Harley-Davidson’s first adventure motorcycle, the Pan America 1250, is heading to Australia and New Zealand later this year.
There are two models (pictured above) in the new family, but Australia and New Zealand will only get the up-spec Special model, arriving in Harley-Davidson dealerships in the third quarter of 2021.
The Pan America Special is priced at $A31,995 ride away ($NZ33,995).
Harley-Davidson Pan America Special
Harley-Davidson Pan America Special
That’s fairly competitive when compared with rivals from BMW, Ducati, KTM and Triumph.
The base model has mag wheels and is more road oriented, while the Special is an adventure tourer with electronically adjustable semi-active suspension, tyre pressure monitors, centre stand, multi-position rear brake pedal, hand guards, aluminium skid plate, Daymaker headlight, heated hand grips and steering damper.
Options include tubeless spoked wheels like BMW’s GS and adaptive ride height.
Both are powered by the new Revolution Max 1250 engine which will also feature in the Bronx streetfighter which has been delayed until the end of this year.
The liquid-cooled 1250cc V-Twin is designed for low-end torque and low speed throttle control that is useful for off-road riding.
Despite this being a new bike and new territory for the company, their launch video featuring Hollywood action hero Jason Momoa points out that Harley’s roots are on dirt roads more than 100 years ago.
Yet chairman Jochen Zeitz also claims it is the first adventure touring bike designed and built in America.
He’s obviously not counting the electric Zero dual-sport motorcycles which are limited in touring capacity to less than 400km.
It will be interesting to see how the big Harley adventurer copes with Australia’s tough terrain, but on paper it stacks up pretty well against its main competition from BMW, Ducati, KTM and Triumph.
With 150hp or 112kW of power, it’s only beaten by Ducati’s Multistrada, while the torque monster BMW at 142Nm is the only with more grunt than Pan America’s 127Nm.
And while many may expect the company which previously boasted it made “heavy motorcycles” would have characteristic lard, it sits in the middle of the pack at 245kg, 23kg less than the market-leading BMW R 1250 GS.
However, in Australia, we get the Special with all its extra tech and comfort features which nudges the weight up to 253kg which is still less than the BMW and Triumph.
All the tech is controlled through the 6.8 inch TFT display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, ambient temp, low temp alert, side stand down alert, TIP over alert, cruise, range and tachometer indication BT capable – phone pairing to access phone calls, music, navigation through the H-D app.
Harley-Davidson dealers will offer an extensive line of accessories, including three durable luggage systems, and new technical riding gear for men and women developed in collaboration with respected European motorcycle apparel specialist, REV’IT!.
The motorcycle industry is constantly evolving. However, the next five years may see some rapid changes. With electrification becoming a more mainstream feature in the wider automotive industry and the necessary infrastructure developing with it, it’s clear that the motorcycle industry will have to rise to a number of new challenges.
Electrification is just one of the many facets of modern motorcycling. With the advent of smart technologies, motorcyclists can be more aware of their surroundings than ever before. New construction materials and methods are being applied to the latest generation of bikes and riding gear. And technologies that were once fun gimmicks are now becoming standard.
We don’t know what the next few years will bring, but we can focus on some brands that are likely to make an impact on the industry in general. You may disagree with our choices—and that’s fine. Whether you agree or not, and whether we end up being right or wrong, it’ll be interesting to see how these brands evolve, develop, or fade away, in the not-so-distant future.
So, let’s get started!
Damon Motorcycles
Credit: WebBikeWorld
One of the most exciting brands out there is Canada’s Damon Motorcycles. Like many upcoming electric brands, Damon has made some impressive claims and what’s more, their claims seem to be more fact than fiction. If you’re not familiar with Damon Motorcycles, here’s a quick recap:
Damon Motorcycles is a Canadian EV start-up that was founded in 2017. Over the years, the firm has been able to secure serious funding and recruit some top-tier talent. Not only that, but Damon Motorcycles also acquired the IP of the now-defunct Mission Motor, making it a serious electric motorcycle brand that you need to pay attention to.
