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JAKARTA – Harley Davidson is approaching 2025 with optimism. The iconic American motorcycle brand has prepared several key models slated for release.
According to information received by VOI on Saturday, January 4, 2025, Harley Davidson will unveil its 26th annual limited edition collection of Custom Vehicle Operations set to arrive on January 24, 2025.
In addition, the American brand will introduce a range of Grand Touring models, including the Street Glide, Road Glide, and King Special.
This year will also see the debut of the Harley Davidson Trike. This three-wheeled model is said to provide appealing alternatives, including the Freewheeler and Tri Glide Ultra.
Harley Davidson assures that this lineup will be available across its network of official dealers worldwide.
Alongside the latest array of models, Harley Davidson has also introduced Factory Custom Paint & Graphics, a new initiative that provides attractive paint and graphics options for select motorcycle models.
When placing an order through an authorized dealer network, customers can request specific paint schemes which will be fully guaranteed by the factory.
Isn’t that intriguing? For 2025, three paint options will be available, including a unique black tank medal with chrome accents and either a textured pearl purple or orange background.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by AI. There may be inaccuracies in translation, so please refer to Indonesian as our primary language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
HARLEY-Davidson is enhancing its collaboration with a two-wheeler manufacturer to unveil a brand-new motorcycle.
The renowned motorcycle brand is strengthening its partnership with Hero MotoCorp.
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This partnership promises to introduce a fresh array of choices for riders, focusing on new motorcycle development and expanding the X440 lineup.
The Harley Davidson and Hero MotoCorp partnership, which began with the successful launch of the Harley-Davidson X440, has proven beneficial for both brands.
Produced in Hero MotoCorp’s facility in Neemrana, Rajasthan, the X440 has already garnered popularity within the premium motorcycle market, starting at a price of $3,370.
Now, the companies are poised to leverage this success by unveiling new variants and tapping into further innovations.
READ MORE ON HARLEY DAVIDSON
Industry experts predict that the new launches may include a scrambler model, along with various other adaptations of the X440.
Harley-Davidson fans can look forward to familiar iconic style and performance, now enhanced with updated features and potentially a broader price range to appeal to a variety of riders.
Hero MotoCorp seems to be pursuing a larger strategic objective.
The firm has articulated its vision to concentrate on premium motorcycles, targeting a segment where innovation and brand appeal play crucial roles.
In conjunction with the X440 expansion, Hero is readying the launch of two new 250cc models — the Xtreme 250R and the XMR 250 — set to debut in the coming months.
Also on the horizon is the eagerly awaited XPulse 421, which could be revealed later this year or early in 2026.
This strategic approach positions Hero MotoCorp as a formidable player in the premium motorcycle landscape.
Despite being the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer by volume, this shift toward high-end motorcycles responds to a growing expectation for performance-oriented, aspirational bikes.
Reactions to the news have been overwhelmingly positive.
Initial impressions of the X440 have praised its accessible pricing coupled with Harley-Davidson heritage, striking a chord with Indian consumers.
Motorcycle enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation about the designs and features of the forthcoming models, anticipating bold aesthetics, powerful engines, and cutting-edge technology.
Hero MotoCorp’s alliance with Harley-Davidson not only signifies a shift in the company’s market strategy but also reinforces Harley’s commitment to broadening the accessibility of its legendary motorcycles.
Amidst the rising competition in the premium motorcycle sector, this collaboration could establish a new standard for others to emulate.
This announcement follows the news of the sale of the longest-operating family-owned Harley-Davidson dealership in the US, after over 70 years of successful operation.
The Harley-loving owners have passed down their legacy to a dealership group, as they plan for their retirement.
The Cox family has run the establishment in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, since 1961.
That legacy was recently signed over to Carson Baker, a motorcycle enthusiast and emerging star in the automotive scene, who closed the deal this past week.
Now, Jan Cox, one of the owners, looks forward to retirement and wishes for Baker to achieve the same success her family did.
In other news, riders are discovering that Harley offers a unique benefit that can aid customers in financing their purchases, a feature many may not be aware of.
The motorcycle giant oversees a program to assist riders with unexpected repair expenses.
Harley-Davidson Financial Services, established in 1993, is a segment of the company that enables customers to finance their motorcycles and relevant parts and accessories.
It also provides options for motorcycle insurance and extended service plans to cover potential repair costs.
