Throughout Harley-Davidson’s 118-year history, the brand has never before brought the entire world together to experience the debut of all-new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. On Jan.19th, 2021, that all changes with a single virtual event. During “H-D 21”, the company’s first virtual launch experience, Harley-Davidson will announce new 2021 motorcycles, parts and accessories, riding gear and apparel.
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The all-new Trident 660 and Tiger 850 Sport have begun making their first public debuts at Triumph dealerships across the United States. For a limited time, these two new models will be on display for customers to get a first-hand look at the bikes. Two pairs of each bike, which are the only units currently anywhere outside of Europe, will make stops at select dealerships around the country. While test rides are not yet offered, riders are encouraged to visit dealerships to see the bikes in person before they become available for sale in US dealerships.
Read MoreWith the announcement back in September that the IMS would retool their annual traveling show to more interactive outdoor events in 2021, our hopes were buoyed that we might get a second glance from the show’s planners. Going outdoors, especially in this age of COVID-19, can be a real boon to the industry and the riding community, with the potential for more manufacturers, more vendors, and more fans to attend. Actual demo rides rather than just straddling new models in a booth space, as well as outdoor concerts, food areas, stunt shows, etc., can give the outdoor concept a new excitement.
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Recently, I participated in a motorcycle benefit ride sponsored by a couple of local motorcycle clubs, the Wingmen of Northeast Georgia, and the ROF (Ring Of Fire) RC. These rugged bikers have a soft heart for supporting needy children, and for the last six years have organized this ride together to raise funds and supply toys for Christmas gifts in Barrow County, Georgia. After meeting several members of both clubs at a local Bike Night, they invited me to come join them, and I welcomed the opportunity. I’m glad I did, as I got quite the blessing out of it myself, as I witnessed the results of their endeavor and beheld the looks in their eyes as they bought their offerings to a local fire station for drop off.
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I read the Yamaha press release over the Thanksgiving weekend here in the States, after digesting prodigious amounts of turkey and dressing with relatives. Amidst the looming food coma, I discerned that most of the announcement pertained to new color schemes, upgrades, and accessory packages for their 2021 lineup of models. But buried deep in the memo were several sentences regarding the cessation of four models, two of which have become legendary in the Yamaha universe- the R6 sport bike, and the VMAX power cruiser. Also missing next year will be the WR250R dual sport and the SMAX scooter. The announcement about the R6 and the VMAX particularly saddened me, and while I was surprised by one, I suppose I could see the other coming.
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English news outlet The Guardian published a story this week about the coming revival of an iconic British motorcycle brand, BSA. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mankind Group conglomerate, announced his plan to “resurrect the British motorcycle industry” by relaunching BSA Motorcycles Company, not in India, but in the UK.
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Harley-Davidson has always been a brand associated with racing, in many forms. Whether road or dirt, drag strip or hill climb, and everything in between, at some time in their long history, Harley has raced it all. Over the years, the Motor Company has sponsored and supported official factory race teams, partnering with AMA, NHRA, AFT among others. In recent years, that scope has narrowed to NHRA and American Flat Track (AFT), yet with great success- the Harley team partnered with Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines, and has won 107 races and 10 championships in NHRA Motorcycle Drag Racing, and their factory Harley-Davidson flat track teams have won numerous AFT races and even the 2020 Production Twins championship this season.
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The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, the annual world wide motorcycle event that attracts hundreds of thousands of riders every year, made a major announcement regarding their 10-year anniversary in 2021. The ride, which raises awareness and funds for prostate cancer and men’s mental health, was first launched in 2012, and has been grown into a world motorcycle ride encompassing every continent on the planet with the exception of Antarctica. Since it’s inception in Sydney, Australia, the ride had always been held on the last Sunday in September, officially going “kick stands up” at 10:00 AM in Sydney, then across the globe as rides roll out when their time zones hit that mark. The ride has spread to include over 316,000 riders, in 104 countries, and has raised nearly $25 million in USD in its first nine years.
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After rolling into a gas station while out on a day ride, a young lady across the pump from me quipped, “That looks like fun. What kind of motorcycle is it?” I shared it was a Royal Enfield Himalayan, to which she jokingly replied, “Himalayan! It’s a long way from home!” When I told her a bit more about the bike, including what they sell for here in the States, she exclaimed, “Wow, now that’s a bike I would ride!” She thanked me then drove off in her SUV as I reflected on our brief conversation. It was living proof of what I think Royal Enfield is up to with this bike- a small, lightweight, simple, affordable, do-everything motorcycle for the masses. Could the Himalayan really be the best value ADV for the money? Maybe the best value motorcycle for the money?
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