Tag Archives: Harley-Davidson

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Doubts over Chinese Harley-Davidson HD350

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This image from the Chinese Patent Office shows a Qianjiang QJ350 motorcycle with a parallel twin engine stamped with the words “Harley-Davidson Motor Company”.Doubts over Chinese Harley-Davidson HD350

This is a collaboration that was part of former Harley CEO Matt Levatich’s plans to move into more markets and niches.

It was supposed to have been released in June, but has no doubt been pushed back by the pandemic.

Doubts on collaboration

Despite the images now becoming available, there are now doubts over whether the deal will still go ahead under new Harley boss Jochen Zeitz.

The German-born boss has rolled back on Levatich’s bold plans for 100 new models in 10 years and expansion into more markets.

At last week’s second-quarter results announcements, Zeitz said they would reduce “planned models” by 30% and pull out of some markets.

Reducing the number of planned models mean the existing model range will be reduced and some of the new models will be scrapped or delayed.

It seems the Pan America adventure bike will go ahead, but the new Bronx Streetfighter that shares the Revolution Max platform may be axed or indefinitely postponed.

Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter
Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter

Significantly, there was no mention of this HD350 project with Chinese manufacturer Qianjiang Motorcycles.

The photos clearly show the bike is badged Qianjiang and that it bears littler resemblance to the previously issued images of the HD350 project bike in traditional Harley orange and black.

Since it has missed the June deadline and now comes in a non-Harley look, perhaps the bike will not go aead.

Cold War

The D350 was supposed to be for Asian markets only as an entry bike to get people hooked on the Harley brand.

But with the heightening “cold war” between America and China, maybe Harley has decided to scale back its controversial collaboration.

Maybe China is one market from which they are even considering withdrawing.

It may be a huge market, but the company has had significant difficulty making its mark because its bikes are too big and are even banned in some jurisdictions.

I’ve had several conversations over the years with Harley executives who have expressed frustration dealing with China and the varied restrictions.

So perhaps the only Harley feature will be an engine in Qianjiang models as well as Benelli which the Chinese company also owns and builds.

Harley replies

I asked Harley-Davidson Australia and HQ in Milwaukee for clarification on the Chinese collaboration, which markets they would withdraw from and which “planned models” would be axed.

Harley Australia said:

I have passed on to the US and will share the response (if they don’t come back to you directly).

A senior marketing manager in Milwaukee said:

I was told you should work in country to get the best answers to these questions.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson to pull out of markets

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Harley-Davidson is expected to pull out of some Asian and Latin American markets as part off a “Rewire” strategy to streamline operations to meet a global drop in demand.

Reporting on its second-quarter results, CEO John Zeitz announced a five-part Rewire strategy, of which pulling out some markets was a key point.

Market pull-out

Harley sales in the past quarter were down 26.6% in the USA, -30.3% in Canada, -29.8% in Europe, -51% and Asia-Pacific -10.2%. The latter includes Australia where sales were down 10.7% while road bike sales were only down 12.7%.

Obviously some Latin American markets will be top priority for the axe, but there are also some underperforming markets in Asia as well.

Jochen says his global market strategy would be “more focused”.

“Major changes include concentrating efforts on the highest priority markets, primarily North America, with the U.S. and Canada, Europe and parts of Asia Pacific, and structuring in a way that shifts resources and marketing into the regions for maximum impact in line with our future strategy,” he says.

“Our new global business structure better aligns our investments with their potential.

“Going forward, we plan to concentrate our efforts on approximately 50 markets, representing the vast majority of our volume and growth potential.

“We’re evaluating plans to exit international markets, where volumes and profitability do not support continued investment.”

Australian marketHarley-Davidson HOG rally Uluru motorcycles Australia Day defend pull

I doubt Australia and New Zealand will be cut from their strategy.

Australia has been a particularly healthy market for the company for several years, although it has slumped in the past year.

However, there has been a shift in executive management duties to the Singapore head office.

“We’ve streamlined our regional offices and created the freedom within a clearly defined framework for countries to make decisions to drive their business,” Jochen says.

“These in-market teams will be more agile and better equipped to understand consumer needs, provide focused attention to dealers and respond more quickly to local market conditions. We also plan to optimise our dealer network to provide an improved and integrated customer experience.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson to axe 30% of models

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Harley-Davidson will axe 30% of its models and the introduction of the 2021 range and new models moved from September to early next year.

