The first picture of the Harley Davidson 338R motorcycle recently emerged on the web. It will the brand’s first ever sub 500cc model that will be designed and developed specially for the emerging Asian markets. The 338R will also be the first production small-capacity parallel-twin bike to roll out under joint venture of Harley Davidson and Benelli’s parent brand Qianjiang.
Based on the Benelli 302S, the Harley Davidson 338R looks slightly different with revised bodywork and graphics. Its chassis, suspension and braking system, however, are carried over from the 302S. Painted in Grey colour scheme, the spotted model looks production-ready. The bike has 338R lettering at the back hinting its engine capacity.
Harley Davidson might combine the bottom end and crankshaft of the 300cc Benelli 302S engine and cylinders and pistons of the Benelli 502 twin. This will result a bore of 69mm and a stroke of 45.2mm, arriving at 338cc capacity. The power output of the motor is likely to be around 42bhp. Benelli’s parent company Qianjiang, however, recently type-approved a new 353cc engine delivering power worth of 36bhp. This makes it 2bhp less powerful than the Benelli 302S’s 300cc motor. The American bikemaker might use the new 353cc engine for its new 338R motorcycle. The model is likely to have a kerb weight similar to its donor Benelli bike (i.e. 185kg).
If reports are to be believed, the American bikemaker is planning to quite the Indian market. And if it happens, there is no chance for the new sub 500cc HD bike. The all-new sub 500cc Harley Davidson bike will be first launched in the Chinese market by the end of this year. Originally, it was slated to debut in June –July, but due to ongoing pandemic it has been delayed.
More details on the upcoming the Harley Davidson 338R are likely to be revealed in near future. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews.
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