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The company said the new bike would have an
engine displacement of 338 cubic centimeters, by far the
smallest-powered engine Harley has ever made and would be sold
in China starting at the end of 2020.
President Trump last year threatened Harley with higher taxes in
response to its plans to move production for European customers
overseas, part of the company's strategy for dealing with
falling sales in its home market and increased costs due to
higher trade tariffs.
Most Harley motorcycles sold in the U.S. are far larger, with
engine capacities of more than 601 cubic centimeters.
The new model will initially be sold in China, one of the
world's largest motorcycle markets, before it is introduced to
other Asian markets.
Harley-Davidson said it picked Qianjiang as a partner based on
its experience developing premium small displacement
motorcycles, supply base and the knowledge of emerging markets.
Qianjiang is majority-controlled by Geely, a Chinese company
that owns the Volvo brand of cars.
The 116-year-old Milwaukee-based company, known for its heavy
touring motorcycles, is trying to boost overseas sales and
scrambling to revamp operations as its mainstay customer base
ages.
The company said in 2018 that it plans to launch lightweight
motorcycles in Asia and electric bikes globally, trying to
revive demand as it faces falling sales in the United States and
the threat of trade tariffs weig
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