Harley-Davidson's 338cc streetbike to enter production soon

- Design phase completed, next step production

- Will be initially introduced in China by late 2020, followed by India in 2021

- Titled as ‘HD350 Project’, could be used in the final production name

Harley-Davidson’s most affordable upcoming motorcycle, a parallel-twin streetbike being developed in partnership with the China-based bikemaker Qianjiang, has reached the completion of its design phase. The occasion was marked during a signing ceremony where both the companies approved the final design by ‘signing off’ publicly.

With the design aspect out of the way, the next successive step would be the production of this motorcycle, which according to the deal will be handled by Qianjiang. No image or teaser of the streetbike's final design has been revealed. However, the sketches released by the American bike manufacturer back in June, give us a clear indication that the upcoming 338cc parallel-twin motorcycle is heavily based on the current Benelli 302S. The bikes share the same trellis frame, motor, swingarm, suspension and braking components.

As for the engine displacement, Harley had previously revealed that the motor will be a 338cc unit derived from combining the 45.2mm stroke from the 302S’s motor and a large 69mm bore from the 500cc twin unit that powers the TRK 502 and Leoncino 500 models. That said, it is apparent that the 302S will also progress from a 300cc to a 338cc mill later.

At the time of the design signing ceremony, the upcoming Harley was referred to as the ‘HD350 project’ which gives us a strong indication that the title ‘HD350’ might become the production model’s final name. However, all that remains to be seen later.

With the production of the motorcycle scheduled to be carried out in China, one can expect the motorcycle to hit the Chinese market by late 2020 while it may arrive on the Indian shores by 2021.

Image courtesy: newmotor.com.cn