Harley Davidson

Unconfirmed reports start that Harley-Davidson India would close its Bawal plant (Haryana) next month
American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has not been doing well in sales for quite some time. The company has already shifted a majority of its key focus from heavy cruisers to lighter and more usable motorcycles for beginners. On the other hand, the Milwaukee-based automaker is almost ready with an all-new adventure tourer dubbed Pan America. The all-electric LiveWire was showcased in India last year.
Future of Harley-Davidson India

If we take India, the world’s largest two-wheeler market, over 20 million units are sold annually (pre-COVID trend). Out of this, premium motorcycles contribute only about 10,000 units. This has forced Harley-Davidson to rethink its Indian operations as part of the global strategy to concentrate only on important markets such as Europe, China and the USA.
As a result, Harley-Davidson India plans to wind up local production and sell only CBU units, says a report from ET Auto. Multiple rumours suggest that the company would be closing its plant in Bawal, Haryana towards the end of next month. This would mean that production of Street 750 will stop.
Furthermore, Sajeev Rajasekharan, Harley-Davidson India’s current Managing Director, is being transferred to Singapore in line with the company’s global restructuring. Major departments such as sales, marketing and after-sales will be trimmed down in staff strength.
Certain sources reveal that Harley-Davidson’s existing ‘dealer development functioning’ would be run by a junior executive. Plans to shut down the Bawal manufacturing facility are awaiting approval. Harley-Davidson India, based in Gurgaon, was formed in August 2009. The company’s very first dealership was opened in July 2010.
Struggling times
In FY2020, Harley-Davidson India sold only 2,470 units, among which the entry-level locally manufactured Street 750 contributed the highest. In the April-June quarter, sales crashed by 87 per cent (compared to the same period last year) to hit 106 motorcycles. COVID-19 pandemic and the initial lockdown protocols were also responsible for such a massive sales decline.
Harley-Davidson calls its latest business strategy, The Rewire. The five-year plan aims to enhance core strengths and balance expansion policies, prioritise important markets, plan launches for “maximum impact”, manufacture parts, accessories and merchandise in full potential; and finally, adapt cost structure and operations to achieve minimal complexity.
In its global portfolio, Harley-Davidson has six model lines or platforms: Sportster, Dyna, Softail, V-Rod, Touring and Street. In India, the iconic motorcycle manufacturer sells 13 models across Street, Cruiser and Touring categories. The range starts with the Street 750 at Rs 4.69 lakh and crosses Rs 50 lakh for the CVO Limited. Prices mentioned here are ex-showroom, Delhi.
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Qianjiang Motorcycle’s QJ350 will be the base of several upcoming light Harley-engined models in China
Back in June 2019, news broke out that American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has tied up with China’s Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle (head of Benelli) to develop light, street-focused products for potential Asian markets. It was later confirmed that the first product to come out of Harley’s ‘baby twin’ platform would initially hit the Chinese market. On the other hand, it is too early to comment on an Indian debut.

The ‘smallest ever motorcycle to get a Harley motor’ is a ~350cc inline-twin. It will borrow key components such as suspension, brakes and internal electronics from existing Benelli models (and other badge-engineered Qianjiang products). Harley-Davidson is aiming at a major portfolio overhaul since the wider motorcycle market has greatly diluted from the brand’s typical cruiser range.
Real-life images have emerged
Harley-Davidson’s upcoming twin-cylinder power plant has finally made an appearance in a Qianjiang QJ350 shell, which is essentially a streetfighter or naked sports motorcycle. Upon first glance, it is almost impossible to find the motorcycle’s American roots. However, look closely and one will find “Harley-Davidson Motor Company” cast on the engine’s left side.

Harley Davidson 350 cc
It is worth mentioning that Harley-Davidson will introduce its own version of the QJ350, dubbed HD350, at a later stage. The design and styling would most likely go in line with the early renders we have shared before. Sales will be limited to ASEAN markets at the beginning and India might join the list eventually.
Our market is witnessing a growing interest in affordable twin-cylinder middleweights. Furthermore, existing premium single-cylinder motorcycles in the country are almost on the verge of receiving twin-cylinder successors. It is no secret that KTM India is working on a ~500cc twin.
Possible specs and facts

Harley Davidson 350 cc
The original Harley-Davidson 338cc motor was derived from Benelli’s tried and tested 300cc inline-twin (not to be confused with a parallel-twin). Bore x stroke layout stood at 69mm x 45.2mm. This was achieved by borrowing cylinders and pistons from Benelli’s bigger 500cc mill. After some key design updates, the displacement was brought up to 353cc.
With a kerb of just over 175kg, the new Qianjiang QJ350 or Benelli TNT350 (speculative name) churns out roughly 35bhp. Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson’s version of the same would be slightly heavier due to the changing in styling, yet will remain the lightest (and cheapest) Harley-Davidson product of the time. The company will not introduce the HD350 in its home market. More