‘Child’ Harley-Davidson 338R revealed in finer detai…
New drawings of the forthcoming Harley-Davidson 338R – or what’s being dubbed the ‘child Harley’ – have emerged revealing extra particulars and extra of what we will count on from the entry-level mannequin when it hits the highway within the coming weeks.
The machine has been in a shroud of thriller over the previous couple of months after its future appeared threatened by the sweeping modifications being introduced in by new helmsman Jochen Zeitz, who took over as CEO in July.
Nonetheless, whereas we’re starting to get an thought of the place Harley-Davidson will reduce its operations – having revealed this week it’s exiting the Indian market and is ready to axe the Sportster vary from its European line-up – regular unofficial droplets of information lately have confirmed the 338R goes forward as deliberate.
Whereas we have now caught a glimpse of the Harley-Davidson 338R within the steel after spy pictures originating from China started circulating final month, these colouring book-esque drawings reveal extra intricate element than we have now seen as but.
Mockingly, given Zeitz’s vow to focus extra on H-D’s core companies and what it does finest (ie. massive, boomy cruisers), although the 338R doesn’t precisely match the Harley-Davidson mould, it just about suits each different small-to-mid bare bike mould, not least its personal sister choices the Benelli 302S and the Qianjiang QJ350, which made its public debut solely final week (beneath).
Impressed by flat-tracks, the 338R is decrease and flatter in the direction of the rear finish , whereas the gasoline seems extra compact from the outset. Total, the 338R is extra minimalist than its siblings with its uncovered body and refined detailing to distinguish it from the QJ350 and the 302S.
Will the Harley-Davidson 338R be offered in Europe?
The 338R is, for now, at the very least set to stay throughout the confines of Asia the place a splash of badge engineering doesn’t go amiss as producers compete for gross sales within the essential 250-400cc displacement vary.
It’s an space Harley must dip into to justify its presence in Asia and drum up some a lot wanted quantity with out going to the expense of creating a brand new mannequin from scratch.
Although the 338R is more likely to be the most affordable Harley on sale wherever on the earth, will probably be attention-grabbing to see how Harley positions it price-wise, particularly in contrast with its siblings… does the identify carry sufficient clout to justify a premium over the QJ and Benelli, as an example.
Whereas the Thailand-built 338R is unlikely to be supplied alongside your common Street Glides and Fats Bobs within the USA, it would discover some love in Europe, not least as a result of to present the vary some depth and a convincing entry level to a model that has been criticised for some bold pricing in latest instances.
It might not be probably the most thrilling mannequin to have emerged with the H-D badge however the 338R is actually probably the most attention-grabbing…