In 2019, they pulled the covers off of their Hypersport model. It promised a top speed of 200 mph, 200 horsepower, a maximum range of 200 miles, fast charging times, and a base price of only $24,995 USD.
In terms of base specification, it’s already hard to find any downsides. The charging times are more acceptable, with 45 minutes to reach 80% with a Combined Charging System, 2.5 hours to hit 90% at Level 2, and 15 hours to 90% with Level 1 charging. It’s not even heavy, which is often a problem with EVs, weighing in at around 440 lbs. It even has top-shelf components, such as Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes on the premium “Premier” model.
But all of those features aren’t even the main selling point of Damon’s premium motorcycles.
It’s the on-board tech.
Credit: Damon Motorcycles
Damon’s advanced CoPilot system is an amalgamation of sophisticated riding aids and modern electronics. We’re not talking ABS and traction control either—we’re talking about futuristic safety elements. CoPilot relies on sensors, radars, cameras, and modern technology to track moving objects and give riders a 360-degree view of everything that’s going on around them. If it senses danger, it will alert the rider.
Each motorcycle also features an innovative Shift system. This is an electronic ergonomics package that allows riders to electronically control their riding position. Handlebars, pegs, seat height, and screen height can all be adjusted electronically, allowing for a custom ride experience.
It’s the safety element that Damon’s bosses are really interested in. According to an interview with the company’s boss Jay Giraud, a heavy focus on safety was necessary to secure investors, and it’s a strategy that has paid off. Not only has he secured funding, but he’s also attracted the right target market.
“Half the people ordering are under the age of 40,” explained Giraud. “It really speaks to product-market fit.”
At the moment, it’s too early to tell how well Damon Motorcycles will perform on the market. However, the brand has highlighted exactly how much electric motorcycle you can get for a reasonable price. The competition will have to work hard to innovate and keep up with Damon in the years to come. Will Damon be able to dominate the electric motorcycle market? Again, it’s too early to tell—but whatever happens, they’ll have given their competitors something to think about.
Harley-Davidson
Credit: Motorbikewriter
And now we leap from one exciting and forward-thinking company to another that prides itself on heritage and nostalgia. It’s Harley-Davidson, of course. You’re probably wondering how a brand like Harley-Davidson could shake up the industry, and under normal circumstances, we’d also be scratching our heads. But something has happened to HDs high-command that gives us reason to believe that big things are in the works.
In March 2020, Jochen Zeitz took over the role of CEO at HD. He’s been on the board since 2007 and headed Harley’s Sustainability Committee since 2011. If you’re not familiar with Jochen Zeitz, he’s a very successful businessman with plenty of career highlights. In 1993, at age 30, he became the CEO of PUMA. At this time, the brand was in decline and faced serious financial difficulties. Thanks to a bold restructuring plan with a long-term vision, Zeitz was able to save the brand and increase its share price by 4000%.
With Zeitz at the helm, it’s clear that Harley-Davidson may be expecting something of a revolution. Currently, the brand has surprised critics by releasing or previewing a number of exciting new models: the LiveWire, the Pan America, and the Bronx.
Credit: Harley-Davidson
The first is an innovative electric motorcycle, the second is an impressive adventure-touring motorcycle, and the third is an aggressive streetfighter. While opinions have been split, there’s no doubt that Harley-Davidson is actively testing the waters and feeling out other areas of the market. With an aging ridership and without younger riders replacing the outgoing generation of Harley-riders, the brand has found itself at something of a crossroads.
Even so, it seems that Zeitz’s business plan won’t be resting its hopes on new models. According to the man himself, his bold “Rewire” strategy will focus on smoothing out the company’s operations and making everything “lean and efficient” using “broad cost and cash savings measures.”