Shiny new Harley-Davidson models for the year ahead usually start appearing on showroom floors across the world in September and October.

However, production has been slowed and new models delayed until early next year as part of a Rewire strategy for the company under new CEO Jochen Zeitz.

In announcing a poor sales and profit performance for the second quarter, Jochen says they have “reset” their product portfolio and launches of new models to coincide with the start of the Northern Hemisphere riding season in the New Year.

“We’re streamlining our motorcycle models by approximately 30%, with plans to further refine our product portfolio,” he says.

“This enables us to invest in the products and platforms that matter the most, while better balancing our investment in new high potential segments.”

Axe falls

Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe modern
Softail Deluxe

That could mean several underperforming models will face the axe.

In May, American website Total Motorcycle claimed the manufacturer’s list of 2021 models would axe the FXDR 114 (pictured top of page), Breakout 114 and Softail Deluxe. They also said there were rumours all CVOs would face the axe for 2021.

Their list included the recently delayed Pan America 1250 adventure bike and the Bronx Streetfighter 975, plus a Softail Custom and a Sportster Streetfighter.

Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter axe
Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter

However, Jochen only mentioned the Pan America, the company’s first adventure motorcycle.

That could mean the Streetfighter range, which also uses the new liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine may be shelved for a while.

“We see strong potential in adventure touring and will launch Pan America globally next year,” he says.

“We will be going to market with an improved launch process. Beginning with model year 2021, we will shift our product launch and dealer reveal timing into early Q1, driving demand for products and sales for dealers at the start of the riding season.”

Traditional fans

But Harley isn’t turning its back on traditional Harley fans.

Jochen says they will “expand our offering of iconic motorcycles to those which most embody their spirit of Harley-Davidson”.

However, those fans will have to wait for the 2021 models to arrive.

“As we transition this year, we have extended our 2020 model year production through fall and expect model year 2021 bikes will arrive in dealer showrooms early in the New Year.

“We will invest into the new go-to-market capabilities and elevated product launches and investment into our brand using some of The Rewire savings.”

But don’t expect big discounts as we have seen in the past couple of years.

Jochen says they have scaled back production. To make bikes more “exclusive” and “significantly” reduce discounting price promotions.

“This drives retail pricing to help preserve the value and desirability of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for its customers and brand,” he says.

Merchandise

The new boss is also driving up the merchandise, parts and accessories side of the business.

He says they will push parts and accessories sales at dealerships by promoting customisation.

The company also hopes to attract new customers through investing in new technology for their apparel range.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson and Indian sales flop

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America’s two major motorcycle companies have reported a flop in motorcycle sales for the second quarter.

Harley-Davidson reported a 27% decline in sales to 52,700 and a $0.87 billion flop in revenue.

Sales were down 26.6% in the USA, -30.3% in Canada, -29.8% in Europe, -51% and Asia-Pacific -10.2%. The latter includes Australia where sales were down 10.7%.

Meanwhile, Polaris Industries says motorcycle sales (which includes Indian Motorcycle and the three-wheeler Slingshot) were down $141.3m or -28% with profit down from $23m in the same quarter last year to $4m.

In Australia, sales were up an impressive 40.2% while the road bike market was down 4.2%.

Flop turnaround

Both companies report a turnaround in sales in June as riders came out of lockdown keen to hit the road.

Polaris CEO Scott Wine says they overcame a “near complete shutdown of both our dealers and the US economy early in the quarter to capitalise on unprecedented retail demand for our off-road vehicles and motorcycles through May, June and now July”.

He says the new liquid-cooled Challenger model helped buoy sales.

Indian Challenger flop
Challenger

Both companies shut down production for about a month and inventory is now scarce.

However, Polaris plans to ramp up production while Harley has notably decided to keep a lid on production to make their bikes more exclusive and to avoid discounting.

Harley strategies

Jochen Zeitz with LiveWire rewire shares
Jochen Zeitz with the electric LiveWire

With Harley experiencing a sales flop in the first half of the year of -28% from 121,00 to 93,200, CEO Jochen Zeitz has outlined a streamlining of production as part of his Rewire strategy.

The five main strategies are:

  1. Reorganisation of the company structure and a new marketing strategy toward freedom, led by Hollywood action star and Harley fan Jason Momoa;
  2. Cuts in model lines and 2021 models delayed from September to early 2021 (click here to read more);
  3. More emphasis on merchandise and bike accessories;
  4. Pulling out of some international markets (click here to read more); and
  5. Cutbacks on production to promote exclusivity and avoid discounting.

