Japanese magazine,
Young Machine is back with another render, and this time they have envisioned
the entry-level Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the Asian market. Earlier in
2018, the American two-wheeler brand had announced its aggressive growth plan,
“More Roads to Harley-Davidson.” The company’s growth plan includes the launch
of new products, broader access and strong dealer network.
Apart from the
cruisers, Harley-Davidson plans to venture into motorcycle segments across a
broad spectrum of price points, power sources, displacements, riding styles and
global markets. One of the categories that the company plans to venture into is
the 250cc to 500cc space. Harley-Davidson plans a strategic alliance with a
manufacturer in Asia to participate in the entry-level market. The name of the
alliance partner has not been disclosed, but speculation is rife that it is
either an Indian or a Chinese OEM.
The render imagines
the motorcycle with a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor instead of the
traditional V-twins that the brand has used in the past. The final product will
retain the same hardware, and we may see some healthy performance numbers from
the entry-level H-D. The chassis is imagined with a bolt-on sub-frame. If the
final version carries the same format, we may see more products spawn from the
same platform.
Styling is heavily
based on Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle concept. The fascia isn’t
visible in the render, but the motorcycle seems to use a round headlight. It
could also be a twin-pod illuminator. Steering duties would be performed by
flat-handlebar that should offer upright ergonomics for better comfort. A lean
fuel tank features the Harley-Davidson badge.
The rear has been
given a minimal look, and the number plate has been installed as the tyre
hugger. Conventional telescopic forks at the front instead of upside-down units
would help to keep the costs low, and prices competitive. At the rear would
most likely be a monoshock unit. Disc brakes on both ends would provide the
stopping power. The render uses a petal-type disc at the back, but the last
version should get the conventional shape. Lastly, the alloy wheels are wrapped
in dual-sport tyres, something like the Pirelli MT60.
