Autoblog

Click on the image for more high-res shots of the Night Rod Special

Harley-Davidson and the cruiser segment in general is currently being forced into the realization that such bikes are often considered playthings by their owners. Sure, there are plenty of die-hard HD fanatics who ride their bikes thousands of miles annually and attend faraway rallies to gather with other enthusiasts who share their passion. Many owners, though, spend more time polishing their chrome than out riding. Such weekend warriors make up a large portion of the cruiser market, and those owners are being forced to hold onto their current rides a bit longer than normal due to the slowing economy in the U.S. -- a country which easily makes up the bulk of cruiser sales.

Harley-Davidson and the rest of the industry could see this change coming long ago, and the V-Rod was its opening defense to this looming issue... and it was a good one by most accounts. The Motor Company, though, has not been content to rest on the original V-Rod as the only alternative to its classic line of air-cooled V-twin powered bikes. Thankfully, we have machines such as the Night Rod Special to provide a welcome diversion from the rolling pieces of nostalgia that make up the majority of HD's line. Does the Night Rod Special's riding experience live up to the promise made by its menacing looks? Read on to find out.


Photos copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.

click above image for 11 high-res shots of the '07 F-150 Harley-Davison

Ford's co-branding effort with Harley-Davison has been successful enough to stick around this long, as the Blue Oval has just introduced the 2007 model. Based on the F-150 SuperCrew 4x2 configuration, the new Harley-Davison special differentiates itself from last year's model in one area in particular: power. Last year's model ran with the standard 5.4L Triton V8 churning out 300 horsepower and 365 ft-lbs. of torque. The 2007 model, however, adds a supercharger from SALEEN, the same one used on the Shelby GT500, to increase the Triton's bottom line to 450 hp and 500 ft-lbs. of torque. It appears that the option for all-wheel drive that was touted so heavily on the 2006 model has been sacrificed at the alter of more power, as well.

The decision to add the supercharger appears to have been influenced by the F-150 FX2 Sport Extreme concept that debuted last November at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. That concept also had a supercharged 5.4L Triton V8 producing the same numbers as the 2007 F-150 Harley-Davison. The SEMA concept looked fierce wearing a set of GT500 wheels, though the 2007 Harley-Davison rolls on a set of substantial 22-inch chrome wheels with five split-spokes.

We like the Harley-Davison's new grille sporting six thin bars cast in chrome, and owners will have a choice of dressing their truck in either ebony black or dark amethyst. Badging has been kept to a minimum with the requisite Harley-Davison emblem on the front fenders, and "Harley Davison" written in 3D chrome letters along the bedsides. The exterior is rather unadorned and minimalist, almost stealth. There's no need to advertise you're driving a truck with 450 horses underhood until someone wants to find out for themselves at a stoplight.

Those interested in adding this ninth iteration of the F-150 Harley-Davison to their collection will face a base price of $37,210, which includes a $925 destination charge. Follow the jump to read Ford's full press-release, and check out the truck from every angle in our high-res gallery.

UPDATE: We should've pointed out that the supercharger and intercooler that gets your F-150 Harley-Davison to 450 horsepower is a $6,500 option.

[Source: Ford]