Harley-Davidson Announces Returning 2012 Sportster, Touring, and Trike Models

Harley-Davidson has begun shipping its 2012 Sportster, Touring and Trike models across the U.S. and Europe.

The 15 announced 2012 models are all returning models from the 2011 lineup. The 2012 models will have new color options but the big news is the 103 cubic engine will now be offered standard across Harley-Davidson’s 2012 Touring line, replacing the 96 cubic inch engine.

The 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster lineup includes the Sportster 1200 Custom introduced this February featuring the H-D1 factory customization program, which lets customers customize their order online with their choice of parts and accessories.

Joining the 1200 Custom in the 2012 Sportster lineup are the SuperLow, Iron 883, Nightster, Forty-Eight and XR1200X (pictured above).  Harley-Davidson will offer 15 Sportster paint options including seven new options for 2012. Side covers will receive either a glossy black or matte denim black finish to match other bodywork. The Forty-Eight will also get a new tank graphic. All 2012 Sportster models will come equipped with Michelin Scorcher tires.

All eight Harley-Davidson Touring models are returning for 2012, all with the 103 cubic inch engine.  Standard equipment on last year’s Road King Classic, Electra Glide Ultra Limited and Road Glide Ultra, the 103 engine will replace the 96 engine on the 2012 editions of the Road King, Electra Glide Classic, Ultra Classic Electra Glide, Street Glide and Road Glide Custom.

All Touring models are equipped with a six-speed transmission, 41.3mm telescopic forks and air-adjustable rear suspension. Except for the Ultra Limited, the Touring line will be available with optional “tubeless” chrome lace aluminum wheels.  Harley-Davidson will offer 12 paint options for the Touring line, including six new color combinations.

Also returning for 2012 is the three-wheeled Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra Classic. The 2012 model will be offered in Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl with Vivid Black or Ember Red Sunglo with Merlot Sunglo.

The rest of Harley-Davidson’s 2012 lineup will be announced July 20 including two expected new models, a 10th anniversary edition V-Rod and a new member of the Dyna family known as the Switchback, both revealed earlier this month in CARB documentation.

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NORWALK, Ohio (June 29, 2011) – Harley-Davidson has begun delivery of all 15 models in the 2012 Touring, Trike (North America only) and Sportster lines to its dealers in the U.S. and Europe. These motorcycles will be available for sale immediately, giving customers an opportunity to get on a 2012-model Harley-Davidson with much of the riding season still available. Shipment of these select 2012 models has been accelerated to provide greater continuity of supply in dealerships during the peak summer selling season. Additional 2012 models will be announced on July 20 at the Harley-Davidson summer dealer meeting in Anaheim, California.

2012 Sportster: Personalization and Power
The six 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster models range from the affordable Dark Custom roadster posture of the Iron 883™ to the track-inspired performance of the XR1200X™. Each Sportster model offers the heartbeat of an authentic American V-Twin engine and pace-setting style and performance.

Back for its first full year of production is the Sportster® 1200 Custom, the motorcycle that introduced the web-based H-D1™ Bike Builder factory customization process. Using Bike Builder, customers can personalize their 1200 Custom with seat, handlebar, foot control, wheel, security, paint and engine finish options that are installed right at the factory. Even more dealer-installed accessories can be added, and viewed, on the Bike Builder site. The customer can then print out a description of their bike and bring it to a Harley-Davidson dealer to review the motorcycle with trained staff, select additional accessories to be installed by the dealer to further customize the motorcycle, and then place an order. Customers can expect to be riding their new bike in as little as four weeks from the time an order is placed with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.

All 2012 Sportster models will have Michelin® Scorcher™ tires with a tread pattern designed, tested and styled specifically for the Sportster motorcycle to provide ideal grip, even wear and longer life. Fifteen Sportster paint options include seven new color choices for 2012. Side covers will be finished in either gloss black or denim black to match the finish on other bodywork. The Forty-Eight model will have a new tank graphic.

2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster models

SuperLow™
Iron 883™
Sportster® 1200 Custom
Nightster®
Forty-Eight™
XR1200X™

2012 Touring: The Legend Rolls On
For 2012, all eight Harley-Davidson Touring models are powered by a Twin Cam 103 engine with Automatic Compression Release and an integrated oil cooler. Producing 102 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3500 rpm, the Twin Cam 103 provides outstanding performance around town and on the open road. All Touring models also feature the 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission, 41.3 mm telescopic front forks, air-adjustable rear shocks and an Isolated Drive System for smooth power delivery. The Harley-Davidson Touring chassis has a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and two-piece swingarm designed to deliver responsive maneuverability and long-haul durability. Chassis geometry and suspension are calibrated to deliver confident handling and comfort.

All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will offer a new “tubeless” Chrome Lace Aluminum Wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair. Six new colors or color combinations are among the 12 paint options offered within the 2012 Touring model line.

2012 Harley-Davidson Touring models
Road King®
Road King® Classic
Electra Glide® Classic
Ultra Classic® Electra Glide®
Electra Glide® Ultra Limited
Street Glide®
Road Glide® Custom
Road Glide® Ultra

2012 Trike: Three Wheelin’
The 2012 Tri Glide Ultra Classic brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment, based on chassis structure and geometry engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. With a deluxe Tour-Pak™ carrier and integrated trunk, a four-speaker/ 80-watt Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System, electronic cruise control and electric reverse drive, the Tri Glide Ultra Classic inspires confidence, passion and independence in any riding situation. The Tri Glide Ultra will be available in three color combinations: Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl / Vivid Black or Ember Red Sunglo / Merlot Sunglo.

Details on the 2012 Harley-Davidson Touring, Trike and Sportster models are available at h-d.com/2012.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.

By Dennis Chung