Harley-Davidson adds two new models to 2016 line
In a move that shows a determination to maintain market share and move product into new consumer niches, Harley-Davidson has announced the addition of two new motorcycles into its 2016 lineup.
The massive Milwaukee-based company will soon begin selling a CVO Pro Street Breakout and a Low Rider S -- two machines aimed squarely at the growing young urban motorcycle segment.
The Low Rider S will feature the company’s most powerful engine, the Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110, paired with an intake and exhaust system that are said to boost performance to 115 pound feet of torque. MSRP for the Low Rider S will be $16,699.
It joins the previously announced Fat Boy S and Softail Slim S in the new line of 2016 S series cruisers.
The CVO Pro Street Breakout, powered by the same engine, is a limited-edition offering featuring a stripped-down, drag racer design, matched with twin-disc front brakes and customized paint and design elements. It will retail at $25,699.
Harley-Davidson, which has nearly 50% of U.S. big bike market share, adds the two machines to a list of new and refreshed 2016 models. In addition to the two other S series bikes, the company has already unwrapped a new Road Glide Ultra and upgraded versions of its Heritage Softail Classic, Iron and Forty-Eight.
Harley had previously announced new, more powerful engines for its Softail, Dyna, CVO Street Glide, CVO Limited and CVO Road Glide Ultra machines.
The new bikes arrive at a key moment for the storied American motorcycle manufacturer. After solid first and second sales quarters, the company had a soft third quarter.
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Stock price has fallen from about $65 a share in January to a close of $40 a share Monday, as the traditionally dominant bike builder has lost market share to offerings from Indian, Yamaha and others.
The company will release fourth-quarter numbers on Thursday.
Twitter: @misterfleming
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