Tag Archives: Harley-Davidson

Harley to sell children’s electric bicycles

Harley-Davidson wants children riding electric “Harley-Davidson” bicycles so they become “the next generation” of riders. They hope to achieve this by selling electric bicycles through selected US dealerships.

The move follows their acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, of Californian children’s electric bicycle company StaCyc, which stands for “stability cycles”.

StaCyc will continue to sell their bikes in the US through powersports dealerships, including 29 Harley-Davidson dealerships, as well as online and in specialty bicycle shops.StaCyc electric bicycle

However, from the third quarter of this year, selected US Harley dealerships will sell the electric bicycles rebranded as Harleys.

Harley-Davidson Australia has not advised whether the bikes will be sold here.

StaCyc electric bicyclesStaCyc electric bicycle

StaCyc started in 2016 and has a range of 12-and 16-inch-wheel electric EDRIVE bikes priced from $US649 ($A915) to $US699 ($A985).

There is no word on whether they will cost more when rebranded as Harley-Davidsons.

Electric portfolio

Harley say the acquisition expands their electric portfolio and reinforces their “commitment to lead in the electrification of motorcycling”.

They will release their first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, this August in the US at $US29,790 and in Australia next year for more than $A40,000.

Harley electric LiveWire Harley and Indian announce 2018 sales results
Harley LiveWire

Harley also plan a range of e-bikes (pedal-assisted electric bicycles) and scooters in the next couple of years.

In March 2018, the Milwaukee brand acquired a stake in electric dirt-bike company Alta Motors, but later relinquished it after gaining key technology on batteries and electric motors.

Instead, they invested in their own R&D centre in Silicon Valley for electric vehicle research.

Alta Motors went bust in October and Canadian company BRP, which makes the Can-Am Spyder, has now bought a selection of its assets, including intellectual property, patents and some physical assets.

Brand loyaltyStaCyc electric bicycle

Perhaps Harley will also gain some technical know-how from StaCyc as it did in the short-lived Alta Motors deal.

However, the StaCyc acquisition seems to be more about building brand loyalty from young cyclists in the hope they will become Harley motorcyclists.

Harley-Davidson Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand, Heather Malenshek, says StaCyc “shares the same vision we have for building the next generation of riders globally”.

“We’ve said previously that we believe electric vehicles are where global mobility is headed and they hold great appeal for existing riders as well as opportunity to build new riders,” Heather says.

“As we lead in the electrification of motorcycling, we’re demonstrating our commitment by delivering a full range of electric products for a vast audience who will be inspired to imagine and discover what is possible from Harley-Davidson.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is a dressed-down dresser

Harley-Davidson has stripped $1500 off the price of the Street Glide and deleted the distracting music infotainment system to create the new dressed-down Electra Glide Standard dresser.

It arrives in “Vivid Black” at $34,495 ride-away ($NZ37,995) which compares with the Street Glide at $36,995.

Despite deleting the infotainment system, the Electra Glide Standard still has a lot of features such as electronic cruise control, hand-adjustable emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers, 49mm front forks with dual bending valve suspension, and Reflex Linked Brembo Brakes with optional ABS.

“The deletion of the infotainment system enhances the light touch and leaves the rider to focus on connecting with the road,” Harley says.

It is still powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine.Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

Dressed-down dresser

Harley saying guru Brad Richards calls it a “dressed-down dresser”

“To express the stripped-back essence of the Electra Glide Standard, we focused on finishes that were simple, timeless, and fundamental to the Harley-Davidson’s touring line. Chrome was added to key components and complimented by polished and blacked out parts, for example,” he says.

“The rocker, cam, and derby covers are finished with chrome to emphasize the V-Twin shape of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. In addition, they add a dose of nostalgia that draws a through-line all the way back to the first Electra Glide.”

