Harley-Davidson announces mega plans; 3 'new' bike models, India to get 250-500cc bikes

American motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson does not require an introduction when it comes to heavyweight motorcycles. Starting from Street 500, the Harley bikes are ultimate premium tourer machines. However, the company has now decided to push further from its comfort zone as it announced "More Roads to Harley-Davidson," a growth plan through 2022.

The bold new plan will see Harley-Davidson entering into new biking segments like adventure tourer, naked streetfighter and even electric bike. It has also decided to go all out in the emerging markets like India by bringing out sub-500cc bikes. The iconic motorcycle maker has also decided to broaden its horizons and bolster dealership across the world before bringing the new crop of bikes.

New motorcycles in the uncharted territory

A Harley-Davidson adventure tourer or a naked streetfighter was something even hardcore Harley-Davidson aficionados were not expecting. However, Harley-Davidson has said that it plans to offer the most comprehensive lineup of motorcycles. This includes a full portfolio of motorcycles across a broad spectrum of price points, power sources, displacements, riding styles and global markets.

The company also has a lot more to chew upon with the prototype images of the Pan America 1250, Harley-Davidson's first adventure touring motorcycle. In addition, pictures of a 1250cc Custom model and a 975cc Streetfighter model has been released. All three motorcycle will come with Harley's signature V-twin engines in 2020.

First ever electric Harley-Davidson in 2019

While the entry of this motorcycle is going to take at least a year and a half, Harley-Davidson will fill the 2019 slot with LiveWire, the brand's first ever electric bike. The company also claims that the production-spec LiveWire will be the first in a broad, no-clutch "twist and go" portfolio of electric two-wheelers designed to establish the company as the leader in the electrification of the sport.

India to be a key player in the sub-500cc motorcycle drive

While the aforementioned bikes will also make it to India, Harley-Davidson has a new plan for the nation by developing more accessible, small-displacement (250cc to 500cc) motorcycles. The smaller capacity bikes are for the emerging markets and the company has planned a strategic alliance with a manufacturer in Asia.

Though the partner hasn't been finalised or announced yet, Harley-Davidson confirms that this new product and broader distribution are intended to fuel its customer access and growth in India, one of the largest, fastest growing markets in the world.