By streamlining operations it’s hoped that Harley will be able to continue developing desirable motorcycles and remain classed as a premium brand. It’s a bold strategy, especially as many brands have diversified to include smaller, budget-conscious models. For Harley, it seems like staying in the premium bracket is a high-priority.,
“We’ve always said that market share right now doesn’t really matter simply because we have to focus not on volume but on desirability,” Zeitz explained.
Whatever happens, it’s clear that Harley-Davidson is going to make some pretty big waves over the next few years.
Forcite MK1 Smart Helmet
Credit: WebBikeWorld
Not all industry brands that are shaking up the industry are motorcycle manufacturers. Motorcycle gear is just as important to a rider as their motorcycle, and in recent years motorcycle helmet technology has really advanced. The promise of the Skully AR-1 may have dissolved into nothing, but there’s more to the modern helmet scene than one brand. In Ireland, there’s a firm called Koroyd with a fantastic invention that could replace traditional MIPS liners. But we’re not here to talk about that.
Forcite is an Australian helmet manufacturer with big plans. Their pioneering helmet, the MK1, has already sold out—and it hasn’t gone into full production yet. It claims to be the world’s first real smart helmet, one that would blow the Skully AR-1 out of the water, using modern construction materials and serious technology.
In short, the MK1 is a carbon fiber helmet with an innovative bamboo-fabric liner, a UV400 rated sun visor, with anti-fog coating, and plenty of ventilation. Currently, it has European ECE certification and Australian certification for road and track use, with US certification on the way. As an analog helmet, it’s already impressive. But it’s the level of built-in technology that truly elevates it above the competition.
The lid features an integrated 166-degree wide-angle camera that records 1080p/60 FPS, which can store up to 5 hours of riding footage, with regular autosave intervals. It also boasts built-in WiFi for easy file uploads, and for practical communication reasons.
Bluetooth is also included, with removable speakers and a pair of noise-canceling microphones for seamless audio capture, and for bike-to-bike communication, courtesy of the helmet’s built-in communication system. The communication system works using the internet though, and not Bluetooth.
If that wasn’t enough, the Forcite MK1 also includes built-in GPS and a number of other sensors that delivers information to navigation and geo-tagging system. There’s no heads-up display, but it alerts the rider and gives information via the audio system and LED lighting within the helmet.
Credit: WebBikeWorld
So what does all of this mean?
It means that the likes of SENA and Jarvish have got a serious competitor. And as the industry leans towards smarter helmets, with built-in communication devices and Bluetooth-to-smartphone communication equipped as standard, every helmet manufacturer will have to start innovating and deploying their own solutions. So far, SENA has managed to dominate the communications market, and helmet manufacturers have been happy to provide device-sized recesses in their lids to accommodate third-party gear. But those days may be coming to an end.
As riders demand more technology in their helmets, the market may shift toward all-inclusive smart helmets like the Forcite MK1, rather than helmets built to accommodate third-party gadgets.
The motorcycle industry is continually evolving, and now with the advent of autonomous driving, AI technologies, the abundance of IoT (internet of things) technology, super light, and super strong construction materials, and more, the industry’s next evolutionary leap is expected to be quite a big one. Whether these brands will be riding the crest of that evolutionary wave remains to be seen—but they’re worth keeping an eye on, just in case.
Harley-Davidson announced it would pull out of India not that long ago as part of its major restructuring plan. This clearly was a major blow to the 33 Harley dealerships in the country.
According to the Times of India, the owners of these 33 Harley-Davidson dealerships are now looking at their legal options and may sue The Motor Company.
It’s unclear exactly what will happen with this. It’s further confused by the fact that Hero MotoCorp recently signed a deal with Harley to do distribution and some manufacturing for the brand. According to the Times of India, neither Harley nor Hero wanted to discuss the predicament on the record.
The publication did say that the dealers are. “not happy with the treatment that they have received.” Right now these dealers are going over their legal options to see what can be done.
