If the Harley Davidson edition of your basic Ford pickup isn’t quite enough truck for you but you want something with a bit of Harley Davidson style, how about the International LoneStar Harley-Davidson Special Edition. Introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show, only 250 will be made with production beginning in June.
The International LoneStar is a pretty cool looking rig as big rigs go and this Harley Davidson Special Edition has a lot of Harley touches:
Willie G. Davidson, Harley-Davidson’s designer, helped with headlamps from Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Harley badging on the 150-gallon chrome fuel tanks, seven-foot chrome exhaust stacks, Harley gauge faces, silver-and-orange striping for the underlying black paint (the only color offered) and a horizontal bar billet-style Harley-Davidson chrome grille.
Guys that spend a lot of time on the road hauling freight like to personalize their trucks in all sorts of ways and for the Harley fan, this gives them another option. Prices start at $155,000.
Link: International Trucks via NY Times
The Ogre says
Well, Harleys do handle like trucks…
(apologies folks – I couldn’t resist)
Tin Man 2 says
Being in the transportation industry for years I can tell you that the percentage of Truck Drivers and Rail Engineers that ride Harleys is impressive. You can laugh all you want but the calm professionals in the industry understand and like the Harley Experience. Anyone who has operated a large piece of equipment also enjoys the Low Down Grunt of a Harley, It is hard to describe but Torque is the common demoninator, Not Speed but Power. Drive a F350 Diesel pick up and then drive a Miata, Both are good in their own way, But the Ford has a relaxing power to it that relates to the Harley Experiance, The Miata is faster but in a different way, You know It Really cant be explained, You get it or you dont !!
dresden says
That would make a pretty cool Optimus Prime too.
LN says
Is this a new target audience for Harley? Truckers don’t where penny loafers and pleated slacks to work.
Tin Man 2 says
LN, In the Harley world a strong person who labors with their hands are not looked down on. The Doctor/Lawyer riders are emulating the Truckers/Laborers not the other way around. The Harley world is one of the few areas in our society that respects Labor and Skill over a degree in Bussiness management or a degree in Liberal Arts.
todd says
So you’re saying they are an uneducated lot then… I’d like to give (most) harley owners more credit than that. I’ve been told that there is more to the harley image than meathead white supremacy. This truck is obviously geared towards the 250 people the marketing department found fit their intended image. Besides, they wanted to build some custom fleet trucks for themselves too.
I worked hard to put myself through school (instead of taking odd jobs to finance the next beer) and put myself into a respectable, reasonably important position in society doing something I love making more than I care to admit… Maybe that’s why I ride old BMW’s, Britbikes, and Japbikes.
-todd
Walt says
Strange discussion, but this happens when Harleys are involved. I have two degrees (one in poetry writing) and have owned the same Harley since 1964. I have a white collar job but spend my spare time in my home workshop, restoring bikes. One grandfather was a plumber, the other a mechanic. I’d like to live in a world where people are respected for their hard work, wit, kindness and integrity, and respect others for the same qualities. And I really don’t care what work they do.
Greybeard says
Wow!
I may keep my CDL afterall!
Phoebe says
This is obviously not targeted towards me, because I just don’t “get” the Harley-edition Ford pickups or this big rig. Then again, I don’t “get” something like, say, a Buick-themed chopper, for that matter. *shrugs*
Gary says
Cool truck… and you people don’t have enough to worry about.
marshall says
Walt, I’m with you.
Tin Man, maybe I misread, but when I saw LN’s comment I thought he was suggesting that this truck is probably too fancy and expensive for “real” truckers who don’t get paid much and have their priorities straight. Many people with business degrees will readily admit that they admire and respect those who make less money at their trucker/laborer jobs. But hard work and skill are admirable and required for success in both “worlds.”
Dave2 says
Harley Davidson is a brand like no other and has captured an audience that is loyal to the core. I’m sure they could put a HD badge on hams and the loyalists will buy. I’ve heard that they make more money on clothing than bikes, correct me if I’m wrong.
