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You had to ask: Harley-Davidson X440

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What motorcycle do you like that everyone seems to hate?Ujjwal Dey presents his case Author’s Confession: Originally assigned to write a road test review about the latest localized venture of Harley-Davidson– the reluctant rider and long-time collaborator did not seem to know where to begin or how to present it to a predisposed, unhappy American audience. Well, the product is good and the sales are well… It is not ugly nor a poor person’s substitute. It is actually a wonderfully designed and ingeniously engineered motorcycle. Moreover, it showcases adaptability for climate and terrain for a motorcycle. Besides, wasn’t Harley-Davidson always meant to be a motorcycle for the working class and not a fancy fashion accessory for some billionaire to park in his 50-acre garage? The oil-cooled engine is a long-stroke engine that helps with low and mid-range torque. It can beat any 350cc Enfield in power as well as top-speed. Click here to read this photo feature article only on Bikernet.com

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The cousin for Harley-Davidson X440

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Even as X440 takes on the local behemoth Royal Enfield, the global two-wheeled giant Hero MotoCorp’s Mavrick 440 was unveiled in India at Hero World 2024. Based on the Harley-Davidson X440, it features a power-roadster design philosophy and will be available for bookings in February 2024. The Mavrick was co-developed in association with Harley-Davidson and is based on the X440. Available in five colour options, across variants, dealerships will accept bookings from February 2024 with deliveries beginning April 2024. Harley-Davidson X440 and Mavrick 440 share the same engine and trellis frame. Yet it looks drastically different and may not appeal to those who loved the X440 design derived from Harley-Davidson XR1200. Mavrick 440 will likely compete well against those left behind by the X440, including the big four Japanese brands. In all of this, the other retro-cruisers such as recently announced Honda CB350 and Jawa Forty-two and the Roadsters from Yezdi and TVS seem lost in the noise, with less brand appeal and even less after-sales expectations. Find out the detailed specs, features and updates at https://www.heromotocorp.com/en-in/motorcycles/Mavrick.html With the launch of Mavrick 440, the buyers of Harley-Davidson X440 might also breathe a sigh of relief as the doubt for after-sales-service and parts might get resolved. Hopefully, H-D’s franchising strategy with Hero and Chinese QJ Motors (for China market) is a long-term strategy. I doubt if Harley-Davidson will again disappear overnight —since Hero has engaged so much resources, it is likely a tight, well-planned partnership. * * * *

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Aprilia to compete with Enfields?

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There might be an Aprilia model to compete with Royal Enfield Classic 350 which is a top-selling model in its class since launch. A new test mule has been spotted in Europe and it has a similar engine casing as the RS 457. It also features old-school styling and body parts that indicates that the world is finally noticing the timeless appeal (and profits) of Enfield models which have built a nice empire in mid-capacity motorcycles for over a decade now. A new retro-styled test bike is getting testes around Europe which on close scrutiny of spied photos suggests it is an Aprilia. Multiple aspects convince eager enthusiasts to claim it is an upcoming Aprilia motorcycle. Engine casing visible on the right hand side is similar to the RS 457’s unit. This test model’s motor appears to be larger in the images. It has a larger exhaust also. But there are many features giving it an appearance of RS 457. However, the design is not very impressive so this would have to be a very early prototype. The aesthetics of its headlight, tank shrouds, and the tail section, seem as if they were all assembled by a local garage shop. A retrofitted model is not exactly a test mule so the mystery is intriguing indeed. RS 457 uses a 457cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with 47.6bhp and 43.5Nm linked to a six-speed gearbox. It has a slipper clutch. Aprilia may carry these forward with different tuning. A slim USD front forks, dual rear shocks, and single disc at both ends are possible indications as well. Its alloy wheels and TVS tyres seem to be borrowed from the RS. It could take any amount of time before Aprilia debuts this retro-styled motorcycle in production form. The current iteration of RS 457 has

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Shotgun 650 announced with details

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Royal Enfield officially revealed the production Shotgun 650 to the world on 12-December-2023. After the limited edition Motoverse bike, the details of the model to be launched worldwide in 2024 has been revealed. It has the same 650cc engine as seen on the Super Meteor however it has a much higher ground clearance and a very dramatic design that would appeal to factory custom and modern-retro-bike enthusiasts alike. Check out the launch video and artwork below as well as a comparison with its pre-established sibling: FEATURES Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Wheelbase 1,465mm (about 57.6 inches) 1,500mm (about 59 inches) Ground clearance 140mm (about 5.5 inches) 135mm (about 5.3 inches) Length 2,220mm (about 87.4 inches) 2,260mm (about 88.98 inches) Width 820mm (about 32.2 inches) 890mm (about 35 inches) Height 1,105mm (about 43.5 inches) 1,155mm (about 45.5 inches) Seat height 795mm (about 31.2 inches) 740mm (about 29.1 inches) Rake and trail 25.3 degrees and 101.4mm (about 4.09 inches) 27.6 degrees and 119.38mm (about 4.7 inches) Fuel capacity 13.8 liters (about 3.6 gallons) 15.7 liters (about 4.15 gallons) Curb weight 240 kilograms (about 529 pounds) 241 kilograms (about 531.3 pounds)   LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON RECENT MODELS BY ROYAL ENFIELD IN COMMENTS BELOW

