ShadowSix wrote: If it creates manufacturing jobs in America I'm all for it.
If it keeps Harley viable I am all for it as well. There numbers do not look good.
ShadowSix wrote: If it creates manufacturing jobs in America I'm all for it.
If it keeps Harley viable I am all for it as well. There numbers do not look good.
wearymicrobe wrote: SO are they selling these in the states or just oversea's. That looks like a brand building bike for the Asia market not really something they will sell in the states.
They will be for sale in the states, can't are them selling though.
Would rather have a Yamaha bolt or used sporty
I'm glad to see HD trying to expand the customer base. Since they're a U.S. company I really hope this takes off and works out well for them.
As for the motorcycle, I'll be interested to see how the reviews shake out for them. The motorcycle does seem to be more inline with their genre of motorcycling. I know HD was looking for Buell to help them sell larger bikes to their customers. I think HD viewed Buell as the entry level to their more expensive large cruiser bikes. It never worked out that way. Maybe these will?
I can see these selling well in other countries, not sure here in the states.
Keep in mind the cheapest sportster is solo only, both of these come ready for two up riding.
The only thing I don't like about it is the styling where the rear fender meets the seat. Something about it throws off the look.
If I were to go for a smaller displacement bike, I think it's worth a look and ride. Glad to see HD going liquid cooled for them. The only pics I've seen, they're all black. Might be nice in a different color.
Everything I'm seeing says they're making them in some new plant in Kansas. Perhaps you're seeing where they plan to build Asian market versions?
The domestic bikes will be made in Kansas City. They will make bikes in India as well, but none of those will be sold in North America.
I like them, a lot. I even don't mind the big cowling around the radiator for some reason.
Let's face it, the Street really is the new Sportster, but Harley is hedging their bets by changing the name similar to BMW keeping the boxers in production after introducing the water cooled, inline 3 and 4 K Bikes. I see the Evo motor disappearing in a few years when emissions kill it, and with it either the name changes to the street models or the name goes away altogether.
ultraclyde wrote: Hipster Davidson
My thoughts exactly. Just enough bike to get you to the Goodwill, the bar, and back, without ruffling your suspenders.
Beer Baron wrote: I am not a Harley guy, but there seems to be a lot of hate for them on this board. Normally folks around here are shouting to the hills that we need more lower displacement, real, interesting bikes that are being sold for less. If any other bike manufacturer were to do this exact same thing, people would be all excited about it. But Harley does it, so there is tons of hate.
They already did, it's called the Grom. Thread about it here:
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/sprockets/grom/64401/page1/
Half the price and likely way more reliable than the Harley
No hate here, I like them. If they build a kit to make it look like an XLCR, I'll be all over it.
I'm just surprised that the power output is so low, it's not like they're still working with an antique engine design on this one.
Shawn
calteg wrote: They already did, it's called the Grom. Thread about it here: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/sprockets/grom/64401/page1/ Half the price and likely way more reliable than the Harley
Except, that isn't a full size motorcycle. Looks like a fun toy, but not a great vehicle. Also a totally different style and personality.
As for the power, the Sportster 883 and Yamaha Bolt both only make 46hp. I'm guessing the street makes healthy torque for its size and makes peak hp around 6,000rpm with a red line below 7,000.
Since this thing is nearly 100lbs lighter than the Sportster (480lbs wet as opposed to 550lbs dry), I'm betting it will pick up comparably too. Lower weight is also going to make it better for beginners and women to handle.
I'm going to repeat that I see this as the Harley alternative to the CX700.
In reply to Beer Baron:
Are you talking about the CTX700?
These bikes are all coming about because manufacturers stopped building standard motrocycles.
Gas prices are causing folks to look at bikes as more than just toys again.
Dealers around here are giving big discounts on sportbikes and cruisers because they aren't selling.
30 year-old UJM's are worth $1500-$3000 any day of the week in less than great condition.
Trans_Maro wrote: In reply to Beer Baron: Are you talking about the CTX700? These bikes are all coming about because manufacturers stopped building standard motrocycles. Gas prices are causing folks to look at bikes as more than just toys again.
Yeah. That whole line really. Although I figure it is closer to the naked version of that bike.
These two companies seem to be catching on to what people want. People want a basic standard motorcycle that can get them through town efficiently. They do not need to set the world on fire with incredible performance. They just need to keep sipping fuel while threading through traffic when the cars are slowed down. The lower the buy in, the better. The Honda may have a bit more functionality and possibly even reliability, but the Harley has gobs more style and a lower seat height.
Indian production will be for Asian markets. India has huge import tariffs imposed on imported motorcycles, making domestic production attractive to foreign based companies. US market bikes (and likely models for the North American market) will be made in Kansas.
mistanfo wrote: Indian production will be for Asian markets. India has huge import tariffs imposed on imported motorcycles, making domestic production attractive to foreign based companies. US market bikes (and likely models for the North American market) will be made in Kansas.
The Kansas City plant is pretty cool, and worth touring if you're ever in Kansas City, MO.
As for the bike, I'm glad HD is doing something new and different. If I had the cash for a new bike, my choice would have been a Triumph Bonneville or maybe a Moto Guzzi V7. The new 750 from the Motor Company would warrant a test ride.
Beer Baron wrote: As for the power, the Sportster 883 and Yamaha Bolt both only make 46hp. I'm guessing the street makes healthy torque for its size and makes peak hp around 6,000rpm with a red line below 7,000.
I think we have our answer why it only makes 43hp. You can't have the baby out gunning the the midsized. Example: Cayman vs 911.
Talk about damned if you do and damned if you don't....
I have to agree with beer baron that this bike would be much better received if any other company besides HD were making it. Its a modern entry level bike that has enough power and low enough weight to be fun. And it's cheap. And its not a typical Harley, more of a slight retro, cafe racer style. All these are good things. But, judging by the reaction here, it will likely go the fate of Buell: Harley guys won't touch them because they're not "real" Harleys, and everyone else won't touch them because they're Harleys...
Trans_Maro wrote: Strange, it seemed like a bunch of us said we liked them...
I agree with both of you. We the logical buyers of America (17 of us) can see the appeal. However, most people who like harleys will ignore because it probably doesn't have that traditional feel. While people who don't drive Harleys will continue to buy foreign... A street vs bolt comparison is needed.
Disregard what I just said. The new Harley is a ton lighter than the Bolt, makes similar power in 500 trim and way more in 750. E36 M3 color me interested.
singleslammer wrote: Disregard what I just said. The new Harley is a ton lighter than the Bolt, makes similar power in 500 trim and way more in 750. E36 M3 color me interested.
I hope it handles as good as it looks, and lightness is a great start. For me agility and handling are what I love most in bikes; 45 HP is still enough to get to dangerous speeds far faster than most cars. They're stressing maneuverability in urban riding, I'm not sure exactly what that will translate to in the real world, but I'm definitely interested.
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