SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: This truck is expensive, but so are Harleys and all the accessories. That's the price you pay for the brand name, in this case applied to an F-150 pickup with amenities galore.
From the moment you open the door and the power running boards deploy, it is clear this is no ordinary F-150. The boards are sleek and strong, with huge exposed hinges revealing the workings. Back along the flanks, chrome "Harley-Davidson" lettering marks the truck bed; inside, leather seating with zippers on the seatback pouches evoke Harley leather and gear. The interior space is humongous.
Like any F-150, the H-D edition is a big truck, but it only reveals that size when you're trying to dip into a parking space. Invariably, parking maneuvers seem to require the "pull in, back up, adjust angle and reenter space" to get it properly between the lines. But in any other driving, from local streets to freeways, it's as good a driving truck as any other.
There's no "potato-potato-potato" sound coming from the exhaust, but there is a healthy roar when you mash the pedal--more than enough to produce a smile from a big bike lover. For the guy who collects Harley T-shirts and loves to ride his bike, this is the truck for the off-season--or to tow your big cycle to someplace warmer for the winter.
But if you have to deal with winter--as we do here in Michigan--it's nice that this Harley isn't limited to rear-wheel-drive only. The AWD and 4HI come in quite handy when conditions take a turn for the worse. Conversely, unlike some "sport" trucks that cut into their fun factor by only offering AWD, the Harley F-150 can run in RWD only with a flick of a switch.
Yeah, it's pricey, but it's the whole potato, fully baked.
COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: I always get a bit leery about driving these big trucks, but I've found F-150s are pretty agreeable and easy to drive. This Harley-Davidson edition was no exception. The steering and drive certainly don't feel like a car, but it's not super heavy or cumbersome either. And I didn't feel as if I was piloting a monster truck. Oh, and thanks, Ford, for the great power running boards. They made it a breeze to climb into and out of the truck. There's a nice sound coming from under the hood and good power to accompany it. You do feel the truck's weight at times, such as in passing, but it's not a major chore to get the truck moving.
The interior is nice; there's lots of leather and "bling" and sweet lines throughout. I thought the two-tone seats looked good, and I'm not usually a fan of that. This F-150 has a great sound system and an even better HVAC unit, which we certainly appreciated after being out in the cold running errands. Overall, this is quite a nice ride.
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This is like driving a SEMA concept vehicle to work, with all the leather and shiny parts--wow. But it's a nice execution; the interior looks upscale and the exterior appearance, especially the wheels, really makes a statement.
While scraping the frost off the windshield and listening to the 5.4-liter V8 gurgle, I was pretty excited to drive in on the morning commute in this truck.
Behind the wheel, it's like the rest of the F-150 line, well-mannered, powerful and a nice combination of utility and refinement. I think Ford strikes the best balance of any automaker in inspiring confidence and comfort with the F-150. Trucks from other brands feel brash but less civilized. Or they're comfy but not as seemingly tough.
I loved the color combos on the Harley-Davidson version. If you're into bikes, this is a nice full-size truck that blends both of your passions.
2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson
Base Price: $46,810
As-Tested Price: $50,010
Drivetrain: 5.4-liter V8; 4WD, six-speed automatic
Output: 320 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 5,832 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 16/13.0 mpg
Options: Sony navigation radio ($2,430); power moonroof ($995); tailgate step ($350); trailer brake controller ($230); pickup-bed extender ($195); Lariat premium discount (-$1,000)
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