We reported earlier that Harley Davidson is working on a new range of entry-level motorcycle in collaboration with its Chinese partner Qianjiang – parent company of Benelli. The JV is developing affordable small- and mid-capacity engines and platforms for the emerging markets.
Harley Davidson has recently patented the 338R motorcycle in the United States. The new Harley Davidson 338R will be powered by a 353cc parallel-twin fuel-injected liquid-cooled engine. A new Harley Davidson 500cc motorcycle has been leaked on the internet. An HD500 model with a new Harley Davidson logo was snapped during its test on a dynamometer.
The orange logo visible on the fuel tank looks similar to the one used by Harley on its new-gen models – Pan America and Sportster S. In fact, the body styling and color are also in line with Harley Davidson’s latest bikes.
The new bike comes with a familiar retro styling featuring a round headlamp with a silver-coloured bezel, a single-pod instrument console, circular rearview mirrors, a single-piece seat, a teardrop shaped fuel tank and a broad fender at rear.
The new model is the result of Harley-Davidson cooperation with Qianjiang, which suggest that it will share the basic part of the vehicle from the Benelli Cub 500. The motorcycle is likely to share the frame, rear rocker arm, suspension and braking system with the Benelli.
The images reveal that words “HD500” and “National 4” are written on the rear license plate holder. As the motorcycle is production ready, it is expected to arrive before the 338R. It is expected that the new Harley Davidson motorcycle will be powered by a 500cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that also powers the Benelli Leoncino 500. This engine churns out 47bhp at 8,500rpm and 46Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. It is paired to an 6-speed gearbox.
