On the road the beefy V-Twin makes its presence known, offering decent throttle response between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm accompanied by H-D’s signature rumble. At intersections the engine begs you to gun it ever lower on the rpm scale, around the 1,000 mark, where its exhaust note is most rousing. The engine proves satisfyingly smooth and encourages you to upshift as soon as possible once you’re slightly over 90 km/h, a practice that corresponds nicely with the retro spirit of this beautiful machine.

Sound frame
The latest improvements made to the Softail frame have resulted in a healthy dose of stiffness that is entirely welcome on winding country roads. Don’t get carried away, though. The low-slung chassis and the footrests out in front keep you from really leaning into those corners. Be that as it may, the Blackline offers nearly perfect balance and maintains its trajectory most reassuringly, though the legendary Twin Cam encourages leisurely cruising rather than break-neck gambolling. The brakes are decent, although Harley has done better in the past. The single disc up front just doesn’t have enough bite to it. On the other hand, the system is easy to modulate and really hangs in there.

Stylized, comfortable and powered by an oh-so-smooth engine, the Blackline is a definite hit. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

The 2011 Blackline highlights how far Harley-Davidson has come these past years in terms of manoeuvrability. The balanced frame, corner-hugging fun and overall riding enjoyment score big points for the H-D team. The technical refinements, such as more ergonomic controls, more comprehensive instruments, a better calibrated, lowered suspension system, stiffer frame and electronic injection engine, more efficient yet just as charismatic, all take a significant step towards the all-important quality/price compromise that manufacturers strive for.

Stylized, comfortable and powered by an oh-so-smooth engine, the Blackline is a definite hit. Without a doubt our favourite Harley this year.

Plus
Great style
Efficient and charismatic engine
More user-friendly transmission
Stiff, sound frame

Moins
Front brake not aggressive enough