When Harley first announced it was pulling out of India, I wondered what kind of advanced notice it had provided to its dealer network there. That could be a massive blow, and I’d like to hope that Harley didn’t just spring it on the dealers. However, few things have gone smoothly for HD recently, so I wonder if that’s precisely what’s happened. It will be interesting to see where this story goes in the future.
Harley-Davidson Australia has now recalled its LiveWire electric motorcycle for switching off while running, more than a fortnight after it was recalled in the USA.
Company spokesman Keith Waddell says there have been “no instances in Australia” of the fault occurring.
The issue affects 41 LiveWire motorcycles sold in Australia since it was launched a couple of months ago. The Vehicle Identification Numbers of all bikes affected are listed at the end of this article.
The official recall notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns that the bike may switch off while running, causing a crash.
“The software in the On-Board Charging (OBC) System on affected motorcycles may initiate a shutdown of the electric vehicle powertrain, without providing reasonable indication to the rider that a shutdown sequence has been initiated,” the notice says.
In some cases, the vehicle may not be able to be restarted or, if restarted, may shortly thereafter shut down again. In some cases, indicator lamps may be illuminated on the instrumentation prior to loss of propulsion.
“These indicator lamps include: The Traction Control (TC) lamp, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) lamp, and the Failure Indicator Lamp (FIL).
“Unexpected loss of propulsion of the vehicle while in motion without the ability to restart or remain restarted may increase the risk of a crash, increasing the risk of serious injury or death of the rider(s) or other road users.”
Owners are urged to contact their Harley-Davidson dealer “immediately to arrange a service”.
“The dealer will install new updated On-Board Charging (OBC) System software to rectify the issue, at no cost to the consumer,” the notice says.
The recall is Harley’s first in Australia for 2020.
Even though manufacturers and importers usually 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 and scooter 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:
Despite the new boss of Harley-Davidson saying he will focus on core customers the iconic motorcycle manufacturer has still gone aead with its entry into the lucrative e-bike market.
Their first electric bicycle, the Serial 1, will initially be launched in 2021 in the US and German markets. No pricing details are available yet.
Europe has a strong e-bike market and we expect the handsome e-bike will soon be available in other European countries.
Harley-Davidson Australia marketing guru Keith Waddell would not comment on the e-bike coming to Australia, only to say that HQ had told them “additional countries will be evaluated to support our growth opportunities”.
This year, Harley ventured into the e-bike market with electric balance bikes for kids in the US.
But they aren’t made by Harley. They are made by Californian children’s electric bicycle company StaCyc, which Harley bought last year.
Harley said at the time that the kids’ electric bikes would be joined by pedal-assisted electric bicycles for bigger kids.
However, it was unclear if they would go ahead with that move after new boss Jochen Zeitz announced his “rewire” strategy concentrating on traditional products to appease its core customers.
But now Harley has announced the launch of their first e-bike which takes its name from “Serial Number One,” the nickname for Harley’s oldest motorcycle.
It was designed and produced by Harley’s Product Development Center.
The global eBicycle market was worth more than $US15 billion last year and is projected to grow at an annual rate of more than 6% from 2020 to 2025.
The ever-growing list of 2020 motorcycle recalls continues to expand with another addition to the hit-list; Harley Davison’s 2020 LiveWire is unexpectedly shutting down for some riders mid-ride and in some cases not allowing for the driver to turn the vehicle back on after initial shut-off.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that only 1% of the ~1000 bikes being recalled may be affected by the issue, so there is no reason to panic but it’s still better to be safe than sorry.
The issue apparently comes from the On-Board Charging software that causes the powertrain to turn off. I’m not sure if that issue will really cause *a complete* shut down of the bike with all other features shutting off, but other sources are reporting that ABS, TC, and other assists can indeed cut out as well.
