Story by Wendy Manning. Photos and Video courtesy ofHarley-Davidson {phocagallery view=categories|categoryid=787|imagecategories=0|}
“All the kids are playin’ in the street again,” roars the L.A. band “Billy Boy on Poison” in the ad for Harley-Davidson’s new Dark Softail, the Blackline, driving home the message “this ain’t your dad’s Harley.” Designed with the young and hip in mind, the Blackline starts at just $15,499 retail and has all the visual elements of the original bobber movement, combined with the raw, hand-hewn style embraced by today’s young builders. The bike was unveiled last month at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.
The rear fender is bobbed high-and-tight over a slim, 144 mm tire that emphasizes an authentic hardtail profile. The compact headlight and speedometer are tucked low into the wide, FX front end. The rider hugs the frame on the lowest two-up seat H-D offers, and reaches high for the new Split Drag handlebar that bolts right to the top triple-clamp. Color options for the Blackline are Vivid Black, Cool Blue Pearl and Vivid Black, and Sedona Orange and Vivid Black.
While there’s nothing startlingly new about the bike, it does harken back to the look of the Harleys of the 1980s, which would be about the era during which its targeted riders would have grown up and now have the money to make such a purchase. The 35-and-over crowd can say what they want, but it’s only going to come off as sour grapes, or go in one ear and out the other. Seriously, when was the last time a 20-something didn’t appease you with what you wanted to hear, then walked away and did exactly as they pleased? Hey, I’ve got three of them, so I know what I’m talking about. But I think the Black Line is smart marketing by The Motor Company, seeing how a great number of the kids who grew up in the ’80s are now educated and employed. They’re on the upward swing as far as income goes, while the rest of us seem to be slowly sliding backwards, looking for second jobs, or just plain cutting back. As my grandmother would say, “The world has become completely f*#%&!”
With the new Dark Softail starting at an affordable price, way-cool minimal profile, and enough horse power to just hop on and hit the road, I think H-D wants to get “all the kids playin’ in the street again” and the Blackline is an excellent starting point. To view complete specs and photos at visit Dark Custom.