Baru-baru ini telah dilaporkan bahawa pengeluar motosikal Amerika Syarikat, Harley-Davidson (HD) akan menjalinkan kerjasama dengan Qianjiang Motorcycle untuk menghasilkan enjin bersaiz kecil bagi pasaran Asia.
Hari ini telah disahkan bahawa jentera tersebut bukanlah sebuah cruiser sebaliknya motosikal jenis naked bike yang akan dijana dengan enjin 338cc parallel-twin dengan cecair penyejuk.
Harley-Davidson (HD) baru-baru ini telah menyiarkan gambar sebuah prototaip yang dijangka bakal menjadi jentera yang akan dipasarkan pada tahun 2020.
Daripada gambar yang dikongsikan, jelas HD mengambil pendekatan baharu dengan mengetepikan pengayaan cruiser yang sinonim dengan jenama itu.
Struktur kerangka trellis dan enjin parallel twin cylinder dengan cecair penyejuk akan dihasilkan di fasiliti Qianjiang di China.
Meskipun tiada maklumat yang lebih terperinci ketika ini namun berdasarkan gambar semata-mata, menunjukkan bahawa jentera ini akan didatangkan dengan ‘upside-down fork’ di bahagian depan dan monoshock di bahagian belakang.
Difahamkan, ‘dual channel ABS’ turut akan didatangkan secara standard.
Harley-Davidson confirmed that they have partnered with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to produce smaller displacement models for Asia.
The new model will a 338cc engine.
Qianjiang is the brand custodian of Benelli motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson confirmed that they have partnered with Qianjiang Motorcycle Company to produce smaller displacement models.
It was speculated earlier that Harley-Davidson will partner an Indian manufacturer for the purpose, but it had turned out to be a Chinese maker, after all. The bikes be distributed in China and throughout the Asian region.
The two partners also revealed that the first model will have a 338cc. It will first be released in China, followed by the rest of Asia.
The bike will be labelled as “Designed by Harley-Davidson” and built by Qianjiang in China. They will also build the engine.
But who the heck is Qianjiang Motorcycle Company, you ask? They are the custodians of the Benelli brand which has quite a following here in Malaysia and Europe.
The move is due to the Motor Company’s belief that China will spearhead the brand’s growth in the Asian region. Harley’s CEO Matt Levatich hopes to see 50% growth in the overseas market by 2027.
Harley also showed off the rendered image of the bike which closely resembles the XR1200.
Dalam usaha untuk menembusi pasaran Asia dengan motosikal bersesaran 250 hingga 500cc, Harley Davidson telah menjalinkan kerjasama dengan pengeluar motosikal China.
Harley Davidson mengumumkan bahawa mereka akan bergandingan dengan Qianjiang Motorcycle dalam menghasilkan dua model motosikal berenjin kecil yang akan mula dijual tahun depan di bawah jenama Harley.
Harley mensasarkan untuk memasarkan motosikal pertama di China terlebih dahulu sebelum beralih ke pasaran Asia lain.
Qianjiang merupakan anak syarikat milik Geely, yang merupakan pemilik Volvo dan ada menjalinkan kerjasama untuk memasang kereta di China dengan anak syarikat Mercedes-Benz, Daimler.
Kenapa China? Harley Davidson melihat negara dengan penduduk seramai 1.6 bilion itu memiliki pasaran motosikal yang besar dan mampu membantu meningkatkan penjualan.
Tahun lalu, Harley Davidson terpaksa tutup kilang pemasangan di Missouri tatkala penjualan di AS semakain merudum.
Pada masa sama, Harley Davidson memindahkan beberapa kilang ke Thailand susulan tarif Kesatuan Eropah (EU) terhadap motosikal yang dieksport dari Amerika Syarikat.
EU meningkatkan tarif daripada 6 peratus ke 31 peratus Jun lalu sebagai tindak balas terhadap tindakan Presiden AS, Donald Trump yang memperkenalkan tarif pada import besi dan aluminium.
Kilang di Thailand akan menghasilkan motosikal berenjin kecil bagi penjualan di pasaran Asia. Kilang terbabit akan mula mengeksport motosikal ke China pada hujung tahun ini.
Tindakan Harley Davidson – yang dianggap sebagai ikon Amerika Syarikat – turut menerima tempelak Trump yang tidak berpuas hati dengan arah tuju baharu syarikat itu.
Trump turut menggesa rakyat AS untuk memboikot jenama Harley Davidson.
