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H-D 2021 UNVEIL

Harley tells us to GO RIDE and shares some upgrades.

Harley-Davidson hosted a virtual launch of their 2021 motorcycles on January 19th that they had built up over the last several months.  Lasting about 40 minutes the presentation walked us through the lineup and some of the upgrades and updates made to the H-D family of motorcycles.  If you missed the video – you can find it on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio.

One of the most immediate take aways from the online event was that Jason Mamoa (Aqua Man and Kal Drago from Game of Thrones) apparently still has his Christmas tree up.  Don’t want to disappoint the ladies though, as I believe that was actually a jacket and not a bathrobe that he’s wearing in the video.  Well, at least I think it was?

Beyond that, the main highlights seemed to be:

  • H-D is introducing a new Street Bob 114, the lightest Softail to get the Milwaukee-Eight 114.A person on a motorcycle

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  • The Fat Boy has been restyled.
  • New styling options are now available on the Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special, and Road King Special.
  • NEW 2021 CVO Touring models include Road Glide, Street Glide, and Tri-Glide Options.  These all include the Milwaukee-Eight 117 as standard equipment.

The program wound down with Jochen Zeitz, the new CEO of Harley-Davidson, saying that he just got back from Kenya where he was test riding the new Pan America.  He didn’t give any further details on the bike, but invited everyone to yet another virtual launch – on February 22nd.  At that point, they will officially unveil the all-new Pan America 1250 adventure tourer.  You can register in advance for the event and marketing updates from H-D at www.H-D.com/PanAmerica  

, I was a little disappointed that there weren’t any real surprises – like a few new models; but I appreciated the upbeat tone and message of the video.  Clearly an effort was made to show H-D as the global entity that they are with a slew of heavy accented presenters and truly diverse mix of team members presenting.  They shared a message that we as riders all know, but may have lost sight of over the past year.

The opening video montage seemed to charge us to “Go – GO RIDE!”

“Go – Just Go and leave no mile unturned and leave a trail of stories in your wake… Ride Forth!”

Sounds good to me, and certainly a lot of those miles will be on Harleys.  And I’m looking forward to getting out on the Street Bob 114.  A big 114 power plant on the “new” super responsive Softail frame?  And of course the factory dealerships have a slew of additional power options – including a M8 Screamin’ Eagle Stage III kit… yeah, that sounds like a blast.

THE SHOW WILL GO ON!

Daytona Bike Week gets a GREEN LIGHT for 2021

“The 80th anniversary of Bike Week will go on in the City of Daytona Beach this March 5-14 with plans in place to help prevent the spread of #COVID19.”  The City of Daytona Beach announced on Jan 20th.May be an image of 1 person, motorcycle, road and text that says 'worldfamous DAYTONA BEACH DAYTONA DAYTONABEACH BEACH 80th Anniversary of Bike Week March 5-14, 2021'

This ended speculation and agonizing over the Rally possibly being “officially cancelled” – and the implication that might have for other rallies and events across the country.

However, the city responded and recognized the overwhelming demand from local businesses and riders alike.

As part of their COVID plan, the city placed an emphasis on outside vendors and businesses on Main Street would have to limit capacity to 60% to help promote social distancing.   

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