“A total rewire is necessary to make Harley-Davidson a high-performance company,” Jochen says.

“Building on our strong brand legacy, we are reinvigorating our core profit driving business – powered by our strongest dealers, most exciting products and careful inventory management, while focusing on the most important opportunities for future expansion.”

He says the company will build on their “strong brand legacy” with a shift in marketing to “the brand, heritage and great product”.

“The first brand building approach will be shown in the social media campaign directed by Jason Momoa, celebrating the shared journey and unrelenting spirit of our Harley-Davidson Community during these challenging times, and strengthening the positivity and freedom we all find in riding motorcycles,” he says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson plans VVT V-twin

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Harley-Davidson has filed a patent application for a variable valve timing (VVT) V-twin engine, possibly for the Sportster to improve economy and reduce emissions.

The iconic American manufacturer has often been accused of old engine technology and faced barrage of criticism for going “backwards” from double to single overhead cam with the Milwaukee Eight engine despite it being more powerful, efficient and easier to maintain.

VVT history

BMW R 1250 GS and RT VVT
BMW’s 1250cc Shiftcam Boxer engine with variable valve timing

A move to VVT would see Harley join many other motorcycle manufacturers that use the technology including the four Japanese manufacturers, BMW (ShiftCam) and Ducati (Desmodromic Valve Timing).

VVT has been around in motorcycles since the 1980s, but is surprisingly banned from MotoGP.

The first bike with VVT was the Honda CBR400F in 1983, but their Variable Valve Timing and Electronic lift Control (VTEC) only became popular in the 2002 VFR800.

Honda VFR800 VTEC engine with variable valve timing
Honda VFR800 VTEC engine with variable valve timing

Variable valve timing, which is even used in your common garden-variety Camry, makes the engine more flexible in different conditions, which results in increased fuel economy, lower emissions and improved performance, particularly torque.

Development of this technology began in the 1970s and the 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 was the production car with a mechanical VVT system.

It’s now common in cars and is known as VVT-i and VVTL-i in Toyota, MIVEC in Mitsubishi, VVL in Nissan and VANOS by Ford, BMW, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The formula for how and when the valves open varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Harley VVT

Harley-Davidson VVT
Harley-Davidson VVT patent drawing

While Harley likes to keep things simple, reliable and easy to maintain, VVT would add complexity to the cylinder heads and add to the price of periodic valve adjustments.

Their patent is not for VVT which already exists, but for a modular engine balancer on either side of a crankshaft of a VVT V-twin engine.

Harley-Davidson VVT

But which Harley model would get the new engine?

The patent drawings seem to show a Fat Bob, but it has a Milwaukee Eight engine which is only a few years old, so that’s unlikely.

Similarly, the water-cooled Street range engine is only a few years old and the Harley’s upcoming street fighter and adventure bikes are powered by the Revolution Max water-cooled engine.

Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter
Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter

This VVT engine is more likely to be fitted to the popular Sportster range whose Revolution engine is 34 years old.

It is in desperate need of a modern replacement as the Sportster will no longer be able to be sold in Europe because of tough new Euro5 emissions regulations coming next year for existing models.

Harley-Davidson Vintage Stripe Bell Bullitt retro helmet Sportster Iron 1200
Sportster is in much need of an updated powertrain

A VVT V-twin would give the Sportster a new lease on life.

While Sportster fans may be horrified at this modern tech in such a traditional motorcycle at least the drawings show air-cooling fins, so it is unlikely to have water cooling. Whew!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Long Way Up coming to Apple TV+

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The latest Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor adventure, the Long Way Up, will be shown on Apple TV+ in the next few months.

In the third and probably final “Long Way” series, the Brits ride Harley-Davidson electric LiveWire motorcycles from Tierra Del Fuego at the bottom of South Africa to LA.

Apple TV+

There is no date for the series to start, but when it does, you can get a free seven-day trial and binge-watch the series.

If you enjoy Apple TV+ you can then subscribe in Australia for $A7.99 a month.

Unlike their previous adventures on BMW GS machines, this one was on Harley’s new electric LiveWire which will be available in Australia in September for a whopping $A49,995 ($NZ53,995).

That’s more than the feature-laden Ultra Limited tourer at $A41,495!

