Harley 350: Will a 350cc Cycle Be H-D’s Next Starter Bike?
I’m not sure I would want to take a Harley 350 to Bike Week or Sturgis.
When Harley Davidson cut every single one of its air-cooled sportsters from its lineup this year, one of the criticisms hurled at the Motor Company was that it eliminated its entry-level motorcycles. Well folks, we now have confirmation from multiple media outlets like Cycle World that Harley is trotting out not one, but two entry-level Harley Davidsons.
And I can guarantee you that a good number of those critics will mock the idea of one of those bikes, a Harley 350.
Not Cut Out for Sturgis
It does sound weird, the idea of a Harley Davidson 350. I’m not sure I would want to take one to Bike Week or Sturgis.
But, think about those kids whose fathers rode Harley Hogs all their lives and want to pass on that legacy. You can’t stick a 16-year-old on a Fat Boy and tell him to twist the throttle.
Think back to the first motorcycle you owned; It was very likely less than 300cc. You work your way up as you grow older but you never forget your first bike.
Made in China
We first heard about the idea of a small, made-in-China, parallel twin a few years ago and now it appears to be crossing the ocean.
It’s a joint venture between Harley and a Chinese group called Qianjiang, one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in China.
Top Speed is reporting that there will be two versions of the 350, one for Harley Davidson’s Riding Academy, the X350RA, and the other X350 as a “production variant.”
Six-Speed Gear Box
The 350 is a mongrel, sporting the Harley Davidson brand while being made in China with parts from both China and Italy.
Leaked information says the bike is powered by a 353cc, parallel twin engine, an altered version of the Benelli 302S that produces 36 horsepower. The RA version will have only 23 HP so learners won’t be tempted to tear up the learner’s course popping wheelies.
It has a six-speed gear box that even current sportsters don’t have. It also has dual disc brakes in front. Makes you wonder why HD doesn’t give all its sportsters these goodies.
Lacking Personality
The bike is expected to be unveiled soon by Harley, along with the bigger version, the X500.
I expect the smaller X350 will be a little more successful as an entry-level bike than the Street 500 and 750 HD recently jettisoned. Neither bike ever caught on with the public and neither sold well.
They were new in 2013, but both those models seemed to lack any sort of Harley personality, though the 500 did catch on with some riding schools.
Price Is Key
Of course, price will be a huge factor as to whether the 350 will be a successful entry-level bike. The Street 500 sold for $6,700 when it debuted and still didn’t catch on.
Still, the Motor Company recognizes the need to get a younger generation started, and there is nothing in the lineup now that allows for that.
The current MSRP for the Sportster S is $16,399. The Softail Standard is cheaper at $14,399, but it is hardly a beginner’s bike, weighing in at 655 pounds. The Nightster, currently the smallest Harley available, will set you back $13,499.
If the Motor Company prices the X350 right, it may find its way into the hearts and minds of the younger whipper-snappers and ride straight into the future of Harley Davidson.
Photos: Harley Davidson
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