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard tech specsHarley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

PRICING 5

  • VIVID BLACK$34,495 AUD / $37,995NZD

ENGINE

  • ENGINE 2Milwaukee-Eight® 107
  • BORE100 mm
  • STROKE111 mm
  • DISPLACEMENT1,745 cc
  • COMPRESSION RATIO10.0:1
  • FUEL SYSTEMElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
  • EXHAUSTChrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers

DIMENSIONS

  • LENGTH2,400 mm
  • SEAT HEIGHT, UNLADEN680 mm
  • GROUND CLEARANCE120 mm
  • RAKE (STEERING HEAD) (DEG)26
  • TRAIL170 mm
  • WHEELBASE1,625 mm
  • TYRES, FRONT SPECIFICATIONBW 130/80B17 65H
  • TYRES, REAR SPECIFICATIONBW 180/65B16 81H
  • FUEL CAPACITY22.7 l
  • OIL CAPACITY (W/FILTER)4.9 l
  • WEIGHT, AS SHIPPED354 kg
  • WEIGHT, IN RUNNING ORDER372 kg
  • LUGGAGE CAPACITY -VOLUME0.064 m3

PERFORMANCE

  • ENGINE TORQUE TESTING METHODEC 134/2014
  • ENGINE TORQUE 3150 Nm
  • ENGINE TORQUE (RPM)3,250
  • LEAN ANGLE, RIGHT (DEG.)31
  • LEAN ANGLE, LEFT (DEG.)29

DRIVETRAIN

  • PRIMARY DRIVEChain, 34/46 ratio
  • GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 1ST9.593
  • GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 2ND6.65
  • GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 3RD4.938
  • GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 4TH4
  • GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 5TH3.407
  • GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 6TH2.875

CHASSIS

  • WHEELS, FRONT TYPE 7Impeller Cast Aluminum
  • WHEELS, REAR TYPEImpeller Cast Aluminum
  • BRAKES, CALIPER TYPE32 mm, 4-piston fixed front and rear

ELECTRIC

  • LIGHTS (AS PER COUNTRY REGULATION), INDICATOR LAMPS 6High beam, running lights, directional lights, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, neutral, cruise control, accessory, battery, gear indication, security system, 6-speed, low fuel warning, ABS, miles to empty display, fog/aux lamp indicator
  • GAUGESGauges styled to complement each vehicle. Display features odometer, trip A, trip B, range to empty and gear indicator; and larger tell-tale indicators.

Read more at https://www.harley-davidson.com/au/en/motorcycles/2019/touring/electra-glide-standard/detailed-specs-and-pricing.html#iygWttyPP3pykAZl.99

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle festival and HOG rally in Walcha

A “freak show” of motorcycling will combine with the return of the national Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally in Walcha from November 15-17, 2019.

The Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles is being organised by Inside Line Events International who was behind the proposed TT events for either the Oxley Highway or the Sunshine Coast.

David Rollins on his Ducati Panigale - Getting an Aussie TT event over the line Walcha Freak Show motorcycles HOG rally
David Rollins

Founder David Rollins says those events have not been completely shelved, but they have given birth to this new event.

“We developed a good relationship with the people of Walcha in that time, we’ve earned their trust and now we want to repay it,” he says.

“The town is providing us with first-class facilities so that we can stage an event to remember.”

Among the attractions for the weekend will be a “Hell Climb” hillclimb, custom show, flat-track exhibition racing, stalls, music, outdoor cinema, trade show, globe of death, donuts and burnouts in a closed-off arena.

HOG will have guided rides and HOG members will lead off the Thunder Rally.

Punters will be invited to have a go at the flat track like Brisbane’s Dust Hustle event on a purpose-built track on vacant land next to the town’s racecourse.

“The Freak Show of Motorcycles will be like the Summernats for motorcycles,” David says.

“We’re expecting about 5000 attendees a day for the three days of the event.”

HOGs and more

National HOG rally to return in 2019
Thunder Run at the last National HOG Rally in Tamworth

HOG members should be glad to see the return of their national rally.

It was last held in 2015 at Tamworth and followed by open Harley Days rallies at Wollongong in 2016 and 2017.

HOG members were unhappy with the open format so there was no 2018 national rally.

Now the national HOG rally will return at Walcha to run alongside the Freak Show which is described as a festival of motorcycles of all types.

Harley-Davidson Australia customer experience manager Gaz Luxmore says the partnership between the Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson is “a perfect way of bringing together different riding communities and incorporating the national HOG Rally”.

“The lovely, motorcycle friendly town of Walcha and the fantastic roads of central NSW will create a magnificent backdrop for a truly unique and spectacular event,” he says.

Walcha crossroads

Walcha was chosen for the event because it sits at the crossroads of some of the best motorcycling routes in NSW taking in the Oxley Highway, New England Highway, Waterfall Way and Thunderbolts Way.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson says Walcha is “known for being popular with motorcycle tourists”.

The rally will be held in the Walcha racecourse and sale yards with various levels of camping right up to five-star “glamping”.

