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New and deleted Harley-Davidson 2021 models

Harley-Davidon Softail FXDR SEASON your triumphs prices deleted
MBW rides the FXDR Softail in Milwaukee

Speculation is rife that several Harley-Davidson models will be deleted for 2021 in the wake of the delay in launching two new models and plans to reduce output to create more ”exclusivity”.

UPDATE (July 30): Harley has announced 30% of planned models will be axed. Click here for more details.

American website Total Motorcycle has published what it claims is the manufacturer’s list of 2021 models with the FXDR 114, Breakout 114 and Softail Deluxe deleted. They also say there are rumours all CVOs will be deleted for 2021.

But the list does add the recently delayed Pan America 1250 adventure bike and the Bronx Streetfighter 975, plus a Softail Custom and a Sportster Streetfighter.

The latter two additions will probably just be parts-bin specials.

Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter
Harley’s new water-cooled Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter

Model strategy

We can’t vouch for the veracity of the 2021 model list, but there are a few things that strike us as strange or contradictory.

The Motor Company is expected to go through a major overhaul with new boss Jochen Zeitz laying down his five-year “Rewire” strategy. It follows the former boss’s “More Roads” strategy for 100 new models in 10 years.

However, Jochen’s plan does not necessarily mean fewer new models.

In fact, he committed to branching out to adventure touring, the new Streetfighter range and electric motorcycles. The Total Motorcycles list includes the LiveWire and electric bicycles and a scooter.

Jochen also says his “Rewire” strategy will expand “profitable iconic heritage bikes” and “continue to expand beyond traditional products and markets”.

It doesn’t sound like a wholesale axing of models.

And surely the Softail Deluxe qualifies as an “iconic heritage bike” while the Breakout 114 would qualify as profitable, especially in Australia where the 114 and 107 versions have been among their biggest sellers for several years.

FXDR deleted?

Limited edition FXDR
Limited edition FXDR

However, we can totally understand if the FXDR Softail is deleted.

It looks more like a vacuum cleaner than a motorcycle and has subsequently not sold well.

Another pointer to the FXDR facing the axe is the fact that a limited run of 30 FXDR 114 models (pictured above) with special, cosmetic modifications is being launched for sale in the UK and Ireland only. Sounds like a tactic to get rid of excess stock.

Harley is not shy about axing models that don’t sell well. We’ve seen a host of models come and go over the years.

CVO models

Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide Limited Road Glide Boom Box rain wet infotainment audio techno
CVO models change almost every year

As for CVO models being deleted, that does seem strange, especially since the Total Motorcycles 2021 model list shows the CVO Road Glide, CVO Street Glide, CVO Limited and CVO Tri Glide!

Harley usually only releases three or four CVOs each year and the models vary every year or so.

They don’t sell many, but the profit margin per bike is high.

So axing any CVOs doesn’t fit with Jochen’s plan to expand “profitable iconic heritage bikes”.

Production restart

Harley-Davidson 115th anniversary 110th 105th
Harley’s Pilgrim Road factory where a worker tested positive for coronavirus

This week, Harley resumes manufacturing in the US after two months of pandemic lockdown.

The Motor Company says it will be a phased approach to resuming production, “following the guidelines of public health and regulatory authorities and keeping employee health and safety front and centre.”

Consequently output will be reduced not just for “exclusivity” but also for practical health and logistic reasons.

So we expect preference will be given to the more profitable and popular models leading to a shortfall in some models.

A memo to US dealers says they can expect only about 70% of ordered models.

However, Harley-Davidson Australia spokesman Keith Waddell says they “will have supply coming throughout the remainder of 2020”.

  1. If there was ever a product line-up that saps one’s enthusiasm for bikes, this is surely it. You would get more out of motorcycling from a ratty old Japanese 250 than from any of these. Something you can throw around, etc. They should just axe the lot, and build bikes that excel in particular fields. For example, an adventure bike that will outperform a GS and will survive being dropped on a rocky mountain pass better than a KLR (and be just as easy to pick up and dust off). A sports bike that wins a couple of world sportsbike championships. A commuter bike that rivals a Honda for reliability. A generalist tourer or cruiser for the DIY home mechanic (so that, for example, the rear tyre is narrower than a boat and can be changed by a guy with a couple of levers). As it’s such a huge manufacturer and can come up with all these 5/10 year plans, all of these things should be possible. The 2020 product line doesn’t seem suitable for markets outside America. Affordability of parts and mechanics who can service and work on the bikes are also necessary. These HD dudes need to get out to southern Europe and see what and how people ride over there. Bikes were supposed to be about having fun, not impressing the mortgaged-to-the-hilt Joneses next door, nor pretending to be a badass in the vain hope that jailbait admires you on your hawg.

