Production-Ready HD 338R Surfaces on Social Media
Possibly the most important Harley-Davidson (not) made by the Motor Company.
Leaked Venture
A single cropped image of Harley-Davidson's new 338R has surfaced on Chinese social media. The 'leaked' photograph suggests that the Motor Company is still on track with its new international venture—or at least at the full mock-up stage. This, despite the MoCo's corporate reshuffling, rollback of planned domestic models and its recent manufacturing exit from India.
Timely Relationship
While import tariffs and prohibitively high taxes contributed to Harley-Davidson's massive scale-back in India, its Chinese connection has been locked-in since early 2020. The wording in the Motor Company's new 'Rewire' plan specifically states their intentions as “to develop and maintain a productive relationship with the Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Company and launch-related products in a timely manner.”
Photo courtesy of The New York Times.
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Twin Collaboration
News of the off-shore 'Baby-Harley' was announced in June of 2020 when the Motor Company said that it would “co-develop a premium 338cc displacement Harley-Davidson motorcycle for sale first in the Chinese market with additional Asian markets to follow.” Initially pitched as the HD350 Project, the small-capacity parallel twin is a collaboration with Qianjiang Motors—the Chinese automotive conglomerate.
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International Bodywork
Images and drawings emerging from China's patent office further solidify Harley-Davidson's intent to bring the 338R to production. Confusing the matter a bit, the images show the 'Baby-Harley' wearing QJMotor bodywork and logos. Qianjiang Motorcycle is China's biggest producer of two-wheel vehicles. It established an international foothold in 2005, with the purchase of Benelli Motorcycles—Italy's oldest motorcycle manufacturer.
>>Join the conversation about the 338R and if you'd be interested right here in HDForums.
Cast Involvement
Mechanically, the 338R is based on Qianjiang's own QJ350 model—already in production. With some conga line engineering, the QJ350 is also built as the Benelli 300 and 302S, and the planned 350S. To quash any lingering doubt about the MoCo's involvement, a close examination of the patent images reveal that “Harley-Davidson Motor Company” is cast into the left-hand engine cover of the 338R.
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Traditional Look
The coloring book-esque patent drawings reveal much more detail than previously available. Even though the 338R is derivative of the existing QJ350 and Benelli bikes, it has its own distinct look. Inspired by flat track racing, the 338R adopts a few minimalist styling cues. Less angular than its contemporaries, the 338R has a lower, flatter profile and a more traditional gas tank.
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Asia Delay
With summer 2020 expected release date long past, Harley-Davidson has remained quiet on the 338R's unveiling. Evasive about the subject, CEO Jochen Zeitz stated, “We would like to reveal our products much closer to the actual launch. We will provide further detail in the fourth quarter.” Speculation is that the 338R is slated for an early 2021 launch in Asia.
>>Join the conversation about the 338R and if you'd be interested right here in HDForums.
Financial Answer
The underlying motive behind the 'Baby-Harley' is to gain a foothold in Asia's lucrative motorcycle market. While the 338R goes against Harley-Davidson’s new direction of focusing attention on its core premium business, it may be just the financial answer that the Motor Company is seeking. This could well be the most important Harley-Davidson (not) made by the Motor Company—if and when it goes into production.
>>Join the conversation about the 338R and if you'd be interested right here in HDForums.
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