Aussie Harley fans will have to set their alarm clocks for the wee hours of January 20 to join Harley-Davidson’s first worldwide virtual product launch.
Due to the pandemic, motorcycle companies have turned to staging virtual launches of their products. That means bike fans, rather than just the privileged few media, are invited!
To take part, click here to register. You will have to provide your name, date of birth and email address.
The unveiling of new products will take place online on January 20 at 3am (AEDT), or for Kiwis, it’s 5am. The rest of the world can also join in on January 19, 10am CST (American time).
Harley says they will unveil their 2021 line-up as well as parts and accessories, plus riding gear.
For a couple of decades now, Harley has been launching their new product in August to their dealer network at a special event staged in the USA.
A week later, worldwide media would be invited to America to view and ride the new models.
Harley fans then had to wait for the journos to review the product and print it in their magazines a month or so later, although internet sites like this one have been prompt in getting the info out to readers.
Now, you will see for yourself as soon as the products are unveiled.
The new launch schedule is the idea of new boss Jochen Zeitz who said it seemed crazy to launch new product at the end of America’s riding season, rather than at the start.
So what can we expect at the unveiling?
Pan AmericaThe controversial Pan America — the company’s first adventure bike — may be shown, but the full unveiling with all the tech specs will be at another global virtual launch next month.
If you register for this first event, you will no doubt get an email reminder about the Pan America launch on February 22.
American actor, producer and motorcycle enthusiast Jason Momoa will play a “key role” in the launch event, having already ridden the Pan America.
In 2018 Jason Momoa was involved in the revised Softail range launch“I was excited to collaborate with Harley-Davidson for a first look and chance to ride the Pan America 1250 motorcycle,” he says.
“It’s the perfect vehicle that combines my love of the outdoors, the unknown, and Harley-Davidson. People are going to be completely stoked about this bike that Harley-Davidson has created.”
We are not sure what other products will be launched next Wednesday.
However, Jochen says his new strategy is to concentrate on traditional products to appease core customers.
More than what is added, there could be some shocks about what products are missing from the line-up! For example, the ageing Sportster has been rumoured to face the axe this year.
We can also expect to see their range of electric bicycles and perhaps more electric motorcycles to follow the LiveWire.
However, the promised Bronx Streetfighter is now expected to be delayed perhaps until later in the year as part of a 30% reduction in existing and future models announced last July.