“All accommodation has been booked out in Walcha already, but there is still heaps in Armidale and Tamworth. Plus we will have on-site camping options from standard tents to Lawrence of Arabia style,” David says.

Shuttle buses to and from events, accommodation and the town centre will be provided.Walcha Freak Show motorcycles HOG rally

Harley Owners Group spokesman Andrew Kidd says Walcha is a “reasonable size town with good facilities”.

“Much like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the surrounding towns will be more than able to handle the volume of riders coming to the event,” he says.

“The local roads are renowned as some of the best riding roads in the country so come along and enjoy a great event and some fantastic roads.”

Protestors line up at Walcha Royal Cafe business on the Oxley Highway
Riders in Walcha at the Royal Cafe

David says the one ticket will gain access to all areas and sites that Freak Show Festival of Motorcycles has to offer.

Tickets go on sale at the end of March and David says they will be “competitively priced”.

Event website, Facebook and Instagram are now online.

David says they have major sponsorship support from Harley-Davidson Australia and the NSW Government’s major events agency, Destination NSW.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall says the motorcycle event will deliver more than $1.7 million in visitor expenditure to the region.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Zero SR/F is a Harley LiveWire lookalike

Zero Motorcycles has pulled the rug out from underneath the coming Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric sports bike with its new Zero SR/F that looks uncannily like the Milwaukee product.

However, the Zero SR/F has better performance and range but costs about $US11,000 less than the LiveWire. The Harley is due in September at $US29,799 and will arrive in Australia next year at more than $US40,000.

Zero Motorcycles pulled the plug on exporting to Australia and New Zealand in 2017 with no hint of a return just yet. So, although the Californian company’s new ZR/F looks the goods, we most likely won’t be getting it here.

Zero’s SR/F comes in a standard model at $US18,990 and a premium model with a faster-charging battery and heated grips.

It has 82kW of power, 190Nm of torque and a top speed of 200km/h.

Range is said to be about 130km on the highway and up to 260km in the city. See the comprehensive “range” specifications at the end of this article.

A more robust “Power Tank” battery capable of 320km of range will be available in the third quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, the Harley LiveWire has 177km of range and a 190km/h top speed.

Zero’s SR/F will also be able to update its Cypher III software via a link to a mobile phone connection just like a Tesla electric car.

A dedicated app will allow riders to track their trips, share rides, monitor battery level, find charging stations and even receive alerts if someone is trying to steal their bike.

Zero SR/F
SR/F has a fully customisable dashboard

Meanwhile, the makers of the world’s fastest electric bike, Lightning Motorcycles, will next month release a more affordable bike called Strike.

It will start at $US12,998 (about $A18,000) to challenge both the Zero SR/F and Harley LiveWire.

