Cheyenne Suarez

A Harley-Davidson bike is displayed at the opening ceremony of the company's Dirt.Road.Track event in Malaysia from July 16-17. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News

A Harley-Davidson bike is displayed at the opening ceremony of the company's Dirt.Road.Track event in Malaysia from July 16-17.

Article (news)

Harley-Davidson embraces tech as it presents 2025 lineup to Asia

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755244462933motor.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A Harley-Davidson bike is displayed at the opening ceremony of the company&#x27;s Dirt.Road.Track event in Malaysia from July 16-17. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News </div>MANILA — Harley-Davidson’s tech upgrades promise a better riding experience for both long-time bikers and new riders alike, company officials said as the iconic brand unveiled its 2025 lineup of cruisers, touring and adventure motorcycles to Asia.The company unveiled its latest bikes to motoring journalists, influencers, and club riders in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last July, and touted its use of some of the latest technological innovations in the industry.  While Harley-Davidson is a brand that’s more known for leaning on its heritage rather than modern tech, the 2025 lineup shows that the company is looking to broaden its appeal to younger riders who are after more than just legacy and style. Not that the new models lack style–far from it.These are still the same badass-looking machines that have become icons in the motorcycling community. But as Harley Asia’s big boss Mark O’Flaherty said, these new bikes just ride better.HD was kind enough to let us try some of the new models during the fourth edition of “Dirt. Road. Track.” event held at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia last July 16. For one whole day, dozens of riders from all over Asia–including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines– were treated to the Harley experience on pavement, trail, and even the renowned Sepang Circuit track that’s hosted MotoGP and F1 events.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755242916625Harley-Davidson 2025 bikes.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Some of Harley-Davidson&#x27;s 2025 bikes. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/>Some of Harley-Davidson&#x27;s 2025 bikes. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</div>And I came away from the launch event both impressed and somewhat depressed–but more on the latter later.I have to admit, I had never really ridden a Harley before and was a bit anxious at first, considering the difference in size and power of these machines from the motorcycles I’ve ridden. My classic 350cc would probably look like a kid’s bike next to these.But after swinging my leg over the Sportster S and revving it up for the welcome ride, I was surprised at how easy it was to handle. The cruiser-specific forward controls took some getting used to, but it was all smooth riding after that.Harley engineers who briefed us about the new machines said the new models have a lot of fresh features meant to make riding more enjoyable and safe, without taking anything away from what makes these machines so special.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755240920697Harley-Davidson 117 engine.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Harley-Davidson&#x27;s Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News "/>Harley-Davidson&#x27;s Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News </div><div>NEW TECH IN CLASSIC STYLE</div>Foremost was the new Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrains, which give the bikes a bit more punch. According to Harley, the new powerplant delivers 126 ft-lb of torque, compared to the 119 ft-lb in the 2024 version. This was available in the Breakout and Fat Boy, the Low Rider S and Low Rider ST, and the Heritage Classic and Street Bob.All Harleys now also get selectable and customizable ride modes that let riders adjust power delivery, engine braking, and traction control. The ride modes are: Road, Rain, Sport, and Custom which lets riders fine-tune performance to match their style. Selecting and switching between Ride Modes has been made easier with newly designed hand controls.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755241189142Harley-Davidson bikes on track.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Motorcyclists look at Harley-Davidson&#x27;s 2025 lineup of bikes. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/>Motorcyclists look at Harley-Davidson&#x27;s 2025 lineup of bikes. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</div>Harley also made cornering safer with the integration of IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) technology, which ensures that bikes remain stable and maintain traction during cornering, and thus a safer ride.Some of the new models also feature new instrument displays that combine an analog speedometer with a multi-function LCD. All the 2025 bikes also feature all-LED Lighting for improved visibility, electronic cruise control for long-distance rides, a tire pressure monitoring system for enhanced safety, and last but not least, USB-C charging ports, which let riders charge their gadgets while on the road.The Sportster S model also sees improvements in suspension and tech. While it still uses the Revolution Max 1250T engine, which puts out 121 hp and 93 lb-ft. of torque, it now gets a 60 percent increase in rear wheel travel from 2 inches to 3.6 inches. Harley said this was done without boosting the seat height.The Fat Boy meanwhile, also gets an upgraded anti-lock braking system, which provides better stopping power on slippery or wet roads.Harley also announced the 2025 collection of its limited-production CVO or custom vehicle operations motorcycles, which this year offers three models. These are the most premium bikes that HD makes.While other brands have long incorporated these advancements into their bikes, Harley seemed to have been on the fence, as its legacy had always favored raw muscle over refined power. But it’s good to know that the company that builds some of the most revered motorcycles is revving up a new tune.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755241638449Harley Davidson Sportster S.