HARLEY-DAVIDSON ACHIEVES EIGHTH RECORD YEAR OF GROWTH
13 February 2006 - Harley-Davidson UK

Harley-Davidson UK has achieved an eighth consecutive year of record growth in 2005. Up 13% on 2004, Harley-Davidson is now set to take this successive growth into 2006 and beyond.

With 5,135 motorcycles sold in 2005 compared to 4,560 in 2004, the legendary marque is consistently going from strength to strength in an ever-more competitive UK motorcycle market. And since 2001, the company has seen an increase in retail motorcycle sales of 69.5% (from 3,029 units in 2001 to 5,135 in 2005) in the UK alone.

For 2006, six new motorcycles have been introduced to the Harley-Davidson model line-up; including the Sportster XL1200 Low, FXDBI Street Bob, FXD35 35th Anniversary Super Glide, FLSTI Heritage Softtail, FLHXI Street Glide and VRSCD Night Rod. Each new model has been designed to strengthen the family and broaden the appeal of Harley-Davidson to reach an even wider audience.

The Dyna model family has been completely redesigned from front wheel to back for 2006, with a lighter clutch, a new six-speed gearbox and subtle aesthetic changes that retain the classic Harley-Davidson ''big twin'' style in a chassis that will surprise even the most avid sports bike riders.

The Sportster XL883, part of the Harley-Davidson family since 1957, has been one of Harley-Davidson’s consistent best-sellers, and 2005 was no exception. Over 70% of Sportster customers are new to the brand, making the £4,995 motorcycle an all important entry to the Harley-Davidson experience, and with the addition of the XL883 Low and 1200 Low to the model family, more women and shorter-legged riders are also starting their motorcycling careers on the Sportsters.

Paul Stroud, managing director of Harley-Davidson UK said; ''It’s a very exciting time for Harley-Davidson, as the Motor Company continues to grow not only in the UK but across Europe and the globe. 2005 saw a record number of people join the Harley-Davidson family, and experience the joy of motorcycling with the world’s most famous motorcycle manufacturer. The VRSCA V-Rod has grown in sales by 43% in 2005 alone, and we’re looking to increase the profile of our multi award-winning performance brand.''

Paul continues, ''In 2006, we’re looking to widen the appeal of the legendary motorcycles even further. More and more people are realising that Harley-Davidson has a broad scope of products and services to offer everyone, from the retro Sportster family, dispelling the myth that Harleys start at £10,000, to the classic factory customs, to the performance VRSC family that has seen Harley-Davidson winning drag races in the US and the UK.

''Thanks to our official training school, Rider’s Edge, those who cannot already ride can be welcomed into the world of Harley-Davidson through the Direct Access course, and with excellent finance packages available we’re making it easier and easier to start riding.''

For more information on the full range of products and services offered by Harley-Davidson UK visit www.harley-davidson.co.uk

www.harley-davidson.co.uk

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