Harley-Davidson teasing the idea of making an adventure bike

[Vracktal]

Quiver, BMW, for Harley Davidson is scoping the GS market.

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--2JuVzFs0--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/xdxjwxjaolhhk6fvrrmz.jpg
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--jaE050P8--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/vntmgfv4kyi8qrijpftj.jpg

Guess they were trying to invoke the B2 bomber, which as I recall also had STEALTH written on it in all caps.

Previewed at the Bankok motor show of all places. First initial impressions to me are: 1) looks heavy 2) single-disk two-piston floating caliper front brakes are likely woefully inadequate 3) no reluctor ring = no ABS = probably not ever intended for UK shores 4) No toys? Not even a rev counter.

It's only an independent concept that HD are featuring to gauge interest rather than a production model, but still I think it's HDs first indication of making something other than a cruiser since Buell the XR1200R.
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2007 BMW R1200R: On road
2009 BMW G650X Challenge: On road
1975 Norton Commando 850: Off road, awaiting recommissioning

[BTTD]

Hmm, I remember BMW's attempt at a cruiser.

[hellkat]

[pepperami]

it looks like the designer of the fairing was a black belt in Origami?
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[stevo as b4]

I think despite how good or bad the bike may be, it just won't sell and make them any money, as HD customers like a certain thing, and are not willing to embrace new markets or types of machine, especially if they are not using traditional Harley technology and designs.

They could have pulled apart a KTM990 and R1200GS and tried to make everything better or lighter or more powerful or capable. But that would require more investment then I think Harley have available for a risky venture, and their customers probably won't even spit on a Harley that does not look or sound typically like one.
That's just how it is.

[grr666]

Pass the eye bleach.
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[recman]

Stealth.

Admitting to someone that you've bought a Harley is tough enough without it looking like that.

[stevo as b4]

If I were a boss man at HD I'd be looking into the options for building factory choppers and bobbers with a huge list of customised options and paint and colour options.

Maybe look at a factory collaboration with a major specials builder to offer an official or factory approved range of wacky custom bikes.

Then I'd look at building half assed flat trackers and cafe racers with leather grips and exhaust wrap, and lots of Matt colour schemes. I'd ship them to Europe and put a nice big mark up on them too.

[Chuffin Nora]

Harley Davidson cornered the market for Adventure bikes from the off.

They don't go. They don't handle. They don't stop.

What could be more adventurous than that?


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There's a fine line between integrity

[andyscooter]

thought Armstrong were Harley owned


at least the farmers will be able to tow a plough with them
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gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet

[talkToTheHat]

Looks like a lardy boy sat on an 82 katana and then crashed in to the ewan and charley accessory store.

Does it come with leaky overpriced adventue pyjamas?
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Bandit. does. everything.

[stevo as b4]

[talkToTheHat]

They are both segments of the market thaf appeal to older, more affluent riders and have similarly upright riding positions. Adventure bikes go for silly money and stupid amounts of money get spent on bolt-ons. The lumbering torquey twins are reasonably well suited for soft roading.

Anyone seen the harley XA? Boxer and shaft drive. The jeep made it obsolete before it could be fully developed. But the USA won the war single handedly so the technology they had was good enough. I think BMW found some some Vorsprung durch Technik.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[Beehive Bedlam]

If I wanted a so called adventure bike I'd be looking at the new AT.

[Polarbear]

[Going]

Aren't they just taking the idea of the off road bikes they already sell (Army) and making it more lookie, that's not even a word

[Polarbear]