Harley-Davidson has just unveiled a new bike; not a new motorcycle model, but a replica bicycle!
The 115-year-old American motorcycle company has released 10 of these replica Harley bicycles for sale at $US4200 (about $US5500, £3130, €3565) from their Museum in Milwaukee and online.
While the company has been suffering from a sales decline among ageing customers, we don’t think this is a new business strategy for the iconic company.
Instead, the bicycles have been made to celebrate the company’s landmark birthday this September.
Harley started making motorcycles in 1903, but also made bicycles from 1917 to 1922.
Back then it was a marketing ploy to get kids interested in their motorcycles.
The same strategy could apply now!
Replica bicycle
Harley had them handmade in Chicago by Heritage Bicycles.
The bicycle is modelled on the original 1917 Model 7-17 Standard.
It features the same olive green of the motorcycles of their time with hand-applied pinstripes by artist Jeff Williams.
The famous “H-D” logo is included in the front sprocket, a distinctive feature of original Harley bicycles.
Heritage Bicycles made these slightly bigger than the originals to suit adults, says company owner Mike Salvatore.
“Harley asked us to replicate the original as closely as possible,” he says.
“We were not going to just pull a frame out of the basement and paint it green.”