4 New Harley-Davidson Models

There’s no debate at this point that the motorcycle market is evolving. Rider demographics are getting younger, owners are looking for different riding experiences, and smaller, less expensive motorcycles keeping growing in popularity.

One brand that has continually been the target of conversation – as well as occasional bouts of ridicule about not conforming to the changing marketplace – is Harley-Davidson. 

A few weeks ago, Harley did something vastly different and in perfect timing – it announced four new motorcycles that weren’t anything like what we’ve come to expect from The Motor Company.

LiveWire

First up is the hotly anticipated LiveWire electric motorcycle that originally debuted back in 2014. 

That bike is slated to go on sale next summer. Technical specifications at this point are few in number, but we do know that Harley is planning a range of smaller electric motorcycles that’ll follow in the footsteps of the LiveWire, including a scooter and a scrambler-style motorcycle.

975 Streetfighter

Personally, this is the motorcycle I’m most excited about. As a naked bike/streetfighter rider and enthusiast, I’m curious to see what Harley can bring to the performance table with this mean looking machine. 

The Streetfighter appears to be an honest-to-goodness naked sport bike, not a reworking of an existing model with a new name which is a positive sign. It’s designed with performance in mind and takes aim at the likes of BMW’s S1000R and the Ducati Monster.

Pan American

Perhaps the most surprising of all the new models is the Pan American. An upright, adventure touring motorcycle (with a HD badge!) is about as far from stereotypical Harley hardware as you can get. 

The prototype bike shown is handsome and rugged, and at first glance looks like it could be a promising addition to this competitive and interesting market segment.

Future Custom Model

Also announced was an as-yet unnamed future custom model that’s rumored to arrive sometime in 2021. From the photos that have been released, the custom bike looks similar to the new Fat Bob, but with some delightful visual upgrades including high-mounted dual exhausts, sleek bodywork, a long wheelbase, and meaty tires.

As with any news of this nature, it has to be taken with a grain of salt. It’s one thing to talk, and another thing entirely to deliver. Regardless, this is still incredibly positive news from Harley-Davidson. The company deserve massive credit for attempting something so far outside its area of expertise and developing such exciting and unique motorcycles. We’ll have to wait and see if an old dog can indeed learn a few new tricks.