The Harley-Davidson small bike tirade continues unabated. We now have a spyshot and a few first hand details coming from AutoCar India. Unlike our previous reporting a few days back, the test mule is in nearly mint condition.
Harley-Davidson is probably looking to take the game a notch higher in India. The fact that this bike would be the smallest Harley ever made (if we ignore the sub-500 cc Buell Blast as well as another Buell, the Ulysses) shows the seriousness of Harley-Davidson to line up some choices for the Indian customer. We have already talked about H-D COO Matthew Levatich confirming the ongoing work on a small-capacity bike that looks great, sounds great and is priced right. You can read details here.
With this product, Harley-Davidson is aiming to make deeper inroads into the Indian market. This product could be locally made, using maximum possible number of Indian parts. This localization will help achieve lower prices, thus attracting more customers into its fold. As of now, Harley-Davidson is the largest seller of bikes above 500 cc-750 cc in India.
The spied bike looks to be a pre-production version, as the surfaces are neatly finished. As with the earlier spying, the motorcycle is one with a few distinct Harley-esque cues. The low slung rear tail cowl as well as the swept-back exhaust project this image. There is a distinctive round headlamp dome with comfy handlebars above it.
The engine displacement is expected to be around or over the 500cc mark. Liquid cooling and fuel injection will be on offer on this four-stroke, V-Twin powerplant. There will be a single overhead camshaft configuration on use, and Autocar feels that the distinctive Harley-Davidson potato-potato growl will be very much available.
Other parts could include alloy rims, telescopic fork suspension in front and a pair of rear shock absorbers. The new bike shall use a single disc brake set-up at the front and rear, with a comfortable looking riding saddle to support its rider and pillion. Harley is known to make long motorcycles, and likewise the upcoming new Harley could seat riders in cruiser motorcycle typical laid-back comfort. It will be a back upright riding position supported by set-forward rider footrests.
It is expected that the new Harley bike wont breach the 4-5 lakhs INR price mark. It, thus, definitely makes an interesting proposition. So, if you have been an out and out cruiser guy and, for some reasons, not interested in Royal Enfields, you have a real luring choice coming up! Are you saving?
