Let's dive into Harley Davidson's Project Rushmore, a monumental undertaking that reshaped the American motorcycle landscape. If you're a Harley enthusiast, or just curious about motorcycle innovation, you've probably heard about it. This wasn't just a minor facelift; it was a comprehensive overhaul driven by customer feedback and a desire to push the boundaries of what a touring motorcycle could be. So, what exactly was Project Rushmore, and why was it such a big deal? Let's break it down.

What is Project Rushmore?

Project Rushmore was Harley-Davidson's ambitious initiative to revamp its touring motorcycle lineup. Announced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, it represented a significant investment in research, development, and customer-centric design. The goal? To enhance the riding experience by focusing on four key areas: control, infotainment, passenger comfort, and styling. Harley-Davidson didn't just lock themselves in a design studio; they hit the road, talked to riders, and listened to their needs and desires. This direct feedback loop was crucial in shaping the project's direction and ensuring that the changes resonated with their core customer base.

Imagine you're planning a cross-country trip. What do you need from your motorcycle? Probably more control for those long stretches of highway, a killer sound system to keep you entertained, comfortable seating for both you and your passenger, and, of course, that classic Harley look. Project Rushmore aimed to address all these needs and more. The result was a range of touring bikes that were not only more technologically advanced but also more comfortable, stylish, and rider-friendly.

The Four Pillars of Project Rushmore

To truly appreciate the impact of Project Rushmore, it's essential to understand the four key areas that Harley-Davidson focused on:

1. Control: Enhancing rider confidence and handling was a top priority. This involved upgrades to braking systems, suspension, and overall chassis design. One of the most significant improvements was the introduction of Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS. This system electronically links the front and rear brakes, providing more balanced and controlled stopping power, especially in emergency situations. Additionally, improved suspension components offered a smoother and more stable ride, reducing rider fatigue on long journeys. The aim was to make these big bikes feel more nimble and responsive, regardless of road conditions.

2. Infotainment: Long rides can get monotonous, and Harley-Davidson recognized the need for a modern and engaging infotainment system. Project Rushmore brought about the Boom! Box infotainment system, which included features like GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and enhanced audio output. These systems allowed riders to stay connected, entertained, and informed while on the road. The user interface was designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even with gloved hands. Upgraded speakers and amplifiers delivered a richer, more immersive audio experience, turning every ride into a concert on wheels.

3. Passenger Comfort: Happy wife, happy life, right? Or, in this case, happy passenger, happy ride. Harley-Davidson paid close attention to improving the passenger experience. This included redesigned seats with improved cushioning and support, enhanced backrests, and better wind protection. The goal was to make long rides more enjoyable for passengers, reducing fatigue and discomfort. Heated seats and grips were also introduced as options, providing extra warmth and comfort in colder weather. By focusing on passenger comfort, Harley-Davidson aimed to make their touring bikes the ultimate choice for couples and anyone who enjoys riding with a companion.

4. Styling: Harley-Davidson is all about iconic design, and Project Rushmore aimed to enhance, not replace, the classic Harley look. The updated models featured sleeker lines, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced lighting. One of the most noticeable changes was the introduction of Daymaker LED headlights, which provided brighter and more focused illumination, improving visibility and safety. The fairings were redesigned to offer better wind protection and a more aggressive appearance. Subtle changes to the bodywork and trim gave the bikes a more modern and refined look while still retaining that unmistakable Harley-Davidson DNA.

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Key Innovations of Project Rushmore

Project Rushmore wasn't just about aesthetics; it brought a host of technical and design innovations to Harley-Davidson's touring motorcycles. Here are some of the standout features:

• Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS: As mentioned earlier, this system provides enhanced braking performance and stability, especially in challenging conditions. It's a game-changer for rider safety and confidence.
• Boom! Box Infotainment System: This system offers a comprehensive suite of features, including GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and high-quality audio. It's like having a state-of-the-art entertainment and information hub right at your fingertips.
• Daymaker LED Lighting: These headlights provide significantly brighter and more focused illumination compared to traditional halogen lights, improving visibility and safety, especially at night.
• Improved Airflow and Aerodynamics: Redesigned fairings and bodywork improve airflow around the rider and passenger, reducing wind buffeting and fatigue. This makes long rides more comfortable and enjoyable.
• Ergonomic Hand Controls: Redesigned hand controls are more intuitive and easier to use, even with gloved hands. This improves rider comfort and control.

Models Impacted by Project Rushmore

Project Rushmore had a significant impact on Harley-Davidson's touring lineup. Several key models were updated with the new features and technologies. Here are some of the most notable:

• Road King: The Road King, a classic touring bike known for its stripped-down aesthetic and comfortable ride, received significant upgrades as part of Project Rushmore. These included improved braking, suspension, and ergonomics.
• Street Glide: The Street Glide, a popular bagger with a sleek and stylish design, benefited from the updated fairing, infotainment system, and lighting. These changes enhanced its appeal as a comfortable and capable touring machine.
• Electra Glide: The Electra Glide, a flagship touring model, received a comprehensive overhaul with Project Rushmore. The updated fairing, infotainment system, and passenger accommodations made it an even more luxurious and comfortable touring bike.
• Ultra Limited: The Ultra Limited, a top-of-the-line touring model, incorporated all the innovations of Project Rushmore, including the Reflex Linked Brakes, Boom! Box infotainment system, and enhanced passenger comfort features. It represented the pinnacle of Harley-Davidson's touring capabilities.

The Impact and Legacy of Project Rushmore

Project Rushmore was more than just a series of upgrades; it was a strategic move by Harley-Davidson to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving motorcycle market. By listening to customer feedback and investing in innovation, Harley-Davidson was able to create touring bikes that were more comfortable, technologically advanced, and rider-friendly. The project had a lasting impact on the company and the motorcycle industry as a whole.

The success of Project Rushmore demonstrated the importance of customer-centric design and the value of continuous improvement. It set a new standard for touring motorcycles and helped solidify Harley-Davidson's position as a leader in the industry. Many of the innovations introduced with Project Rushmore, such as the Reflex Linked Brakes and Boom! Box infotainment system, have become standard features on Harley-Davidson's touring models.

Furthermore, Project Rushmore influenced the design and development of future Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The company continued to prioritize customer feedback and invest in new technologies to enhance the riding experience. This commitment to innovation has helped Harley-Davidson stay relevant and appeal to a new generation of riders.

Is Project Rushmore Still Relevant Today?

Absolutely! While Project Rushmore was launched in 2013, its innovations and improvements continue to be relevant today. The bikes that were updated as part of Project Rushmore still offer a compelling combination of comfort, performance, and technology. Many riders appreciate the enhanced braking, infotainment, and passenger comfort features that were introduced with the project.

Of course, Harley-Davidson has continued to innovate and introduce new technologies since Project Rushmore. However, the core principles of customer-centric design and continuous improvement remain central to the company's approach. If you're considering buying a used Harley-Davidson touring bike, those models that benefited from Project Rushmore are definitely worth a look.

Final Thoughts

Harley Davidson's Project Rushmore was a game-changer for the company and the motorcycle industry. By listening to customers and investing in innovation, Harley-Davidson was able to create touring bikes that were more comfortable, technologically advanced, and rider-friendly. The project had a lasting impact on the company and helped solidify its position as a leader in the industry. So, the next time you see a Road King, Street Glide, or Electra Glide, remember the legacy of Project Rushmore and the commitment to excellence that it represents. Safe riding, guys!