HARLEY-DAVIDSON GOES TINY FOR CHINA
I
t’s no secret that the good ol’ boys at Harley-
Davidson have been trying to rework their
image globally away from being “Grandad’s
bike”, and with the imminent launch of the Motor
Co.’s first fully electric motorcycle, the LiveWire,
they’re certainly making moves away from that
image.
However, the problem Harley faces is the
majority of its product is focused on the premium
end of the motorcycle market and does not cater
to riders on a limited budget. Enter Chinese firm
Qianjiang Motorcycle Company – the folks behind
the recent rebirth of Italian marque Benelli.
With Asian markets typically favouring smaller
displacement motorcycles, Harley’s smallest
current offering – the Street 500 – is considered
a large bike and attracts hefty taxation. The new
bike developed for Asia reportedly will utilise
the same parallel twin configuration and engine
architecture as the Benelli TNT300 with an
increased capacity of 338cc. Styling is also a step
away from Harley tradition with a naked roadster
design hinted at via concept artworks released by
Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang.
developing premium small displacement
motorcycles, established supply base, proven
capabilities in emerging markets, and ability to
meet consumer requirements.
“Harley-Davidson has always been about
inspiring riders around the world. Our More
Roads plan is all about bringing our brand of
freedom to more people, in more places, in more
ways,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief
Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson.
This collaboration marks significant progress
toward another major milestone in the More
Roads to Harley-Davidson accelerated plan
for growth. It is intended to expand access to
the Harley-Davidson brand to more riders to
drive incremental sales – both of the new small
displacement motorcycle and also of traditional
Harley-Davidson products currently offered in
Asia.
For now the as yet unnamed small-bore Harley
will be initially offered only in China, with further
expansion into other Asian markets planned.
Currently we have no word on whether the baby
Hog will even see the light of day in NZ, but we
Harley reportedly selected Qianjiang for the Asian wouldn’t bet against it happening based on the
partnership based on the company’s experience
popularity of the Street 500 here.
Harley-Davidson has always
been about inspiring riders
around the world.
KIWI RIDER 15