I understand the blue collar heritage of HD’s but have never felt the need to own one, although I do read mags and books about HD’s. One book in particular is about HD advertisements through the years. The marketing then as now is absolutely genius.
Walt says
This is actually a very cool looking truck. Reminds me of a Diamond T pickup I saw years ago in Havre, Montana. The truck sat immobile for years before someone finally saw the beauty and scooped it up.
jp says
Looks pretty, the Lonestar is a good looking truck in its own right. However, I’m not sure the market is right for a $155g H-D branded one. Maybe once freight picks up a little more.
But what do I know? I’m a cabover Pete sort of guy.
Phoebe says
Gary: Not enough to worry about?? This is important stuff! 😉
Mark X says
The LoneStar road tractor has about as much to do with Harley-Davidson as chicken soup has to do with ice cream. That being said, it is a wonderful styling exercise. I hope that they sell like hot cakes.
Hawk says
How much of the $155g’s go to Harley as royalty?
Back in the early 80’s, Willie G. had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the world of “royalties”, “franchising” and such. When he discovered that the benefits of “marketing” pretty much saved his grandfather’s company, he certainly embraced the concept … big time.
I’m not suggesting that it was wrong … or right, but it saved the company because it worked!
Why do I know? Because my old friend Trevor Deeley was a board member back then ….
Gary says
Phoebe: What can I say?? I’m just an ass….
Phoebe says
Gary: Nah, you’re right. I mean really, who cares? It’s all marketing. A harley clock or bottle opener has nothing to do with the actual bikes either. I just think it’s strange when one vehicle’s brands are tacked on to another’s.
Gary says
And ain’t Harley good at it!!
Garrick says
I have been in the Tranportation Industry for a about 9 years and riding a motorcycle for about 2 years.
In my opinion Truckers and Bikers are alike. We like going our Own way. What does it matter to Us if someone doesn’t like the color, size, sound, or shape of the equipment that We drive or ride. We own what we can afford then we buy what We want.
Why else would someone buy a Hayabusa, a fast enough bike in any shape, and add a turbo or Big bore kit to it. Why did BMW start selling 3 different types of HP bikes. Or Buell build a liquid cooled engine, or all the new 3 wheeled vehicles coming out.
It’s called ‘Choice’.
By the way I grossed @ $182,000 with my truck and I cleared @ $65,000 after expensives, fuel was very High last year, and I run a regional route. I got to ride my UM 650R quite a bit. I want to buy a Can Am Spyder and a Buell 1125CR plus a fully Loaded, $167,500, LoneStar.
New semis are starting at @ $120,000 thanks the EPA’s new rules. Bikers’ are not the only one’s bothered Them.
Doug says
I turned the key on the first Harley-Davidson Special Edition Lone star that went down the line at the Navistar International Plant, in Chatham Ontario Canada.
In my opinion, even if you have never owned a Harley-Davidson Motor Cycle you will want to own this Beautiful Truck! That is if trucking is your business.
On another note, I guess I am a little prejudiced as I have a Road King waiting for me when I get home from the plant.
Marketing is Marketing folks take it for what it is and RIDE ON!
Bartho says
May I give any respons from the other side of the pond, Europe? For us (including myself) Harley Davidson is not only the realisation of the dream of freedom but a way of living. Expressing the admiration for a wonderful piece of American technology, not even to be approached by European od Japanese motorcycles. A real man rides a harley, sissies ride Japanese or BMW…The vibration of the Big Twin in your balls cannot be compensated by the smooth, soft sound of the high-rpm machines.
Indeed a lot of truckers, firemen, policemen and other real men ride a Harley temidfs of a crowd of softies…But, be honest. They look upon you as superior bike riders, of a complete different class…far superior to the softeis.
David Barnett says
Just to add this to the mix. I own a 1950 61 cu, pan head. Had it since 1951. It was a city owned police bike trade in. Had 22,000 plus miles then and today has 24-5 thousan My e- address reflects the year Bought it when I was 25, and am 84 this year. Wouldn’t get rid of it for any amount. RIDE ON.
Dave.