2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

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 under hood. 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.

“Our successful co-branding, unmatched in the industry, offers customers true specialized truck luxury,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “Just like with our other associations, we’ve linked with an industry leader to offer the best
of the best.”

The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced eight F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250, F-350, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is the first Harley-Davidson edition vehicle built off the award-winning new 2009 Ford F-150.

This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that’s been the hallmark of the Ford F-Series brand,” said Matt O’Leary, chief engineer. “Now we’re giving customers more of everything they love with the best F-150 and the boldest Harley-Davidson F-150 ever – featuring a fully differentiated design, all-wheel-drive capability, 22-inch wheels and a knock-out interior.”

The exterior of the 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar shaped billet style grille and boasts specialized forged aluminum and Harley-Davidson® chrome badging. The truck will have a lowered appearance because of a fully integrated deployable running board.

Also standard are 22-inch low-profile performance tires – the largest in the F-Series lineup –
and Euroflange forged wheels with a polished and painted center wheel cap. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson – Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake.

The interior is customized to appeal to the truck buyer who appreciates the attention to detail for which both Ford and Harley-Davidson are renowned.

“There’s a real tie-in between the truck’s interior and exterior designs,” said Patrick Schiavone, Design director. “It’s very much like how some customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a prominent theme that runs through them. That’s how we tie it in with custom bikes.”

Also impressive are the seats and console lid, which features hand-made cloisonné badges; the console has a limited-edition serialization plate.

“These handmade badges continue our theme of premium Harley-Davidson offerings,” said Schiavone. “Probably the only place that most people have seen hand-made cloisonné is on premium Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It’s really high craftsmanship, and people will recognize it as another connection between the two brands.”

Linkage is apparent even in the smallest details, such as adornments on the seats.

“The theme of the seat was designed to resemble a Harley® biker jacket,” Schiavone said. “We even used authentic materials you’d find on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes® brand apparel.”

The seat backs feature ribbed leather treatments, engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and even zippered map pockets featuring zippers from Harley jackets.

It is important to the Ford Design team that the truck remain genuine to enthusiasts of Harley-Davidson, customers who traditionally are as loyal to their motorcycles as F-150 owners are to their trucks.

That’s why the team meets regularly with Harley-Davidson designers and travels to motorcycle events throughout the year – including Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Harley-Davidson dealer meetings – to talk to current and potential customers. The team wants to be sure that when Harley-Davidson owners or enthusiasts need a truck, this is the truck they choose.

“We talk to everyone we can; we find out what the customer values,” O’Leary said. “We look at what they like, what they want, and what they wish they had, and we go from there.”

“No one understands their customers better than Harley-Davidson and Ford,” said Joanne Bischmann, vice president – Licensing, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “We’re proud to share the spirit of Harley-Davidson authenticity in a unique interpretation of America’s favorite truck, the F-Series.”