frame-mounted fairing. Long-haul travel with style is the mission of the CVO^™ Limited model, refreshed for 2015 with new polished chrome Slicer wheels and the Airflow Collection of accessories. The nostalgic character of the CVO™ Softail^® Deluxe model is updated with a new braking system and two-tone paint options.

Harley-Davidson CVO motorcycles are customized using exclusive components and paint treatments combined with numerous items from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. The CVO program is often used to introduce new custom components and techniques before they are offered as individual accessories.

Each Harley-Davidson CVO model is powered by a 110ci V-Twin engine, the largest-displacement Original Equipment engine offered by Harley-Davidson and only available from the factory in CVO motorcycles. The 2015 CVO Limited, CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide Ultra feature the Screamin’ Eagle^® Twin-Cooled^™ Twin Cam 110^™ engine with a combination of air-cooled and precision liquid-cooling strategies to maintain peak performance under the most demanding loads and riding conditions. The 2015 CVO Softail Deluxe is powered by the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 V-Twin engine. All models are equipped with the Assist & Slip Clutch Pack that provides a slip feature on downshifts to reduce loading of the driveline, and hydraulic clutch actuation to reduce lever effort and maintenance. Harley-Davidson CVO models are factory-equipped with electronic cruise control, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), keyless ignition and the H-D Factory Security System, and an indoor/outdoor storage cover with the CVO logo.

The 2014 AMA Nationals season is over and all the trucks are headed back to their home ports—some ladened down with Championship gold and some with disappointed riders.

Ken Roczen did what he had to do. He won the Championship by being the most consistent guy in the class. This was Kenny’s fourth year in America and he earned everything that came to him through hard work. Oh maybe he didn’t work hard enough for the first couple years, but he applied himself over the last year. His well-known late season fade showed signs of rearing its ugly head at mid-summer, but Kenny resisted and pulled through.

Trey Canard is like the Bionic Man. He is as good as medical science can make him. Trey had two things going for him in 2014, apart from his talent: (1) he believes in himself. (2) Honda believes in him. Up until the final round of the 2014 AMA 450 National Championships Trey had never won a 450 Nationals, but Honda signed him to a second two-year contract (and the one he signed before this was in spite of his broken body). Honda has not  been a winner in years, but they have been Championship caliber in their dealings with Trey. Kudoes to Honda for believeing. Trey wants to deliver and virtually every motocross fans wants him to deliver. Job well done.

Ryan Dungey did not lose the 2014 Title in the Indiana mud—Ken Roczen won it there. No rider has ever lost a Championship…instead, a different rider won it. Ryan Dungey can hold his head up high, even if his bank account didn’t grow by leaps and bounds with the $1,000,000 Championship bonus. Kenny will now go to Suzuki and take the number 1 plate with him. That might be a bummer for KTM, but they can bask in the glow of going one-two in the 2014 Championship

Jeremy Martin started the 2014 season out by being a running joke in the Supercross season. He couldn’t make the 250 mains. Well, the joke is on everybody else now, because from the drop of the gate at Glen Helen Jeremy Martin was in the zone. He didn’t just win the title—he owned it.

James Stewart sat at home at the end of the 450 Nationals. Suzuki didn’t even bother to send out a press release saying that he wouldn’t be in Utah, which is just as well because the previous press release left more unanswered questions than they answereds. Hopefully, Bubba will put his trouble behind him for 2015.

UTAH RESULTS: 450 CLASS

1. Trey Canard (Hon)……………..1-1
2. Ryan Dungey (KTM)…………..2-2
3. Eli Tomac (Hon)…………………4-3
4. Ken Roczen (KTM)……………..3-4
5. Brett Metcalfe (Kaw)……………7-5
6. Ryan Sipes (KTM)……………….9-6
7. Andrew Short (KTM)…………..6-12
8. Fredrik Noren (Hon)…………..10-9
9. Weston Peick (Suz)…………….13-7
10. Justin Brayton (Yam)………..12-8

UTAH RESULTS: 250 CLASS

1. Jeremy Martin (Yam)…………..1-1
2. Blake Baggett (Kaw)…………….3-3
3. Cooper Webb (Yam)……………2-4
4. Justin Bogle (Hon)………………6-2
5. Marvin Musquin (KTM)……….4-5
6. Chris Alldredge (Kaw)………….5-8
7. Joey Savatgy (KTM)……………..8-7
8. Dean Wilson (Kaw)……………..10-6
9. Zach Osborne (Hon)……………..7-9
10. R.J. Hampshire (Hon)…………9-11

