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This is Franklin Mint’s latest Harley-Davidson Softail rendition. It comes by way of the “Night Train” configuration that, in 2006, set 9189 owner’s hearts to fluttering. H-D built that number of Softails for the ’06 version of the ‘Train’ and TFM copied that edition amount here for us 1:10 collectors. And yes, my heart fluttered too as I opened the packaging of this model.
This is likely the nicest motorcycle I have reviewed to date. I’m not sure what appeals so strongly to my sense of enjoyment here as the working features are every bit as numerous as on all of TFM’s bike models. I guess it has to be Harley’s adherence to the night theme of using black in its many forms and TFM’s perfect replication of the 1:1 itself. The tins; tank halves, front and rear fenders, are beautifully rendered in Black Pearl. The center tank console along with the oil tank, air cleaner and fender supports are flat black. The 88 cubic inch Twin Cam 88B engine on this FXSTB/I model utilizes a black powder-coat and mixes in a wrinkle finish and textured black engine covers. TFM fabricated the look flawlessly.
The Black Slotted Aluminum Disc rear wheel adds another dimension as do the photo-etched wire front 21 inch wheel and gloriously chromed twin exhaust pipes. The Mint did a wonderful job in adding realism to the bike by using scaled electric wiring, fuel plumbing and brake cables. The frame is perfectly marked, P-E metal brake rotor ride within the calipers and working features sell the 1:1 illusion well. The rear Softail suspension is hidden well and articulates like a real unit. The belt drive works and so does the brake pedal and 5-speed shifter assembly. Front and rear foot pegs unfold and, of course, the kickstand unfolds. Even the front shocks are operational. The passenger grab belt is a separately fashioned piece and the seat feels realistic. The tank-mounted speedo looks very detailed and TFM finished off the tank with beautiful chrome metal-foiled H-D emblems on the tank sides.
This is easily one of the nicest bikes to come from TFM yet, the issue price is $135.
(10/07/2007)
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