Motosikal Benelli – yang dijual di Malaysia ketika ini – merupakan salah satu anak syarikat milik Qianjiang Motorcycle.
Ketika Stefan Pierer mengambil alih KTM pada 1991, pengeluar motosikal berpangkalan di Austria itu berdepan masa depan yang suram apabila ketinggalan dibelakang berbanding jenama Jepun.
Pierer kemudiannya mengambil masa beberapa tahun untuk memulihkan KTM dan hasilnya, 28 tahun kemudian, jumlah penghasilan motosikal KTM dalam masa sehari menyamai jumlah penghasilan dalam masa setahun ketika Pierer mula-mula sertai KTM.
Kini, KTM baharu sahaja mengatasi penjualan Harley-Davidson sebagai peneraju pengeluar motosikal di luar pasaran Asia.
“Kualiti yang kami hasilkan pada waktu itu (1991) menjadi bahan ketawa orang ramai. Tetapi setiap krisis yang timbul merupakan peluang untuk kami perbaiki apa yang perlu,” jelas Pierer.
KTM kini berhajat untuk muncul pengeluar motosikal tiga terbaik di dunia.
Dalam tempoh beberapa tahun ini, penjualan KTM meningkat empat kali ganda meskipun pasaran dua roda di Eropah turun 14 peratus. Pierer yakin rekaan baharu dan pemfokusan terhadap pasaran Asia akan membantu KTM mencapai penjualan tahunan sekitar 400,000 unit menjelang 2022 sekaligus mampu mengatasi Kawasaki Motors yang menduduki tempat ketiga ranking penjualan motosikal.
Tahun lalu, meskipun KTM menjual 261,000 unit motosikal – lebih 35,000 unit berbanding Harley- namun pengeluar motosikal Amerika Syarikat itu menjana keuntungan tiga kali ganda berbanding KTM USD1.75bilion susulan motosikal Harley adalah jauh lebih mahal.
Sementara bagi segmen moped dan skuter, KTM masih ketinggalan di belakang Piaggio Group di Eropah manakala kedudukan Honda Motor Co. (dengan 20 juta unit dijual tahun lalu) dan Yamaha Motor Co. (5.4 juta unit dijual) nyata terlalu sukar untuk ditandingi.
Jenama KTM lahir di sebuah pekan kecil – Mattighofen – yang terletak selatan sempadan Jerman pada tahun 1934. Ketika Austria muncul selepas Perang Dunia Ke-2 dan cuba untuk membangun, KTM memainkan peranan dengan menghasilkan jentera dua roda yang murah dan tahan lasak agar orang ramai dapat kembali bergerak.
Selepas 40 tahun, pengasas KTM, Hans Trunkenpolz dan anaknya Erich berjaya membentuk jenama mereka sebagai ikon motosikal Austria dengan menghasilkan jentera yang mampu mendominasi permukaan jalan di Alpine.
Bagaimanapun, ketika Erich meninggal dunia sehari sebelum Krismas pada 1989, tanpa sebarang waris, jenama KTM beralih ke tangan pelabur yang tiada pengetahuan terhadap motosikal sekaligus mencetuskan kejatuhan jenama tersebut.
KTM kembali bangkit apabila memperkenalkan Pierer dengan bayaran gaji USD4 juta.
Tindakan pertamanya adalah dengan memberhentikan penghasilan moped dan ‘street bike’ bagi memberi fokus terhadap jentera off-road.
Pada 1993, dia menghantar pasukan bagi menyertai rali Paris-Dakar yang berjalan selama tiga minggu. Meskipun bergelut pada awalnya, KTM kini memenangi setiap edisi perlumbaan tersebut sejak tahun 2001 sekaligus menjadikan motosikal KTM sebagai nama besar bagi pencinta motosikal off-road.
Pierer kembali memperkenalkan motosikal ‘street bike’ 20 tahun lalu yang kini menjana separuh daripada penjualan KTM.
Kemudian pada 2007, Pierer menjalin kerjasama dengan Bajaj Auto Ltd – pengeluar motosikal di India. Bajaj merupakan pengeluar terbesar di dunia dalam menghasilkan jentera tiga roda – yang rata-rata digunakan sebagai teksi di negara membangun – tetapi tiada kepakaran dalam menghasilkan enjin empat strok, ‘fuel injection’ dan brek anti-lock yang kemudiannya dibangunkan dengan bantuan KTM.
