Michelin and Harley-Davidson have joined forces to develop the new Scorcher “31” tire, which carries both companies’ trademarks on its sidewalls with the signature Harley logo carved into the shoulder.
In addition to being original equipment on 2010 Dyna Super Glide, Super Glide Custom, Street Bob and Low Rider, the tire can also be fitted on a variety of 2006-2009 Dyna models.
Michelin began offering Harley replacement tires in 2007, when select sizes of the tire maker’s Commander and Macadam 50 tires were first tested and validated by the famed motorcycle maker for fitment on a wide range of Sportster, Dyna, Softail and Touring bikes; the introduction of the Scorcher marks Michelin’s first Harley OE application.
“Michelin has specifically engineered this innovative and durable tire to meet the high expectations of Harley-Davidson owners,” says Gary Midkiff, vice president of Michelin North America’s two wheel division.
The tire “delivers superior performance in three key areas, providing sensational grip, impressive durability and excellent handling,” according to Midkiff. “The exclusive deep-cut tread design improves grip and water evacuation capability. Grip performance, particularly on wet pavement, is also enhanced by the tire’s rubber compounds, which use the latest generation of Michelin synthetic polymers,” he says, citing also its durability and high-mileage capabilities.
“Michelin also wanted to ensure that the tire would provide confidence-inspiring handling,” says Midkiff, “so its research and development teams used aramid belts under the rear tread to stabilize the contact patch. In addition, the carcass plies are made from polyester to provide exceptional ride comfort.”
He goes on to note that the company “is excited to build upon our successful relationship with Harley-Davidson as we launch this historic first original equipment fitment.”
Harley is roaring into 2010 with nine new motorcycle models, the most expansive new product introduction in the company’s history; it is now the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer.
“This ambitious new motorcycle launch reaches to our riders with the incredible passion that Harley-Davidson has inspired for more than a century,” says Bill Davidson, Harley’s vice president of core customer marketing.
Highlights of the new Harley product descriptions include:
• As the new king of the Touring line, the Electra Glide Ultra Limited model delivers the performance upgrade of a Twin Cam 103 engine and features standard equipment items previously offered only as accessories on regular-production Touring models.
• The new Road Glide Custom model looks lean and mean, with a slammed suspension, 18-inch front wheel and a new 2-into-1 exhaust system.
• The Wide Glide returns as an all-new Dyna model done in old-school chopper style, with black laced wheels, a chopped rear fender, black “wire” sissy bar, 2-1-2 Tommy Gun exhaust and an optional flame paint scheme. Pricing starts at $14,499, bringing “a great new value.”
• The new Street Glide Trike brings stripped-down, hot-rod styling to the three-wheel category, and joins the Tri Glide Ultra Classic in a new Trike family for 2010. Dressed in satin chrome and denim black, the new Fat Boy Lo presents “a darker and lower interpretation of the motorcycle that still defines the fat-custom segment.”
• The 2010 Street Glide model “gets even more hot-rod soul,” with updates that include a larger front wheel, slimmed-down exhaust and a new tail light assembly. “Street Glide takes a classic Harley-Davidson Touring profile to a low, light and lean extreme.”
• The VRSC family consists of the V-Rod, Night Rod Special and V-Rod Muscle with the liquid cooled Revolution V-Twin engine.
• The Harley Sportster line features six models for 2010, including the $7,999 Iron 883 introduced mid-year 2009 and four others priced below $10,000.
• Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) is introducing four new limited-production models. The CVO Softail Convertible is a versatile urban touring motorcycle, while the CVO Street Glide is a high-performance hot-rod bagger. The CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide and CVO Fat Bob models are refreshed with new paint schemes and styling details. All CVO models are powered by a Twin Cam 110 engine, the largest displacement V-Twin offered by the company
For more information, visit www.michelin-us.com and www.harley-davidson.com.