FINAL 450 AMA NATIONAL POINTS STANDINGS

1. Ken Roczen………………532
2. Ryan Dungey……………518
3. Trey Canard……………..468
4. Brett Metcalfe……………334
5. Eli Tomac…………………319
6. Andrew Short……………302
7. Weston Peick…………….290
8. Josh Grant………………..259
9. James Stewart…………..226
10. Fredrik Noren…………..207

FINAL 250 AMA NATIONAL POINTS STANDINGS

1. Jeremy Martin……………….500
3. Blake Baggett………………..421
2. Cooper Webb………………..419
4. Marvin Musquin……………408
6. Justin Bogle…………………..368
5. Christophe Pourcel…………355
7. Jason Anderson……………..276
8. Cole Seely……………………..260
9. Jessy Nelson………………….252
10. Dean Wilson………………..230

The Motocross stars of tomorrow were out in force this weekend at Lierneux in Belgium for the 2014 edition of the World Junior Motocross Championship which saw KTM riders dominating the competition and sweeping the podiums in both the 65cc and 85cc classes.

UNADILLA RESULTS: 450 CLASS

1. Ryan Dungey……….1-2
2. Trey Canard…………..4-1
3. Eli Tomac………………3-3
4. Ken Roczen………….2-4
5. Justin Brayton…………6-7
6. Andrew Short……….5-8
7. Weston Peick………..10-5
8. Phil Nicoletti…………..7-9
9. Brett Metcalfe……….12-6
10. Fredrik Noren……..8-10
Other notables: 11. Ryan Sipes; 13. Jake Weimer; 15. Killy Rusk; 20. Kyle Chisholm; 22. Michael Byrne; 39. Chad Reed.

UNADILLA RESULTS: 250 CLASS

1. Christophe Pourcel…..1-2
2, Jeremy Martin…………..3-1
3. Marvin Musquin……….2-5
4. Justin Bogle……………..5-3
5. Blake Baggett…………..6-4
6. Dean Wilson…………….4-6
7. Joey Savatgy………… 9-9
8. Chris Alldredge……….13-8
9. Alex Martin……………..12-10
10. Shane McElrath……..10-13
Other notables: 11. Jessy Nelson; 13. R.J. Hampshire; 14. Zach Osborne; 15. Cooper Webb; 16. Cole Seely;  17. Luke Renzland.

450 AMA NATIONAL POINTS STANDINGS

(After 10 of 12 races)
1. Ken Roczen……………..447
2. Ryan Dungey…………..440
3. Trey Canard……………..373
4. Brett Metcalfe…………..280
5. Eli Tomac………………..252
6. Andrew Short…………..247
7. Weston Peick…………..244
8. James Stewart………….226
9. Josh Grant………………..218
10. Fredrik Noren………….159

250 AMA NATIONAL POINTS STANDINGS

(After 10 of 12 races)
1. Jeremy Martin……………422
3. Blake Baggett…………….356
2. Cooper Webb……………..348
4. Marvin Musquin………….329
5. Christophe Pourcel……..321
6. Justin Bogle……………….310
7. Jason Anderson………….243
8. Cole Seely………………….225
9. Jessy Nelson………………200
10. Dean Wilson……………..176

The KTM Enduro Factory Racing Team had reason to celebrate on Sunday when French rider Christophe Nambotin added the 2014 Enduro 1 World Championship title to his trophy collection when racing at the GP of Italy in Lumezzane.

As teams prepare for the Indianapolis round this weekend, the rider/team relationships for next year are being finalized. Earlier this week, Cal Crutchlow announced he was leaving the factory Ducati team for LCR Honda. This has made room for the move by Andrea Iannone up to the full factory Ducati squad as teammate to Andrea Dovizioso next year.

Crutchlow slots into Stefan Bradl’s seat at LCR, while Bradl will move over to Forward Yamaha next year.

Completing the puzzle, Yamaha today announced it has signed a two-year extension agreement with former champ Jorge Lorenzo.  Here is the press release from Yamaha:

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd and Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo are delighted to announce that they have signed a new two-year agreement that sees the Mallorcan complete the Movistar Yamaha line up for the next two seasons. The agreement realises Lorenzo’s wish to continue his premier class career with Yamaha, extending the relationship from seven to nine years. Both Yamaha and Lorenzo are confident that the partnership has the potential to deliver a third title and will continue to work towards this goal.

