Design Filings Offer Better Look at Harley-Davidson Pan America, Custom 1250 and Streetfighter
(UPDATE: We’ve added higher-resolution versions of the original illustrations —DC).
Last July, Harley-Davidson announced a bold new direction for the company, revealing three new concept models, the Pan America 1250, Custom 1250 and the Streetfighter 975.
Very few people have seen any of the three concepts in person, and Harley-Davidson has only released pictures of the three from the right side. Thanks to some newly-published design filings registered with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, we now have a clearer look at the Pan America, Custom and Streetfighter from multiple angles, along with some changes that look more production-ready.
Technical details were also sparse, though Harley-Davidson did reveal these new models share a modular platform, with a new liquid-cooled DOHC 60-degree V-Twin engine architecture that will be produced in four displacements spanning from 500cc to 1250cc. The engines in the illustrations for the three bikes are marked by dashed lines, as they are not part of the design filing itself. This also means that these designs may not be for the same engine displacements as the concepts, seeing as how they are supposed to share a modular platform. Until we get a better indication of the powertrains for these new bikes, we’re left with assuming the 1250cc size for the Pan America and Custom designs and 975cc for the Streetfighter.
Interestingly, the Pan America and Streetfighter models are depicted with sari guards. Harley-Davidson has made it clear expansion into India is part of its new business plan, but indicated this will include small displacement models. The sari guards for these large-displacement models suggest they too will be sold in India.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
The Pan America 1250 is poised to become Harley-Davidson’s first adventure-touring model, with the concept showing a tall windscreen, wire-spoke wheels, engine protectors and hand guards. The motorcycle in the design filings looks very similar to the concept, but with some differences.
Join other fans of the Harley-Davidson Pan America at PanAmericaForums.com
The illustrations depict cast instead of wire spoke wheels, suggesting Harley-Davidson might offer a choice of wheel types. The illustrations also show extended bodywork below the seat, covering the rear subframe, along with a redesigned tail integrating mounts for luggage. The engine bars are also different, perhaps to accommodate the new bash plate design or revised exhaust routing.
Other visible differences include new footpeg mounts, a rear axle adjuster and a shark fin-style chain guard.
The Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 is slated to come for the 2020 model year.
Harley-Davidson Custom 1250
Pegged to arrive for the 2021 model year, the Harley-Davidson Custom 1250 looks like a potential replacement to the Sportster line. Of the three, the design filings for the Custom look the most similar to the initial concept model. The Custom 1250 adopts a muscular, aggressive look, with both the concept and the design filings show a tubular swingarm design and a high-mounted shotgun-style exhaust.
There are a few small changes between the illustration and the concept. The swingarm and exhaust tubing appear slimmer in the illustrations, and the rear subframe has different mounting points to the engine and side pivot plates.
The swingarm-mounted license plate has a different design, with the illustrations adding rear turn signals to either side of the plate. The concept’s underslung mirrors were also replaced with conventional mirrors. The single slim LED headlight looks the same as on the concept, though it appears to be mounted slightly higher, closer in line with the turn signals.
Harley-Davidson Streetfighter 975 (Harley-Davidson Bronx 975?)
The Harley-Davidson Streetfighter concept used the smaller 975cc version of the new liquid-cooled engine. We know from previous trademark filings, that Harley-Davidson wants to use the name “Bronx” for a new model, and I’ve got a feeling it was intended for use on this bike, with “Streetfighter” being a temporary placeholder name.
The drawings for the Streetfighter show several changes from the concept. The overall lines are similar, with a modern naked-bike styling. The foot controls are fairly aggressive, especially for a Harley. The drawings show a more compact-looking foot peg design, with passenger pegs now hanging from the subframe. The subframe also has a new shape, now with a downward curve at the front.
The lower bodywork is also different, with the drawing showing it covering more of the exhaust system. The slash-cut exhaust looks similar, as does the swingarm, though there are more guards attached to it to protect the drive belt.
In addition to the rather large sari guard, the drawings add a license plate holder and rear lighting cluster that extends from under the tail. Other changes include new mirror designs and a different radiator guards.
Like the Pan America, the Harley-Davidson Streetfighter 975 (Bronx 975?) is scheduled to launch for 2020.
We expect more information about the Harley-Davidson Streetfighter and the Pan America to emerge in the months ahead before a full launch in late summer/early fall. As for the Custom, we may have to wait until next year.
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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The designs are nice, but Harley-Davidson has never, EVER had a problem with the looks. Love or hate them, you can't NOT react to them, and that's a pretty good place to sit as far as popularity goes. I'm here for the engine.
The Street 750 motor is a gem, really! I rode one of those when I was pushing 300 pounds and it accelerated uphill. That's better than the V7 did and I actually wanted that. I always said the 750 motor was a prototype for something bigger, and now we see where it goes... They have to be sick of the Scout eating their lunch, I bet it's exactly 3 horsepower stronger!
I'm guessing the streetfighter will be >550 lbs wet weight, $18k. Prove me wrong HD.