Harley-Davidson

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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Classic Legends to get USD 105m investment

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Mahindra and Mahindra, along with others to invest USD 105 mn in Classic Legends The bestselling ‘Scorpio’ car manufacturer will invest USD 105 million along with existing shareholders and new investors, Mahindra said in an exchange filing.This will be over the course of next two to three years. Mahindra owns 60% of Classic Legends, which manufactures two-wheelers such as Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA. This is while investments in premium motorcycle segment in India is heating up with Harley-Davidson and Triumph partnering domestic companies, Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj respectively. Classic Legends has so far not made any inroads into this segment that is still largely dominated by Eicher’s Royal Enfield motorcycles. * * * * Invest in freedom, check out the membership options for Bandit’s Bikernet; click to know more.

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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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Cabana Dan’s Never Ending Projects

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Mostly Early Harleys before Transmissions by Bandit with photos by Weed This piece speaks to so many things. This brother is retired, but he’s not turning the motorcycle flame down. When we started this series, he faced three restorations of 1913-’14 Harleys and one Excelsior-Henderson. I could be wrong. There could be a 4th. Since then, he’s scored more early bikes, sold bikes, restored Museum bikes and is currently trying to buy another JD-model V-twin. Click here to read this amazing article only on Bikernet.com * * * * Our Dayrolls are all leather now, with four pockets including a tool flap. They are the best. Click for action.

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