Zero SR/F tech specs

Range PREMIUM STANDARD
City 259km 259km
Highway, 89km/h 159km 159km
Combined 198km 198km
Highway, 113km/h 132km 132km
Combined 175km 175km
Range (based on EU standard) 157km 158km
Motor PREMIUM STANDARD
Peak torque 190Nm 190Nm
Peak power 82kW (110hp) @ 5000rpm 82kW (110hp) @ 5000rpm
Top speed (max) 200km/h 200km/h
Top speed (sustained) 177km/h 177km/h
Continuous power 40kW (54hp) @ 5.000 rpm 40kW (54hp) @ 5000rpm
Licensing Requirement A Licence A Licence
Type Z-Force 75-10 enhanced thermal efficiency, passively air-cooled, interior permanent magnet AC motor Z-Force 75-10 enhanced thermal efficiency, passively air-cooled, interior permanent magnet AC motor
Controller? High efficiency and power dense, 900 Amp, 3-phase AC controller with regenerative deceleration High efficiency and power dense, 900 Amp, 3-phase AC controller with regenerative deceleration
Power system PREMIUM STANDARD
Power pack Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated Z-Force® Li-Ion intelligent integrated
Max capacity 14.4kWh 14.4kWh
Nominal capacity 12.6kWh 12.6kWh
Charger type 6kW, integrated 3kW, integrated
Charge time (standard) 2.5 hours (100% charged) / 2 hours (95% charged) 4.5 hours (100% charged) / 4 hours (95% charged)
With 6kW Rapid Charge option 1.5 hours (100% charged) / 1 hour (95% charged) 1.8 hours (100% charged) / 1.3 hours (95% charged)
Drivetrain PREMIUM STANDARD
Transmission Clutchless direct drive Clutchless direct drive
Final drive 90T / 20T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt 90T / 20T, Poly Chain® HTD® Carbon™ belt
Chassis / Suspension / Brakes PREMIUM STANDARD
Front suspension Showa 43mm Big Piston Separate Function forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping Showa 43mm Big Piston Separate Function forks, with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension Showa 40mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping Showa 40mm piston, piggy-back reservoir shock with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Front suspension travel 120mm 120mm
Rear suspension travel 140mm 140mm
Front brakes Bosch Advanced MSC, dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, 320 x 5 mm discs Bosch Advanced MSC, dual J-Juan radial 4-piston calipers with radial master cylinder, 320 x 5 mm discs
Rear brakes Bosch Advanced MSC, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4,5 mm disc Bosch Advanced MSC, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240 x 4,5 mm disc
Front tire Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 120/70-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 120/70-17
Rear tire Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 180/55-17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 180/55-17
Front wheel 3.50 x 17 3.50 x 17
Rear wheel 5.50 x 17 5.50 x 17
Dimensions PREMIUM STANDARD
Wheelbase? 1450mm 1450mm
Seat height? 787mm 787mm
Accessory, low 770mm 770mm
Accessory, tall 810mm 810mm
Rake? 24.5° 24.5°
Trail? 94mm 94mm
Weight PREMIUM STANDARD
Curb weight 226kg 220kg
Carrying capacity 228kg 234kg
Economy PREMIUM STANDARD
Equivalent fuel economy (city) 0.55 l/100km 0.55 l/100km
Equivalent fuel economy (highway) 1.08 l/100km 1.08 l/100km
Typical cost to recharge €2.96 €2.96
Warranty PREMIUM STANDARD
Standard motorcycle warranty 2 years 2 years
Power pack warranty 5 years/unlimited km 5 years/unlimited km

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley riders show intimacy to the brand

Despite slowing sales and a war of words with President Trump, Harley-Davidson riders still seem to love the brand, according to a biennial report on brand intimacy.

Harley was sixth in the MBLM Brand Intimacy Report on more than 400 brands behind Disney, Apple, Amazon, Chevrolet and Netflix.

However, the love seems to be waning as Harley was ranked third in the 2015 report and fourth in 2017.

Brand intimacy is defined as “leveraging and strengthening the emotional bonds between a person and a brand”.

MBLM and Praxis Research Partners interviewed 6200 consumers in the US (3000), Mexico (2000), and the United Arab Emirates (1200) for the report.

IntimacyIron Run HOG rallies leasing

Harley was second in the automotive sector behind Chevrolet, while BMW (cars and bikes) was 18th overall and Honda (cars, bikes, etc) was 23rd.

Interestingly, the intimacy survey found that Harley riders are viewing it more as a nostalgia brand and less of an indulgence brand than they did in 2017.

It also found that 21% of Harley owners could not live without the brand and 10% said they would be prepared to pay more for their motorbikes!

That’s interesting considering the company reported a 6.1% drop in sales last year to 228,051.

It also comes after almost two years of chiding by President Trump for moving some of its production offshore.

Harley says Trump’s trade wars increase their costs of raw steel and aluminium and resulted in higher tariffs for their products in some overseas markets.

They claim these two factors wiped out their 2018 profits.

It may also have cost them a loss of intimacy by their followers, many of whom may also be Trump supporters.

Will riders really boycott Harley-Davidson? Trump intimacy
Bikers for Trump

Aussie survey

This comes after Harley rated third in a customer satisfaction survey released last year by Australian ratings business Canstar Blue.

Triumph was the most satisfying motorcycle brand in the market, according to about 700 surveyed riders.

It was the second year in a row that Triumph topped the annual motorcycle survey won by Yamaha in 2016 and Harley-Davidson in the first year of ratings in 2015.

The ratings compare motorcycle brands on factors including reliability, style, handling, comfort, value for money, point-of-sale service, technology features and overall satisfaction.

Triumph was followed by Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and BMW.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

World’s top 10 ugly motorcycles

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so a motorbike that one rider might consider beautiful could appear so ugly to others they veer off the road in disgust!

Most motorcycles are more attractive than just about any of the cars on the road, especially modern models that seem to look more like sand shoes than cars.

Perhaps the most beauty challenged style of motorcycle is the adventurer. These are, after all, very practical machines, so looks are not important.

