Harley-Davidson launches the new Roadster model in the Middle East and Africa, shaped by nearly 60 years of heritage and stripped to the essential elements of a pure riding machine. The new model joins the Dark Custom lineup with a minimalist design inspired by classic racing motorcycles and current trends in stripped-down, naked custom bikes and a profile reminiscent of racing Sportster motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s.

“Since its introduction in 1957, the Harley-Davidson Sportster has proved capable of constant reinvention, and the Roadster writes a new chapter in that story,” said Harley-Davidson Director of Styling Brad Richards. “We’ve watched our customers take the Sportster in so many different directions. The Roadster is a mash-up of styling genres, but the intent was to build a rider’s motorcycle, a Sportster that’s lean and powerful and connects the rider to the road.”

The torquey, aircooled 1200cc V-Twin engine is joined by a revised suspension, as well as 19″ front and 18″ rear cast aluminium wheels. The suspension comprises new 43mm inverted single-cartridge forks with tri-rate springs, gripped in robust triple clamps and rear suspension featuring gas-charged emulsion coil-over shocks and tri-rate springs with adjustable pre-load. Stopping power is highlighted by standrad ABS and dual floating rotors on the front wheel. The low-rise handlebar is also new, as are mid-mount foot controls.

In keeping with the Harley-Davidson Roadster’s stripped-down styling, the rear fender has been clipped shorter than previous bobbed Sportster fenders. The slotted belt guard and muffler shields mimic the lightening holes drilled through race-bike components and a single 4″ diameter instrument tucked low in front of the triple clamp features a sweeping analogue tachometer with an inset digital speedometer. Rear turn signals mounted directly to the fender struts, a new license plate and rear lighting module, and fast-back seat design give the rear of the bike a tight and uncluttered look.

The Harley-Davidson Roadster model will be offered in four color choices – Vivid Black with a charcoal denim pinstripe; Black Denim with a red pinstripe; Velocity Red Sunglo with a red pinstripe; and two-tone Billet Silver/Vivid Black with a burgundy pinstripe.