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Polaris Slingshot shoots on ahead in 2024

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Well, purists may say it is not a trike and hence branded and classified as an “autocycle” by NHTSA. Irrespective of your preference and riding experiences, Polaris Slignshot continues to be a bestseller in its category as an autocycle. Slingshot has been so popular that the 2024 version will receive quite a few updates. In fact, I would like to see if Harley-Davidson will enter the autocycle segment to keep its three-wheeled business busy among dealerships. Polaris so far, has no interest in the traditional trike. Whereas Can-Am Spyder has its own unique market, not directly competing against Slingshot. I would say Can-Am Spyder is a choice for those unhappy with a big and heavy V-Twin powered Harley-Davidson Freewheeler and its luxurious sibling Road Glide and Tri Glide Ultra. H-D took a big gamble with Pan America and riders responded positively, at least initially. Even their return into India market with 440X, a small engine bike to compete against the local legend Royal Enfield, met with more bookings than they ever expected in this year, their 120th anniversary year. The recent India Bike Week saw custom built Harley-Davidson 440X showcased to the crowds which included one with a sidecar and a cafe-racer styled version. Will Polaris Slingshot and Polaris Indian as a whole consider expanding to Asian markets with local manufacturing to rival Harley-Davidson’s aspirations in China and India depends mainly on opportunities offered in investment and capital expenditure by the local governments in those nations. The automotive sector is booming for both, the Asian Dragon and the Asian Tiger, and Elon Musk might just put up a Tesla plant in India since Chinese cars, motorcycles and EVs are not promising given the Chinese military ambitions at it’s neighbors borders. QUAD Summit for 2024 seems to be postponed as POTUS

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Aston Martin design and Brough Superior engineering

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“The First Motorcycle in history with Aston Martin wings!” “Only at Heroes Motors Los Angeles” The very first Aston Martin motorcycle in history, the AMB 001 represents the union of iconic Aston Martin design and Brough Superior’s state-of-the-art engineering. This track-only motorbike is reserved for only the greatest luxury motorcycle connoisseurs. This first collaboration between the two legendary brands takes the form of a track-only motorcycle, produced in an exceptionally limited edition of 100 machines. The Aston Martin AMB 001 is a technical masterpiece of high performance, designed with a degree of elegance that is rare in racing motorcycles. Beauty and power are the hallmarks of this exceptional machine. Superior in every way, the AMB 001 is hand-assembled by the finest French craftsmen in Brough Superior’s workshop in Toulouse, France. An Incomparable Limited Edition: The AMB1 is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a mechanical work of art crafted with unparalleled precision. Every detail has been carefully designed to provide an extraordinary riding experience.With only 100 units in the world, this limited edition is one of the rarest and most coveted you can find. Be One of the Owners: Only one fortunate individuals will have the privilege of owning one of these last two AMB1 motorcycles. It’s a unique opportunity to be part of the elite group of riders who understand the importance of rarity and exclusivity. A DOHC 997cc 8-Valve 88-degree V-twin, water and oil cooled, short stroke measuring 94mm x 71.8mm, kicks out a turbo-charged 134 kW (180 hp) at just 180 kilos dry weight. The AMB 001 represents the first Brough Superior model to be presented with a turbo-charged engine. The powerful turbo gifts the rider with a motor that has an incredible response and huge torque over a wide range of RPM. An Investment in Exceptionalism:

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AUCTION LIVE: 396-Powered 1950 Mercury Eight Coupe Custom

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This 1950 Mercury Eight coupe was modified under previous ownership by Bo Huff Customs of Carbon County, Utah. The car is finished in black with orange accents over black leather upholstery, and power is from a replacement 396ci V8 paired with a replacement four-speed automatic transmission. Additional modifications include a chopped roof with a tan canvas cover, a replacement grille and bumpers, shaved trim and door handles, and stacked headlights as well as a hydraulically adjustable suspension system, four-wheel powered disc brakes, and Vintage Air climate control. The current owner acquired the car in 2012, and subsequent service involved replacing the spark plugs and changing the oil. This modified Mercury Eight is offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with a South Carolina title in the current owner’s name listing the car as a Mercury 505. BID ON IT NOW: Less than 4 hours left https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1950-mercury-custom-2/ Tell ’em Bikernt.com sent ya !! BaT Essentials: Seller: JimmiVonHaas Location: Taylors, South Carolina 29687 Listing Details Chassis: 50SL86985 272 Miles Shown, TMU Replacement 396ci V8 Replacement Four-Speed Automatic Transmission Black Paint w/Orange Stripes Tan Canvas Roof Cover Black Leather Upholstery Chrome-Finished Steel Wheels Disc Brakes Hydraulically Adjustable Suspension Chopped Roof Frenched Taillights Shaved Trim & Handles Replacement Bumpers & Grille Vintage Air Climate Control Power Window & Locks Jensen Cassette Stereo Private Party or Dealer: Private Party Lot #124468 The body was shaved and tunneled with a chopped roof, stacked headlights, and frenched taillights before being refinished in black with orange side stripes under prior ownership. Additional modifications include a tan canvas roof cover, spotlights, and decorative side pipes. The grille was reportedly sourced from a 1953 DeSoto, while the split bumpers are from a 1956 Pontiac. The left rocker panel is dented, crazing is visible in the paint, and scratches

