Harley-Davidson just dropped a bomb of a news about a major paradigm shift in its business strategy for the next four years. Apart from an all-new adventure touring platform, a naked bike range and an electric platform, Harley plans to launch five new models under the Custom series of motorcycles from 2021 to 2022. The engine capacity would range from 500cc to 1250cc, as per the brand. Going by the images revealed of the prototype model, the top-of-the-line 1250cc Custom features a properly muscular styling with a stripped-down theme. Expect other models in the product family to have similar overall styling.
The motorcycle looks like a flat-tracker, and would be an apt rival to the upcoming Indian FTR 1200 which will be launched next year in the global market. The LED headlight setup seems to draw inspiration from the 2018 Fat Bob. Its 17-inch front and 16-inch rear alloy wheels are shod with suitably chunky Pirelli Night Dragon tyres - a massive 160-section up front and 180-section at the rear. From the pictures, the tyre specs suggest that the construction is bias-ply up front and radial at the rear.
Expect decent performance from the 1250cc liquid-cooled V-twin motor. Even the exhaust design seems to be flat-track inspired, with copper finish similar to the Fat Bob.
Braking is courtesy disc brakes on both ends. Just like all their current models, and unlike most other motorcycles, there’s no wheel-speed sensor ring on the brake rotors, but ABS should be included as standard. Harley always does things differently after all! Coming to the suspension bits, the inverted forks up front are likely to be a cartridge-type unit and the rear monoshock seems to be hidden behind the fat exhaust pipes.
Ergonomics for this motorcycle seem to be odd - the rider would have to lean forward to grab the low street-type handlebars and the footpegs are also set forward. The single-piece seat appears to have minimal cushioning. At the rear, the tyre-hugging licence plate gets neatly integrated LED tail light and LED indicators.
Harley-Davidson is also in the process of teaming up with an Asian manufacturer to produce an affordable motorcycle in the 250-500cc range for the Asian market. The motorcycle maker says it will launch the product in India first, followed by other Asian markets. Harley’s priority towards India will help the brand leverage one of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world.
Source: zigwheels.com
