Friday, February 27, 2015
2011 Harley Davidson FXS Blackline – Motorbike Bicycle
One look at the skinny, 21-inch wheel and tire on the front of the
Harley-Davidson Blackline tells you this bike’s priorities lie with appearance, not fast cornering. The tire on the rear spoked wheel isn’t much bigger, at just 5.66 inches wide, and its profile speaks of straight-line stability, not edge grip.
But that’s okay, because the Blackline is a great looking bike, with carefully crafted design details and a high-quality finish. The bobbed rear fender sits low and tight on the back wheel, and the front fender is just a thin eyebrow above the tall wheel.
Unlike a Ducati starter, which labors to turn the big Italian twin over, the Harley starter punches the engine into motion with a metallic smack.
This sense of composure and integrity makes the bike pleasant to ride, even for riders more attuned to sportier models.
With only about 25-degrees of lean angle available at either side, you need to watch corner entry speeds on the Blackline. Our test bike had the security/ABS option ($370), but we never got to feel any ABS activity during the loan. It hugs the bike’s profile perfectly, adding that classic wave shape to the Blackline’s outline. Beginner Riders
Novices might be able to manage the Blackline’s considerable weight because of the low seat, low center of gravity, and relatively compact dimensions. It’s also simple to ride, with a mellow, flexible engine and easily coordinated clutch. Intermediate Riders
These riders will likely do just fine on a Blackline. Expert Riders
There’s no real challenge here to experts, though riders moving from other types of bikes may find the riding position peculiar at first.
EVOLUTION
The FXS gets a skinny rear tire and other old-school custom touches.
RIVALS
Honda Fury, Star Stryker, Victory 8-Ball.
TECH
The FXS gets a skinny rear tire and other old-school custom touches.
RIVALS
Honda Fury, Star Stryker, Victory 8-Ball.
TECH
| Price: | $16,694 (as tested) |
| Engine type: | a-c 45-deg. V-twin |
| Valve train: | OHV, 4v |
| Displacement: | 1584cc |
| Bore x stroke: | 95.3 x 111.1mm |
| Compression: | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel system: | EFI |
| Clutch: | Wet, multi-plate |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
| Claimed horsepower: | na |
| Claimed torque: | 89 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm |
| Frame: | Tubular-steel double cradle |
| Front suspension: | 49mm Showa fork |
| Rear suspension: | Dual Showa shocks with adjustable spring preload |
| Front brake: | Single Hayes four-piston caliper, 300mm disc with optional ABS |
| Rear brake: | Single Hayes four-piston caliper, 292mm disc with optional ABS |
| Front tire: | MH90-21 Dunlop D402 |
| Rear tire: | MU85B-16 Dunlop D402 |
| Rake/trail: | 30.0*/4.8 in. |
| Seat height: | 26.1 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 66.5 in. |
| Fuel capacity: | 5 gal. |
| Claimed curb weight: | 683 lbs. |
| Color: | Vivid Black, Cool Blue Pearl/Vivid Black, Sedona Orange/Vivid Black |
| Available: | Now |
| Warranty: | 24 mo., unlimited mi. |
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