Harley-Davidson Shows Off Electric Bike Concepts at EICMA
Due next year, three new concepts show Harley is preparing to enter a brave–and lucrative–new world.
Recently, Harley-Davidson made a splash by showing off two new motorcycles at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy. Set to debut in 2020, the Bronx and the Pan America have a real chance at revitalizing the brand by drawing in new customers.
However, that’s not the only news from the Harley-Davidson booth at the show. Harley-Davidson also displayed three electric bicycle concepts that may see showrooms late next year.
E-bikes are a big business these days. They’re not something we’ve ever had reason to discuss on H-D Forums before. E-bikes are tremendously popular in cities, especially for people who have short commutes from their apartments to their office.
It reminds us of a bygone era for Harley-Davidson. In the 1960s and 1970s, Harley-Davidson sold everything from Italian-built cafe racers to snowmobiles. At this point in time, diversification makes sense again.
According to The Verge, Harley-Davidson is still finalizing details of the design in anticipation of a 2020 release. The bikes don’t even have names yet.
As of now, there are three different models. All three of the bikes are modeled after single speed, fat tire cruiser bikes that have been popular lately. We’d like to see a 20″ BMX with pegs and a gyro brake setup, but we digress.
Harley-Davidson has not yet released details on battery, range, or power. One thing we can say is that the electric power unit is well-integrated, and doesn’t take away from the aesthetics of the bike.
All of the concept bikes look similar, but there are three different styles of frame to accommodate a wide variety of riders. One has a standard top tube arrangement, while another is a step-through. The third concept is somewhere in between.
As Harley-Davidson fans, we’re only just now getting used to the idea of seeing a Harley-Davidson without its famous V-Twin engine. Now, we’re seeing Harley-Davidsons with pedals!
Like many motorcycle manufacturers, Harley-Davidson got their start by fitting small engines to bicycle frames. In a way, they’ve gone full circle.
Photos: Harley-Davidson via The Verge
