A high-tech Harley? Inside the next generation of smarter, smaller hogs
Harley-Davidson is not the first company most people think of when
it comes to cutting-edge innovation in the sphere of modern
motorcycling. But if you haven’t been paying attention to the bikes
coming out of Milwaukee, you might be in for a shock at what’s taking
place at Harley Davidson (HD).
Like a lot of motorcycle builders, Harley had a tough stretch during the Great Recession. Also, HD’s domestic competition has been growing lately. But Harley has taken a multi-point approach to these problems. And while the results are not yet in, in terms of sales, it would seem Harley’s roll of the dice might come up a winner.
Radiators on a Harley? The ‘Street’ bikes debut
In early November at the EICMA show, Harley took the wraps off two
completely new bikes. When I say ‘completely new’; I mean these new
bikes, called the Street line, are absolute departures for HD.
The Street line thus far consists of a 500cc V-twin and its big brother, a 750cc machine. They look nearly identical in stock form. Both bikes are blacked out and mildly cruiser-ish, but not nearly to the level of the “traditional” Harley, not even close.
HD and other bike makers are rightfully worried because young people are not getting into motorcycling like they used to. Harley isn’t helping itself either, as its smallest bike, the 883 Iron with an 883cc engine runs $8,400 for the most basic version. For a newbie rider or scooter graduate, that’s just too big, heavy and expensive.
The Street line features engines that are fuel injected and blatantly liquid-cooled, with prominent front radiators and shrouds. Cycle World says the 750 puts out about 54 hp, which won’t win a lot of races. In all honesty, that’s more than enough to cover both city and highway riding while still being able to outrun most cars from a stoplight. Both bikes feature low-maintenance belt drive and six-speed gearboxes, which should cover pretty much any kind of riding scenario.
The Street line is also beginner priced, coming in at $6,700 for the 500 and $7,500 for the 750. All things considered, this is fairly competitive pricing for their displacement niche – and especially so since big Harleys can easily top $20,000.
The Street line features engines that are fuel injected and blatantly liquid cooled, with prominent front radiators and shrouds.
Harley Online and the Custom Build option
Harley’s rep, history, and hardcore lifer customers pigeonhole it to
some extent. After Harley’s Buell sportbike experiment came to a sudden
and sad end during the recession, Harley brass most certainly had a
meeting of the minds to not only change the image of the brand but also
kick-start an online web presence that includes a custom build program.
Along with the spiffy website, Harley continues to improve and expand its custom build program, which allows prospective buyers to choose from myriad factory options including wheel style, paint color, trim items and some performance options including factory-fitted alternative exhaust systems. Once the customer finalizes the sale, the order heads off to HD’s Milwaukee or Kansas facility and the bike is built and delivered.
Harley has an immense and colorful history. Will the new bikes and tech infusion keep Harley Davidson ahead of growing competition? We’re hoping to saddle up the new bikes and put them through their paces to find out.
The Street line thus far consists of a 500cc V-twin and its big brother, a 750cc machine. They look nearly identical in stock form. Both bikes are blacked out and mildly cruiser-ish, but not nearly to the level of the “traditional” Harley, not even close.
HD and other bike makers are rightfully worried because young people are not getting into motorcycling like they used to. Harley isn’t helping itself either, as its smallest bike, the 883 Iron with an 883cc engine runs $8,400 for the most basic version. For a newbie rider or scooter graduate, that’s just too big, heavy and expensive.
The Street line features engines that are fuel injected and blatantly liquid-cooled, with prominent front radiators and shrouds. Cycle World says the 750 puts out about 54 hp, which won’t win a lot of races. In all honesty, that’s more than enough to cover both city and highway riding while still being able to outrun most cars from a stoplight. Both bikes feature low-maintenance belt drive and six-speed gearboxes, which should cover pretty much any kind of riding scenario.
The Street line is also beginner priced, coming in at $6,700 for the 500 and $7,500 for the 750. All things considered, this is fairly competitive pricing for their displacement niche – and especially so since big Harleys can easily top $20,000.
The Street line features engines that are fuel injected and blatantly liquid cooled, with prominent front radiators and shrouds.
Harley Online and the Custom Build option
Harley’s rep, history, and hardcore lifer customers pigeonhole it to
some extent. After Harley’s Buell sportbike experiment came to a sudden
and sad end during the recession, Harley brass most certainly had a
meeting of the minds to not only change the image of the brand but also
kick-start an online web presence that includes a custom build program.Along with the spiffy website, Harley continues to improve and expand its custom build program, which allows prospective buyers to choose from myriad factory options including wheel style, paint color, trim items and some performance options including factory-fitted alternative exhaust systems. Once the customer finalizes the sale, the order heads off to HD’s Milwaukee or Kansas facility and the bike is built and delivered.
Harley has an immense and colorful history. Will the new bikes and tech infusion keep Harley Davidson ahead of growing competition? We’re hoping to saddle up the new bikes and put them through their paces to find out.
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