WELCOME TO THE FUTURE, HARLEY-DAVIDSON

IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, WE’VE SEEN SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FROM THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY, FROM THE RELEASE OF THE STREET GLIDE IN 2006 TO THE PROJECT RUSHMORE MOTORCYCLES AND INTRODUCTION OF THE STREET PLATFORM IN 2014 TO THE MOST RECENT RELEASE OF THE MILWAUKEE-EIGHT ENGINE PLATFORM IN 2017, AND THE SUBSEQUENT RELEASE OF THE NEW SOFTAIL MODELS IN 2018. BUT DRASTIC CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON IN 2019 AND 2020, AND THE MOTOR COMPANY HAS A FEW NEW TRICKS UP ITS PROVERBIAL SLEEVE. FROM A PRODUCT STANDPOINT, THERE IS A WHOLE LOTTA DIFFERENT.

Remember Project LiveWire? That was Harley-Davidson’s foray into eBike territory in 2014. And then it kind of went nowhere. Or did it? As it turns out, Harley-Davidson has been quietly fine-tuning the electric cruiser in its secret laboratory over the past few years. For 2019, the first no-clutch “twist-andgo” LiveWire will be ready to hit the road for consumers. And other LiveWire variations will follow through 2022. I can definitely see a newer segment of younger motorcycle enthusiasts jumping on two wheels in the very near future.

I remember riding the LiveWire. It was a neat little bike that had plenty of pep in its electric step. But, as with eBike, there are the two other bits of criteria that are necessary for success: battery life and recharge time. Sure, Project LiveWire was a “concept” and didn’t go into production until the Motor Company could process consumer feedback. But the fact that it’s here in 2019 means whatever issues that kept it from being released for so long have most likely been solved.

But that’s not all.

Harley also just announced a completely new modular 500cc to 1,250cc middleweight platform of motorcycles that spans three distinct product spaces and four displacements: the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1,250cc, Harley’s first-ever adventure touring motorcycle; a 1,250cc custom model; and a 975cc streetfighter model, all to be launched in 2020.

I am very excited about the adventure model. I know a certain individual who will be just as excited too (page 56). I’m at a point where off-road riding has become a huge part of my life, and an H-D ADV could potentially marry my street-riding passion with my love of off-road riding. At least that’s the goal. If you look at the interest in the ADV bike world, it was just a matter of time before Harley jumped on board. But will it compete with the likes of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure or Honda’s Africa Twin? Since I don’t currently have all the particulars about the Pan America, I’m interested to see how that crowd welcomes Harley’s initial ADV effort. But the effort alone certainly deserves kudos.

As for the streetfighter and custom models, I’m jazzed about both. The streetfighter reminds me of the XR1200 a tad. I haven’t been given all the pertinent details about the new bike, but my educated guess is that this model—along with the other two new models announced—is equipped with a 60-degree V-twin with overhead cams and integrated gearbox.

As for the custom, I immediately see touches of the Fat Bob in a tight little Forty-Eight package. I like it. And the 1,250cc engine stuffed into the tubular chassis is definitely a departure from traditional Harley styling, which could be appealing to younger, newer riders not wanting a larger V-twin.

Overall, this is huge news for H-D. I’m excited to test the completed versions of these prototypes soon. HB

Z1R’s Range helmet is a wellrounded DOT/ECE-certified lid that features an injectionmolded ABS shell with dualdensity EPS for added safety. The drop-down sun visor and scratch-resistant polycarbonate shield provide excellent eye protection. Remove the shield, install the included pivot cover plates, and now you have the ability to rock a motocross goggle. Available in sizes XS through 2XL, in black, flat black, dark silver, white, and hi-viz.

$129.95–$199.95 z1r.com

Z1R RANGE HELMET S&S CYCLE GRAND NATIONAL 2-2 FOR DYNA

The S&S Cycle Grand National exhaust features a free-flow design with hidden crossover for 2-2 styling and 2-1 performance. It’s available in chrome or black, and features full heat shields to protect your precious epidermis. The stainlesssteel header construction is top-quality, made-in-theUSA goodness. Each pipe is equipped to use wide-band or stock oxygen sensors, and removable decibel reducers are included for adjusting sound levels on the quick.

