Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is looking to expand its customer base with the upcoming introduction of several new bike models.
Harley the lifestyle brand has diversified its appeal considerably over the past twenty years. The company’s foray into interior decorating may have true believers dismayed, but the libertarianism symbolized by the name transitioned to laissez-faire capitalism very neatly. So no whining, please.
Anyway, the company’s focus is still the mighty motorcycle. And even if their new offerings stray from loud pipes and soft-tails, they’ll help the company stay relevant in its comfort zone. As the motorcycle market continues to get more competitive, the classic bike brand needs to reverse downward sales trends. These new designs will help.
Over the next three years, customers can expect to see electric bikes, a streetfighter, an adventure motorcycle, and a series of bespoke small-displacement builds. The motorcycle manufacturer’s “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” strategy pretty much says it all: Harley guarantees it will have a bike for anyone, from born-to-be-mild Aunt Claire to incorrigible Cousin Rob…as soon as he gets out of prison. Again.
The Pan America is the first of these new creations, and it looks like a great start toward intriguing new customers. Harley-Davidson’s new adventure bike isn’t modest when it comes to power thanks to a 1,250cc V-twin. The off-road-ready bike is designed to look the part of a major competitor in the adventure-bike market.
For those looking for a Streetfighter, the newest model is fast: it boasts a 975cc engine.
Bespoke models will take care of the truly deep-pocketed individualist looking for a unique status symbol.
Finally, there’s the LiveWire. The marketing-department moniker is itself engaging; with just a name, Harley has divorced the electric vehicle from its incipient practicality, making it dangerous and a force of chaos. The electric prototype itself is still in development, but scheduled for production in 2019.
Expect all of these new motorcycles to be available in 2020.
