Harley’s blacked-out and matte-finished “Dark Custom” line has proven to be attractive to younger buyers, appealing in both style and price. H-D sold 29,000 bikes to people under the age of 35 in 2008, and the Dark Custom line holds particular interest for the younger demographic. Sales of DCs were up 24% in ’08, aided by the addition of the bobber-like Cross Bones.

With just one operating unit and 10 journalists at the gallery opening, Motorcycle.com didn’t get a crack at looking cool that night. So Kevin Duke and myself hopped on a jet and met up with H-D Press manager Paul James in Daytona Beach earlier this month to get us a few miles in the saddle.

Spry and steeped in style, the newest member of the Dark Custom line hasn’t changed too much from it’s more commonly known iteration, the Sportster 883 Low. They share the same narrow steel frame and lowered dual-shock rear suspension setups. Up front, the Iron sports rubber fork boots to give it that retro-cool look.

Where the bike’s geometry lacks in legroom for riders over 5’10”, the Iron makes up with attitude. It’s delivered with a menacing matte-black paint scheme, Sportster-standard dual exhaust pipes, a 26.3” high solo saddle (unladen; same as the Nightster and 883 Low) and a lighter overall weight. The three-inch shorter total length makes for a light turning machine, limited however by its lock-to-lock steering radius. I think the Victory choppers we also rode that week made a tighter circle. Luckily, Harley also shaved 18 pounds off the Low, which helps when pushing the Iron around parking lots.