Erase the F-150 Lightning, SVT’s tire-smoking sports car/pickup from your memory. For 2010, SVT went in the extreme opposite direction with the F-150 SVT Raptor: an off-road desert racer who jumps tycoon. Bringing the number of F-150 models to nine is the Harley-Davidson F-150 edition, which features 22-inch-diameter polished forged aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust tips, and Harley-Davidson graphics and logos in nearly every spot. available.
Existing models also get several new features. A chrome billet grille is available on the XLT Chrome Package, a chrome mesh grille insert comes on the Lariat Chrome Package and black tubular running boards are available on XL Regular Cab and SuperCab.
The first F-150 SVT Raptors will come with the 320-hp, 390-lb-ft engine. torque, 5.4-liter V8 offered in other F-150s. A 6.2-liter V8 with roughly 400 hp will be available later that will launch the SVT Raptor into low-Earth orbit if it can find the right jump. Just make sure you nail down the landing after you go back inside. In addition to the Raptor’s 6.2L V8 (which will come with a six-speed automatic transmission), the 2010 F-150 is available with three engines, all V-8s: a 320-horsepower 5.4-liter; one with three valves per cylinder, 292 horsepower, 4.6 liters; and a 248-horsepower 4.6-liter two-valve-per-cylinder.
The first two come with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the two-valve 4.6L is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. A two-wheel drive F-150 with the 4.6-liter three-valve engine has an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon on the government highway driving cycle. A 5.4-liter 2WD will provide 20 mpg on the highway.
Some keys to the success of desert racing trucks are long suspension travel to soak up bumps and keep the drive wheels on the ground, robust shock absorbers with extra fluid reservoirs to prevent overheating, and reinforced suspension components to withstand constant knocks. The Raptor has more than 12 inches of rear suspension travel and more than 11 up front. While that’s a long time for a standard vehicle, it’s a lot less than half that of pure racing trucks, so don’t challenge Robbie Gordon to a duel in the desert.
The Raptor is equipped with specially designed Fox Racing Shox shocks to maintain its performance over miles of washboard surfaces. To withstand the knocks of a race through the desert, Ford added a beefier rear axle housing and an all-new front suspension with stronger upper and lower control arms and stronger rim bars, among other improvements. The Raptor also has a seven-inch-wider track (the distance between tires on the same axle) to improve stability as it bounces between sagebrush and yucca plants.
For situations where deep sand or mud slows progress, the Raptor has a locking rear differential. Additionally, selecting off-road mode disables the electronic driver aids (electronic stability control and traction control) and changes the logarithm of the anti-lock brakes to a setting more appropriate for off-roading. The Raptor is equipped with giant 315/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA/KO tires. These 35-inch diameter tires increase ground clearance to help avoid contact with rocks. In case that isn’t enough clearance, the Raptor comes standard with heavy-duty skid plates to protect the oil pan, transmission and other key parts under the vehicle.
Visually, the Raptor has a unique grille, front bumper and fenders. Inside, there is a revised console. The steering wheel features an orange stripe across the top, similar to those found on NASCAR race cars, to help the driver know how far to turn the wheel in case they lose direction due to excitement. The Raptor is available only as a SuperCab with four-wheel drive and a 5.5-foot bed.
Studies have shown that many Harley riders like to tow their bikes to events, rather than eat June bugs all the way there and back. And the Ford F-150 is one of your most popular choices for that towing job, with Ford Trailer Sway Control. Whether they know it or not, the biggest advantage of the 2010 Ford F-150 for Harley drivers is how Ford has reprogrammed the truck’s electronic stability control system computer to recognize when the trailer begins to sway and then react to stifle trailer motion by applying individual brakes or reducing throttle. Plus, a dash-mounted trailer brake controller prevents bruised knees and scraped shins common with aftermarket controllers. And let’s not forget… there are Harley-Davidson logos on the sides, front fenders, tailgate, ignition key, door panels, windshield and a few other places.
The F-150 continues its reign as the “favorite” among trucks. The SVT Raptor and Harley-Davidson F-150 editions will only add to that advantage.
