New Models: Harley-Davidson Blackline

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

Forget massive amounts of chrome and bling, Harley-Davidson’s new 2011Blackline model, a member of the Softail line, keeps it simple with a sparse look and loads of black. From its bobbed rear fender to its Split Drag handlebars with internal wiring, the Blackline is a bike that’s been “pared to the bone” and “stripped to the legal limit,” according to Harley.  

Did I mention black? The Blackline has a black denim powdercoated frame, rear fender support and swingarm and gloss black powercoated covers. The triple clamps and lower forks are black. So are the rims and headlight bucket. The comes in three color schemes – black,  orange and black and blue and black.

Two stats on the Blackline stand out: A seat height of 24 inches, which makes it the lowest motorcycle offered by Harley for two-up riding, and a five-gallon gas tank. The 96 cubic inch V-Twin motor with six-speed transmission will get an estimated 54 mpg highway and 35 mpg city. Weight is  638.5 pounds dry.

The MSRP for the Blackline is $15,499 in black and $15,998 in two-tone.