The ubiquitous BMW boxer GS models have been among the least attractive, yet I know many owners who think they have a certain macho charm.

But it’s not impossible to make an attractive adventure bike. Take, for example the Moto Guzzi Stelvio and its replacement, the V85 TT.

Moto Guzzi V85 TT - ugly
V85 TT

Which brings us to the first in our list.

10 most ugly bikes

10 Ducati MultistradaUgly strada Ducati Multistrada

The original 2003 Multistrada was widely referred to as the “Uglystrada”. The front headlight and fairing assembly look more like a Dyson vacuum cleaner than a motorcycle. It also rated in the top 10 simply because Ducati usually gets styling right (Paso aside), but this was such a hideous miss. Thankfully Ducati has totally redeemed the Multiustrada since a total redesign in 2010.

9 MV Agusta F4Z ZagatoMV Agusta F4Z Zagato ugly

In the same vein, we expect Italian colleagues MV Agusta to get design right, even if they have trouble with reliability. In fact, the F4 is considered by many to be the most beautiful bike ever built. So it comes as a slap in the face that MV would prostitute itself for a rich Japanese businessman and produce this one-off Zagato monstrosity. Some may love it, but I just can’t look at it without feeling betrayed.

8 Most Chinese bikesUgly CFMoto

Most Chinese motorcycles fall into a design black hole. CFMoto is usually an exception to Chinese ugly, but this CF250T-5 is frightful. What is it, anyway? A cross between a cruiser, scooter and a household appliance?

7 Victory VisionVictory Vision ugly

Is it any wonder Victory Motorcycles was axed? This massive tourer looked like someone chainsawed a ’57 Chev right up the middle. If Elvis is high on your Spotify rotation and you still use Brylcream, it may look attractive in a ‘50s sci-fi way. It actually handled well, but it was an embarrassment to ride and on a warm day, it was unbearably hot.

6 BMW K1Ugly BMW K1

One of the biggest impediments to motorcycle efficiency is aerodynamics. In an effort to streamline bikes there have been some aero design hits like the Hayabusa (some may say it’s a miss). However, there have been many more misses. Top of the aero-awful list is the K1 which is even worse than the Ducati Paso. It may have been a techno de force with ABS and 16-valve engine, but it was fuK1 ugly!

5 Harley-Davidson Road GlideRoad Glide ugly

Here’s another example of aero gone wrong. The new Road Glide is actually the best-handling of their touring bikes because the fairing is attached to the frame, not the forks, and it has great aero. But that bull-nose fairing is way out of proportion and looks ugly from every angle, including the rider’s seat.

4 Triumph Speed TripleSpeed triple ugly

I’m going to step on a lot of toes here, because this is a much-loved bike. But the original Speed Triple with its bug-eyed twin headlights was hideous. They simply stuck out like an afterthought. Later models had reshaped lights and a small cowl above them that integrated better with the rest of the bike. Amazing how headlights can ruin a bike. Just take a look at the Ducati 999 with its stacked torch lights and the BMW S 1000 RR with its cockeyed lamps, although they’ve now gone symmetrical.

3 Honda RuneHonda Rune ugly

The Honda Rune looks like something Batman would ride. If that’s your thing, great, but then Batman did wear his underpants on the outside!  This 2004 cut-down Goldwing was a good idea that Honda later got right with the F6B and F6C. But this first limited-edition model was like a big plastic Batman toy.

2 Suzuki B-KingSuzuki B-King ugly

Some days I love this beast. Other days it just looks beastly. The Suzuki B-King looks like it was the result of a bunch of designers who concentrated on their own little bit. It just doesn’t have any cohesion and ends up looking like a Transformer. Also, its massive underseat pipes and lights formed a “frightened face” looking back at the following traffic.

1 Johammer J1Johammer J1 electric motorcycle hydrogen - own ugly

The award for the ugliest bike goes to the electric Johammer J1 with its fat body, corrugated bodywork, leading-link forks and antenna mirrors and mini-ape bars. It looks like a character from the film “A Bug’s Life”. Electric motorcycles allow so much more diversity of design than traditional bikes with internal combustion engines because the motors and batteries can be just about any shape, says Roland Sands. So why did the Scandinavian designers choose two make it look like a beetle?

Now check out our top 10 sexy motorbikes.