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Filipino motorcycle influencer &#x27;LakwatSerra&#x27; tries the Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2025 sport cruiser. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/>Filipino motorcycle influencer &#x27;LakwatSerra&#x27; tries the Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2025 sport cruiser. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</div><div>RIDE EXPERIENCE</div>As we were ushered into the Sepang Circuit for the ceremonial group ride, my eyes were quickly drawn to the Sportster S. The blacked out aggressive look of Harley’s “beginner” bike called to me.The <a href="https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/sportster-s.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sportster S</a> is equipped with a 4-inch color display, Bluetooth connectivity, and safety features such as Cornering ABS and Traction Control. Riding the Sportster S was an eye-opener. I was expecting this sport cruiser to be heavy and torque-jerky. Instead, the bike felt very light and agile, and had a very smooth power delivery. Cornering was a delight. Speeding up and slowing down seemed almost intuitive, and there’s that very pleasing grunt that reminds you that while this has been refined, it’s still a beast underneath.I rode this bike around the Sepang track and felt right at home in the corners and straights. The only thing holding me back was the idea that if I dropped this bike, I would probably need to sell a kidney for the repairs. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755243473930Harley-Davidson Road Glide.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Harley-Davidson Road Glide 2025. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/>Harley-Davidson Road Glide 2025. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</div>Next was the <a href="https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/road-glide.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Road Glide</a>, one of the models meant for ‘Grand American Touring’ and easily one of Harley’s most premium (and expensive) machines. This tourer was a nice contrast to the stripped-down look of the Sportster. With its huge panniers, iconic Batwing fairing, and massive 12.3-inch touchscreen panel paired with speakers, this was easily the biggest and most luxurious bike I had ever ridden.The Road Glide’s girth made me think that I needed to grow an extra 50 lbs of muscle just to get it out of its stand. But I was surprised at how balanced it felt, and how smooth its power was. On the sharp curves of the Sepang MotoGP track, this massive bike felt confident and quick. If you ever want to cross a continent in style, this bagger is the bike for you.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755243543850Harley-Davidson Pan America.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Harley-Davidson Pan America 2025. Handout"/>Harley-Davidson Pan America 2025. Handout</div>We were taken to the dirt track next and given the <a href="https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/pan-america-1250-special.html?color=m02lb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pan America</a> adventure touring motorcycles. This bike features HD’s Revolution Max 1250 engine, which puts out 150 horsepower and 95 ft-lbs of torque. It is also the most tech-heavy of HD bikes.Smaller riders will appreciate its Adaptive Ride Height system which HD says automatically adjusts the seat height while riding--lowering at stops for easier footing and raising at speed for optimal ground clearance and comfort. I was pleasantly surprised at how this made trail riding on a heavy bike so much easier.It also has 9 ride modes, including Road, Sport, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road Plus. Harley also touts the Pan America&#x27;s set of smart tech that steps in during tricky situations, helping the bike handle traction while you’re accelerating, braking, or slowing down.While I’m a mountain biker and have tried riding trailbikes before, using a 1250cc motorcycle on a dirt track with loose gravel sections and punchy climbs and dips was a new experience. But again HD showed that unless you’re a complete newbie, there’s no need to be anxious when riding the Pan America. This bike danced on the dirt and made quick work of cornering on gravel.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755243794991Harley-Davidson Street Bob.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Harley-Davidson Street Bob 2025. Handout"/>Harley-Davidson Street Bob 2025. Handout</div>After the race track and the dirt track, we were finally ushered onto the road with Harley’s latest cruisers. I gravitated towards the <a href="https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/motorcycles/street-bob.html#design" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Street Bob</a> and its mini-ape hanger handlebars, which simply exuded open-road cool.This was the one ride I enjoyed most: riding at over 100 kph down the scenic, traffic-free roads surrounding KL International Airport, with wind in your face and raw power underneath you. I can just imagine what it would be like taking this bike through the twisties of the Cordillera or the long straights of La Union and Ilocos.  <div>CHARTING A NEW PATH?</div>Harley-Davidson really seems determined to attract new riders who also want tech, comfort and refinement and not just heritage. I guess the problem with heritage is that, while it may appeal to an older fanbase, it’s unlikely that these same older riders will be buying new motorcycles, which is bad for business. At the same time, it wouldn’t do HD any good if it alienates its most loyal fans who love the brand&#x27;s “old school” look and feel.It&#x27;s the age-old dilemma of balancing the need to forge ahead while not neglecting tradition.  Like I said earlier, I came away from the Harley-Davidson DRT event both impressed and depressed–impressed with the bikes, and depressed over how much I would need to save up to get one. Harleys are aspirational machines, and you gotta work hard for what you aspire to have.

The company unveiled its latest bikes to Asian riders last July and touted its use of some of the latest technological innovations.

The company unveiled its latest bikes to Asian riders last July and touted its use of some of the latest technological innovations.