It’s no secret that Harley-Davidson is gearing up to launch new models next year. At the recently-held Harley-Davidson annual dealer conference in Milwaukee, the American cruiser giant displayed the prototype of the company’s first ADV, the Pan America and their first street naked, the Streetfighter 975. And both of these look very close to the renders that Harley had showcased last year.
Though no technical details are available at the moment, the motorcycle will be built around the company’s new 500cc-1250cc modular platform. Powering the motorcycle is a brand’s new 1250cc 60-degree V-twin engine that appears to be the stressed frame member. This could help the bike keep its weight in check.
The components making it off-road friendly are long-travel suspension, a 19/17-inch spoke-wheel setup along with the knobby tyres, a chain and sprocket drive, and the huge, high-slung exhaust. However, the bike looks massive and has a wide seat. While this would be comfortable for long journeys, it makes the bike a handful when taken off the beaten path.
Going by these images, the Pan America is likely to go up against tarmac-biased bikes like the Ducati Multistrada 1260 and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 rather than the full-blown ADVs like the Triumph Tiger 1200 or the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure.
Another bike to make its public appearance at the event was the Streetfighter 975. Again, considering the lack of concrete details, the most we can say is that the motorcycle will also be abuilty around the new modular platform. Recently, Harley-Davidson filed a patent for the name ‘Bareknuckle’, which is what this streetfighter is likely to be called.
Both these motorcycles look close to production and are likely to make an EICMA 2019 debut along with the new Low Rider S, Road Glide Limited and the CVO Tri Glide.