The Forty Eight gets a fat front tire but peanut sized tank.

A couple of months after Harley-Davidson revealed its new 2010 models, it introduces a new variation of the Sportster.

Called the Forty-Eight, this radically styled mini-bobber is the first-ever Sportster to roll on a 16-inch front wheel — at least, the first factory model. It also sports a wider front end — to make room for the fat front tire.

The engine is a blacked-out version of the 1,203 cc fuel-injected and rubber-mounted V-twin that powers most Sportster models. Custom styling touches include bobbed fenders, a solo saddle with a low 710 mm seat height, forward-mounted foot controls and under-mounted mirrors. Another less convenient styling feature is a move to a smaller 8-litre peanut fuel tank, down from 12.5 litres, but it looks way cool — and who's going to buy one of these babies to cross the country, anyway?

Prices are $12,479 for black, and $12,819 for pearl colours.

The Wide Glide comes back for another encore.

Is this new? The on-again, off-again Wide Glide is on again this year but we're not sure if that makes it new.

A model originally introduced in 1980, the Wide Glide precedes the Softail model and was the first in Harley’s lineup to emulate “Easyrider” styling with its laid-down look, wide fork and 21-inch front wheel.  

It returns this year, and is based on a rubber-mounted Dyna chassis, with a signature large-hoop front end, low-slung saddle, drag-style handlebar, laced wheels and, of course, the classic sissy bar. A new bobbed rear fender necessitates the use of a side-mounted license plate. If you want the real deal, you can get it with flames. 

Canadian pricing is $18,619 for the Vivid Black, and a few more bucks for fancier paint.

More info at the Harley-Davidson Canada website.

Fat Boy Lo was big in Shanghai.

The Fat Boy Lo is a new variation on the fat-wheeled custom. It’s been blacked-out for a meaner presence, and has unique satin-chrome dual mufflers. It has an internally wired handlebar for a clean look, and comes in two shades of black.  

The “Lo” part of the name signifies its basement-level seat height of 670 mm (26.3 inches), however badly spelt it may be. 

Canadian pricing is $20,939 in black ($21,419 in Pearl).

More info here.

Harley revamps two of its touring models this year.  

Road Glide Custom.

The Road Glide is unique in Harley’s lineup for its frame-mounted fairing. That fairing now incorporates large storage compartments and a new shorty windshield.

The Road Glide boasts a “slammed” suspension; an 18-inch front wheel replaces the 17-incher on last year’s model, and the bike now has a two-into-one exhaust. A sound system is standard; ABS is optional. 

The Ultra Limited is upgraded with a more powerful Twin-Cam 103 engine (1,690 cc), from the standard-issue Twin-Cam 96 (1,584 cc). And if you have a tendency to add every conceivable accessory onto your Hog, this bike saves you the trouble; it’s got tons of stuff added, including heated grips and a power supply in the top case. There's also five colour schemes to choose from. 

Canadian pricing for the Road Glide Custom starts at $24,399 or $31,719 for the Electra Glide Ultra Limited. More info on the Road Glide here and the Electra Glide Ultra Ltd here.

Street Glide Trike gets minimal.

If last year’s Tri Glide Ultra was too lavishly equipped for your taste in three wheelers, Harley introduces the Street Glide Trike.  

This is an understated variation on Harley’s tripod, with few frills, tons of storage space, and of course, lean-free cruising. Powered by a Twin Cam 103 engine, it has an electric reverse gear to ease parking. 

Canadian pricing is $35,799 for black or $36,829 for Pearl. More info here.

CVO Softail Convertible

Five of the 11 new 2010 models are from Harley’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) division. This year, the company’s limited-production customs include the CVO Softail Convertible, CVO Street Glide, CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide and CVO Fat Bob, as well as late comer, the CVO Ultra Classic (which also comes in a limited edition 'dark' format).   

The CVO Ultra Classic dark is a serialized special (one to 999) and is stripped of almost all traces of chrome. It's equipped with all of the luxury items that the CVO Ultra Classic has including ABS, but also includes a handlebar-mounted Garmin zūmo 660 navigation system.

Ultra Classic gets dark

The Softail Convertible comes equipped with a quick-detach windshield, sissy bar and saddlebags. The Fat Bob, Street Glide and Ultra Classic return with new paint schemes and different custom touches than last year’s models.

All CVO models are propelled by Harley’s massively torquey Twin Cam 110 engine, which displaces 1,803 cc. 

Canadian pricing is $35,959 for the CVO Softail Convertible, $39,819 for the CVO Street Glide, $43,359 for the dark CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide, $42,769 for the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide and $32,499 for the CVO Fat Bob.

Info on the 2010 CVO range can be found here.