It's the end of the year, and what will you be doing with your big, fat bonus?

Okay, I've made a big, fat assumption.

But assuming you do have a Class 2 motorbike licence and an extra 40 grand lying around, Harley Davidson (H-D) has a 25-model lineup for 2008 that might just be the thing for you.

Above: Mr Richard Park, General Manager of Harley S'pore

HIP HOG

There used to be a time where Harley Davidson motorcycles were synonymous with biker gangs like the Hells Angels.

But many moons have passed since then, and with the local police firmly taking charge, plus the mass media's re-introduction of big bikes as the new plaything for rich celebs and middle-aged executives (think 'American Chopper' on The Discovery Channel and 'Wild Hogs' starring John Travolta), 'hogs' are now hipper than ever.

Richard Park, General Manager at Harley Singapore, picks out three of the hottest bikes in the 2008 line-up.

XL1200N Nightster

The Nightster was introduced to the US market in January this year. Harley enthusiasts have been patiently waiting for this retro-looking bike to hit our shores. Don't be fooled by the minimalist body that looks like something out of the 1950s, this soul of the bike is still pure-bred, modern H-D sportster technology.

Retail price: $23,790

FXDF Dyna Fat Bob

No, this isn't named after some overweight guy named 'Robert'.

The 'Fat' in this 'Bob' actually refer to large, dual fuel tanks that when combined with its chunky tyres, give the bike a stout and stocky appearance. Think Diego Maradona (before his drug affliction) in black leather.

Retail price: $34,300

FXCW Softail Rocker

If you're a fan of Orange County Choppers - otherwise known as the dysfunctional bike-building family on the Discovery Channel - you'll like the Rocker.

A real-life 'custom' bike, the Rocker will bit like what u see on OCC, but more comfortable and affordable. A shinier version of the Rocker - the 'Rocker C' - is also available. The differences are mainly aesthetic, but it comes with a foldaway pillion seat if you have a hot babe to ferry.

Retail price: $41,500 (Rocker), $43,900 (Rocker C)

Visit www.harleysingapore.com to view the whole range of bikes available here in Singapore.

If you're a real H-D afficionado, you could go for one of Harley's 105th Anniversary bikes that comes with badges and serialization proudly emblazoned on the fuel tank. 13 serialised motorcycles will eventually make their way here, with more possibly to come.

HOW TO BUY A HARLEY

1. Get the right licence!

Make sure you have a valid Class 2 licence. Class 2B licences are for tiny scooters (up to 200cc) and 2A licences (up to 400cc) still won't cut it either. You've got to work your way up from Class 2B, then 2A, and finally to the Class 2 licence that will arm you with the necessary skills to tame the beast!

2. Know your Softail from your Sportster

Do your research. Harleys are all big and bad, but the various models offer different rides and styling.
Modern-day Harleys can be categorised as either Touring, Softail, Dyna, Sportster or V-Rod bikes.

3. Go for a road test

Mr Park emphasized that customers should take the available demo bikes for a spin and see which ones they are most comfortable with, rather than making a choice based solely on looks.

"We don't want them to ride it for two months just because 'they like the style', and then they come back and say i can't ride this." said the 46-year-old who's been with Harley for more than ten years.

4. Splash the cash

Check that you have enough in the kitty to not just buy the bike, but for recurring costs like road tax and insurance which could set you back up to $2,300 annually.

5. Join the club

Where's the fun if all you do is ride alone? Join the local chapter of the Harley Owners Group or form your own bunch of Wild Hogs to tear up the roads with.

NO LICENCE?

Still don't have the prerequisite riding licence?

No worries, because Harley Davidson stores are having an apparel sale, so you can at least look the part this Christmas.

Harley-Davidson of Singapore Pte Ltd
253 Alexandra Road,
#01-04 Singapore 159936
Tel: 6475 0123

Ngee Ann City,
Orchard Road,
#B1-54/55
Tel: 6735 3218