Lin Jarvis – Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing

I am very happy we have reached an agreement for Jorge to continue as a Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider. The new agreement extends Jorge’s seven-year partnership with Yamaha. He started with us as a rookie back in 2008 and together we achieved many great results including 31 GP victories and two MotoGP Rider World Champion titles in 2010 and 2012. The 2014 season has been a tough one for Jorge so far but I am hoping that the confirmation of this new agreement will give him the peace of mind to be able to focus 100% of his energy on the remaining races. Last year we saw what he was able to do when the going was tough and he was fighting back from mid-season injuries so we know that the potential is there for a strong second half to the 2014 season. For 2015 and beyond we have no doubt that Jorge will be a strong title contender and we will do our very best to provide him with the materials and the support he needs to be able to realize our shared ambitions.”

Jorge Lorenzo

“I am very happy to finally be able to make this announcement. It is a relief to be able to now completely focus on the remainder of the 2014 season in the knowledge that our relationship will continue for the next two seasons. It has always been my wish to continue my career with Yamaha; I strongly believe we can fight for a third title together. This season has been very challenging after a difficult start, however we will continue to take it race by race, giving 100% until Valencia. I want to thank Yamaha for their continued belief in me and all the Yamaha fans around the world who continue to support me. After the summer break I’m excited to be back at Indy with my team and focused again on riding.”

A massive storm may have broken over circuit at Lommel in the closing stages of the MXGP of Belgium on Sunday but nothing dampened the spirits of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team after Tony Cairoli and Ken de Dycker picked up a 1-2 overall in the 15th round of the Motocross World Championship. British rider Shaun Simpson finished overall third to make it a clean podium sweep for the Austrian brand in the big class.

All-New Model Flaunts Massive Bad Attitude and Mile-Devouring Function

MILWAUKEE (August 1, 2014) – Harley-Davidson^® (NYSE:HOG) has more rush in the tank. Spy photos, gossip and wild speculation are flooding the Internet as Harley-Davidson fans around the globe anticipate the return of the Road Glide^® motorcycle. The wait is over and the Road Glide Special is here.

Weeks before the announcement of its complete 2015 model line-up, Harley-Davidson is previewing the Road Glide Special, one of its new 2015 motorcycles. Infused with DNA of the customer-led product development effort Project RUSHMORE, the sleek, shark-nose Touring model is being revealed today at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, USA.

“Road Glide has always had an incredibly passionate following, which is why its return to the model line-up is exciting for our customers and our company,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “With Project Rushmore technology, intuitive features and great new styling, we’re delivering an improved ride for the Road Glide faithful and the many others looking for more cool Project Rushmore motorcycle options.”

One look at the new contour of the famous Road Glide Special fairing is all it takes to see past form and convention were put aside and a new rebellious design emerged. The Road Glide Special motorcycle earned its status satisfying the hard core and now it is back. From the wicked new Dual Reflector Daymaker™ LED headlights to the hand-adjustable low-profile rear suspension, the Road Glide Special motorcycle is proof of what can happen when you hold a higher standard and take the time required to meet it. The Road Glide Special sets out to make the ultimate statement in custom, high-mile aggression and backs it up with all the function riders demand.

“The Road Glide has always been a bike for a rider who’s cut from a different cloth, a person who wants to make a statement as they chase the freedom of the road,” said Mike Goche, Manager, Product Planning. “This new model respects that spirit while offering a significant improvement in comfort, and the full suite of Project RUSHMORE features that have been such a huge hit with touring riders around the world.”

Road Glide Special

Shaped by countless hours of wind tunnel testing, the new frame-mounted  Road Glide Special fairing features a triple Splitstream fairing that significantly reduces head buffeting while still providing  comfortable airflow around the rider. The brilliant white beams of the Dual Daymaker™ Reflector LED headlamp blasts through the murkiest of nights. Centered in the inner fairing is the premium Boom! ™ Box 6.5GT infotainment system with touch screen and GPS navigation which can also be controlled by twin joysticks located on a new swept-back handlebar that puts the rider in a commanding, comfortable position. A High Output Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin engine burbles through two chrome mufflers, its abundant torque always on tap with just a twist of the throttle. Touring features include One-Touch hard saddlebags, cruise control and easy-to-read gauges. For extra ride confidence the Road Glide Special features Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS and an exclusive painted inner fairing and hand-applied pinstriping move the styling up a notch