Sebagai ganti, KTM mendapat tapak pengeluaran dengan kos perbelanjaan jauh lebih murah berbanding di Austria dan jaringan pengedar terbaik di pasaran motosikal terbesar di dunia.
Enam tahun lalu, KTM mengambil alih Husqvarna daripada BMW AG. Husqvarna membantu KTM mencapai hasrat untuk menghasilkan beberapa model berbeza namun dengan alat ganti yang sama. Kedua-dua jenama ini kini berkongsi enjin, sistem penyerap hentakan, kotak gear dan beberapa komponen lain tetapi masih mengekalkan identiti masing-masing.
“Di litar lumba, Husqvarna merupakan seteru utama KTM tetapi dalam aspek lain, kami adalah satu keluarga,” tambah Pierer.
Sementara itu, Pierer kini bercadang untuk melakukan perkara sama dengan Ducati, jenama motosikal Itali yang dicanang bakal dijual Volkswagen AG serta Triumph, pengeluar motosikal Britain yang sedang bergelut untuk membangun.
Rumours say that Harley-Davidson is mooting to produce sub-400 model.
Engine capacities between 250cc to 400cc are being considered.
The bike may be intended for India and other Asian country.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles may be famous with their large capacity V-Twin engines, but rumours have it they may be looking into building new models that are 400cc and below.
While we need time to collate some hard data, it would seem that the riding public is increasingly shifting towards smaller, more accessible and cheaper models. Middleweight and lightweight bikes fit this bill, especially where a large proportion of motorcycle enthusiasts could not afford bikes that cost RM 80,000 and upwards.
Harley-Davidson realized this this many years ago, hence the introduction of the Street line-up which consists of three models i.e. Street 500, Street 750 and Street Rod. A such, the rumoured sub-400c bike will cost even lower.
The Motor Company may work with an Indian motorcycle manufacturer to achieve that end (the Street line-up is produced there) like BMW Motorrad and KTM.
Having a bike that’s cheaper and easier to ride may very well expose the Bar and Shield brand to more riders.
Rumours are also circulating that the new lightweight bike may make its appearance at EICMA in Milan later this year.
No rolling thunder (maybe), but you win the hearts of those could watch with sadness when a Big Twin Harley thunders by.
The 2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Iron has arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ).
The new bike features a new headlamp fairing, handlebar, graphics and paint scheme.
It also includes the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The 2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Iron has arrived at Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ).
The Iron 1200 recipe starts with power. A 1202cc Evolution® 1200 V-Twin engine delivers 36 percent more torque (73.0 ft. lbs. vs. 53.8 ft. lb.) than the 883 Evolution engine that powers the Iron 883, the original urban brawler in the Sportster family. The Iron 1200 brings more punch to the street fight – more power to blast away from green lights and more mid-range to muscle through traffic. More power for more rowdy fun.
The satin-black Mini Ape handlebar is an essential element of the garage-built chopper look that adds instant attitude. This 1.0-inch diameter handlebar offers an 8.75-inch rise, 32-inch spread and 6.5-inch pull back, that opens the rider triangle with a fist-in-the-wind posture. The gloss black speed screen framing the headlamp is a West Coast styling influence that amplifies the attitude of the tall bars, is intended to offer some wind deflection at speed and provides a space for easy personalization. The fast-back Café Solo Seat flows to the rear fender and is shaped to help hold the rider in position when the torque of the Evolution 1200 kicks in.
A classic 3.3-gallon (12.5-litre) Sportster fuel tank features multi-colored striped graphics that wrap around the tank profile. The dark engine finish helps draw the eyes to the bright tank graphics. Fuel tank paint color options include Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry and Billiard White, always contrasting with the Vivid Black speed screen.
The entire powertrain has been styled with a popular color: black upper and lower rocker boxes, black exhaust and muffler shields, and black timer, primary and derby covers. Chrome pushrod tubes and tappet covers are the only brightwork and highlight the V-Twin engine shape. The Iron 1200 is finished with all-black 9-Spoke wheels (19-inch front and 16-inch rear diameter) and a solid black belt guard and rear sprocket.
The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are factory- installed options for the Iron 1200 model.
The Evolution 1200 engine features a black top end and an expanse of brilliant chrome below, including chrome primary, inspection and derby covers, and solid chrome muffler and exhaust shields. Chrome lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet covers contrast with the black cylinders to highlight the V-Twin engine shape. High-performance Michelin Scorcher 31 tires front and rear are mounted on Black Split 9-Spoke cast-aluminum wheels (16-inch diameter front and rear).
