Harley-Davidson, as a company, has traditionally focused on producing heavyweight cruiser-style motorcycles rather than super sport bikes. There are a few reasons why Harley-Davidson has chosen not to enter the super sport bike segment:
Brand Identity: Harley-Davidson has cultivated a strong brand identity centered around American-made heavyweight motorcycles with a distinct style and sound. Their target demographic tends to prefer the relaxed riding position, the rumbling V-twin engines, and the overall aesthetic of cruiser motorcycles. Entering the super sport bike market would require a departure from their core brand image.
Market Competition: The super sport bike segment is highly competitive, dominated by established Japanese and European manufacturers who have extensive experience and expertise in designing and producing high-performance motorcycles. Harley-Davidson would face significant challenges in trying to compete with these well-established brands.
Manufacturing and Engineering Expertise: Harley-Davidson has a long history of manufacturing heavyweight cruisers, and their expertise lies in designing and building motorcycles of that nature. Developing a super sport bike would require a different set of engineering and manufacturing capabilities, which may not align with Harley-Davidson's existing strengths.
Customer Demand: While there is undoubtedly a market for super sport bikes, it may not align with the preferences and demands of Harley-Davidson's core customer base. The company has traditionally focused on meeting the needs and desires of cruiser enthusiasts, who prioritize comfort, cruising capabilities, and customization options over pure speed and performance.
It's worth noting that Harley-Davidson has occasionally explored different segments and released motorcycles outside their traditional cruiser lineup. For example, they have introduced adventure touring bikes like the Pan America 1250 in recent years. However, at this time, they have not shown a strong inclination towards entering the super sport bike market.