  2. To Bloats and Bikes and Carey, I’m sorry someone stole all y’all’s milk money your senior year, but it’s time to let it go, my gosh! The bikes you describe already exist as they are being manufactured by those respective companies you’ve named. On the contrary, not one of these companies is building a Harley. Try as they may, they’ve attempted to build Harleys but alas have failed miserably. For decades they’ve all tried over and over again to steal, imitate and copy their way into the Harley market and for decades, failed. Markets ebbing and flowing and The Motor Co has and will survive! Maybe one day when you grow up and can wear big boy pants, you will have the privilege of owning an American icon. All the best. Love, the panty buncher.

    1. I don’t think 80% of what you said is factual. nobody gives a damn about jailbait and nobody gives a damn about looking tough. At least not the people I know. If you don’t like it let it go go ride your little Honda boo boo

    1. That’s how I feel. I been riding all my life. Had the Suzuki and learned on a baby 400 Honda. But there’s nothing like riding a Harley ultra limited. I bought my first in 2003. Then 2013. And picking up a 2020 river rock/ vivid black all blacked out ultra. Tomorrow. 8/2/2020. The comfort power handling. Sound system and all the thumbs up from People passing by. It’s a life style Rich from Pennsylvania.

  3. I’m thinking to buy this week SGS 2020 model or RGS
    I’m considering about those bikes which one the best
    Or just wait till 2021 better because her in Sweden
    I have few months only I can ride it otherwise will set at garage. Any change will be on SG models ?

    1. One thing to remember when riding is. Do you do high mileage riding or do you do around town/out of town on weekends. The Road Glide is the best for high mileage riding, fairing is heavy compared to Street Glide. I have owned a 2015 RG and now own a 2015 CVO Street Glide. Hands down the RG was the best bike and that is because I put miles on the bike, comfort, fixed fairing with no buffeting on the helmet, no getting tossed around by semi trucks on long rides. If you do city riding, back and forth to work, short weekend travels I will go with the Street Glide, lighter bike, better looking then the RG and agile. It depends on where you will be going and using the bike for. Best of luck

      1. I’d agree with everything you said ( I’ve had several of each), except for the « better looking SG » I think the Road Glide is their best looking model personally. And if you’re above 5’10, it doesn’t feel like the fairing is in your lap.

        1. I never had any breakdowns or problems either covered by warranty or not. I am on my 6th Harley since 1974.

          Don’t believe everything you read.

  4. I’ve hade a few Harleys and its time to move on. It was fine when I was in my 20s and 30. Now I’m in my 40s and I’m a bit tired of working on them every time I take a trip. I’ve owned 1 2013 Iron Horse I really liked. Miss that bike. Now I have a Honda Furry. I’m starting to enjoy riding again. It feels a little strange not having to work on my bike every time I take a road trip. Some of the guys I go ride with have street glides, road Kings, and 1 has a 1968 shovel. The shovel is nice. Yeah they make fun of me cause I ride a Honda. What are friends for. LoL But at least I’m not working on it all the time. They do get a little upset when people walk up to us and admire our bikes. Specially when they are running. I get more compliments on they way mine sounds over theirs and I just smile and say “ well hay at least you ride a Harley. LoL we all good friends. We just enjoy riding.

  5. There is nothing better than being on the road with my Roadglide. The sound of it., the feel of it, the shifting through the gears, the great look of it. Harley-Davidson the only bike.

  6. Longtime HD owner 40+ years. Owned other bikes too, GoldWing, Yammies etc. The biggest disappointment with Harley, especially the big twins is the damn problematic primary drives. Compensator woes, starter clutches, chain adjusters…all JUNK. Objectively: A gear primary drive is long overdue. My ‘09 Ultra comp went at 19,000. Took out out the starter clutch too, common problem. The only lasting fix is aftermarket parts like a Baker compensator. Harley ought to make improvements instead of bumping the cubes & eye-candy. I will say my ‘07 Roadster has a better (no problems yet at 30,000+ miles) primary (tho still a chain drive) than any big twin. MOST Harley haters prob never owned one. I can criticize because I have skin in the game. I don’t smack any brand “just because”…unless Yugo, Lada, or the likes of Fiat decide to make motorcycles.

