Harley-Davidson has been promising new 100 models in the next 10 years for a couple of years now, but until now the new models to be announced have – for the most part – not been major departures from what we expect from the Milwaukee based manufacturer.
Starting from August 2019, that all changes when the production version of 2015’s project Livewire – now firmly dubbed the Harley-Davidson Livewire.
There have been a few changes to the Livewire from what we saw when we rode the concept bike in 2015, with the frame and electric motor remaining largely the same going by the photos released by Harley-Davidson (specs are yet to arrive in BRM’s inbox), with the styling tweaked to reflect a slightly less-futuristic look.
Harley-Davidson says: “The Livewire model is an authentic Harley-Davidson expression of individuality, iconic style and performance that just happens to be electric. It will provide a visceral riding experience with instant torque and thrilling acceleration – no-clutch, just “Twist and Go.”
LiveWire will be followed by additional electric models through 2022 to broaden the portfolio with lighter, smaller and even more accessible product options to inspire new riders with new ways to ride.
But Harley’s big announcement didn’t end with the Livewire however.
For the first time, Harley will be entering the highly competitive adventure market with the forthcoming Pan America model, powered by a new 1250cc liquid-cooled V-twin.
While styling is definitely unconventional – with BRM’s design extraordinaire Gemma dubbing the Pan America “Ugly as ****!” – the bike will finally see Harley-Davidson officially step well away from the traditional American styled tourer market and closer to a more global tourer a la BMW’s legendary R 1200 GS.
The Pan America is set to launch in 2020, Harley claim the Pan America features a “commanding riding position allows the rider to see the world from another point of view. Travel coast-to-coast. On road or off. All while experiencing your own adventures.”
We’re psyched for 2020 to roll around and give it a go!
Also set for 2020, and again stepping away from Harley’s cruiser routes is a 975cc streetfighter – another first for the boys from Milwaukee. Apart from the displacement, Harley have not let any further details slip on the new bike with even its name a mystery, however, like the Livewire the firm plans to build on the new streetfighter family by 2022 with a wider range of models.
Finally, Harley-Davidson announced a new “Future Custom” for the 2021 model year, powered by the same liquid-cooled 1250cc V-twin as the Pan America. With the Sportster line’s Evolution V-twin now getting rather long in the tooth and unlikely to meet stringent European emissions standards going forward, we’d be willing to bet that this model will be the likely replacement for the current Sportster line.
It seems that despite the recent trouble at Harley HQ as caused by the US President’s insistence to start a trade war with some of Harley’s most important markets, that The Bar and Shield still has a rosy future. Especially if they manage to pull off their new ventures into uncharted territory.
