The affordable Harley-Davidson entry-level model with the 338 cc two-cylinder has now been spotted for the first time. So it seems that Harley may launch this model after all. The new model was announced some time ago. However, due to the strategic reorientation at Harley-Davidson, it was not clear whether it would be released yet. But the appearance of a first picture suggests that it may be.
Based on the Benelli 302S
The model is manufactured in China by Qianjang, who are also responsible for the production of Benelli motorcycles. Therefore, the Harley-Davidson 338R is also based on the Benelli 302S. However, the engine may have been reworked a little bit and got a small plus in displacement. If the well-known engine was extended to 338cc, then a performance of 43 HP would be possible, provided that it increases in the same proportion. But because of more and more strict emission values the final power could be a bit lower. Originally a release was planned for 2020 but we have not seen anything yet.
The first spy photo
On the picture you can see only a part of the side view. You can see that the platform is identical to that of the Benelli 302S and that the main frame, the wheels, the suspension, and the brakes have been adopted. So the weight should also be in the same range and is about 185 kg. On the rear end you can see the lettering “338R” which will probably be the final model’s name. The front is not to be seen. There will probably be differences to the Benelli model, which will give the small Harley an independent look. It is still open, whether the model will be released only on the Asian market, or will be sold worldwide.
However, since Harley wants to concentrate on their core business again in the future and the entry-level model may not quite fit into the “Hardwire” strategy, one may assume that the model will be reserved for the Asian market. A sole spied image of a Harley-Davidson 338R has been doing rounds online and by the looks of it, the motorcycle seems production ready.
Also, the arrow shaped radiator shroud and thick front forks add to the design very well, in what we can see from the Harley-Davidson 338R spied image. Reports are doing rounds that the 338R’s engine, which is essentially a reworked version of the 300cc parallel-twin on the 302S, uses the bottom end and crankshaft from the 302S’ engine, while the pistons and cylinders are from Benelli’s 500cc twin. This gives the 2-cylinder unit bore and stroke dimensions of 69 mm and 45.2 mm, respectively, making it a 338cc unit.
It is expected that the engine will make more power than the 302S, with reports putting it in the 43 HP range. But this might not happen at all, since Benelli’s recent 353cc type-approved mill produces 2 HP less than the 300cc parallel twin, which makes judging the actual figures quite tricky. Otherwise, the rest of the mechanical bits of the bike such as the frame, wheels, brakes, and suspension, look identical to those on the Benelli 302S. Harley-Davidson dealers in China have begun promoting the bike which was originally planned to be launched by June this year. Thus, its international launch may still be far away