This is not good news for anyone who rides their bikes in the evening or in low light, as there is potential for ABS, traction control, and your headlight to shut off mid-ride which could cause serious injury or even death.
Between the 22nd and 29th of October, 2020 LiveWire owners will be notified by mail regarding the recall and will be urged to take their motorcycles to their local H-D dealership to have the software updated for free.
Where I live, there is currently 10cm of snow on the ground, so if are like me and cannot arrange transportation of your bike to the dealership Harley-Davidson is happy to pick it up and return it back to your house absolutely free of charge.
If you are a 2020 H-D LiveWire owner it would be in your best interest to give the Harley-Davidson customer support line a ring and provide them with your VIN so they can check to see if you perhaps have one of the affected versions of the bike.
Harley-Davidson has announced new Screamin’ Eagle stage kits for select MY18+ Softail and MY17+ Touring models. Several kit options are available for Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight 107, 114 and 117 engines. For more information, check out the press release below.
From Press Release:
The all-new Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® products for your ride are here to keep the thrills rolling mile after mile. High-flow exhaust kits, performance cams, ultra-powerful Screamin’ Eagle engines and a comprehensive line of upgrades get you to peak exhilaration quickly and smoothly with the power to handle whatever comes.
SCREAMIN’ EAGLE® MILWAUKEE-EIGHT® ENGINE STAGE IV KIT 114CI TO 131CI FOR SELECT SOFTAIL MODELS
With the largest displacement of any Harley-Davidson® Stage Kit, this 114/117CI to 131CI Stage IV Kit was designed to deliver maximum horsepower – all the way to the redline – available now for select Softail models. Packaged with patent-protected cylinder technology, it allows for the largest Harley-Davidson® bolt-on engine upgrade to any Milwaukee-Eight® motor.
The Stage IV Kit features new CNC-ported heads with 1mm bigger valves than the previous generation, and fully machined combustion chambers. Coupled with the kit’s high-lift SE8-517 cam, high compression pistons and a 64mm throttle body and intake manifold, this combination delivers a thrilling 135 ft-lb of torque and 124 HP rear-wheel output when paired with Screamin’ Eagle® Street Cannon Mufflers. It’s designed to run at high-end RPMs and provide a significant boost of torque from cruising speed. You’ll feel the difference as soon as you twist the throttle.
The Screamin’ Eagle 131 Stage IV Kit is eligible for Custom Coverage under the motorcycle’s factory 24-month vehicle limited warranty when dealer-installed by an authorized H-D Dealer within 60 days of vehicle purchase and is otherwise backed by a 12-month limited warranty.
Performance components include:
Screamin’ Eagle CNC Ported Cylinder Head with CNC machined chamber and 1mm larger valves than previous generation
131 Stage IV Timer cover
SE8-517 High-Lift Cam
Forged 10.7:1 High Compression Pistons
Screamin’ Eagle High Performance Cam Bearing
Screamin’ Eagle High Performance Tappets
Screamin’ Eagle 4.31″ Steel Sleeve Cylinders
Screamin’ Eagle 64mm Throttle Body and Cast Manifold
Screamin’ Eagle High Flow Injectors (5.5 g/sec)
Complete fitment information can be found on H-D.com.
SCREAMIN’ EAGLE® MILWAUKEE-EIGHT® ENGINE STAGE IV KIT – 107CI TO 128CI FOR SELECT SOFTAIL MODELS
This Stage IV Kit was designed to deliver maximum horsepower – all the way to the redline – available now for select Softail models and features new CNC-ported heads with 1mm bigger valves than the previous generation, and fully machined combustion chambers.
Coupled with the kit’s high-lift SE8-517 cam, high compression pistons and a 64mm throttle body and intake manifold, this combination delivers a thrilling 127 ft-lb of torque and 124 HP rear-wheel output when paired with Screamin’ Eagle® Street Cannon Mufflers. It’s designed to run at high-end RPMs and provide a significant boost of torque from cruising speed. You’ll feel the difference as soon as you twist the throttle.