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Hero MotoCorp has partnered with Harley-Davidson to develop an all-new motorcycle and will also introduce additional variants of the Harley-Davidson X440 that they co-created.
This move by Hero is a strategic initiative to capture a larger share of India’s expanding premium motorcycle market.
“The Company has extended its partnership with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. to introduce new variants of the Harley-Davidson X440 and to design a new motorcycle,” Hero stated in an exchange filing dated Friday, December 27, 2024.
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The Harley Davidson X440 marked the initial collaboration between Hero and Harley. This partnership dates back to 2020 when Harley Davidson decided to cease local assembly in India due to insufficient demand, leaving Hero mainly responsible for existing dealerships.
Consequently, they opted to collaborate on a smaller motorcycle aimed at global markets.
Launched on July 3, 2023, the X440 garnered over 25,000 bookings worldwide by August 8. Manufactured at Hero’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan, it starts at ₹2,39,500 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).
Hero subsequently launched the Mavrick 440, based on the same platform, priced at ₹1,99,000 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).
Both motorcycles, alongside Hero’s other premium options like the Xpulse and Karizma, are offered through its “Premia” dealerships, as the company, primarily known for affordable commuter bikes, seeks to penetrate the premium sector. Given that the X440 is a Harley, it is also available through Harley Davidson’s authorized dealerships.
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However, the reach of Hero’s Premia dealerships has been fairly limited compared to competitors like Royal Enfield.
Nevertheless, the company is expanding the Premia network to over 50 outlets, with a target of reaching 100 by March next year. In October 2024 alone, Hero opened nine new Premia outlets across various cities.
Hero MotoCorp currently holds the title of the largest two-wheeler manufacturer globally, selling 5.62 million units in the financial year 2023-24, reflecting a 5.5% sales increase compared to 5.33 million units in 2022-23.
As for Harley Davidson in India, besides the X440, it offers models like the Nightster ( ₹13,39,000), Nightster Special ( ₹14,09,000), Sportster S ( ₹16,49,000), Fat Bob 114 ( ₹21,49,000), Pan America Special ( ₹24,64,000), Fat Boy 114 ( ₹25,69,000), Heritage 114 ( ₹27,19,000), Breakout 117 ( ₹30,99,000), Street Glide ( ₹38,79,000), and Road Glide ( ₹41,79,000). All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
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How did Hero Motocorp shares perform?
Hero Motocorp Ltd shares ended at ₹4,239.50 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) following the end of the week’s trading session on Friday, December 27, 2024.
This represents a decrease of 36.85 points, or 0.86%.
Happy Hump Day from the wBW team!
Today, we have an exciting range of updates from various sectors of the Powersports industry:
- CCM is gearing up for a global launch into new markets.
- Yamaha is working on a V4 engine: Learn about its anticipated launch and the implications for future models in Yamaha’s lineup.
- Harley-Davidson has lost a significant lawsuit and will be subject to a staggering 56% tax on HD motorcycle sales in Europe.
- Ducati has capped its production at 200,000 units per year, and now we know the reason behind it.
Let’s kick things off with CCM, especially since that Harley lawsuit is quite the hot topic…
CCM Unveils Plans for International Expansion
…Featuring a “Three-Year Model Plan”
The last significant update on CCM was back in 2022 when they unveiled a titanium-framed Spitfire for their Golden Anniversary. Currently, it seems Clews’ Competition Motorcycles is keen to emulate Buell’s success, as they’ve recently announced ambitions for international growth, with their Managing Director sharing:
– Jason Broome, Managing Director, CCM (Motorcycle Sports) |
Why the sudden push for expansion, you ask?
It appears that CCM recognizes that its current 600cc engine does not meet Euro5+ standards and considers achieving compliance a “complex and challenging process.”
Currently, CCM utilizes the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) process to sell bikes in the UK. This lengthy process requires a thorough inspection from a DVSA examiner, which has limited CCM’s market reach (hence the company’s desire to innovate for its clientele).
The “new” offerings are expected to include a revamped engine within two years and the upcoming “Project X,” an adventure concept featuring their existing engine planned for a debut around Q2 next year (2025).
For those curious, the road-ready version of Project X is projected to be priced around £13,995 plus OTR. Specs will likely feature retro Dakar rally designs, including spoked wheels, a sizeable fuel tank, and a compact head fairing, complemented by a USD fork and long-travel rear suspension.
