It’s Called the HD350 Project
A while back I reported on the fact that Harley would be working with a Chinese manufacturing company to develop a smaller bike with a displacement of 338cc. Now that bike is ready for production and there are some renderings of the official design (shown above) floating around.
Harley-Davidson teamed up with the Chinese company Qianjiang to produce its bike. Qianjiang also makes Benelli motorcycles so there will be strong ties from the Benelli 302S and the new Harley. According to Bennetts, the name HD350 Project is just what the bike was called at the ceremony where both companies signed off on the design. The next step is to actually produce the bike. It’s unclear if that is the official name that Harley will be going with or if they have another in mind.
Visually, the HD350 will look noticeably different than the Benelli 302S. It’s impressive how much a new tank, different seat, new fenders, different handlebars, and a more traditional headlight can change the look of a bike. Underneath, however, I assume it will be extremely similar to the Benelli 302S. This means a steel trellis-style frame, low-swooping and stubby exhaust, and a big mono-shock in the rear.
With all this said, I think it could be a good bike regardless of how you feel about the fact that it’s built by Qianjiang. If you’re expecting to see this bike on European or American roads, you’ll be disappointed. The bike is for Asian markets. I wouldn’t expect to see it outside of those markets anytime soon.
I have a Street 750. Love the bike. They should test market this one here in the States. With an affordable price tag, it could draw in a whole new demographic that HD doesn’t usually interact with.
I would love to see it here. I agree with you. If Harley wants to attract new riders, it needs to make different bikes.
Ah yes, the 338cc! It is good that H-D will only make this available in CHINA for now but once the MoCo gives this a green light to be should outside China, not so sure if that will work.
Given the fact that HD partnered with the same company that produces BENELLI where in fact HD’s 338cc is based from the Benelli 302s/r . I’m sure they will have a few differences on how it looks aside from a bigger engine.
The younger riders can be attracted to having a bike with the Bar & Shield on it. I’m not really sure if they will buy a bike with the badge of the MoCo or just buy a badge online then get the cheaper option.
Who knows what the future holds for the MoCo and the rest of the two wheel industry. Electric or not, it all depends on the cost now. In a world where most products are made in China or even US, everything is very easy to dispose of. No more emotional attachments. Sad but true.