Since its introduction in 1957, Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles have been repeatedly reimagined, in the hands of both the Motor Company and bike owners: As a bobber, a chopper, a scrambler and a café racer; as a hero on flat tracks and drag strips and road-race courses; as an accessible entry-point for first-time riders, and as a custom-of-one cruiser.
New fuel tank graphics distinguish both the Iron 1200 and the Forty-Eight Special, and combine bold color stripes with a formal typeface, color and graphic elements originally popular in the 1970s.
“With its introduction and showcased at the showroom, we welcome everyone to come over and see it for themselves for a limited them as this particular unit already has its owner. In addition to the Iron 1200, H-D Petaling Jaya is also hosting their 1st Anniversary Carnival this weekend, and we would like to invite everyone to come over to our showroom” said Ahmad Rano, the Head of Sales for H-D PJ.
They are offering rebates up to RM28,000 on selected Touring models, interest rate as low as 3.6%, and garnished by 2 years factory warranty. Along with 30% discount on General Merchandise and selected Parts & Accessories. So come on down to Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya 1st Anniversary Carnival from 25th to 26th May, starting at 10 AM until 5 PM.
However, the ride to Japan is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. But instead of wasting the time away, a number of members decided to ride to Vietnam.
Speaking to BikesRepublic.com, Dato’ Anand and several of his accompanying buddies told us of their plans. The ride started from Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya at The Gasket Alley. The riders will first cross into Thailand and into Bangkok, Thailand. From there, they will head east into Cambodia and visit Angkor Wat in Siam Riep for two days before riding all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
“We will be visiting the local Harley-Davidson dealerships along the way. It’s a great way to show our goodwill,” said Dato’. “There will also be other bikers who will meet us and ride with us for some distance.”
What about the often-stormy weather these days?
“No problem, we are bikers and we will continue to ride in spite of whatever weather condition,” said Mr. Kumar.
The group will also ride without a support vehile. All the emergency tools and fixes are carried along.
BikesRepublic.com wishes the Shadowfax a safe and fun ride to and back.
Harley-Davidson melihat pasaran India – pasaran motosikal terbesar dunia – sebagai kunci utama dalam kembali mengukuhkan masa depan jenama mereka.
Mengikut perancangan, pasaran India bakal menjadi saksi kepada percubaan Harley-Davidson dalam menghasilkan motosikal berenjin kecil sekaligus menyuntik penjualan yang lebih positif.
Bagaimanapun, Harley-Davidson berdepan tugas sukar kerana 90 peratus pasaran 250 hingga 500cc didominasi jenama Royal Enfield yang telah menjual 820,000 motosikal pada 2018. Harley memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya tiga tahun untuk mencapai angka tersebut.
Lebih memburukkan keadaan, gergasi automotif India, Mahindra & Mahindra mahu menhidupkan kembali jenama Jawa, yang sebelum ini diperkenalkan selepas Perang Dunia 2 namun menutup operasi pada 1998 susulan masalah kewangan.
Anak syarikat, Mahindar Classic Legends – yang telah pun menandatangani perjanjian dengan Jawa Moto – akan memperkenalkan tiga jentera baharu tahun depan, Jawa, Jawa Forty Two dan Perak.
Motosikal Jawa akan dilengkapi enjin 300cc sementara Perak 334cc.
Ekoran menguasai lebih 90 pasaran motosikal di India, motosikal Jawa tidak akan memberi kesan kepada penjualan Royal Enfield namun sebaliknya bagi Harley-Davidson yang akan berdepan kesukaran apabila terpaksa bersaing dengan kedua-dua jenama ini.
Tahun lalu, sejumlah 12.6 bilion motosikal dijual dengan majoriti penjualan tersebut melibatkan motosikal dengan enjin kecil namun bagi enjin saiz pertengahan, leih 883,000 unit dijual – kenaikan 25 peratus berbanding 2017.
200 Harley-Davidson riders made a dying man’s last wish come true.
Jon Stanley was dying of cancer and wanted to hear the roar of a Harley V-Twin one final time.
A call to action brought 200 Harleys to his house, instead.
The general public may look at bikers, among them Harley-Davidson riders, as a rough and uncouth bunch, but truth is, bikers are just as human as everyone else. Think about it: Charity rides, toy runs, visiting orphanages, and the list goes on.
Jon Stanley was an avid biker who had recently purchased a Harley-Davidson Softail. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with terminal brain and lung cancer soon after and was forced to stop riding.
