Sturgis-Bound Touring Bikes Possess Killer Racing Heritage
Harley introduces new race-inspired factory custom paint option for its Grand American Touring models.
When discussing Harley-Davidson motorcycles it is rare that the first thoughts revolve around The Motor Company’s racing legacy. Yet Harley has steered the conversation in that very direction with the introduction of its Apex factory custom paint option. Perhaps even more surprising is that the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was chosen as the venue for the debut of its newest factory customs.
The Apex paint design features a fuel tank graphic in the shape of the iconic Harley XR750 flat track racing machines. The artwork is applied on the sides of the ample fuel tanks utilized on its top-of-the-line touring models. According to Harley’s Vice President of Design, Brad Richards, the “Apex factory custom paint gives riders the opportunity to express the thrill of speed and competition on the bodywork of their bagger.”
King of The Baggers
The King of the Baggers competition has rapidly become one of the most popular contests on the MotoAmerica Superbikes circuit. The series was traditionally the battleground for Japanese and European road racing machines. In 2020 MotoAmerica introduced the King of the Baggers class and the sport of motorcycle road racing was forever changed.
This class is populated by specially-built Harley-Davidson and Indian touring models with a minimum weight of 620 pounds. Carbon fiber hard saddle bags and full fairings present a factory stock appearance to race fans. The similarities end there. In addition racing suspensions with increased ground clearance, race-inspired ergonomics and extensive engine modifications turn America’s favorite touring bikes into serious road racing machines.
Custom has its cost
The new Apex factory custom paint treatment is available as an option on Harley’s Road King Special, Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special, Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited models. A color-matched Tour-Park luggage carrier and front fender are offered as additional options.
Harley-Davidson hasn’t published a price for the Apex factory custom paint. We had the opportunity to chat today with a lucky customer who took delivery of his new Apex Ultra Limited at a Wisconsin dealership on the very same day that Harley announced its launch. He indicated that the paint option set him back $1,500. In addition MSRP for the color-matched accessories haven’t been confirmed as yet.
A legend in the making?
It’s anyone’s guess if the Apex factory custom paint will vault a readily-available modern day bagger to legendary status. Few bikes have received the recognition enjoyed by the original XR750 factory flat track racer or the renowned variant piloted by Evil Knievel.
Perhaps a factory Racing Orange or a Red, White and Blue color scheme will roll off the assembly line in York, Pennsylvania at some future date. In the meantime we invite you to enjoy today’s available models in the gallery below.
Photos by Harley-Davidson and Michael ONeill