Harleys new 750cc bike?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
Read it again my good man. I said its not a 750cc unless they kept the same physical size as the original VRSC platform. Notice the relation of the thermostat housing to the cylinders/jugs and you can plainly see it shares the same exterior dimensions. Now they could have reduced the internals, which wouldn't make much sense since the wow factor of that particular powerplant would be gone due to weight/power ratio. I seriously doubt that they would produce smaller poweplants that mimic the full sized unit since it isn't particularly cost effective.
Is that easier for you to grasp?
Is that easier for you to grasp?
From tkunks link to original article above:
"The powertrain (engine and transmission) will be developed by Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, while overall design and styling has reportedly been entrusted to Bologna, Italys, Engines Engineering, a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian conglomerate Mahindra."
"Its anticipated that two versions will be offeredone under 500cc for use in Harley-Davidsons Riders Edge training programs, and a 750cc version to fill the gap between Indias predominantly small-displacement domestic product and heavily taxed (103 percent!), over-800cc imports. These bikes will also fill a hole for American Harley-Davidson dealers, providing more affordable and accessible options than Harleys traditional product line, to attract younger consumers into dealerships."
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
From: USA
I for one like it, so please don't get me wrong. All I'm saying is that particular rendition is hard to believe since it appears to be a combination of existing VRSC parts and existing Japanese parts. I don't have a hard time believing HD would release smaller sized bikes to a different market but I don't believe the one pictured is it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
that is defenatly photo shopped. look at the neck to the fork trees, muffler isn't big enough to be functional, no exhaust pipe going to it, rear shocks are missing the bottom mounting eye, wheels are kind of floating there,they dont match the rest of the picture, and the rear turn signals are tucked in too tight
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 498
From: Northern WV
I agree. There's an entire market that HD has been missing; light to medium weight motorcycles. Could be just the ticket for newer, women, small, and older riders who feel intimidated by a 600 lb Sportster. The fact it's going to be made in India should mean it'll be affordable as well.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 116
From: OKC
I'm digging it. Done right (light with horsepower), it could enter the MOCO into a whole new market segment.
The downside is that dealers will not know how to market it and the same old BS hype will most likely prevail (beginner bike, girl's bike, etc), which is the wrong thing to do.
Nothing really hard about riding a 700 lb 70-80ish hp HD, now get on a bike with, say 90-100 hp around 400 lbs and lets talk about rider skill....
The downside is that dealers will not know how to market it and the same old BS hype will most likely prevail (beginner bike, girl's bike, etc), which is the wrong thing to do.
Nothing really hard about riding a 700 lb 70-80ish hp HD, now get on a bike with, say 90-100 hp around 400 lbs and lets talk about rider skill....
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 547
Likes: 2
From: iowa
Whatever it is it's wrong and it suks. And it suks.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 824
Likes: 3
These small bikes are NOT intended for the US market. There's a big, wide world out there where other manufacturers sell millions of small motorcycles and scooters. I imagine Harley-Davidson, a publicly traded company, would like to get a piece of that.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,513
Likes: 116
From: OKC
don't worry, HD is still going to make big twins until no one will buy them. Look at this like Jeep selling things like the Patriot, which allows them to still sell uncompromised real Jeeps.
Similar thing in that if this sells well, it will allow HD to have a bit of $ cash flow breathing room if they need it. HD has often had bikes other than big twins for sale, from the Whizzer and Hummer in the 50s to the Aeromachi bikes of the 60s & 70s. Ain't going to hurt a thing....
