Upcoming Harley-Davidson 300cc Sportster To Be Based On QJMotor SRV300

Harley-Davidson looks to have changed the way it approaches its 300cc sportster (or roadster) project altogether.

While the earlier model, dubbed the 338R, sporting a 338cc parallel twin engine was based off of the QJ350 from QJMotor, recently uncovered type-approval documents show a completely redesigned bike with a V-twin heart.

The documents state this new motorcycle will be called the QJMotor SRV300 and its design follows the classic Harley-Davidson sportster styling.

Sporting a round headlight, the motorcycle has a bulbous fuel tank, staggered black wheels (16-inch front and 15-inch rear rims) with polished highlights, twin exhaust pipes, a short seat, neat rear fender and a guard for the belt drive.

Part of the reason why the Harley-Davidson 300cc sportster looks like it does now is that the firm’s new CEO Jochen Zeitz wants to concentrate more on traditional markets where it is more likely to make a profit, than making inroads into newer ones.

The same goes with the engine. A V-twin is entwined with Harley’s legacy and the 338R’s parallel-twin would have strayed way too far for the brand’s liking.

Speaking of the new water-cooled, overhead-cam V-twin motor, the 296cc lump is good for 22.6 kW or 30.3 HP and since the bike (the SRV300, that is) only weighs 163 kg (wet) with a 1400 mm wheelbase, it should be nippy around town. The bike’s top speed is pegged at 129 km/hr.

But, we cannot entirely throw the 338R naked out of the fray just yet. The bikemaker could well pull 2 rabbits out of the hat and launch the 338R alongside the 300cc sportster.

That is because, as patent filings have revealed, the 338R is almost production-ready, for it was based on the Benelli 302S’ platform and Harley has been very clear about how strong it wants its newly-formed relationship with Qianjiang to develop.

Source – CycleWorld.com