Spied! Harley's New Indian

SPIED! HARLEY'S NEW INDIAN

Harley-Davidson continues to have its eyes on India, one of the largest markets in the world for motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. But India has a very high import duty for luxury goods, which is set at 75 percent for motorcycles over 800cc. The tariff, designed to encourage manufacturers to assemble products in India, appears to have worked with The Motor Company, which currently assembles nine models at the Bawal plant in Haryana, using many parts shipped from the US.

At its recent 110th anniversary celebration, Harley confirmed that a new 750cc entry-level model is in development, and the bike pictured here-believed to be an all-new cruiser built in India using a majority of Indian-made parts-may be just that machine.

At first glance, it looks like a proper Harley, even in preproduction form without finished surfaces. It's a low, lengthy motorcycle with a powerful presence, and the tail section has an edgy look. Power comes from a liquid-cooled, sohc 750cc V-twin, fuel-injected to the tune of about 50 hp.

Would an Indian-built, entry-level Harley such as this come to the US? It's possible. A replacement forthe Buell Blast has long been promised, and this bike would serve to help Milwaukee train and groom the next generation of Harley riders. Moreover, Harley says it doesn't build models for any one specific country. On the other hand, a Harley spokesperson said US customers would want this new model to be produced in America.

Rishad Cooper/Autocar India