Friends, seems that while the car industry is going to the dogs, things in ‘hog-land’ are just hunky-dory. Harley-Davidson 2008 Australian sales are the best ever, hitting record numbers after just 11 months.

“When things look shyte-encrusted, buy a hog…” yup, I can see the appeal in that advice right about now.

No less than 7,150 new Harleys were moved out of hog-shops into the hands of happy customers to end November. This surpasses all previous yearly results for H-D with December - traditionally one of the best retail trading months of the year - still to be recorded.

The Softail Fat Boy (FLSTF) remains the highest selling model with 874 motorcycles sold to end November. Also shining through the gloom is the Night Rod Special (VRSCDX), part of the new ‘Dark Custom’ range.

The’Dark’ range, with black finishes and edgy street styling, is a big departure from the traditional chrome-laden styling typical of H-D and a key part of its strategy to diversify the brand. The range includes the Nightster, Cross Bones, Night Rod Special, Night Train, Street Bob & Fat Bob.

Harley-Davidson Australia Managing Director, Peter Nochar, said:

“Although our classic Softails continue to sell extremely well, the introduction of ‘Dark Custom’ has boosted our outstanding sales result. In addition, our Sportster range is on the rise thanks to fantastic new models and the sheer affordability. When you can buy the genuine article from as little as $10,995 + on-road costs why settle for anything less.”

While all about take the high dive into the long-drop dunny, looks like we have a hog-led recovery in prospect here.

Ride free friends. (Watch out for fat blokes in red suits… ) The Dirk.