$969.99 sscycle.com

Velomacchi Speedway Hybrid

Travel Duffel 50l

The Velomacchi Speedway is a versatile duffel featuring an easyclose zipper and self-tailing cambuckle compression system, which securely carries your load at high speeds without flapping straps. Basically, the 50L Speedway is great for carrying everyday belongings, but also so much more, whether you’re exploring the back roads or traveling the world. This watertight duffel can also be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag, and can be securely strapped down to a motorcycle to carry those essential road-trip items.

$279 velomacchi.com

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MEMPHIS SHADES SPOILER WINDSCREEN FOR ROAD GLIDE

Designed using Memphis Shades’ computational fluid dynamics to work with the Splitstream vent on ’16–later Harley Road Glide models, the Spoiler windshield improves H-D Rushmore comfort levels. It’s made of Lucite for durability, and available in five heights: 5.5-, 6.5-, 8.5-, 10-, and 11.5-inch configurations. The Spoiler is available in a variety of tints to suit multiple riding styles, and even different colors to better suit your customizing needs.

$139.95–$159.95 memphisshades.com

ARLEN NESS PROCROSS WHEELS FOR HARLEY, INDIAN

The Ness ProCross wheels (in chrome or black anodized) are engineered with a smooth rolled lip and CNC-machined details for weight reduction to improve performance and handling. ProCross wheels use radial-forged 6061-T6 aluminum from Ness proprietary wheel forgings, and are structurally tested to meet or exceed DOT, JAS, and TUV international load ratings. The ProCross is available in multiple sizes for Harley and Indian models. Matching rotors and pulley are also available.

$1,199.95 arlenness.com

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REVERE SEATS JOURNEY GRAVITY TWO-UP SEAT

Looking for the affordable yet comfortable and stylish option in a seat? Revere’s Journey Gravity two-up features a purpose-built pan, distinctive accents, and a vintage-style cover that truly allows the rider’s seat to be an extension of himself. Measuring 11.5 inches wide up front with a passenger area of 7 inches, the Journey is a great way to roll in style and comfort. And all Revere Seats are made in the United States at the Mustang Seats factory, so you know you’re getting a quality product.

$399.95 mustangseats.com/revere-seats batesleathers.com

In the early days of riding and racing, protection was much simpler. No hard stuff, just top-quality leather and maybe a little bit of foam. Products were made to fit and made to last. These products here are all made in the United States for a few specific functions: to look good, to last forever, and to keep you safe and comfortable on your motorcycle. Smaller companies you can call up and order directly from. You got a problem? Call them back; the numbers are on their websites, and the person who picks up is going to be able to help you.

Bates Leathers was started in 1939 in Southern California, where the company still operates. Making race suits, gloves, boots, motorcycle seats, and just about anything else associated with motorcycles and leather, it’s developed a cult following among vintage enthusiasts, but its products are also still used by serious racers. Bates’ boots are all handmade in the SoCal shop. If you call to order, you’ll talk to Dawn or Dana, who will help make sure you measure your foot accurately to get the best fit. You can’t just go online and order a pair, but they’re still $20 cheaper than a pair of Red Wing moc toes.

Vanson Leathers was started in 1974 in Fall River, Massachusetts, where every piece is still hand-cut and sewn. The yellowand-black Vanson badge has adorned some of the best racers in history—from drag racing to superbikes to the street—and tons of normal joes too. This here is the Model A—the company’s first jacket ever, still made the same as it was in ’74. There is no impact protective armor, just incredibly thick leather. This thing squeaks when you move. It’s going to be a while before it’s broken in, but isn’t that part of the fun? It’s tough. It’s clean. It’s rigid. It’ll do its job when it needs to and look good doing it.

Many of you probably know Lee Parks from his Total Control book and DVD series, which has taught thousands of riders proper technique for high-performance riding, but he’s gotten into the gear business as well. While Lee Parks Design hasn’t been around as long as the other companies, his DeerTours and DeerSports gloves are remarkably similar to the ones used in American road racing in the ’70s and ’80s. Made with the same attention to detail and quality components, Parks’ gloves are simple, well-engineered and built to last—not to mention fit.