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.
Harley-Davidson, with its Asian partner, will compete against the likes of Bajaj-KTM and TVS-BMW products.
[Source: Young-Machine.com]
