‘Incredible New Motorcycles’ In Store for Harley Davidson Fans?
What we know and don’t know about the new model lineup.
It’s a weird, weird time in Harley Davidson world. Long-time HD loyalists may be forgiven if they’re a little dizzy at the pace of change in the last couple of years.
That’s one big reason why the big announcement Jan. 18 of the 2023 lineup has more questions than usual. There has been some good reporting and informed speculation by some online news sites about the new lineup, but there is still a lot up in the air.
For example, how weird is it that a sportster now costs more than a softail? The Sportster S has an MSRP of $16,399 while the Softail Standard checks in at $14,399.
Tantalizing and Puzzling
If you look at the official Harley Davidson web site, you will get a few tantalizing clues, but also you’ll get some puzzling hints.
For example, Harley tells us that the new year will bring “incredible new motorcycles.” A number of news leaks from Australia has convinced many that the new Nightster S is one of those that will be announced.
Also, the Electra Glide Standard is not on the current web site, but there has been speculation it will be added to HD’s Icon collection.
Other “news” that has been rumored include the Breakout with the bigger 117cc engine will be unveiled. Also, the CVO and ST models may get the same bump from the 114 to the 117.
What We do Know
HD is playing it close to the vest as usual, letting out some of its plans and trying to keep others secret.
That means the Iron 883 and the Forty-Eight are no more.
2023 Bikes at Dealerships Now
We do know for certain that this is the 120th anniversary of the Motor Company, and it will be coming out with some added pizazz, like it always does for anniversaries.
HD has been shipping some existing models with those new colors to dealers, like the Ultra Limited “billiard blue and gray,” the Road Glide Limited Road Warrior with “prospect gold and black” and the Road Glide Special with “Baja Orange” and “old-school chrome.”
Speaking of the Road Glide, there are now four different sub-models to choose from: the Road Glide, the Road Glide Special, the Road Glide ST and the Road Glide Limited.
Most every model, from the sport to Grand American Touring, are offering at least one new color.
All Shall Be Revealed Jan. 18
For example, the Sportster S added billiard blue to its previous three colors and upped the MSRP from $15,499 to $16,399.
The Fat Boy 114 is now offered in bright billiard blue. Its MSRP actually went down, from $20,349 to $20,199.
The Heritage Classic still has six color options but substituted “prospect gold with black finish” as an option. The bike’s MSRP went up from $20,799 to $21,199.
That’s the extent of what we know for sure, for now. We’ll have to wait for Jan. 18 to see if there are any surprises that haven’t leaked.
Photos: Harley Davidson
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