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Harley-Davidson Introduces Gleaming New Motorcycle, Keeping Iconic ‘DNA’ While Catering to a ‘New Generation of Riders,’ Says VP

HARLEY-Davidson has unveiled an exciting new motorcycle aimed at the upcoming generation of riders.

The American giants introduced the stunning Fat Boy Gray Ghost model, marking their fifth addition to the Icons Collection, which is typically celebrated for its minimalist design and custom-style appeal.


Harley-Davidson Introduces Gleaming New Motorcycle, Keeping Iconic ‘DNA’ While Catering to a ‘New Generation of Riders,’ Says VP

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Harley-Davdison have revealed their fifth model in the Icons Collection – the Fat Boy Gray Ghost
Credit: Harley Davidson

Chrome Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle.

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Fat Boy Gray Ghost is beloved by fans of the brand, having originally stunned back in the 1990s
Credit: Harley Davidson

Close-up of a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy speedometer.

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Now, 35 years later, a limited-edition model with a polished metal look – using Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) – has been unveiled for a new generation of riders
Credit: Harley Davidson

As reported by MCM, this new limited-production motorcycle pays tribute to the original Fat Boy and features a highly reflective surface that is said to surpass traditional finishes in durability.

This aesthetic is familiar to Harley fans, as it first appeared on the Fat Boy Gray Ghost in 1990.

Commemorating 35 years of the Fat Boy lineage, the new limited-edition model showcases a polished metallic finish achieved through Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), eliminating traditional painting or chroming techniques in favor of a lightweight metallic layer.

Equipped with a 1923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine producing 101bhp and 122lb.ft of torque, it also features upgraded suspension, selectable riding modes, and the complete range of safety features including cornering ABS, drag-torque slip control, and various driving modes.

Harley’s Vice President of Design, Brad Richards, commented: “The original Fat Boy model transformed the aesthetics, proportions, and silhouette of a 1949 Hydra-Glide into a modern version for a new audience.”

“Those riders appreciated our post-war design heritage while also being attracted to the sleek simplicity of contemporary industrial design.”

The Fat Boy was inspired by a custom Softail built in 1987 at the Harley-Davidson Montreal dealership, crafted by general manager Duc Dufour and technician Denis Lavoie.

This custom bike featured a lowered rear suspension, a fiberglass front fender, and wide handlebars, and was subsequently sent to Milwaukee for inspiration.

This news comes as the brand’s leadership hinted at the development of smaller motorcycles in a new series launch.

The motorcycle legends could shift towards a focus on small-capacity bikes, introducing more affordable models designed to attract new riders.

New Harley Davidson is ‘elegant & brutal’ with woven seats and stylish wheels – the back setup got a total makeover

The company’s executives indicated to MCM that they intend to enter the low-capacity segment, especially after discontinuing the entry-level Forty-Eight and 883 Sportsters in Europe.

Harley-Davidson is mainly recognized for its large cruisers but also offers a selection of lightweight models available internationally.

The single-cylinder X440, produced by Hero MotoCorp for India, is an excellent example and offers an economical starting price.

Moreover, smaller offerings from competitors like the Honda GB350S and Triumph Speed 400 have gained significant popularity in the UK following their launches, and the US company is eager to capture part of that market.

Harley-Davidson closures in 2024

There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the United States.

However, several stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024, some without any justification.

Here is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have shut down this year along with the reasons for their closure:

A location in San Francisco closed in June 2024 after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ brought by new management.

Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, shut its doors in September 2024 with no stated reason.

Harley-Davidson’s historic location in New York City ended operations on September 28, 2024, with the owner citing economic challenges.

Reiman’s Harley-Davidson in Kewanee, Illinois, ceased operations in October 2024 after the owners sold to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.

Another Illinois dealership closed in November 2024.

Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, will temporarily close for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.

Looking ahead to 2025, Hideout Harley-Davidson in Missouri has announced it will close by the end of March.

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Harley Davidson News

Harley-Davidson CEO Unveils ‘Bold New Step’ for the Iconic Brand, Opening Doors to a New Generation of Fans

HARLEY-Davidson is poised to take a “bold new step” that will introduce them to a fresh audience.

The iconic motorcycle manufacturer, cherished throughout the US, will gain substantial visibility in Europe thanks to one of the globe’s most celebrated racing series.


Harley-Davidson CEO Unveils ‘Bold New Step’ for the Iconic Brand, Opening Doors to a New Generation of Fans

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Harley-Davidson is set to embark on a “bold new step” as it partners with MotoGP next year
Credit: Harley Davidson

Three men standing between two motorcycles, announcing Harley-Davidson's partnership with MotoGP.

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The brand’s CEO, Jochen Zeitz, center, believes this will enhance their global racing ambitions
Credit: MotoGP

Motorcycle racer leaning into a turn.

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Riders will race on specially prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide bagger motorcycles
Credit: Harley Davidson

According to ESPN, Harley-Davidson and MotoGP, the leading motorcycle road racing series, have unveiled a support championship set to launch in 2026, where teams will race bagger motorcycles at grands prix across Europe and North America.

This series will feature riders racing specially prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide bagger motorcycles—designed for long-distance tours.

The 12-race championship will be hosted at six grands prix throughout the MotoGP season, with an expected six to eight teams, each with two riders, participating.

No specific race venues have been confirmed yet, but it is speculated that one location will be the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

In a statement, Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz stated: “This marks a bold new chapter for Harley-Davidson’s global racing aspirations.”

“We are thrilled to introduce a new style of racing to an international audience with this new series.”

As reported by AutoSport, he continued: “The motorcycle will reach speeds over 300 km/h, weigh approximately 280 kg, and generate 200 bhp.

“These are truly powerful machines that will hit the tracks across Europe and North America.”

This initiative comes shortly after the opening of a new Harley-Davidson dealership in a crucial area of the US, overcoming various hurdles to bring it to fruition.

To celebrate the grand opening, a well-known personality appeared to kickstart this exciting new phase for the store.

Harley-Davidson reveals a brand-new bike that pays tribute to an iconic model as fans rave over this ‘masterpiece’

On its opening day, an event that attracted a large gathering of enthusiasts and local community members featured live music and food vendors.

This celebration culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official launch of the dealership.

The new Stonewall Harley-Davidson dealership, situated in Greene County, Virginia, was notably visited by Karen Davidson, a significant figure within the Harley-Davidson community, who took part in the ceremonial “chain cutting”.

Davidson is the great-granddaughter of one of Harley-Davidson’s co-founders and the daughter of Willie G. Davidson, a legendary designer associated with the Harley-Davidson brand.

In addition to the chain-cutting, she engaged with fans and signed copies of her grandfather’s memoir, *Ride Free*.

Harley-Davidson Closures in 2024

There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout America.

However, several stores have shut down for various reasons in 2024, with little explanation provided.

Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have closed this year and their reasons for shutting:

A San Francisco location ceased operations in June 2024 after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ caused by new management.

Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed its doors in September 2024 with no reason provided.

Harley-Davidson’s historic location in New York City closed on September 28, 2024, with the owner citing economic difficulties.

Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, ceased operations in October 2024 after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley-Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.

Another Illinois dealership shut down in November 2024.

Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.

In 2025, Hideout Harley-Davidson in Missouri announced its closure at the end of March.