The Screamin’ Eagle 128 Stage IV Kit is eligible for Custom Coverage under the motorcycle’s factory 24-month vehicle limited warranty when dealer-installed by an authorized H-D Dealer within 60 days of vehicle purchase and is otherwise backed by a 12-month limited warranty.
Performance components include:
Screamin’ Eagle CNC Ported Cylinder Head with CNC machined chamber and 1mm larger valves than previous generation
128 Stage IV Timer cover
SE8-517 High-Lift Cam
Forged 10.7:1 High Compression Pistons
Screamin’ Eagle High Performance Cam Bearing
Screamin’ Eagle High Performance Tappets
Screamin’ Eagle 4.31″ Steel Sleeve Cylinders
Screamin’ Eagle 64mm Throttle Body and Cast Manifold
Screamin’ Eagle High Flow Injectors (5.5 g/sec)
Complete fitment information can be found on H-D.com.
Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® Engine Stage III 114CI or 117CI to 122CI Kit and Stage III 107CI to 119CI For MY17+ Touring Models
This Stage III kit has been developed for the rider looking for a solid “seat of the pants” torque increase you can feel every time you roll on the throttle. The bump up in displacement and compression deliver a significant increase in torque and power over stock, all the while restoring the sensation of riding solo when you’re loaded down.
The Stage III 107CI to 119CI upgrade delivers up to 23% more horsepower and 17% more torque and the 114CI to 122CI upgrade increases power by up to 15% and 13% more torque when compared to the Original Equipment engine configurations.
Performance components include:
Screamin’ Eagle 4.155 Big Bore Bolt-On Cylinders
Forged 11.0:1 High-Compression Pistons and Rings
Screamin’ Eagle SE8-447 Torque Cam
Screamin’ Eagle High Capacity Tappets
Screamin’ Eagle High Performance Cam Bearing
Screamin’ Eagle Stage III Timer Cover & Insert
Multi-layer coated Head Gaskets
Cylinder Base and Cam Cover Gaskets
Most necessary gaskets and seals
Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight® Engine Stage III 114CI or 117CI to 122CI Kit is eligible for Custom Coverage under the motorcycle’s factory 24-month vehicle limited warranty when dealer-installed by an authorized H-D Dealer within 60 days of vehicle purchase and is otherwise backed by a 12-month limited warranty.
Stage III and IV Kits comply with noise and emissions standards in all U.S. states other than California on 2017-later Touring Models and select 2018-later Softail Models. Street-compliant statements may not apply to markets outside the United States. The 131CI Stage IV Kit fits ’17-later Touring models equipped with Milwaukee-Eight® 114CI or 117CI engine and ’18-later Softail models equipped with Milwaukee-Eight® 114CI engine. The 128CI Stage IV Kit fits ’17-later Touring models equipped with Milwaukee-Eight® 107CI engine and ’18-later Softail models equipped with Milwaukee-Eight® 107CI engine. Neither kits fit Trike models. ’17-’19 models require separate purchase of High-Capacity Oil Pump P/N 62400248. 17-’18 models require separate purchase of Screamin’ Eagle High-Capacity Clutch Plate Kit P/N 37000258. All models require additional purchase of ECM recalibration with the Screamin’ Eagle Pro Street Tuner for proper installation. See an authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer for details.
In 1987 half of all Harley-Davidson riders were under the age of 35. By the year 2000, that number was closer to 15%. Today though? Oof… The average customer today is 48 years old and the brand no longer even bothers reporting the age demographics of buyers anymore. There has always been a disconnect between Harley-Davidson and the youth of today, and they have recently been scrambling to rebuild that bridge.
The LiveWire was styled to appeal much more to younger customers, but with a $30,000 price tag on a motorcycle that doesn’t even brap it’s no surprise younger people still arent getting onto them. Keep in mind, you can get a Tesla Model 3 for $35,000 (just $5000 more) and it comes with twice the wheels, batteries, features, and safety.
