The Harley-Davidson 500 might arrive before the 338R/353R
While all eyes were on its 338R (or is it 353R, now?) Harley-Davidson has silently developed a “new” 500, once again with help from its Chinese partner Qianjiang.
Let’s cut to the chase shall we? This motorcycle is essentially the Benellio Leoncino 500 (down to the wheels and calipers) with Harley clothing, i.e., the bodywork, lights and the clock resemble the American firm’s components.
Spotted while it was being tested for emissions in China, the Harley-Davidson 500 could arrive before the 338R/353R as it does seem ready to go into mass production.
The mechanical components are identical to the Benellio Leoncino 500 and this means the Harley 500 will come with a 500cc twin-cylinder engine making 47.5 PS and 46 Nm of torque. The motor will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
Featuring 50 mm inverted front forks and an adjustable rear monoshock, the Harley-Davidson 500 will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 120-section rubber up front and 160-section tyre at the rear.
Twin 320 mm discs at the front clamped by radially-mounted 4-piston brake callipers and a single 260 mm disc at the back with single-piston floating calliper provide the stopping power, assisted by switchable ABS.
