Harley-Davidson Announces New V-Twin Sportbike

Will your next sportbike wear a Harley-Davidson bar-and-shield logo on its gas tank? Maybe. Beginning next year, The Motor Company is expected to launch what it claims will be a wider-ranging model line to compete "in many of the largest- and fastest-growing segments with a full portfolio of motorcycles across a broad spectrum of price points, power sources, displacements, riding styles, and global markets."

One of those motorcycles is this machine, a streetfighter suggestive of the Buell Lightning series and powered by what appears to be an all-new, liquid-cooled, overhead-cam, narrow-angle V-twin that Harley says displaces 975cc. For reference, the current Sportster has an air-cooled, OHV, 45-degree V-twin displacing either 883 or 1,202cc. The Street line, meanwhile, uses a liquid-cooled, SOHC, 60-degree engine in 494 and 749cc capacities.

The single-shock frame and swingarm for this prototype look like a mix of aluminum castings. An inverted fork carries dual disc brakes with four-piston Brembo calipers. Michelin radials are mounted on 17-inch Y-spoke wheels front and rear. Overall, the photo bike looks nicely finished, production quality even, right down to the turn signals and handlebar-end mirrors. This example won’t be going anywhere soon, however, as the final drive pulley is missing a requisite toothed belt.

Harley-Davidson has been down the sportbike road before but more recently focused its attention on the core cruiser and touring business. Nearly a decade ago, H-D shuttered the Buell Motorcycle Company and sold its interest in MV Agusta. "Our strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand reflects the fact that we believe our investments in that brand are a better utilization of overall company resources," then-CEO Keith Wandell said at the time.

Now, Harley-Davidson is expanding again—engines, platforms, market segments, including several proposed electric models with varying missions—and that includes launching what could be the sportiest and possibly best-handling streetbike it has ever produced and powered by a modern liter-class V-twin, the modularity of which, we’re told, will deliver no fewer than four displacement options for use in at least three categories.