Do you agree or disagree? Leave your comments in the section below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley and Indian announce 2018 sales results

Electric bicycles in the snow, bikes made in Thailand and Europe, lower prices, higher costs, tariff wars and removable batteries are all part of the Harley-Davidson and Polaris 2018 sales and revenue results.

Snow business

Harley-Davidson spent the weekend showing off its new electric bicycle and scooter to young thrill-seekers at the X Games in Aspen, Colorado, before announcing their 2018 results.

2018 sales results

No wonder they are seeking a new and younger audience as the company report their motorcycles sales results were down 6.1% in 2018 to to 228,051.

The big problem is in the US where sales were down 10.2% to 132,868, while international sales were actually up 0.4% to 95,183. Australia, however, was down 21.2% to 7019.

It’s not just Harley feeling the domestic pinch. Indian Motorcycle was also down “low-double digits” percentages last year in North America, but up “single-digit” percentages worldwide. (Unlike Harley, Indian’s parent company, Polaris, does not give actual figures, but vague percentages.)

Also, unlike Harley, Indian Motorcycle was up 8.7% to 836 in Australia, one of only four companies to register growth in the market which was down 9.6%.

Tariff war

Both Harley and Polaris have blamed the tariff war for higher costs and lower motorcycle revenues.

President Donald Trump’s tariffs on international steel and aluminium plus retaliatory tariffs in Europe and China have cost Polaris more than $30m. Harley hasn’t specified the cost.

Harley-Davidson execs meet President Trump copycat cow debate waiving tariffs electric production berlin boycott results
Trump meets with Harley execs in February 2017

As a response, both companies are building more motorcycles overseas.

Harley kept a lid on prices in Europe despite the tariff rises, but say their new Thailand plant will lower pricing in “certain international markets”.

Given Australia’s free trade agreement with Thailand and our proximity to South East Asia, we could expect motorcycles and/or parts to come from there. Could we also expect lower prices?

Polaris increased prices in “some markets”, mainly Europe, not in Australia. They are also “accelerating European motorcycle production in Poland”.

2019 and beyond

While Indian has the FTR 1200 coming in the next month or so, plus possibly Renegade and Raven models later this year, Harley is banking on new customers for electric bikes.

The LiveWire electric sports bike launches in the USA and Europe in August this year at almost $US30,000. When it arrives in Australia in 20120, it may cost more than $A40,000.

Harley electric LiveWire Harley and Indian announce 2018 sales results
LiveWire

If that is any indication, their electric bicycle and scooter will also be quite expensive.

New ridersHarley and Indian announce 2018 sales results

Harley say their goal with these electric vehicles is to attract new riders.

They also point out that these products will not require a motorcycle licence. That’s important because the increasing and prolonged process of obtaining a motorcycle licence is one of the main reasons millennials are not riding.

Harley have been on a big push over the past year to teach more people to ride through their Riding Academy and claim to have licensed more than 52,000 new riders in the USA.

Removable batteryHarley and Indian announce 2018 sales results

Over the weekend, Harley also unveiled some more details about their electric bicycle and scooter which are coming in the next couple of years.

Interestingly, the battery design is intended to be removable.

It will enable owners to carry the battery in one hand “to an apartment or office space to charge using a charging dock that plugs into any standard household power outlet”.

This is not a feature of the upcoming LiveWire. However, it may be a feature in other electric motorcycles from the Milwaukee brand.

Harley plans adventure, streetfighters and electric bicycles first last small results
Official Harley artist’s impression a small electric bike

Harley boldly proclaimed they will “lead the electrification of motorcycling”.

“These two new concepts are manifestations of that vision, and alongside the production 2020 LiveWire motorcycle, point to a broad portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of mobility over the next several years and inspire new riders with new ways to ride,” the company says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Harley recalls Street models over rusty brakes

Harley-Davidson Australia has recalled 4798 Street 500 and Street Rod 750 models over problems with rusty brake calipers.

The official recall notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says that brake calipers may become rusty in the bore area.

“This corrosion could result in the pistons dragging in the caliper bore,” it says.

“If this condition remains undetected it could lead to increased brake drag, posing a risk of accident and serious injury to the rider and other road users.”

Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.

Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.

If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.

To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Are slow motorcycle sales cause for panic?

Motorcycle sales might be in a two-year slump in Australia, but there is no cause for general panic about the global motorcycle industry just yet.

Several motorcycle manufacturers are reporting growth in profits and even record sales, while many markets continue to increase in sales.

Perhaps the biggest saviour of motorcycling is the continued exponential growth in the Indian market.

