The standard ABS brakes haul the bike down effectively when you squeeze the front lever hard enough although one must remember to use both front and rear to achieve maximum retardation. Unfortunately for Harley and most other manufacturers, the intelligent brake-by-wire systems from Honda (C-ABS) and Kawasaki (K-ACT) have now put all other braking systems on the trailer. The added safety brought on by such advances is incomparable. Let’s hope that the other manufacturers will offer similar systems as quickly as possible.

Boy, those traditional side bags sure are narrow! Fortunately, the cavernous Top Case is there to handle bulkier items, like two integral helmets for example.

Ergos we know – and most riders love
The classic mid-position floorboards and sit-up stance define Touring in the Harley-Davidson sense, and remain an untouchable concept for the hard-bitten clientele. You can sit up there and act as if you own the road, riding the bike that lets you visit your Kingdom from one end to the other in comfort. This approach works, and Harley aficionados love and swear by it – their epitome of two-wheel comfort!

The complete dashboard shows all the variables clearly on attractive, classic looking analog dials and warning lights, and the full list of equipment includes a Harman-Kardon sound system, heated grips and Cruise Control – all part of the normal attire for a fully dressed luxury tourer.

Personally, I am not as enamoured with the Limited’s seating arrangement for the rider. I prefer to have the footpegs further back, so that I can carry a little more weight on my legs rather than my back, and to make it easier to pull my weight off the seat over nasty bumps. Given the low, low saddle, I understand that moving the floorboards back will bend the rider’s legs beyond reason or comfort – one of the dilemmas faced by Harley designers trying to please traditional riders as well as new riders used to more creature comforts. And while the seat is wide and comfy, it does not allow much change in position while riding, an annoying restriction when spending hours in the saddle.

Riding around – Nice, but not perfect
The extra torque and power do show up, all good on such a heavy machine, as are the ABS brakes. At 400kg dry weight, this bike is not for just anyone, as pulling it off the side stand can be a bit of a job, especially if you put the stand in a slight depression. The ride-off sidestand works well, despite my misgivings – as I took a real dive on an RZ350 in the days before ignition interlocks. Just old habits I guess!

The ride over bumps was way better than expected, better even than the 2009 models, as I discussed above. To convince myself, I kept trying to bottom out the rear suspension, something that happened too easily on pre-2009 models given my 110kg. Both suspensions behaved as they should, by providing a steady ride over nasty surfaces, even while cornering.

The generous luggage space, especially the cavernous top case, allows you to travel two-up with all the clothing you will need. You will however get good at taking your stuff out at night and putting it back into the non removable cases in the morning – let me see these customized linings will you!

Maybe a little too much chrome for some. But perfection for a greater portion of the buyers.