If there was ever a manufacturer that was desperately trying to reinvent itself, the spoils would have to go to Harley Davidson. Whilst their mainstay motorcycles have advanced technologically with the Milwaukee 8 engines and their black on black bikes, they are taking the plunge to take wild detours that may alienate their core base but may indeed attract a new type of customer at the same time…and perhaps this may just be their best decision yet.
It is no secret that Harley have been morphing over recent years and whilst the company struggle with American political meanderings and fiscal ebb and flows, you cannot but admire their dedication to challenge other markets…and with their StreetFighter in the offing, it could be a fine day in paradise for the American brand.
Former HD man, Erik Buell proved that a Harley platform could work in racing or street machines and indeed they had a small but loyal following too. It seems Harley have returned to that ethos and have taken styling ideas from the likes of Ducati Diavel and other super street fighter production brands to produce a bike that not only looks the business but may indeed create it’s own loyal following too.
Of course a lot depends on the price and the performance of this new beast, so everyone is waiting patiently for details, but if the images, courtesy of Harley Davidson, are anything to go by, then other manufacturers may wish to take note and be prepared for an all out street war with the new kid on the block.
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