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Harley-Davidson X 500 model specs for USA

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Qianjiang-Produced Harley-Davidson X 500 is expected to be available in USA from 2024. US-specific owners manual has been published by Harley-Daivdson. The X 500 was announced for the Chinese market in April, and later for Australia and New Zealand, but the newly published owner’s manual assures a U.S. launch. There are distinct changes compared to the 2023 owner’s manual, adding information specific to the American market such as a U.S. vehicle identification number (VIN). The manual’s VIN breakdown specifically details the codes for models manufactured by Qianjiang in China for export to the United States. Warranty information and a clause marked as “Other Limitations” included six items in 2023 manual but for year 2024 manual there is an addition of a seventh item. This addition states United States customers are not allowed particular modifications that are not approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board. A definition of tampering with noise control or exhaust emissions control systems is mentioned. These were absent for the manual meant for Chinese market. X 500 is the second model to be produced under the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Qianjiang, following the X 350. The smaller engine model was not intended for US market as per Q1 2023 report, though X350RA variant to be used by Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. It is expected the people and dealerships (and media) will react fast & furiously to a Made-in-China Harley-Davidson being sold in USA. We can expect the same liquid-cooled 500cc Parallel-Twin engine, claiming 47 hp at 8,500 rpm and 33 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm. The claimed wet weight remains 456 pounds, and the fuel economy is unchanged, still claiming 49 mpg. Valve inspections are scheduled for every 15,500 miles. Click & know more about Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter 2024 Harley-Davidson X 500

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Buell Super Cruiser Pre-Orders at over $100 Million

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Combining the performance of a sports bike with the laid back nature of a cruiser Buell is grabbing attention with its Super Cruiser. It is a motorcycle model designed in collaboration with legendary motorcycle designer Roland Sands. Buell started taking pre-orders soon after they first unveiled the bike in February 2023. Not only has it received a tremendous demand but they got an “unprecedented support” for this new model. Six months after opening pre-orders for the Super Cruiser, Buell already amassed a whopping $120 million in pre-orders. This goes to show that neither motorcycling nor interest in the brand has waned over the years. Harley-Davidson must be restless, having sold this wonderful brand, trying to diminish its value.   According to Bill Melvin, the CEO of Buell, the demand for the new model marks a first for American V-Twins, “Americans love style, muscle, and performance. The Super Cruiser breaks the mold for all three, and the response shows that Buell simply nailed it. This is utterly unheard of for an American V-Twin.” Once the bike enters production in 2025, it’s anticipated to carry a retail price in the $20,000 to $30,000 range. About the specs– running on a 1,190cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-twin engine with a maximum power output of 175 horsepower and 101 pound-feet of torque — it rides on 17-inch wheels with fully adjustable suspension, and even adjustable handlebars and footpegs for any rider to tailor the ergonomics exactly to their liking. With a dry-weight of 450 pounds, it is surprisingly light for its power class, as an American V-twin. In a press release by the company, Bill Melvin highlighted the huge potential Buell holds in the market, “Now, the overwhelming demand for the Super Cruiser puts Buell on a trajectory for significant long-term growth. This ramp-up will be

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Kawasaki Ninja: First Hybrid Production Model Motorcycle

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Kawasaki claims the first strong hybrid motorcycle to enter mass production Just after the brand announced its first electric motorcycles they have introduced the first hybrid motorcycle. Unlike the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1, the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid aims to be more than an urban commuter or entry-level motorcycle. Kawasaki declares the Ninja 7 Hybrid is the first mass produced motorcycle (excluding scooters) from a major manufacturer with a “strong hybrid” system. This means it can run on gas, electricity, or a combination of the two. Despite the 7 in its model name, the Ninja 7 Hybrid is to be equipped with a liquid-cooled 451cc Parallel-Twin. Kawasaki hasn’t provided more details about it. Kawasaki claims the engine produces 58.3 hp, which is actually more than the Eliminator produces. Supplied photos of the TFT display show an indicated max speed of 11,000 rpm. When using an electric motor it increases output to a possible 68.5 hp of hybrid net power. This puts the Ninja 7 Hybrid slightly ahead of the Ninja 650 and Z650 which claim 67.3 hp at 8,000 rpm. Sport-hybrid, Eco-hybrid, or EV are the three riding modes which will provide different riding characteristics, offering a focus between performance or fuel economy. Fuel economy is expected to be on par with a 250cc class motorcycle. Other unique aspects are its clutch and idling features along with an Automatic Launch Position Finder function. The Kawasaki Ninja 7 would likely be presented in silver and black colors with a lime green lower fairing, and is expected to arrive in European showrooms in January. U.S. availability remains to be determined. Watch the Kawasaki announcement video: * * * * * * * * * * * * Stay updated, stay ahead of the curve…with Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter– click for

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