Harley-Davidson on Monday blew the covers off two dramatic new motorcycles for 2014: the Street 750 and Street 500.
The
bikes represent an aggressive attempt to expand Harley's already
massive reach to younger, newer and smaller riders by offering them a
substantially lighter and more manageable urban street cruiser.
Both
models feature the company's Dark Custom stylings, and a new
fuel-injected, liquid-cooled Revolution X motor, cradled in an all-new
frame.
Lane-splitting controversy: guidelines from the CHP
The belt-driven bikes feature a seat height of barely 25 inches and a fueled weight of only 480 pounds.
When they hit dealers in early 2014, the Street 500 will have an MSRP of about $6,700, and the Street 750 about $7,500.
Calling
the unveiling "a great day in our history," Matthew S.
Levatich, Harley's president and chief operating officer, said the
Street series "fills a need for people who want to identify with a brand
but have a motorcycle that is less intimidating, and more inviting.
This bike is easier to ride and easier to learn how to ride."
Already
the dominant motorcycle company in the American marketplace -- some
studies estimate that Harley is responsible for more than 50% of
motorcycle sales in the U.S. -- the Milwaukee-based company is
particularly targeting younger riders and smaller riders, with a view to
bringing in buyers in the domestic market who might not be able to
afford a bike as expensive as a traditional Harley and those in the
Asian market who might not want a bike as large as a traditional Harley.
Harley
will also be able to supply bikes for its own Riders Edge program, a
rider training series that, for first-time riders, requires a 500cc or
under motorcycle. In the past, during the period that the company was
partnered with designer Erik Buell, Harley had used the 500cc Buell
Blast for this purpose.
Levatich is bullish on the Street's
chances in the marketplace. Having already stirred up the motorcycle
world with the August release of its new Project Rushmore machines,
Levatich said he's hearing from his dealers that the Streets will catch
fire.
"We thought the competition was not going to like Project Rushmore," a dealer told Levatich. "Well, the competition is
really not going to like this bike."
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Colombia
has gone through major political and economic changes, largely driven
by the peoples' desire to bring safety and security to their beautiful
country. For travelers, that means you can now visit Colombia, meet
these proud people, and enjoy some of the most fantastic motorcycle
riding opportunities to be found anywhere in the world.
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