When it comes to motorcycles in the United States, one of the most popular brands is Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle manufacturer celebrated its 110th year anniversary recently and during the celebration announced a new starter motorcycle was getting ready to launch. The bike will be small and have an engine displacing 500cc.
The New 500cc Harley-Davidson: A Shift in Strategy
Some Harley-Davidson fans believe if a bike doesn’t have an engine with over 1000cc of power, it’s not a real Harley. However, Harley-Davidson executives insist the bike looks and sounds like a Harley-Davidson. Currently, the company’s smallest bike has 883cc of engine displacement, and the new one will have 500cc. This marks a significant shift in strategy for the iconic brand, which has traditionally been associated with larger, more powerful motorcycles.
The goal is to attract new riders to the brand and target restricted license riders around Europe and Australia. Harley-Davidson COO Matthew Levatich promises the bike is “nimble, lightweight, has a low seat height, and supple throttle and braking. I’ve ridden it – it looks great, sounds great, it’s a Harley, and it’s priced right.” Exact pricing and availability information is unannounced.
Expanding the Harley-Davidson Market
The introduction of a 500cc motorcycle is a strategic move to expand Harley-Davidson’s market reach. By offering a smaller, more affordable bike, the company aims to appeal to younger riders and those who may be new to motorcycling. This is particularly important in markets like Europe and Australia, where licensing restrictions often limit new riders to smaller displacement motorcycles.
In addition to targeting new riders, the 500cc bike is also expected to appeal to urban commuters. Its lightweight and nimble design make it ideal for navigating city streets and heavy traffic. This could open up a whole new segment of the market for Harley-Davidson, which has traditionally been associated with long-distance cruising and highway riding.
Moreover, the new bike could serve as a gateway for riders who may eventually upgrade to larger Harley-Davidson models. By starting with a smaller, more manageable bike, new riders can build their skills and confidence before moving on to the brand’s larger, more powerful motorcycles.
Maintaining the Harley-Davidson Identity
One of the biggest challenges Harley-Davidson faces with the introduction of the 500cc bike is maintaining the brand’s identity. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their distinctive look, sound, and feel, and it’s crucial that the new bike lives up to these expectations. According to Levatich, the new bike does just that. “It looks great, sounds great, it’s a Harley,” he says.
The company has invested significant resources into ensuring that the new bike meets the high standards that Harley-Davidson riders expect. This includes extensive testing and refinement to ensure that the bike delivers the performance and reliability that the brand is known for.
The introduction of a 500cc motorcycle represents a bold new direction for Harley-Davidson. By offering a smaller, more affordable bike, the company hopes to attract new riders and expand its market reach. At the same time, it remains committed to maintaining the distinctive look, sound, and feel that have made Harley-Davidson one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world.
via Gizmag
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