While the specially modified bikes did get the pair to their destination, Ewan admits he ran out of “juice” a couple of times and even had to hitch rides with cars by hanging on to the B pillar.

The admissions came in an interview on the American Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in February 2020.

In the interview, he explains that they chose electric motorcycles because they “wanted to be part of that new wave of transportation”.

“It proved to be amazing and quite tricky at the same time,” McGregor tells Fallon.

“Charging is the issue. There’s no real infrastructure for charging in Patagonia, for instance.

“We’d just knock on people’s doors and ask if we could plug them in.

“They usually do let us. We’d camp in their garden and we’d plug in.”

However, he said charging two bikes at the same time would sometimes blew the houses’s fuses, so they would charge one at a time.

“People were so generous and lovely about it,” he says.

“We’d ride all morning and then if we stopped to look around the town we’d find somewhere to plug in at a restaurant or a cafe or something.”

Out of juice

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire
Ewan on a LiveWire in South America

According to Harley, LiveWire range is about 150km on the highway and about 235km in the city.

So, what did they do when they ran out of “juice”, Fallon asked?

“Hope for a hill,” McGregor replies.

“I got towed a couple of times. I was the only one that ran out.

“Charley never ran out of juice and he’ll tell you it’s ’cause he’s a better rider than me and it may well be the case.”

(We suspect Charley did not do his usual frequent wheelies!)

“But I ran out a couple of times, so I’d just hold on to a car.”

Charley and Ewan adventure on LiveWire
Ewan and Charley pack their LiveWire electric bikes

He explains how this stunt was performed and we assume it was at slow speed and could have been using one of the back-up vehicles.

“If you open the back windows and the front of the car you could get your arm around a pillar and you just muscle along like that for a while,” he explains.

Ewan says the first time he saw this done was in New York when he was about 21 or 22 riding in a yellow cab.

“A Harley-Davidson guy — a Hells Angels guy — who’d run out of gas or his bike was broken down clattered into the side of the cab, grabbed hold of the pillar and he shouted the address of the Hells Angels clubhouse to the driver who just took him there and didn’t ask any questions; just drove there like that.

“I think the Hells Angels owe me $5.26.”

Not sure if we believe that, but it’s a great story.

And it sounds like Long Way Up on Apple TV+ will also be another great series.

It’s been a long time between trips for Ewan and Charley.

From 14 April 2004 to 29 July 2004, they rode across Europe and the USA in Long Way Round and from 12 May to 4 August 2007 they rode from the top of Scotland to Cape Town in South Africa for Long Way Down.

With Ewan becoming increasingly busy with Hollywood movies, Charley squeezed in the 2006 Dakar rally for his series, Race to Dakar, and has produced several other travel shows.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson sheds jobs for savings

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Harley-Davidson will shed 640 jobs this year for millions of dollars in savings as it streamlines the company to respond to weakening demand for their bikes.

Last month the company sacked 90 staff at their York Vehicle Operations in Pennsylvania and 50 at its Tomahawk facility in Wisconsin after temporarily suspending production over the pandemic in March.

Now they have announced a further 500 jobs will go globally as part of new CEO Jochen Zeitz’s “Rewire” strategy.

Harley is not alone in slashing jobs. Last month, Triumph Motorcycle announce it will slash 400 jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and their plan to move more production from Hinckley to Thailand.

Jochen says they will produce fewer bikes for more “exclusivity”.

It follows several years of weakening sales.

Savings

Harley is expecting $US42m in savings this year from the job cuts.

Despite the savings, Harley-Davidson also announced last month that it had access to a loan of up to $US350 million (about $A500 million) over the next year.

While the company has not committed to the entire amount of the loan, it is committed to draw at least $US150m (about $A215m).

It’s all very confounding, but Jochen says he will reveal details later this month when he announces second quarter financial results.

Simpler operation

Jochen Zeitz with LiveWire rewire shares
Jochen Zeitz with the electric LiveWire

“Our new operating model is simpler, more focused and enables faster decisions across the entire company,” he says.

“The Rewire is progressing very well and substantial work is being done to eliminate complexity and get Harley-Davidson on a path to winning.

“Our new operating model is simpler, more focused and enables faster decisions across the entire company.

“We’ve taken a hard look at our entire set up, our spending, and how work is getting done, to align our operating model, structure and processes. We are building a strong foundation to drive a high-performance organization in the future.”

