Okay so it’s not exactly super-sleek. But the Harley-Davidson Bronx is definitely one of the most compact offerings from the American manufacturer of high-end cruisers. And it is coming later this year.
Harley-Davidson has been trying to woo a new generation of riders and trying to get a foothold in newer genres of motorcycling. It might be too much to say that Harley is shedding its shiny-chrome and oiled-leather appeal, but it doesn’t hurt to try new things.
The company managed to drop jaws across the world with the introduction of its first electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, signalling its intent to branch out into new areas. The high-profile coverage was followed up by the Pan-America ADV tourer and now the Bronx.
Rumble in the Bronx, courtesy of litre-class Revolution Max engines.
While the Pan-America might divide opinions, the Harley-Davidson Bronx is a straight-up, no-nonsense streetfighter. As in there isn’t much on the bike that isn’t necessary to facilitate motion and safety. This minimalist package is aimed at delivering fun at lofty speeds, something which most H-D cruisers shy away from.
It’s not as if Harley-Davidson doesn’t know how to build fast bikes. The XR 1200X has been the company’s previous attempt at raking in the performance-hungry bikers into its fold. Although it didn’t receive the response it deserved, the bike did show that Harleys were not just laidback bikes without some peppy character. The XR could toe the line with the best of its peers, and even leave some in its wake.
This time, with the brand-new Bronx, the American firm has managed to nail what the XR seemed to lack: a robust, contemporary design. The Bronx looks just right, unveiled in the flesh at the Toronto Motorcycle Show. Powered by an entirely new Revolution Max engine, the bike carries its beefy silhouette well, without a hint of fat anywhere on the body. Okay, there is fat, but in the right places. Such as the massive engine, which is a liquid-cooled 60-degree V-Twin. Available in two guises, the 975cc version delivers upwards of 115hp and 95Nm. A bigger 1,250cc mill will be even more powerful.
No two ways about it: The Bronx is a big bad boy.
Not much is known about the Bronx apart from how it looks and its powertrain, but it is early days for the bike. We will update this news as and when we receive more dirt on Harley-Davidson’s kickass new streetfighter.