- The sketches showcase a retro-styled naked roadster motorcycle
- The American brand will launch the motorcycle in China by late 2020
- Zhejiang Qianjiang owns the Italian motorcycle brand - Benelli
- The 338 cc motor will be a parallel-twin unit
Harley-Davidson - the legendary American motorcycle manufacturer has signed a long-term cooperation pact with China-based Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle. Under the partnership, both the manufacturers will build small capacity motorcycles, first of which is a 338 cc naked roadster. The motorcycle will be manufactured especially for the Asian and other emerging markets and it will be firstly launched in China. Though there's no information on its India launch but keeping in mind the commitment of American major towards the Indian market, we expect the bike to hit the Indian shores soon.
Also Read: Harley Davidson Patents New V-Twin Engines
The move is a part of Harley-Davidson's 'More Roads to Harley-Davidson' strategy which is focused towards tapping new markets and adding young riders. For the update, Zhejiang Qianjiang also owns the Italian motorcycle brand - Benelli and it is possible that the Chinese brand might use the underpinnings and motor of the Benelli's 300 cc motorcycles. Harley-Davidson also released some sketches of the upcoming 338 cc bike which reveals a few details including - gold anodized USD forks, rear monoshock, round headlamp with LED DRLs, dual-discs brakes at front, single disc at rear, under-belly exhaust muffler, sharp looking tank shrouds, trellis frame, docked tail, rear fender and swingarm.
The sketches also showcase the parallel-twin engine layout which looks somehow similar to one on the TNT 300. The motor on the TNT 300 is a liquid-cooled 300 cc unit which makes 38 bhp of peak power at 11,500 rpm and 26.5 Nm of peak torque at 10,000 rpm. Harley-Davidson's small motorcycle might use a single-pod digital instrument cluster for ride-related information. The sketches also reveal a wide handlebar and slightly rear set foot pegs. This setup will lead to an upright riding triangle which is apt for a naked roadster.
Also Read: Harley-Davidson Files Patents for New Motorcycles
As per the partnership both the manufacturers will cooperate for the following Asian markets - Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and India. Both brands will also develop and manufacture other motorcycles. Once launched in the Indian market, the baby - Harley-Davidson will lock horns with KTM 390 Duke and the recently launched Honda CB300R.
