The legions of Harley-Davidson motorcycle fans can be VERY detail oriented, especially when it comes to the history of both their bikes and the company that made them. Study after study has found that Harley riders are among the most loyal customers in the world. They love their machines and know an amazing amount about them. That's understandable; every Harley that has ever rolled off the line is considered a classic. And it is amazing when one considers that the apparent goal of every Harley-Davidson owner is to make damn sure that his or her bike is 1) instantly recognizable and 2) like no other!
Here's a Harley that should appeal to a wide range of those owners: It is a classic design that commemorates the entire history of the company. It can be mistaken for absolutely nothing else on the road, yet it has been uniquely customized in a manner that is both aesthetically pleasing and is outrageous as all get out.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Harley-Davidson by his grandfather, H-D Design Chief William G. Davidson (known forever as Willie G.) decided that each member of the Harley-Davidson line-up would have a special anniversary model. The design basics would be the same from model to model: a rather formal Silver and Black motif that screamed "Harley!" but did so in a (perhaps surprisingly to some) very classy fashion. These 100th anniversary editions were a monster hit among both collectors and riders (who are, of course, often the same people!)
Benchmark Classics in Madison Wisconsin has a fabulous (and I mean it) Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Edition of the legendary Fat Boy. It retains all of Willie G's spectacular design details, but highlights them with a chrome and performance package that ensures that this is a Fat Boy on steroids: Big, Fast, Tough and Ripped.
Let's start with the look. There's enough chrome on this baby to have emptied out its own chromium mine! I'd strongly advise dark shades when checking out the glow...it is that bright. The fit and finish on these parts is as good or better than the stock bits; the whole bike just looks way better, transforming what was already a special machine into something that could stop traffic (if they could catch you.)
That's the second part of this Show and Go spectacular; this one WILL go! The original engine has been breathed on, massaged and expanded; it now has become an even more powerful big-bore Screaming Eagle 1550. And that famous V-Twin Harley sound rumbles through a set of Screaming Eagle pipes. What a ride!
Benchmarks Classics' Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Fat Boy Special comes with full receipts for all the work done, totaling more that $15,000! The term "Better-than-New" is one that most collectors, investors and savvy buyers have learned to question on its face. However, in this case, you can take it to the bank. This is a Harley Davidson that would make Willie G. himself proud. You can see it at Madison, Wisconsin's Benchmark Classics, one of America's premier Hot Rod, Custom, Specialty and Muscle Car playgrounds. Just remember to bring those shades... |
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