[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by ethanhunt123

Neil - i really dont buy into this A2 license logic. For example - even Z900 has a A2 variant - but the stock bike is 120bhp+ Same with other bikes such as Bonnie. If HD's 750 engine was capable of pumping out more performance - they would have gotten it and launched a restricted A2 variant.

You are right. Theoretically HD could have made the Street 750 have say 80 HP and have an restricted 47 HP version as well. But wait. How would they logically price and position this higher power version when they have a well established lineup of motorcycles that progressively get more expensive as you move up the ladder?

[ethanhunt123]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

You are right. Theoretically HD could have made the Street 750 have say 80 HP and have an restricted 47 HP version as well. But wait. How would they logically price and position this higher power version when they have a well established lineup of motorcycles that progressively get more expensive as you move up the ladder?

You have perfectly described HD's dilemma - since their other motorcycles are mostly crap - how do they make a non-crap motorcycle without affecting the sales of other models ?

But the same dilemms ultimately killed the likes of Nokia, Kodak etc. HD has to innovate and make competitive motorcycles if they want to remain relevant.

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by ethanhunt123

You have perfectly described HD's dilemma - since their other motorcycles are mostly crap - how do they make a non-crap motorcycle without affecting the sales of other models ?

Sales. That is exactly why HD could not make a non A2 level Street 750. And why they slotted the bike below the Iron 883. Which is what Ive been saying since day 1. So you agree with me finally

[ethanhunt123]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Sales. That is exactly why HD could not make a non A2 level Street 750. And why they slotted the bike below the Iron 883. Which is what Ive been saying since day 1. So you agree with me finally

Actually i dont :-) HD should have made a non A2 level Street 750 showing the young crowd that it can make decent motorcycles which can compete with others. And then move the features/performance to their higher rung motorcycles as well.

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by ethanhunt123

Actually i dont :-) HD should have made a non A2 level Street 750 showing the young crowd that it can make decent motorcycles which can compete with others. And then move the features/performance to their higher rung motorcycles as well.

So HD throws away over a century of history and careful product placement and builds a powerful and affordable Street 750 that puts out say 80 HP and can compete with the Kawasakis and Suzukis of the world and wipes out its 883 and Softail Street Bob and other HD bikes in sales?

Also in most industries, and especially in the automobile industry, arent features supposed to trickle down from the most expensive models to the more affordable ones?

Except for the curious case, of the TVS Apache 200 having cutting edge features for its segment, that the 310 got later, I havent heard of any other automobile manufacturer where tech moves up the ladder.

[wheelguy]

Harley-Davidson’s Bullet rival to debut in June: 338cc roadster to challenge Royal Enfield.

Link

[payeng]

Originally Posted by wheelguy

Harley-Davidson’s Bullet rival to debut in June: 338cc roadster to challenge Royal Enfield.

Link

Am not Convinced.

Don't know about others but somehow HARLEY DAVIDSON and SMALL just don't sound convincing to me.

[Venkatesh]

Sub-300cc V-twin Harley-Davidson sportster images leaked





Harley-Davidson is working on a V-twin powered entry-level offering.

Is powered by a 296cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin. Made in collaboration with Qianjiang. Has a claimed kerb weight of 163kg

It has a claimed top speed of 129kph and comes equipped with ABS. According to the document, the 296cc, V-twin engine makes around 30hp. The claimed kerb weight, meanwhile, stands at 163kg.

Source

[Gansan]

Americans have no perception of the word "small". Apparently 350cc is the smallest they can think of.

I am reminded of a friend who joined the Ford Chennai plant in the early days. They had only the Escort in the market. He was telling us about a "Ford small car coming out soon" whenever our friends circle met. Then one day he entered my home where the gang had assembled for the evening and announced "The small car has come, I have brought it here". We all rushed out to have a look and saw the Ikon parked outside!

He is still with the company, in a very senior position now!

[marcussantiago]

Yeah, this is just... depressing.

Royal Enfield are putting out 650cc parallel twins at the quality of Triumph and at half the price, and Harley think this 300cc Chinese imitation will blow minds here? You can get bikes with 300cc / 30 bhp at 2 lacs or so today. Does anyone really think this pseudo-Harley will be priced anywhere that cheap?

And when I say "Chinese imitation" I mean, this bike is already being sold in China as "QJMotor SRV300" so really they're just taking an existing bike and duct-taping a Harley badge to it. Who exactly is this supposed to impress? In what way is this a Harley? And I'm not even a Harley purist or anything.

What's next, a commuter moped with flame decals, plastic fake chrome and a Harley badge? Why not, at this point.

[Venkatesh]

Harley-Davidson 300cc Cruiser spotted in China as Qianjiang SRV300







Source

[condor]

Originally Posted by payeng

Don't know about others but somehow HARLEY DAVIDSON and SMALL just don't sound convincing to me.

Harley Davidson and small did happen in India - their sales numbers. And haven't they since exited the India market ?

[bf1983]

Originally Posted by condor

And haven't they since exited the India market ?

Yes and no. They did quit the market but their business is now in the hands of Hero motors who are taking care of their business in India. They let go of many dealers but kept one each in the big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc.

All Harley bikes are now imports. The street 750 and Street rod 750 are discontinued. And since they were made in India they are now discontinued world wide.

So they are still selling bikes in India though of course at far reduced numbers and their brand image has taken a huge beating.