The whole story of Harley’s Streetfighter

In 2019, Harley-Davidson made a splash online when it first announced a new generation of motorcycles that would appeal to the tastes of its growing customer base. The first was the Pan America (Harley’s first production adventure touring motorcycle), which has proven to be a very successful creation to date. The other was the Bronx, a compact streetfighter brimming with power, performance, and character. Both bikes were part of the company’s “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” campaign and were scheduled to launch in late 2020. However, only the Pan America made it to production, and the Bronx project was ultimately pulled. Below is a timeline of what the planned Bronx was supposed to be and why it was taken off the table.

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The Bronx was supposed to be Harley-Davidson’s next-generation performance model

More than just an exciting performance bike for younger riders and enthusiasts, the Bronx should have represented a major turning point in the brand’s focus on its compact Sportster models. The first teaser images of the Bronx gave riders the impression that the focus was on high-speed thrills, modern riding technology, and undeniable street performance on city streets and twisty roads. A perfect choice for the wants and needs of a new generation of riders. Not to mention, it would have been a tempting option for customers looking to squeeze more performance out of a smaller Harley when the only options were the basic Iron 883, Iron 1200, and Forty-Eight models.

The Bronx boasted the Revolution Max 975 engine

For this middleweight streetfighter to write the next chapter in Harley-Davidson’s history, it needs a next-generation powertrain that will put it at the forefront of the competition. That’s where the Revolution Max 975 comes in. It’s an all-new 975cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine designed to minimize weight and maximize power. Rather than being a standalone component, the Revolution Max was integrated as a structural member of the frame to improve its center of gravity and handling. Also part of the package was an internal counterbalancer designed to reduce engine vibration and improve rider comfort.

Harley-Davidson also worked with Brembo to develop a new monoblock four-piston radial brake caliper with sharp edges and smooth curves to reflect the style and attitude of this bike. The Bronx was also fitted with Michelin tires developed specifically for the bike, so it had everything it needed to make full use of its 115 horsepower, whether on winding roads, on the highway or in the city. How many Harleys can say that?

Harley-Davidson Bronx Technical Data

Why was the Bronx project cancelled?

Despite all the hype and excitement surrounding the Bronx and Pan America, Harley-Davidson has decided to move forward with its ADV bike. The Streetfighter concept has been abandoned. A Harley spokesperson announced in 2020 that the company’s main product focus for 2021 was the Pan America and that the chances of a successful launch would mean a halt in production for the Bronx. At the time, Harley-Davidson CEO Matthew Levatich envisioned the company’s “More Roads” campaign to boost motorcycle sales in the U.S. and build a stronger base of riders with new models like the Pan America and its first electric motorcycle, the Livewire.

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In early 2020, the company announced that Levatich had resigned as president and CEO of Harley-Davidson and would end the “More Roads” campaign. On May 7, 2020, Harley-Davidson hired Chairman Jochen Zietz as its new CEO. As part of “The Rewire,” Harley-Davidson streamlined its operations and eliminated 700 jobs worldwide. According to Zeitz, “The Rewire” was a plan to enable the company’s management to make faster decisions and “a strong foundation to drive a high-performing organization in the future.”Unfortunately for the Bronx, it was not to be part of this new future for Harley-Davidson.

How the New Nightster took the Bronx’s place

After a few years, the Bronx eventually faded into obscurity as Harley riders became enthralled with the Pan America and the debut of the Sportster S. With a new chapter of Sportster production, it seems some of the ideas that led to the birth of the Bronx were not in vain. If you look at some of the early Bronx prototype photos, you may have noticed some similarities between this and the next generation Nightster.

They were both designed as part of a new wave of high-performance Sportster models with a strong emphasis on performance and technology. Both feature a four-inch digital display, Bluetooth technology, a new hand control configuration, and a full electronics package. Not to mention, the Nightster currently features the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975 V-twin engine, albeit with more emphasis on low-end power. Although the Bronx itself never made it to mass production, in a way its concept was not in vain, as it helped lay the foundation for what the Nightster is today.

Performance data of the Harley-Davidson Nightster 2024

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Today, the Nightster is considered Harley-Davidson’s best entry-level motorcycle because its size and performance are more accessible and less intimidating for new riders. Additionally, this motorcycle is an attractive proposition worldwide with riding technology and performance potential that advanced and experienced riders can enjoy. The Nightster fulfills the Bronx’s goal of appealing to younger, tech-savvy riders with its appealing tech features.

We can’t help but miss the Bronx, though. No matter how good the Nightster is, it’s not a streetfighter and it’s certainly not suited to hooliganism like the Bronx would have been. Imagine having tons of low-end power on a sporty roadster, something many other naked bikes don’t offer today. It would be a sort of modern version of the XR1200X. We all know how much love that one got, right?

2024 Harley-Davidson Nightster – Special Features

• Revolution Max 975T V-twin engine
• Digital instrument cluster
• Multiple driving modes
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Drag torque slip control system (DSCS)
• Showa suspension