My first impression of this bike is...... Why hasn't this Harley been available from the beginning? I think had Harley kept the XR1200 around and made changes to it to improve performance all the way around they would already have a bike that appeals to younger riders. THIS IS A HARLEY I WOULD BE WAITING IN LINE TO PURCHASE! I love the look of this bike and it would suit my riding style perfectly! After getting the opportunity to test ride one when they are released, I may have to trade in my 2018 Fat Bob.... We will have to see when the time comes. What do you guys and gals think about this platform? I simply love it. Cheers to HD for finally getting into the naked bike scene!

 

I love the look of this bike and look forward to actually seeing some specs on it. I think the biggest obstacle is going to be pricing. If HD doesn't offer features and tech that are in line with other sport bikes in the price range, it's going to be doomed from the start. And honestly if the FXDR is a sign of things to come, it's not looking good. Based upon what I have read so far it's looking like these might be around the $15k(ish) range. To be competitive, it's going to need ABS, DTC, an OEM chain conversion option (I would like to see this, I know for some it's not a deal breaker), LED lighting (the fact HD is STILL putting incandescent lights on their bikes in freaking 2018 is ridiculous), and whatever gizmos that go on an up-to-date sport bike. If not, for the same price I can get all of that on a Ducati Monster and call it a day.

I'll hope that HD can do this right but right my magic 8-ball doesn't have a favorable outcome based on previous and current experience.

 

The questions , will it be fast enough, will it hold up and will it corner . They will never sell one to me, not my style of riding but there are buyers out there.

 

Awesome bike if it performs as good as it looks. If they had made this back in 2006 I would have gotten this instead of the R1 I bought.

 

There is a lot more chat about this bike on non HD forums. Which is good, because I'm sure HD sees this as a conquest bike,to attract riders to the Brand.

 

I used to be a sportbike rider until I hurt my neck badly.. 1st issue I have " no way do i want belt drive on a bike like this "

and the 2nd issue im sure is going to be pricepoint,... can Harley come in at a competitive price to get the demographic they are looking for??

in my area you can find the
ZX 14r ABS/SEs $13,300
ZX10Rs for $13,800
YZF R1 for right around $16

these are asking prices before any negotiation

 

I think it's righteous and kickass

 

Love the look. It'd better function as well. If Harley expects this market to pony up another $5k for another 10 hp this will be a very short ride. Hope they get it right.

 

 

As a former sport biker rider, I agree with the no belt on the bike. But a few other disadvatages about Price point, most street fighters are made from wadded sport bikes because plastic is expensive to replace & you can build these bikes cheap with the proper donor bike. The V-twin will have a handful trying to perform at a level online with an inline 4, but twins can be enjoyable to ride, just look at the Ducati's. Personally I think they will be priced out of the market for the performance they'll be able to bring, though I wish them success.