As he laid dying, he had one last wish: To hear the roar of a Harley-Davidson V-Twin through his window for one final time.
Stanley’s brother contacted a local Harley rider David Thompson in South Bend, Indiana through Facebook and relayed the man’s wish. Thompson acted immediately by setting up a call to action also in Facebook.
About 200 Harley-Davidson riders responded in less than 12 hours. They got organized and rode en masse to Stanley’s house.
Stanley’s family and bikers carried him into a sidecar and a collective 250,000cc of American V-Twin thundered in unison.
Stanley fought his last battle with cancer and passed away later that night.
Here’s a big cheer to David Thompson who made the call and the bikers who made Stanley’s finish wish come true.
HOG PJ (Harley Owners Group Petaling Jaya) conducted their first Safe Rider Skills Program of the year
Around 20 HOG PJ members and marshals joined the program to improve their overall riding skills.
The training was lead by PDRM Muar head technical riding instructor, ASP Mohd Hairuddin bin Mohd Raya.
Members of the HOG PJ (Harley Owners Group Petaling Jaya) conducted their first Safe Rider Skills Program of the year at the Metro Driving Academy Headquarters, Puchong earlier today. Always striving for improved riding skills for their fellow Harley-Davidson owners here in Malaysia, HOG PJ is always focused on delivering the best riding experience in safe and controlled manner. (more…)
Harley-Davidson of Penang has officially re-opened.
It is located at Auto Juru City, Perai, Penang.
The dealership is a full-fledged branch offering an entire ecosystem for Harley owners, including sales, aftersales, merchandize, riding gear and so forth.
Harley-Davidson owners and fans in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia now have a new place to call home. This follows the official re-opening of the Harley-Davidson of Penang.
The opening brings the total of Harley dealerships to three. Together with the Penang branch, Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya (HDPJ) and Harley-Davidson of Melaka (HDOM) reinforces the brand’s commitment to expand its footprint and strengthening its dealership network in this growing market.
GB Motorcycles Sdn. Bhd. will operate the Penang dealership. GB Motorcycles is formed from a partnership between Goh Brothers Group (an automotive retail group with extensive expertise and reach) and Kheoh Hock Seng (a specialist in premium motorcycles in Penang).
The dealership’s opening was graced by the Directors of the company, Mr. Goh Kian Sin and Mr. Kheoh Hock Seng; Mr. Koh Jyn Woei, District Manager at Harley-Davidson Asia Emerging Markets; and scores of Harley owners.
Mr. Johan Kleinsteuber, Managing Director of Harley-Davidson Asia Emerging Markets, said,“With strong commitment to the Malaysian market since 2008, Harley-Davidson is devoted to building up a trusted community for local biking enthusiasts and establishing a robust dealership network across the country. Our dealerships are important to us as they lie at the core of delivering the full premium Harley-Davidsonmotorcycling experience to customers. We are excited to have GB Motorcycles Sdn Bhd as our partner, and will be working closely with them to inspire more people to experience the Harley-Davidson brand and build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders”.
What can you look forward to?
The new dealership isn’t a just a place that sells Harleys. Instead, it is an entire lifestyle ecosystem for the Harley family.
Among the facilities:
A large 6,000 sq. ft. (557 sq. m.) showroom, which is able to fit display bikes, merchandize, accessories, riding gear and large groups of riders.
The company invested RM 6 million in the dealership, aftersales, bikes, merchandize, accessories and parts for the ultimate customer experience. It also means that customers do not have to wait for servicing and parts.
Full range of models from the Sportster, all the way to the Tri Glide Ultra trike.
New CKD bikes priced from a super attractive RM62,600 for the Sportster (installment of only RM32 per day) to the Softail from RM97,800 (installment of just RM46 per day).
Besides the awesome pricing, Harley-Davidson of Penang also offers 1-year free service and 2-years factory warranty.
Besides the bikes and merchandize, the 4S Centre also includes a fully-equipped 3-bay workshop, complete with trained and professional H-D service personnel who graduated from H-D University, and special tools.
The dealership is located at the northern auto hub of Juru Autocity. The strategic location allows H-D owners from Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak an easy location to ride to.
H-D of Penang will also set up a roadshow satellite outlet soon in Penang to better service the island’s customers.
Mr. Kheoh believes in personalized service to each and every customer, so you may contact him directly when you call on Harley-Davidson of Penang. You may also call 04-5062200.
