1990 began with the introduction of one of Willie G’s most customized creations; the FLSTF Fat Boy. Based on the Heritage Softail model, the Fat Boy included shotgun exhausts, flared fenders, and solid disc wheels. The original release featured metallic silver paint, subtle yellow engine highlights, and a genuine pigskin seat.
Also in 1990, H-D realized it was only scratching the surface in terms of global potential. They moved their international offices from Connecticut to Milwaukee and tripled their staff. The company also opened a European parts and accessories warehouse near Frankfurt Germany. Harley motorcycle exports grew from sixteen percent in 1987 to thirty percent by 1991. Leading export markets included Canada, West Germany, Japan and Australia.
The 1991 model year improvements included the addition of belt drive and a five-speed transmission to all Sportster models. Also announced in 1991 was the updated version of the Sturgis model. Although similar in appearance to the 1980 model, the 1991 Sturgis was built on a new platform called the Dyna Glide chassis. The Sturgis featured a totally new frame, a two-point rubber isolations system for the drivetrain, and oil tank located under the transmission, a more accessible rear drive belt and redesigned locks using high-security round keys. The Sturgis was just the first of the future full line of Dyna models.
On a sad note, William H. Davidson, son of company co-founder William A. Davidson and father of Willie G. Davidson passed away in May of 1992. He had served as vice president, president for 29 years and chairman for two years before retiring in 1973.
1993 was the ninetieth anniversary of Harley-Davidson, and the company celebrated by producing two new models and updating an existing one, the FLHT, with a new frame. The new Dyna Wide Glide offered the custom look of the Softail and the smooth ride of a rubber-mounted drivetrain. The FLSTN Heritage Softail Nostalgia sported a high-contrast black and white paint job and natural cowhide inserts on the seat, saddlebags, passenger backrest, and windshield bag. Affectionately know as the “Moo Glide” or “Cow Glide”, the Nostalgia quickly became a collector’s item.
The Road King made its debut in 1994. Because the Road King became so popular so quickly, and with the growing popularity of the Dyna line, 1994 became the last production year for the FXR models.
In 1965, H-D commemorated the thirtieth anniversary of the Electra Glide with the release of a special edition Ultra Classic version, which was Harley’s first fuel injected street bike. A low-end version, the Electra Glide Standard also debuted in 1995.
Two new Sportster models were being introduced in 1996, the XL1200C Custom and the XL1200S Sport. The Custom incorporated a 21-inch front wheel, custom handlebar riser, bullet headlight, lots of chrome, and wrinkle black paint. The Sport included high compression heads and rear gas shocks.
On January 6, 1998, the first Sportster came off the assembly line at the new $85 million, 330,000 square foot Kansas City plant. The Road Glide was introduced in 1998. The new Road Glide resembled the old Tour Glide with a sleeker fairing and optional fuel injection.
H-D began three new programs in 1999. The Custom Vehicle Operations department was launched, specializing in low volume, high trim, custom models. The first CVO creation was the revived FXR with custom paint and extra chrome trim. 1999 also saw the inception of the Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals program. The third program initiated in 1999 was Rider’s Edge, which taught both new and experienced motorcyclists safe riding skills.
A new Softail model was released in 2000, the Deuce. With shotgun dual exhausts, cut-off rear fender, stretched gas tank, set-back handlebar risers, and a tank-mounted instrument panel, the Deuce quickly became one of the best received new models in H-D history.
In 2002, Harley-Davidson unveiled a radically new model called the V-Rod. Powered by a 60-degree, liquid cooled 1130cc V-twin Revolution engine, the V-Rod produced 115 horsepower and was easily the most powerful production H-D motorcycle ever.
Harley-Davidson released its 100th Anniversary models in the summer of 2002. For the first time since the 50th anniversary, every model carried an anniversary badge. Also that summer, the Harley dealer network met in Milwaukee for the annual dealer convention where the 100th Anniversary celebration was officially kicked off.
The new FLHRS Road King Custom was introduced in 2004 with pullback beach bars and a low rear suspension. Released that same year was the completely new XL 883C Sportster Custom with a 4.5 gallon tank, new handlebar and riser, 21-inch laced front wheel and lowered suspension. Also new to the Sportster line was the XL1200R Sportster Roadster. It sports a rubber-mounted Evo engine in silver and black powder-coat with high-compression, high-flow heads and performance cams.
I hope you have enjoyed the articles on the history of Harley-Davidson. If you every have the opportunity, I highly recommend you visit the H-D traveling museum. The original 48-foot semi-trailer museum opened in 1988, making thousands of stops at events and dealerships across the nation. After 12 years of service, this first trailer retired in 2000 and a brand new, 53-foot version hit the road in early 2002. This new traveling museum carries ten vintage motorcycles and a variety of memorabilia.
And now, it’s time to ride.
Bolfert, Thomas. The Big Book of Harley-Davidson: Official Publication by Harley-Davidson Motor company; Centennial Edition. Milwaukee: Harley-Davidson, 2002.