Harley-Davidson’s modern café racer could soon become a reality, with the American manufacturer filing trademarks for the RMCR and RMXR names, signalling that both concept motorcycles are edging closer to production.
The RMCR was first revealed earlier this year as a concept, alongside a flat-track-inspired sibling known as the RMXR. While Harley-Davidson stopped short of confirming production plans at the time, the latest trademark filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office suggest both models are under serious consideration. The applications for the RMCR and RMXR names were submitted on July 29.
If it reaches production, the RMCR would mark Harley-Davidson’s return to the café racer segment for the first time in almost five decades. The company’s last production café racer was the XLCR, introduced in the late 1970s.
Although Harley-Davidson has yet to reveal technical specifications, the original concept showcased several premium components. Brembo braking hardware was fitted at both ends, while a distinctive twin-exit Akrapovič exhaust system reinforced the bike’s performance-focused intentions. The concept also featured extensive carbon-fibre bodywork and aggressive styling cues, many of which are expected to carry over to any production version.
Both the RMCR café racer and RMXR flat tracker are expected to be built around Harley-Davidson’s Revolution Max platform. The liquid-cooled 1,250cc V-twin engine already powers models such as the Pan America 1250 and Sportster S, offering a strong foundation for two distinctly sporting motorcycles.
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The new models would also align with Harley-Davidson’s broader “Back to Bricks” strategy, which focuses on strengthening dealer relationships, improving customer ownership experiences, refining the company’s core motorcycle range and building a more sustainable long-term business.
While trademark filings do not guarantee production, they often represent one of the final steps before a new model is officially announced. If Harley-Davidson proceeds with the RMCR and RMXR, the pair would significantly expand the brand’s performance-focused line-up while introducing its first modern café racer since the iconic XLCR.