CCM expects this new adventure bike line to absorb about 50% of their production capabilities, with estimates of around 300 units per year, although this could increase as discussions of international market entry progress.
– Jason Broome, Managing Director, CCM (Motorcycle Sports) |
Broome’s pragmatic approach offers realistic timelines and expectations for model success, especially considering the inherent risks associated with international expansion:
– Jason Broome, Managing Director, CCM (Motorcycle Sports) |
Would you like to see CCM’s single-cylinder Spitfire available in the U.S.?
Yamaha Sets the Stage for V4 Engine in MotoGP
Inline-Four Replacement Expected by 2025
The journey of a motorcycle typically includes various iterations, tweaks, and upgrades until inevitably it falls from favor or is withdrawn from the market due to economic challenges, regulatory shifts, or emissions demands.
Such is the fate of Yamaha’s R1, once touted as one of the finest supersport motorcycles ever created. While R1 enthusiasts continue to embrace it on the racetrack, markets lament the loss of the signature inline-four roar echoing on the country roads.
For those missing that sound, we bring you exciting developments around Yamaha’s potential inline-four replacement: a V4 engine poised for its debut on the MotoGP circuit.
Discussion surrounding this engine has circulated widely, but let’s rely on insights from Alex Rins (sourced from Visordown) for credible information:
- Currently, Yamaha stands as the only manufacturer in MotoGP utilizing an inline-four engine.
- The switch to a V4 configuration aims to enhance Yamaha’s competitive edge against rivals like Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM, who successfully employ similar engines.
- Yamaha has recruited an array of talent, including engineers and technicians from Ducati, to fortify their MotoGP team.
- Leading F1 engine consultant (Luca Morini), formerly associated with Aprilia, is among the new faces advocating for the transition to V4 power.
- The unveiling of the new V4 engine was scheduled for Jerez but was delayed.
- The V4 is now expected to make its first appearance at the Sepang Shakedown test in February 2025.
There’s a strong belief that this V4 engine will eventually lead to a street-ready bike capable of approximately 800cc’s. Transitioning from MotoGP to production often takes three to six years or more, so only time will reveal Yamaha’s production plans for the evolving V4.
How do you think Yamaha’s V4 will stack up against the previous inline-four?
Tariff Tribulations: Why Harley-Davidson Lost the Massive EU Lawsuit
…And Why America’s Iconic Motorcycle Brand is Set for Price Hikes in Europe
Back in 2021, we reported on Harley Davidson’s efforts to shift their production to sidestep additional EU tariffs. At that time, the European Parliament Trade Committee was not pleased, citing specific grievances:
– Bernd Lange, European Union Trade Committee Chairman (RideApart) |
Despite Harley-Davidson’s press release claims, we now know that, as of early December, the European Court of Justice is not permitting any company “to evade additional duties unless relocation is economically justified.”
With Harley’s recent attempt to offshore production to Thailand seen as unjustified, the company will now face a staggering +56% tax on each motorcycle they import into Europe.
Ouch.
We aim to provide you with precise information, so here’s a quote from Global Tax News, along with the official Appeal Dismissal from European Union Law fresh from the courts:
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“In June 2018, the Trump Administration imposed additional import tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum. In response, the EU implemented countermeasures, including increased duties on motorcycles of US origin. According to a Form 8-K, Harley Davidson announced it would shift production of certain motorcycles destined for the EU from the US to its manufacturing facility in Thailand. This relocation was intended to grant the motorcycles Thai origin, exempting them from additional EU duties. Belgian customs authorities confirmed this with a binding origin information (BOI). However, the European Commission ordered Belgian customs to revoke the BOIs, stating that the relocation doesn’t grant Thai origin due to “anti-avoidance” measures outlined in Article 33 of the Delegated Act of the Union Customs Code (DA UCC). According to Article 33 DA UCC, any processing or operations carried out in another country shall be deemed not to be economically justified if established based on available facts that the operation aimed to avoid additional import duties. Thus, the production fails to confer origin status, with additional duties on US motorcycles potentially still imposed based on the materials used. Harley Davidson sought annulment of the decision to revoke the BOI, initially at the General Court and now on appeal at the Court of Justice. Following the General Court’s decision, the Court of Justice has dismissed the claim.” – December 3, 2024. (Global Tax News) |
The official appeal dismissal stated that Harley-Davidson failed to prove sufficient economic justification for their attempted production shift to Thailand, leading the EU Court of Justice to uphold the European Commission’s decision to deny Harley-Davidson’s request for lower tariffs.