  7. People that have problems usually ha
    Ve no clue on proper upkeep which does include either knowing it’s issues or knowing someone that does I’ve seen people come into my shop with easy maintenance and some who think sticking synthetic oil is a magic potion but at least a Harley c an weather that what I’ve seen with foreign bikes is no network for repair high pricing parts hard to get but mostly they don’t get proper maintenance because of their short term durability makes them seem invincible to a fought where timing chains / wear items don’t get repaired at proper times

  8. Remember: there is really only two brands of motorcycles-one’s Harley Davidson, and the other is “why you shouldn’t ride a Harley”. If you’re a Harley guy, like me, ride Harleys.

  9. First brain f#*t, taking your logo off the bar and shield!don’t know about you but I’m proud of the HARLEY NAME!!!Bet the same nut that made that decision was the same one that turned the street Bob into a sick cartoon and axed the Dyna!!!! The Dyna just happened to be the iconic heart and soul image of HARLEY DAVIDSON!!! Any shot of large groups of riders and MC’S will be inundated with shots of proud riders on. WAIT FOR IT,,,,CUSTOMIZED DYNA MODEL HARLEYS!!!! NOT KIDS PUSH TOYS,,NOT E-BICYCLES,,,,NOT CROTCH ROCKETS,,,AND NOT ENDURO BIKES!!!! NO!! IT’S DYNAS AND BAGGERS PEOPLE!!!!

    1. Most dudes I see on HD are over 50 and in my opinion look kinda silly. (Like the old man you see driving a sports car) Harley needs to attract younger riders or it won’t survive. As of Right now their core riders are aging out.

      1. You think you will not get old, so did I. I know guys in there 80`s still riding, I hope you can.

      2. Hey Mr. Fitz, at 69 I’m here to remind you thst this old silly dude was racing a Bultaco at 15. My father rode until he was 86 until his eye sight started to fail and even than that old racer could probably out ride you. So just shut your face dude…

      3. I happen to be one of those dudes over 50, in fact I’m over 60. I log about 25,000+ miles a year, why, because I really enjoy it. For the record, when I get in the mountains, twisties and/or curves, a lot of people a third my age, can’t keep up. As for my friends my age that prefer a slower pace, I don’t think they look silly. Silly is the douche nozzle who thinks we are too old or the individual in a cage dreaming of riding and making all the excuses not to do it. This core rider wants to know how many HDs in your garage? I have several.

      4. You gotta love it.

        People want Harley to change. They make the V-Rod and people complain it’s not a real Harley.

        They come up with the FXDR, too radical, not like a Harley.

        Come up with the Livewire, It’s not really a Harley.

        People complain no matter what. If you don’t like Harley then go buy a frik’n Polaris and hope they don’t dump that bike line like they did their last.

        1. Very true. Every supposed Harley fan is the worst critic of the brand they love. Supporting this company would go a lot further than complaining every time they attempt to satisfy consumers.

      5. Frank Fitz, you’re just a brat now, but you’ll hopefully become old and silly looking too. I’m 62 and can assure you, when you pass 50 other peeps opinions doesn’t matter a bit. I ride my 98 Evo Heritage and my 07 sidecar King with 18″ apes and feel great, cool and silly and you don’t even have a clue…

  10. Here in South East Asia, people ride motorcycle as a cheaper alternative mode of transport. The ratio of bikes to cars may go from 3:7 to 9:1 depending on countries. Harley, Ducati, BMW, Triumph may never beat the Japanese market because they build bikes for enthusiasts. Not for mass market. These top 4 brands are being deemed as a symbol of luxury in motorcycling. They are not household brands. An exotic and envy to ride them in the sea of Japanese mopeds. Car brands like Rolls Royce and Ferrari manufacturing 1000cc hatchback cars to save their brands may have an adverse effect. It isn’t a matter of old guys dying out and not being able to continue their support beloved brand. Younger guys just don’t want to spend a fortune at a young age. Plus their priority in motorsport is taking higher risks. Riders after of riding (if they survived), gets wiser and understands the basic notion of “Live to ride another day.” At a certain age of achieving the typical milestones in life, they just want a symbol that best represents their success.

  11. I’ve had Sportsters and Big twins and the Sportster is FAR more reliable out of the box than a big twin but the but my Dyna fits me like a glove. If Harley wanted to sell me new bike they would have to enlagerge the Sportster design engine/trans and put it on a bigger frame.
    Until then I’m not interested in any of the new bikes.

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