2012 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition Review

"This pickup truck from Ford not only has the goods to tow a trailer, but the looks to make people swoon."

Typically, my girlfriends ask me to take them for a ride when I have "sportier" press vehicles. Convertibles, for instance, are the No. 1 drive-my-friend-around-for-the-day cars, especially when it's sunny. Unlikelier candidates for such attention are subcompacts, family sedans (unless they're loaded with horsepower and over $60K) and trucks.

We're city folk, so the necessity and practicality of anything that could take up two parking spots in the downtown core is not high on the priority list.

But that doesn't mean minds can't change.

The Double Take

I either had something in my teeth or the 2012 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition made people stare profusely. I'd like to think it's the latter. This special edition truck definitely has eye-catching characteristics -- from the inside and out -- that appeal to a broad audience; an audience that likes to ogle.

Its exterior features a first for an F-150: a set of standard 22" machined aluminum wheels with painted accents of the Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo on the centre cap. Combined with its White Platinum Tri-Coat exterior finish, body side graphics, textured "Harley-Davidson" lettering, a host of bar and shield emblems strewn across its physique, and a six-bar billet-style bright chrome grille... There's a lot to look at.

What really appealed specifically to my female friends was the inclusion of the leather interior accents that resembled snakeskin. Whether on the front or back seats, not only did the two-toned slithering cowhide look good, but it became the topic of various conversations. And perhaps it was the catalyst as to why I had unexpected phone calls asking if I'd be in their "area" and if I wanted to take people for a ride. The most surprising? They weren't even truck people, or I didn't know they were until the F-150 converted them!

The interior isn't all about the snakeskin: standard features inside include a 4.2" touchscreen with voice-activated navigation, a power moonroof, second-row heated seats and ambient lighting. Additionally, five adults fit comfortably inside the H-D F-150.

Its exterior features a first for an F-150: a set of standard 22" machined aluminum wheels with painted accents of the Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo on the centre cap. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

All Powered Up

Underneath all the snakeskin trim leather interior accents is a plentiful 6.2L V8 gasoline powerplant. This sizeable engine, which is linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivers an impressive 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. Needless to say, this truck is not a sleeper! Press the accelerator and it's ready to rock. Not to mention that the exhaust note produced as a byproduct of the gas gauge yielding to gravity is quite dreamy.

And for those who will use this for its main purpose -- not referring to the truck hauling butt, but to actually hauling items -- it has a towing capacity of 3,400 kg (7,500 lbs) and comes with a 5.5-foot long bed.

One More Time Around the Block

With the addition of sport-tuned front and rear shocks, a truck that could easily feel a little softer in the suspension department made this pickup a great companion in the city, especially on the highway. In fact, I really enjoyed driving it around because of the firmer ride. It didn't feel sloppy and complacent with the road's imperfections.

Granted, if you're putting the 2-speed automatic 4x4 system into action off the beaten path, try avoiding extremely potholed gravel roads or various bumps along the way. You'll probably feel it a little more than you want to. Yes, it has the capability to go off road, but there are other F-Series products that might be better suited. Besides, this truck looks way better clean!

I can't believe I just said that.

With the addition of sport-tuned front and rear shocks, a truck that could easily feel a little softer in the suspension department made this pickup a great companion in the city, especially on the highway. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Chivalry Isn't Dead

Open the doors to the F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition and it's like you have your own personal coachman. Complete with top hat, the coachman -- aka the power, deployable cab steps -- helps elevate you into the cabin. Close the doors and they retract. At first, this feature took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting that kind of service, but I got used to it and loved it. Although I joke about chivalry's death being caused by the invention of keyless entry, clearly it's not completely dead. Now, about that coachman...

The Cost of Looking Good

Like its engine, the well-appointed Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 comes with a sizeable price tag. Its base MSRP is $64,699. With the options, it comes to $65,749 plus a $1,500 destination and delivery charge, for a grand total of $67,249 (plus applicable taxes). Furthermore, it has an estimated fuel economy of 18.5L/100km in the city and 12.7L/100km on the highway. I averaged 17.2L/100km with my combined city/highway driving.

If you're looking for a more efficient F-150, the ECOBOOST V6 would be a better bet. But those who purchase the V8 know what they're in store for. Yes, you pay for it financially, but it's just so much fun.