This year, the Harley-Davidson F-150 design crew decided on snakeskin as their theme. How they arrived there, I can only imagine, but the result is snakeskin-patterned leather (from cows, in case you’re wondering) on the seatbacks, steering wheel, and centre armrest, and the outline of the flame decal and scuff plates are also snakeskin patterned. I’m sure there was a lineup of snakeskin-booted and -belted, Harley-riding cowboys lined up at Ford dealerships ready to make their deposits as soon as the first images surfaced. Suffice to say, if you like the pattern of snakeskin, this truck will be your thing.
  2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150. Click image to enlarge |
And being a Harley-Davidson F-150, there are also Harley-Davidson badges, and they did not skimp on the badges. From the crest outlines on the wheel hubs (22-inch snakey-spoked wheels incidentally, with 275/45R22 Pirelli Scorpion Zero rubber), to the raised “HARLEY-DAVIDSON” raised lettering on the bed-walls, to the crests on the trunk, fenders, and even the bed liner. Inside, the snakeskin-patterned seatbacks have them, and the badge on the armrest is a cloisonné badge, handmade by the same company that makes the badges for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, mounted together with a serialization plate with the truck’s VIN and build number laser engraved.
The rest of the interior is a mix of satin-finish chrome, “Tuxedo Black” trim (sparkly black), typical F-150 switchgear, auto climate control, plus Sync voice command system and Ford MyTouch touchscreen infotainment system for audio, communications, and navigation. This city boy found it all pretty nice.
In conclusion, this is a fine-looking truck with a custom look that may not be for all tastes, but it is definitely unique. And although the 22-inch wheels with lo-pro rubber aren’t cut out for off-roading, this rig (yes, I reserve the right to use truck clichés until the cows come home wearing snakeskin stetsons) still has the bones and capability of North America’s favourite tool, the Ford F-150.
Price: 2012 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson
Base Price: $64,699
Options: $1,080 (White Platinum metallic tri-coat $300; bed extender $350; tailgate step $300)
Destination: $1,500
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $67,249
Specifications
Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Ford F-150
Competitors
Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
Buyer’s Guide: 2012 GMC Sierra
Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Nissan Titan
Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Ram 1500
Buyer’s Guide: 2012 Toyota Tundra
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
