Road Test: 2012 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

Like its motorbike namesake, the F-150 H-D is quick in a straight line. Not so much when the road curves. With the mandatory six-speed automatic transmission, and using rear-wheel-drive only (there are also a trio of four-wheel-drive modes: auto, high, and low) zero to 100 km/h is in the mid-six-second range, or about 1.5 seconds quicker than the last version with Ford's 5.4-litre eight. It may cost the same as a luxury sedan, but the F-150 H-D's powertrain's is not nearly as refined. At start-up, the F-150 H-D's engine is a bit rough around the edges. It only becomes smooth after a few kilometres, when everything's been warmed up. The six-speed autobox is worse. Shifts are slow and clunky at around-town speeds, and overly rough when the truck is hustled. As you can imagine, the rest of the F-150 H-D driving experience needs to be put into the context that despite the powerful engine and flash exterior, it's still a very large and heavy vehicle, designed to haul and tow other large and heavy things, not turn and corner, well, like a car. And although they may look trick, the Ford's 22-inch tires and low-profile rubber deliver a ride not conducive to potholed Canadian roads. Like all those Lululemon fashionistas who never see a yoga class, actually owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle isn't a prerequisite to buying the Ford version. Ironically, though, if you did own a Harley (the bike, not the truck), you're more likely to tow your hog in a trailer, not try and cram it in the Ford's shorty bed. To that end, the truck can tow up to 3,400 kg. As you can imagine, the F-150 H-D's fuel economy won't impress your cousin who drives a Toyota Prius: Transport Canada says the Ford truck will sip 18.5 L/100 km in the city, 12.7 on the highway. In my week with the Ford, I registered 19.4. So beyond the "big" motor and trick wheels, what makes the F-150 H-D different than a similarly loaded F-150 Super Crew 4X4 Platinum? Logos. Plenty of them. I may have missed some, but I spotted over-sized Harley-Davidson shields on all four sides of the truck's exterior, and spelled out along its bedsides. There was also plenty of Harley logos festooning the roomy cabin, seemingly to remind owners why they spent nearly $70,000 on a truck. As befits its top-of-the-line status, the F-150 H-D does not lack equipment-wise. Heated and cooled seats up front, heated in the back, large touchcreeen interface with navigation, rear-view camera, premium sound system, power sunroof, leather upholstery that's supposed to look like snakeskin (with embossed H-D logos, of course) adorn the Ford truck's insides. Outside, there are also full-length retractable running boards that more often than not whacked this author's shins upon entering the tall cabin. My tester also came with an optional $300 bed extender and $350 tailgate step, which, frankly, should be standard kit. For all intents and purposes, the 2012 F-150 Harley-Davidson is a custom truck, but with a factory warranty. Strip off its H-D identity, and owners could probably enter the Ford in their local hot rod shine-'n'-show. The F-150 Harley-Davidson's full-tilt-boogie equipment list helps justify it top-line pricing, but beyond the questionable benefits of quicker-than-normal acceleration, the H-D doesn't deliver any practical benefits over far less expensive F-150s. So the decision to buy really comes down to the image you want to project. Extroverts will love the in-your-face Harley-Davidson's look-at-me styling. Introverts, though, may prefer the F-150 Platinum with 4WD and the optional 6.2 mill. For about $4,000 less than the Harley, it's a much classier ride. Either way, Ford has you covered. 2012 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson WHAT I LIKED: Custom truck look straight from the factory; topline motor delivers quick acceleration — for a truck; few (if any) rivals. WHAT I DIDN'T: Limited colours, bodystyles, and bed-lengths; big tires equals choppy ride; questionable image. Base price: $65,779 Type of vehicle: AWD crew-cab pickup truck Engine: 6.2 L, 16-valve SOHC V8 Power/Torque: 411 hp / 434 lb.-ft. Transmission: Six-speed automatic Fuel consumption (city/hwy/as-tested): 18.5 / 12.7 / 19.4 L/100 km Competition: Ford F-150 Platinum, GMC Sierra Denali, Cadillac EXT

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