Meanwhile, VP Treasurer Darrell Thomas will become interim CFO, replacing CFO John Olin who is retiring.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley-Davidson & Piaggio take out loans

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Harley-Davidson and the Piaggio Group of motorcycle and scooter companies have announced massive loans to get back on their feet after the pandemic.

In June, Harley-Davidson announced it had access to a loan of up to $US350 million (about $A500 million) over the next year.

While it has not committed to the entire amount of the loan, it is committed to draw at least $US150m (about $A215m).

The company believes the loan is consistent with its intentions regarding liquidity.

Piaggio Group loansmoto guzzi factory museum V85

Now the Italian Piaggio Group which produces Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa has secured a loan for €60 million (about $A97m, $US67m).

That’s 20% more than their annual net income.

The money will be put towards restarting after the COVID lockdown, as well as research and development.

Piaggio says they will focus their R&D efforts on reducing fuel consumption and emissions and increasing the number of new models.

Comment on loans

The world seems to be going into debt over the pandemic crisis and motorcycle companies are not immune.

It’s good news when they direct loans into R&D.

However, it’s a concern when businesses go into debt to help them survive a crisis.

In the wake of the COVID lockdown, many motorcycle companies are now reporting a huge bounce in sales in June.

In fact, the KTM Group, which includes Husqvarna and Gas Gas, has reports its biggest June in history.

KTM Group Australia/New Zealand MD Brad Hagi says there is “still a long way to go before this crisis is over”.

“This recent sales spike has not only seen existing and former riders return to riding, it has also seen new riders enter our sport, to experience the unique freedom it offers, and that is a real positive for the industry long term,” he says.

Australia is yet to announce official motorcycle sales figures for the second quarter, but they are expected to be flat or slightly up.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has reported that the dive in car sales has now slowed thanks to the easing of restrictions.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber attributes the slight recovery to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, end-of-financial-year sales and government incentives.

In fact, some dealers tell us buyers have been accessing their superannuation to buy their dream bike!

Similar incentives exist in other countries around the world which are reporting similar strong sales results.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Harley’s electric LiveWire available in September

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Harley-Davidson’s electric LiveWire has arrived in Australia for testing ahead of its media launch in August and market release in early September.

The Tesla Model 3 Australia Facebook Group has published the above photo of a LiveWire being charged in Australia.

Harley-Davidson Australia/New Zealand marketing guru Keith Waddell confirms the photo was taken “while we were testing a range of public charge stations with a pre-production unit”.

September release

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycleHarley LiveWire

“A press release on the ANZ release is due this week however I can confirm that we will release in early September.

“We are looking to have an ANZ media launch closer to the end of August and are watching the COVID restrictions and related border closures.”

While Keith would not releaser the price of the LiveWire, it starts at $US29,799 (about $A42,900 and $NZ45,900 at current exchange rates) in the USA.

That would make it more expensive than all but the Harley CVO and Trike ranges, but even more expensive than the feature-laden Ultra Limited tourer at $A41,495 ride away.

Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited cure brain cancerHarley-Davidson Ultra Limited

Electrifying LiveWire

I rode the LiveWire last year in Portland, Oregon, at the world media launch.

Check my test ride here.

livewire mother earth NAWAMBW rides the LiveWire in Portland, Orgeon

It will be available in vivid black, orange fuse and yellow fuse.

The bike’s 15.5 kWh battery is capable of up to 235km of city range, 113km of highway range and 152km of combined conditions on a single charge.

LiveWire has an on-board level 1 240V charger which will take about about 12.5 hours from flat to reach full capacity at a cost of less than $4.

If you can find a Level 3 DC fast charger (CCS2), it will charge to 80 in 40 minutes, or full in an hour.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire tech specs

