Overview:
This week we’re taking a Ford F150, painting it black and adorning it with the ever-popular Harley-Davidson (HD) insignia. We’ll also trick it out a bit and thrill some folks who aren’t even Harley riders. An article in the LA Times referred to Harley bikers as RUB’s, which stands for Rich Urban Bickers. Well, if you’ve ever priced Harley motorcycles you know what they mean.
I’ve owned a few bikes in my days and the custom soft tail I recently sold broke my heart, but there’s a time for everything. Surely this F150 rekindled that love of riding. Now I saddle up the four legged kind but it’s not the same. I met a lot of great people during those years riding those Harley’s, and contrary to the image of bikers they simply are people like you and even me. The perception must be changing and I suspect that has something to do with why Harley-Davidson and Ford got together on this unique effort to make a statement.
Handling & Performance:
Truly the smoothest riding truck I\’ve ever driven. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Ride” and the countryside around Sacramento, where I picked up the vehicle, is breathtaking in the spring. That was the frosting on the cake, as they say, and it made the trip magical.
Styling:
What a good idea. Who ever thought of the idea for this link up should get a lolli-pop. All the Harley logos give it that special feeling and I got a few thumbs up like you get when you ride a Harley. The statement is “Freedom” and even though you may not ride, most people have a place in their hearts for the rebel in us all. After everything, this is a truck, but I felt it was too pretty to get it dirty.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent. What a nice pickup-mobile this is.
Conveniences:
Well appointed and the price tag shows it.
Cost:
It’s a truck with a lot of Macho Fluff, but you will pay dearly for being different.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you need a great looking truck to haul your Harley Davidson Custom Soft Tail or even a full dress model, this is a class act – go for it. And it will only cost twice as much as the new Hog you just bought.
The Competition:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 $16,045-35,107, Dodge Ram 1500 $15,285-24,425, GMC Sierra 1500 $16,690-38,370, Toyota Tundra $15,605-29,065.
Good News:
Smooooth ride, unique truck statement, bed extender for a comfy fit for your Harley.
Bad News:
Usual poor mileage from trucks, small truck bed limits cargo capacity.
Standard Equipment:
5.4 liter V8 210 horsepower engine, 4-speed auto trans, 4-wheel disc brakes, heavy duty front stabilizer bar, power windows, door locks and mirrors, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, power driver seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, stereo with CD player, chrome side nerf bars, fog lights, dual front air bags, quad captains chairs with HD logo, heavy box mat with HD logo, Harley-Davidson badges on the fenders and rear gate, anti-theft system.
Gas Stats:
15 City and 19 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $35,995.
