‘El Diablo’ Is Harley Davidson’s FXRT Reincarnated
‘El Diablo’ is the latest Low Rider member to join the ‘Icon Collection.’
Hoping to capitalize on the successes of Harley Davidson’s recent Low Rider models, the company has just introduced another one, a high-priced number that showcases West Coast style, a booming audio system and a 117 cubic-inch Milwaukee 8 engine.
The Motor Company calls the new Low Rider El Diablo a modern expression of the 1983 FXRT and a tribute to American West Coast “counterculture” styling trends. Picture a more striking version of the Low Rider ST packed with more accessories.
“The Low Rider El Diablo is a modern expression of the iconic 1983 Harley-Davidson FXRT and a representation of the creative times it was born in,” said Brad Richards, Vice President of Design and Creative Director.
High-End Features
It’s also a modern expression of the profits the company has made from its sales of the Low Rider S and Low Rider ST, both of which have been winners for HD.
That could be why the price tag on the El Diablo is $28,000. With the popularity of the earlier Low Rider models, and the fact new motorcycle prices are at an all-time high, the Motor Company is almost certainly trying to capitalize on current economic trends.
Then again, the El Diablo – and it is a beauty – is certainly packed with high-end features. Also, the El Diablo will be limited to 1,500 serialized models worldwide. It is the second offering of the company’s exclusive, limited-edition Icons Collection.
Gobs of Torque
Start with the engine. The M8 117 is the top of the mountain as far as displacement and torque for a factory-installed, regular-production HD powertrain. Though the engine is very similar to the Low Rider ST, the El Diablo churns out 125 foot/pounds of torque at 3,500 RPM, according to Harley.
Basically, the bike comes with a Stage 1 already installed, which includes a Heavy Breather intake and a high-performance, 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust, “tuned to provide smooth and broad mid-range torque while producing a stirring tone.”
Let’s hope that “stirring note” is better than Harley’s signature – and quiet – Screamin’ Eagle exhaust.
Extras also include dual counter-balancers that help reduce primary vibration at idle, along with other Screamin’ Eagle performance Parts that the company says boosts engine performance further.
Eye Candy
The bike is certainly eye-catching, and that is probably the feature that really sets it apart. The base paint scheme is described as a combination of El Diablo Bright Red and Bright Red Sunglo. That’s just the start, though.
El Diablo then undergoes a complicated series of color processes, including hand-applied pale-gold pinstriping and finishing off with a tinted clear element to create a “candy” effect.
All this is done by hand by Gunslinger Custom Paint in Golden, Colorado, the company that does the pain jobs on Harley’s CVO models.
Stunning Introduction
As for sound, the El Diablo has the same Rockford Fosgate bluetooth audio system on the Low Rider ST, except it is standard on the new bike and not an option, as on the ST model.
It’s a 250-watt system powered by two 5.2 inch woofers and two remote tweeters. It can be paired to a Bluetooth phone or other Bluetooth device.
Taken as a whole, it is a stunning introduction. The Motor Company says it will introduce at least one model in the Icon collection every year, and never more than two. All Icon models are numbered individually.
Photos: Harley Davidson
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