  • Price: $US29,799 (about $A42,900, $NZ45,900)
  • Colours: Orange, lime and black
  • Battery warranty: five-year, unlimited-km
  • Motor: H-D Revelation permanent-magnet, water-cooled electric motor
  • Power: 78kW (105hp)
  • Instant torque: 116Nm (86ft lbs)
  • Battery: Air-cooled 15.5kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery (Rechargeable Energy Storage System)
  • Transmission: motor output shaft, 9.71:1 gear reduction, belt drive
  • Acceleration: 0 -100km/h 3 seconds; 100-130km/h 1.9 seconds
  • Top speed: 177km/h
  • Range: 235km (city), 152km (combined stop-and-go and highway range using MIC City and MIC Combined tests), 158km (World Motorcycle Test Cycle)
    Harley-Davidson electric LIveWire paradeCharging points on the LIveWire are under the “fuel” cap.
  • Charging: 120/240-volt outlet 20km (13 miles) per hour of charging; DC Fast Charge (DCFC) 0-80% in 40 minutes or 100% in 60 minutes
  • Weight: 210kg
  • Suspension (rear): fully adjustable Showa Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite mono-shock
  • Suspension (front); Showa Separate Function Fork-Big Piston
    Sporty Harley-Davidson electric LiveWireFully adjustable Showa rear shock
  • Brakes: Dual Brembo Monoblock calipers, 300mm rotors
    Tyres: H-D/Michelin Scorcher (180mm rear and 120mm front)
  • Rider aids: Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS), Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Braking System (C-ABS), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) and Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS)
  • Technology: 4.3” colour TFT touchscreen, Daymaker LED headlamp, LED lighting, H-D Connect service connectivity and Harley- Davidson App
  • Riding modes: Seven selectable Ride Modes electronically control motor performance and level of RDRS intervention
  • Accessories: dual seat and tail, speed screen blade, decorative trim, hand and foot controls and cover with charging cord port

Sporty Harley-Davidson electric LiveWireTouchscreen instruments

More tech specs

2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire

Dimensions

84.1 in. (2,135 mm)

Overall Width

32.7 in. (830 mm)

Overall Height

42.5 in. (1,080 mm)

Seat Height, Laden / Unladen

30 in. (761 mm) / 30.7 in. (780 mm)

Ground Clearance

5.1 in. (130 mm)

Rake (steering head)

4.3 in. (108 mm)

58.7 in. (1,490 mm)

Tires, Type

Michelin® Scorcher® “Sport”

Scorcher® “Sport”

Tires, Front Specification

120/70 ZR17 58W

Tires, Rear Specification

180/55 ZR17 73W

Transmission Capacity

0.34 qt (0.32 L)

Coolant Capacity

0.8 qt. (0.72 L)

Weight, As Shipped

549 lb. (249 kg)

Weight, In Running Order

549 lb. (249 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

949 lb. (430 kg)

Gross Axle Weight Rating, Front

434 lb. (197 kg)

Gross Axle Weight Rating, Rear

580 lb. (263 kg)

Drivetrain

Primary Drive (*Cert)

Spiral bevel gear , 55/17 ratio

Final Drive (*Cert)

Belt, 3/1 ratio

Transmission

Single Speed

Gear Ratios (overall) 1st (*Cert) (X.XXX)

Aluminum cast

Aluminum cast

Front Fork

SHOWA® 43 mm Inverted Separate Function Forks – Big Piston (SFF-BP®), fully adjustable

Rear Shocks

SHOWA® Balance Free Rear Cushion Lite (BFRC-lite®), fully adjustable

Wheels, Type

Black, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum

Wheels, Front Dia. / Width

17 in. (432 mm) / 3.5 in. (89 mm)

Wheels, Rear Dia. / Width

17 in. (432 mm) / 5.5 in. (140 mm)

Brakes, Caliper Type

Dual 4-piston monoblock radial mount front, dual-piston rear

Brakes, Rotor Type

Dual floating rotors (front), floating rotor (rear)

Brakes, Front Diameter / Thickness

11.8 in. (300 mm) / 0.2 in. (5 mm)

Brakes, Rear Diameter / Thickness

10.2 in. (260 mm) / 0.2 in. (5 mm)

Brakes, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

Suspension Travel, Front / Rear

4.5 in. (115 mm) / 4.5 in. (115 mm)

Performance

Lean Angle Testing Method

Lean Angle, Right / Left (deg)

Lithium Ion, 12.8V , 24 Wh, 120 A

Onboard DC to DC conversion

Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp

All LED, low beam, high beam and signature position lamp

Lights (as per country regulation), Tail/Stop

LED with light pipe tail

Lights (as per country regulation), Front Signal Lights

Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps

High beam, turn signals, ABS, traction control, EV fault

Lights, Rear Turn Signals

LED, Amber

4.3” WQVGA 480×272 TFT Color Display with Ambient Light Sensor, 9 warning lights, Real Time Clock and Integrated Bluetooth Connectivity to a Smartphone to provide infotainment features including turn-by-turn navigation, telephone, music, and voice recognition.

