At first glance, Sturgis, South Dakota -- home to one of America's biggest motorcycle rallies -- seems like an odd venue for an automaker to launch a new pickup. In reality, it's the perfect place for Ford to unwrap its updated 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150, which received both a cosmetic and mechanical makeover for the new model year.
Relationships may come and go, but it appears the bond between Ford and motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson is still as strong as it was ten years ago. After pumping out no fewer than seventeen different special-edition pickup models, the companies have partnered again to produce the 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150.
Although many exterior components, including the six-bar billet grille insert, the 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and retractable running boards are carried over from the 2010 Harley-Davidson model, the 2011 Harley F-150 looks quite different than last year's truck. Buyers have their choice of either Tuxedo Black or Ingot Silver paint colors, each accented with tapered orange stripes that flow from the front fenders and sport a simulated engine-turned finish within. Harley-Davidson lettering lines the sides of the six-foot pickup box; like the other exterior brightwork, the letters are treated to a satin chrome finish.
Inside, last year's garish maroon-on-black interior is abandoned in favor of a more subtle décor. Dashboard and door trim pieces are painted Tuxedo Black, while the door scuff plates and center console lid wear an engine-turned pattern that matches the exterior stripes. The unique leather seating, which features lapel stripes and special cloisonne emblems, returns for 2011, although they're now trimmed entirely with charcoal leather.