Last year, more than 20 million motorcycles were sold in India. That’s up 2.6m from the previous year and almost double the sales of just seven years ago.Turban Sikh sikhs helmet panic

And don’t think that’s all scooters and 125cc motorcycles, either.

More and more motorcycles sold in India are what they call “superbikes” which are over 750cc in capacity.

China, Brazil and other developing countries are also recording massive growth in motorcycle and scooter sales.

No panic in mature marketsEnrico Grassi Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours Italy Tuscany and Umbria: Heart of Italy panic

But it’s not just the developing nations that are doing well.

Mature markets such as Europe are up about 7% including the UK, up 2.9%.

The big concern is that the biggest big-bike market in the world, America, is marginally down last year.

However, there is no need for panic yet. US sales had been growing steadily since the big collapse from the 2008/09 GFC.

Maybe it’s a one-year blip. Let’s hope so, as it has a huge bearing on motorcycle manufacturers’ ability to turn a profit and keep bringing out new and exciting models.

Profit and panic

Meanwhile many manufacturers are continuing to post profits and/or record growth.

  • BMW Motorrad recorded its eighth straight year of global sales growth, up 0.9% with 165,566 bikes delivered;
  • Triumph was down slightly from 63,404 to 61,505, but still reported its second-biggest profit last year; and
  • Although slightly down, Ducati sold 53,004 bikes last year, its fourth straight year of more than 50k.

    Ducati Scrambler panic
    Ducati updated its popular Scrambler range in 2018

Japanese manufacturers are yet to post their 2018 figures.

All eyes will also be on Harley-Davidson who are expected to post a double-digit global slump in domestic sales, but good performances in developing markets.

Challenges

There is no doubt the motorcycle market is going through some changes and challenges:

Is it any wonder many have a bleak outlook for the industry?

Exciting future

But there are exciting and interesting times ahead as electric motorcycles may revive interest by tech-savvy millennials.

The current panic about a dying motorcycle industry remind us of Mark Twain’s famous quote: “The rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Riding sharpens focus, relieves stress

We probably didn’t need a scientific study to tell us motorcycle riding reduces stress and distraction, while increasing our focus and attention.

There have been plenty of independent studies over the years that show similar correlations.

Now Harley-Davidson has funded a new neurobiological study by three researchers from UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, so we can expect some positive results!

The study shows that riding lifts our focus and attention, and decreases relative levels of the hormone cortisol which is mainly released at times of stress.

UCLA researchPsychology mental health Transport Adventure dementia road trip travel motorcycles

The UCLA researchers used mobile EEG technology to record the brain activity and hormone levels of 50 experienced motorcyclists before, during and after riding, driving and resting.

After 20 minutes, riders adrenaline levels increased 27% and heart rate increased 11% which is similar to light exercise.

Researchers also found an increase in brain activity similar to drinking a coffee. This led to increased sensory focus and resistance to distraction.

At the same time, cortisol hormone levels dropped 28%, reducing stress.

Research team leader Dr Don Vaughn says the differences in participants’ neurological and physiological responses between riding and either driving or resting “were quite pronounced”.

Chemical process

Psych Shaz says "be happy with your purchase" buyer's remorse stress
Psych Shaz says “ride and be happy”

Psychologist and reborn rider Sharon Ledger told Motorbike Writer in 2016 that there are more than 10,000 chemical reactions going on in the brain every second.

“The chemicals that make you feel happy – oxytocin, dopamine, endorphin and serotonin – are produced by the endocrine system,” she says.

“Not all of these chemicals are released at the same time and each has a different outcome.

“However, more of these chemicals are produced when we look forward to doing something we enjoy, we get up early, we go outside in the sunshine and fresh air, we challenge ourselves, we meditate, we concentrate on an activity that requires skill and generally do things that motivate us.

“That pretty much sounds like motorcycling to me,” she says.

Stress and speedaction stress

However, a little bit of stress can be good for us.

The faster we ride, the more focussed we become, according to long-time motorcycle rider and flight instructor Peter Callil.

His theory is based on research into stress levels by human behaviour researcher Chris Welford. It shows that people perform better when their stress level is moderate and worse when it is too low and too high.

“In a road safety context, pressure relates to speed, and performance relates to our ability to operate a vehicle safely,” Peter says.

Therefore, a rider’s performance is degraded whether they are riding too fast or too slow for the conditions. That makes them more vulnerable to crashing.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com