Tell me, what motor company this year reported the following: 

1.  A profit; 2. Returned dividends to its shareholders; 3. Increased sales to the 18 to 34 age group; 4. Meeting its goal of releasing 100 new models in 10 years; 5. Lost over $1.2aud billion; 6. Has been caught in the industry’s diesel cheating scandal to the tune of $2.5aud billon; 7. Spent $1.6aud billion replacing airbags; 8. Won the last nine years in its highest level of racing; 9. Is falling behind in releasing new models; and 10. Its annual sales are down 5 per cent? 

The “Black World” of Harley-Davidson secrets is behind the walls of the 370,000 square-foot Willie G Davidson Product Development Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ten years ago, a youngster right out of design school began work with the Motor Company just like another kid did in 1963. And we know how well that turned out.

In the Heavy Duty issue 163, I mis-spoke when I said about Harley’s 2020 new models that the next big one will be the “Sportster” replacement. I now think I should have said the “V-Rod” replacement. If it had been a snake I would have stepped on it and it would have bitten me.

The big news at Harley-Davidson is that there is no news at all except for the scary pricing of the 2020 LiveWire. All we know of importance is the US$29,799 price and its performance with a top speed of 110mph (182kph) and zero to 60mph in 3.5 seconds. About the same as my Stage 1, 107cid Street Glide Special. And the LiveWire only has a range of 110miles/180kms under ideal city riding conditions, essentially needing regenerative braking to help recharge the battery. Its USA release will be at the Harley Dealer Meeting before the Milwaukee Rally on 29 August 2019.