As free time becomes ever-more elusive, we find ourselves drawn to extraordinary experiences that fully exploit that precious luxury. And while piloting the latest motorcycle to roll out of Willie G. Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations, it quickly becomes evident that the 2006 H-D Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic answers this need. As I rumble through New York's picturesque Hudson River Valley, cruising through small towns before powering back onto sinuous back roads, the powerful, luxurious Ultra Classic reveals itself as a head-turning custom built for long-distance touring. With one of the sweetest, smoothest power plants on two wheels, a slick-shifting gear box, and a competent chassis, the bike also benefits from creature comforts: a broad, comfortable seat, well-placed footboards, and handlebars that allow you to sit up straight without reaching. The large fairing and leg shields provide decent wind protection. The only reasons for stopping are for fuel or food—or to admire the scenery.

Especially considering its small size, even within the context of Harley-Davidson, the 32-member Custom Vehicle Operations team, which brings Willie G.'s visions to reality, has had a broad impact on motorcycling. Starting in 1999 with 900 carefully customized FXRs, the department has broadened its scope to offer four models for 2006. The group will produce 12,000 Ultra Classics this year, 4,000 each of three colors: Black Emerald with Majestic Green Pearl, Black Candy Crimson with Charcoal Slate, and Autumn Haze with Vivid Black.

Custom Vehicle Operations aims the Ultra Classic squarely at the rider who wants a custom motorcycle, but who doesn't care to waste valuable riding time waiting for one-off work. From its stunning custom-painted gas tank, to its ostrich-skin seat and leather-bound tour pack luggage system, every aspect of the bike is luxe. Elements such as extra chrome and a color-matched fairing inset that holds beautifully turned metal-faced gauges create a distinctly custom feel. The wheels shoot off bursts of sunlight from their polished surfaces, and the chrome front-end augments the light show. Custom floorboards—the vertical lines matched in the gas tank cover—complement the custom passenger footboards and handgrips. The list goes on, details which put the CVO Ultra Classic in a class by itself.