Road Test: 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew
More is Always Better
By BJ Killeen

Build it and they will come. Build more and they will buy. Nothing proved these statements truer than the 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Cab pickup. Only 8200 units were built, and they sold out in record time (five days, to be exact) with buyers clamoring for more. Luckily for consumers, Ford and HD knew a good thing when they saw it. Which is why, for 2001, this alliance between the two giants has brought forth the 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew, based on the popular F-150 SuperCrew truck. This is the second in its lineup of limited-edition trucks, and expect to see many more during this five-year alliance.

Unveiled at the Mecca of all motorcycle meets, the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota, the truck remains largely unchanged from the 2000 model. The obvious difference is the four real doors on the SuperCrew model, making entry and exit a breeze for your Hog-riding buddies. Also noticeable is that the orange pinstripe has been relocated to the bottom of the side rocker panels instead of along the beltline. The 2001 truck bed comes with the bed extender, first seen on the Ford Sport Trac. And the coolest feature not found on the SuperCab version is the windshield, which carries a Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield dot pattern and Alliance logo for the sunshade areas. The Goodyear P275/45R20 Eagle GTII tires are the same, as is the 20x9-inch chrome aluminum wheels with HD branded center caps. No other mods were different from the SuperCab to the SuperCrew models. Both offer a 1-inch drop and slash-cut 3.5-inch chrome exhaust tips. Even the engine remains the same: a 5.4-liter triton V-8 with 260 horses and 350 pound-feet of torque.

Inside, the changes are minimal as well. Where the SuperCab sported embossed HD logos on the seatbacks, the SuperCrew model features a "jewel" hard badge embedded in the seatbacks, which, surprisingly, aren't felt when on the road. The center console also changes from an embedded emblem to embroidered identification. For 2001 the 4-spoke steering wheel features a Ford Oval jewel nameplate. The remaining chrome accents, spun metal IP, and black leather interior are carryover.

Standard features that differ from 2000 to 2001 include power adjustable pedals, 7-pin trailer tow connector and 4-pin converter, and the aforementioned bed extender. Optional equipment adds a moonroof and heated front seats. It appears Harley riders are getting softer with old age. The tonneau cover idea isn't happening, but you can order some bitchin' accessories for your regular F-150 that include HD-logoed products, such as a sport hood cover, truck dust cover, wraparound bug shield, cargo security shade, full front end cover, seatback organizer, bedmat or bedliner, diamond-plate tool box and front box protector, carpet, rubber, or vinyl floor mats, and splash guards. If you like the look of the Harley truck's front chrome bars, you can have those as well, as long as you have an F-150 SuperCab.

Harley-Davidson/Ford was kind enough to bring the big truck around for a quick two-hour test drive, after which it was given away during the Love Ride that happens in Southern California every year. All the good ride and handling characteristics we described in our SuperCab story remain the same, but with the added weight of four real doors, the truck felt heavier on the highway; with a full load of cargo and passengers, the SuperCrew is bound to be smooth and steady on long trips to any truck or bike rally.

The last question that needs to be answered is how much. While the SuperCab sold for around $32,000, the SuperCrew is headed out the door at $34,495; of course, if you can find one for that price, grab it quickly. Job One begins December 4 at the Kansas City plant. While the tag line is "born in Detroit, dressed in Milwaukee," you better be at the end of the production line in KC if you're interested in taking one home.