Electric Power Outlet

USB C-type; output 5V at 3A

EV Specific Content: Motor

116Nm (86ft-lb)

Internal Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Water Jacket cooling

Motor Name

Revelation®

Inverter type

Pole Count

Power (hp/kW)

105HP (78kW)

6.69 in. (170 mm)

Stack Length

3.94 in. (100 mm)

EV Specific Content: RESS

Lithium Ion

15.5kWh total, 13.6kWh min usable

EV Specific Content: Charging

Charge Plug Type

SAE J1772 Combo Inlet (CCS1) / IEC 62196 Combo Inlet (CCS2)

On-board charger, charge rate

AC wall charging time (not verified)

Target – Full charge in 12.5 hrs – Capable of 12.6 miles/hour charge rate (MIC city cycle)

DC fast charging time (not verified)

Target – Full charge in 1.0 hr – Capable of 192 miles/hour charge rate (MIC city cycle)

DC to DC conversion

450W at 14.2V

EV Specific Content: Range

146 mi (235 km)

Highway (70 mph sustained)

70 mi (113 km)

95 mi (152 km)

WMTC (World Motorcycle Test Cycle)

98 mi (158 km)

Infotainment

Hands-free Mobile Phone – via Bluetooth

Voice Recognition Languages: Phone functions only

Via paired iOS or Android device

Voice Recognition Languages: Tuner/Media/ Navigation

Via paired iOS or Android device

USB Type-C

Phone/media supported

Telematics

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Harley-Davidson Announces Learn-To-Ride Training Programs

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Harley-Davidson has just announced a new initiative to encourage growth in the motorcycle community with its “Learn-To-Ride” programs, available at participating dealerships. The “Learn-To-Ride” programs offer 1-on-1, or small private group training in a low-stress environment under the supervision and instruction of a professional riding coach.

Harley-Davidson Learn-To-Ride New Rider Training

From Press Release:

MORE WAYS TO LEARN-TO-RIDE AVAILABLE NOW FROM HARLEY-DAVIDSON 

“Experience the Ride” and “Learn to Ride” Programs Offer New Ways to

Experience Two Wheels.

MILWAUKEE (June 30, 2020) – Turn “Someday I’ll ride a motorcycle,” into “Today” with new ways to learn to ride from participating Harley-Davidson® dealers.

Inspired by new rider feedback, select Harley-Davidson dealers are offering two new programs that aim to make learning to ride more convenient and personalized.

These new programs are designed to provide flexible scheduling and a learning pace that suits the rider’s needs. Personal coaching sessions can be scheduled 1-on-1, or as a private group with up to 4 participants.

Harley-Davidson Learn-To-Ride New Rider Training

Experience the Ride 

This newly developed program is designed specifically for those who have never ridden a motorcycle but are interested in trying. Under the guidance of a professional coach, participants will ride a Harley-Davidson Street® 500 motorcycle across a practice range. The entire experience takes approximately 90 minutes and is completed on a bike specially equipped for new riders.

Experience the Ride is a low commitment, no pressure way for potential riders to get behind the handlebars and experience riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the first time.

This program can help participants decide if learning to ride is right for them, alleviate potential anxiety before taking rider training, and help realize how motorcycles can unlock their dreams of personal freedom.

To learn more and schedule a session, visit www.hdpersonalcoachfinder.com

Harley-Davidson Learn-To-Ride New Rider Training

Learn to Ride

For those that have decided to learn to ride, select Harley-Davidson dealers are now offering an additional option beyond the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course.  

This new program, simply known as Learn to Ride, delivers the same time-tested rider training curriculum as the Riding Academy New Rider Course. However, Learn to Ride enables students to schedule private sessions with personal coaches and learn all the techniques and riding strategies required to earn a motorcycle endorsement.

For riders that always wanted to learn but couldn’t fit a multi-day course into their schedule or prefer to learn in private session, this program is what they have been waiting for. Sessions can be scheduled 1-on-1 or as a private party with up to 4 participants. This program is a great option for spouses, friends, and individuals to finally learn and fulfill their dreams of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.  

Benefits of the Learn to Ride program include highly flexible scheduling, learning at the rider’s pace, more focused attention from the coach, ability to repeat training modules if needed, and completion of private sessions solo or with a small group of friends resulting in lower anxiety. 

To learn more and schedule your personalized Learn to Ride lesson visit the www.hdpersonalcoachfinder.com website.

Source: RiderMagazine.com