Paint scheme adds a pricey custom flair to the Street Glide Special.
Custom Cost
Talk about exclusive, the latest paint set from Harley-Davidson is a very limited release. Only five-hundred Street Glide Specials will sport the new Arctic Blast livery. With examples already being snapped up at dealerships, this blue and white cold front will roll through quickly. While a stunning look, some are questioning the additional cost of the custom finish.
Direct Development
Hand-painted by Gunslinger Custom Paint, the factory-installed bodywork comes with its own unique serial number. Established in 2004, and located in Golden, Colorado, Gunslinger is a 'tier one' supplier for Harley Davidson. They note, “Our art, styling and graphic departments have a combined total of over 40 years in direct development with Harley Davidson’s CVO and Limited Edition lines.”
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Product Drive
The Arctic Blast Street Glide Special is part of Harley-Davidson's latest marketing direction. CEO Jochen Zeitz introduced the idea of paring down product to drive desire when he officially took over in May 2020. Harley-Davidson's director of product sales Beth Truett explained the paradigm shift, “Our strategy to limit motorcycle product in the showroom is purposefully designed to drive exclusivity.”
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Excited Look
The move seems to be working. While criticized, the recent introduction of the Harley-Davidson's Icons Collection and the limited edition 2021 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide was a big boost in driving desire. The Arctic Blast treatment is getting buyers excited but has also raised the ire of aficionados who are not keen on the look, the hefty price tag, or both.
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Base Comparison
The Arctic Blast with blacked-out running gear adds $6,895 to the cost of the Street Glide Special, bringing the total to $32,999. Owners of the blue and white bikes will have the option to add a slim top case with matching paint for an additional $1,699. By comparison, a base model Street Glide Special starts at $27,099.
>>Join the conversation about this Artic Blast Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Beauty Motion
Admittedly, the Arctic Blast name seems to have more in common with a new deodorant or a sports beverage. The official communication explains that the paint scheme is bold and in high contrast, followed by, “Words can’t describe the true beauty of this finish.” Harley-Davidson’s VP of Styling and Design Brad Richards attempted, stating that it was “intended to communicate the appearance of motion.”
>>Join the conversation about this Artic Blast Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Pattern Vibe
Closer inspection reveals a lot more details, like the deep pearl blue and a ghosted hexagon pattern in the fairing and on the front fender. The design itself sits in different camps. It emulates the current Performance Bagger motifs while evoking a 1970s racing circuit vibe. The hexagon pattern is a nod to the resurgence of retro-chopper paint schemes.
>>Join the conversation about this Artic Blast Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Storm Reception
The Arctic Blast does away with the 'stretched saddlebags,' a much-liked feature of the Street Glide Special. The bags are a point of contention for many. Marketing aspiration and cost aside, the reception is entirely subjective, but sales indicate that it is positive. If the Arctic Blast is appealing, it would be best to move quickly before the storm blows over.
>>Join the conversation about this Artic Blast Street Glide right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
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