Exactly a year ago, we reported that Harley-Davidson planned to introduce a new entry-level motorcycle sometime in 2026. As I write this, it’s already June, so we’re halfway through the year. We have about six more months left to make that reporting true, assuming no delays will make it to 2027. And now, there appears to be some public-facing movement on that front.
Do you remember Harley’s ongoing partnership with Indian motorcycle giant Hero MotoCorp, which has produced the hugely popular X440 lineup in India? Part of the deal included the ability to build a motorcycle under Hero’s own branding that used the same engine, but the magic apparently didn’t last, as Hero canceled the Maverick 440 long ago.
However, there is nothing to worry about; Lest you think the Harley/hero partnership was in danger of dying out, that’s apparently not the case. In fact, prefer local news sources The Economic Times Are are reporting that harley and hero They are now looking to expand their partnership to develop “entry-level performance motorcycles and cruisers in India for sale globally.” Citing unnamed industry insiders, ET reported that sales of these entry-level models are planned for “emerging markets”, with no further details given regarding the exact geography.
But one clear piece of information was included in this reporting, and that is that the much-awaited Harley-Davidson Sprint will likely top the release list, which is expected to happen later this year.
And while neither company was keen to give specific details to ET about their joint plans, Hero MotoCorp CEO Harshvardhan Chitale told them, “The Hero-Harley collaboration does not limit sales to India only – if Harley finds suitability for the product in its global markets, it can take it from Hero to sell elsewhere; that decision depends on Harley.”
It is not yet clear whether Sprint will use the same platform as the We don’t know what its displacement will be, nor what engine configuration it will use, although we hope to find out soon.
Between the Harley-Davidson X440 and the Maverick 440, Hero reported sales of 14,375 units last year, which is nothing to deny. It’s not at all difficult to see why both companies would be eager to capitalize on the mutually beneficial partnership with additional models, and preferably sooner rather than later. I guess something strikes while the iron is hot?
In any case, whenever we have more information about the Sprint, or indeed any other future fruits of the Harley-Hero partnership, you’ll find it all right here. ride separately.
