First Look: 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150
By Evan McCausland
Lest you thought seven trim levels were too few for the F-150, here's another for the portfolio: The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150.
As the 14th collaboration between Ford and Harley-Davidson, the 2010 H-D F-150 signifies not only the first customization of the newly-revamped F-150, but a move away from the Super Duty range (for 2009, the H-D moniker was applied only to a tricked-out F-450).
Like previous Harley-Davidson editions, the 2010 model differs from other F-150 mostly in its appearance. Ford paints the Harley truck in a metallic maroon paint that flip-flops to a blood red hue under direct light, and accentuates it with maroon C-stripes above the rocker panels. A custom chrome grille insert is designed to resemble the heat fins on a V-twin engine, while retractable running boards clean up the F-150's side profile.
Perhaps the most important change comes within, as Ford designers took a serious look at refining both interior design and materials. Both dash and door panels wear a glossy piano black finish, while plastics on the center stack and center console are finished in a maroon color that emulates the exterior. A similar color appears on the leather seat skins, which - with lapel loops and zippered map pockets - are said to emulate bikers' jackets.
New 22-inch aluminum wheels are exclusive to the Harley-Davidson F-150, and though Ford says the truck features a sport suspension, we're told it's mainly tuned to improve ride and handling with the larger wheels. Unlike earlier versions, don't look for any go-fast goodies underhood. In fact, the only notable mechanical change comes if you opt for a four-wheel-drive model - an automatic transfer case is included, and is exclusive to the Harley model.
Such limited change means the Harley Davidson F-150 still uses the three-valve variant of Ford's 5.4-liter V-8, which produces the same 310 hp as it does in other F-150 trims. A six-speed automatic is standard on both 4x2 and 4x4 models.