With buzzwords like “revival” and “reimagination” being associated with the brand as of late, it’s no surprise to me that this concept bike I’m about to share with you is called, quite literally, the “Harley-Davidson Revival”.
I appreciate what Harley has been doing as of late but it kind of reminds me of a stepdad sitting down to play games with me even though he has no idea what he’s doing and indirectly makes the experience worse for everyone.
Although this is just an exercise in design, I’m trying to relate it to the current situation of the H-D company as it would fit right in with their recent brand goals.
It’s a difficult predicament, as the more they pander to younger audiences, the less that the die-hard Harley boomers are going to be satisfied.
The bike itself looks beautiful though, very interesting and futuristic; definitely, something that will resonate with the younger crowd in my eyes (hi, yes, I’m younger crowd).
Tanner Van De Veer, a product designer and recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati College of DAAP cooked up this design and featured a business model that includes a subscription-based battery replacement program aimed at negating the need for charging.
Concepts come and go, but it’s a good start to get an idea of the vision of a brand and where they would like to head. I still give Tanner props as the design is very sleek and exotic. That headlight assembly is just beautiful and screams “New Harley-Davidson”.
The biggest concern I’ve heard repeatedly parroted from the anti-electric vehicle mob is “good luck finding somewhere to charge your Telsa on a long road trip, those things are only good for city commuting”. Harley-Davidson is taking the EV technology they released with their new LiveWire Motorcycle across the entire globe on a 100 day, 13,000-mile trek to prove the naysayers wrong, documented on their H-D podcast series available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
In only 30 days, the same engineers that developed the LiveWire were assembled to retrofit the production model LiveWires to sustain the grueling journey ahead. The bikes utilize production-spec LiveWire parts such as the “RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System) hardware, chassis, and Harley-Davidson Revelation™ powertrain components” per the official press release. In addition to all of that, the bikes feature prototype wheels, rotors, and tires from their upcoming Pan America adventure touring bike set to release in late 2020, as a 2021 model.
If a 13,000-mile journey doesn’t sell you on the efficiency and reliability of electric motorcycles, I’m not sure what will. Back in June of 2016, Rafael de Mestre did a similar stunt/challenge by taking his 2012 Tesla Model S on a 15,534-mile drive over an 80 day period to prove the same point.
The podcast will include the engineering process as well as the trip itself and any issues the riders may run into along the way. The LiveWire that Ewan McGregor rode in Harley-Davidson’s recent Long Way Up documentary series was far from stock, so it will be great to see the capabilities of the technology with something closer to the motorcycles H-D has available to consumers.
Harley-Davidson is going through some serious restructuring, and the company has had to make plenty of tough decisions. It announced its Rewire strategy, and that entailed some shakeups on a global scale and some reworking of its lineup. As of now, the company will close up shop in India and it will pull the Sportster lineup from Europe.
Actually, about a dozen models will leave European shores due to the fact that Harley won’t upgrade the engines for Euro 5 emissions standards.
The intention behind this move is to save money. Moto Station reached out to Harley-Davidson France. A company representative noted that the Sportsters weren’t selling well enough to warrant the upgrade to Euro 5 standards. In 2021, European riders will see the last of the Harley Sportster.
That’s not to say Harley doesn’t have a replacement on the horizon. There’s always the chance that the company will add another, similar bike in the future to the European market.
As far as India goes, the company will stop all production, sales, and operations there. The move will “boost restructuring expenses this year to about $169 million,” according to Bloomberg.
Again, this might not be forever. Once Harley gets its feet back under it and has things rolling along well, it may re-think about entering the Indian market. It could even do so with its Chinese-made small-displacement bike, the 338R.
Needless to say, Harley is struggling, but it seems to be trying hard to right the ship. Let’s hope it can do what it needs to do.
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