The SuperCrew trucks are easy to spot, whether it's the all-black version with orange trim, including the Harley bar and shield logo, or the black-over-silver version with a chrome logo that we tested. The two-tone model also sports a body stripe that looks dark gray from a distance but, once you get closer, is actually made up of the words "Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary" repeated over and over. Even the rubber mat in the bed has the H-D logo, along with the seats and steering wheel. It rides on 20 3 9-in. five-spoke chromed aluminum wheels with H-D logo on the center caps. Not many of my female friends or family were impressed with the truck's looks, but men over the age of 25 and bikers of all stripes were throwing me a thumbs-up when I drove by.
From the driver's seat, the most impressive feature is a supercharged, intercooled 5.4-liter Triton V8 putting out 340 hp at 4,500 rpm and 425 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission has a 3.73:1 axle ratio and a limited-slip differential. And the V8 engine's throaty rumble sounds great, thanks to a high-performance exhaust system with a dual inlet/dual outlet muffler with flashy "slash-cut" chrome tips. Between the torque and horsepower, there's no problem keeping up with traffic or leaving it behind. And staying on the gas pedal until the supercharger kicks in delivers impressive acceleration, almost regardless of what speed you are going. The only downside is that mileage is in the 10 to 13-mpg range.
The cab is as luxurious as any full-sized sedan, but much roomier, especially in terms of headroom. The console is covered in leather, the instrument panel has a "spun-metal" look, and the gas and brake pedals are brushed steel with dark rubber inserts for traction. In the dash is a six-CD changer, part of a powerful stereo.
For those who want to use this as a working truck, it tows 4,500-lb loads and carries 1,375 lb in the bed. The cab fits four comfortably and could probably hold six in a pinch.
Ford made 12,000 of this H-D truck last year, and it retailed for about $37,000. Our truck carried an optional moonroof ($810), power sliding rear window ($245), heated front seats ($245), bed extender ($195), and two-tone paint scheme ($450), for a total of $39,295, including destination and delivery. About the only other option is an engine-block heater.