Reports indicate that the General Court of the ECJ has also decided not to hear an appeal, making Harley’s unfortunate outcome final.
No reversing this means Harley bikes are on track to become very costly for our friends across the Atlantic.
We’ll keep you updated on what this means for Harley-Davidson motorcycles heading to Europe; in the meantime, stay tuned… and don’t overlook your HOG, Americans!
What is the cost of riding a Harley bike in the EU?
Industry Insight: Why Ducati Capped Sales Below 200,000 Units Annually
“The Message to Those Who See You Must Be Clear”
In a market where abundance reigns, Ducati champions the idea that exclusivity is paramount—especially for a prestigious motorcycle manufacturer.
Ducati’s longstanding CEO, Claudio Domenicali, shared his philosophy with MotoSprint:
– Claudio Domenicali, CEO, Ducati (Motorcycle Sports) |
This ethos has benefitted Ducati, as they maintain hundreds of millions in sales, enabling them to support numerous specialized events, emphasizing what it means to be a “Ducatisti.”
For the Ducati brand, the power of restraint plays a critical role in market perception:
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Recently, Ducati unveiled their 2025 Panigale V4, boasting the legendary Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, delivering a robust 1,158cc of raw power, approximately 215.5 hp (160 kW) @ 13,000 rpm with torque ratings reaching 93.7 lb-ft (127 Nm) @ 9,500 rpm.
Congratulations to Ducati, and we eagerly anticipate what comes next!
Are you a Ducati rider?
*Media sourced from CCM, GPOne, Harley-Davidson, and Ducati*
American electric motorcycle brands Zero and LiveWire have independently recognized that the demand for full-sized electric motorcycles is low, and they aren’t making significant sales. As a result, they are focusing on creating smaller, lighter, and more affordable electric scooters that cater to low-speed needs. In a strategic decision, both companies are pursuing distinct paths with more budget-friendly models.
At the current EICMA show in Italy, Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire announced a collaboration with Taiwanese company Kymco to manufacture electric scooters (shown below), while California-based Zero showcased its new XB and XE lightweight trail models designed to take on the Chinese-made Sur-Ron electric dirt bikes (shown above). LiveWire has yet to disclose pricing, but Zero has confirmed plans to introduce six new models over the next two years, each priced under $10,000.
I’m particularly enthusiastic about the Zero XB and XE models. The XB is priced at an attractive $4,195 and includes a removable 2.4 kWh battery, switchable traction control, and enhanced suspension for enjoyable all-electric trail driving. It reportedly offers 47 miles of trail range. The XE, an upgraded version, features a larger 4.3 kWh battery and a high-resolution TFT display with a range of around 65 miles, retailing at $6,495. Both models promise a thrilling experience at an excellent value in the electric motorcycle sector, with the XB serving as a trail-specific bike and the XE available in full street-legal configuration.
“The new X Line delivers the best performing models in one of the most exciting growth categories from the most trusted electric brand in powersports,” stated Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “Our mission from day one has been to revolutionize the two-wheeled transportation industry, and we will stop at nothing to deliver on that promise to our growing global community of riders.”
Meanwhile, the maxi scooters being developed by LiveWire and Kymco are perfectly suited for the current European demand. Kymco aims to introduce a more robust and premium model to the Euro market, while LiveWire seeks a high-volume product to maintain profitable margins. These new scooters will feature LiveWire’s established S2 Arrow powertrain, complemented by Kymco’s Ionex swappable battery system. They are expected to launch globally in 2026, although details on pricing and branding remain undisclosed. Nonetheless, they appear visually appealing.
“The belief and recognition that we could create a class-leading maxi-scooter using our S2 Arrow powertrain has been a constant, KYMCO sharing their expertise has changed belief into reality, and we are excited to commence on this journey with such a globally recognized leader in the category.” – Karim Donnez, CEO LiveWire
The electric two-wheeler market faces challenges at the moment, highlighted by the recent closure of Italian firm Energica. If LiveWire and Zero aspire to thrive long-term, they must continue to innovate with products that resonate with consumer preferences. Both companies are making prudent strides in this direction.
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