Factory café racer from Milwaukee
Harley-Davidson has caused quite a stir in the motorcycle scene with its new RMCR concept bike. This new concept bike was unveiled at the end of February at the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show in Milwaukee, the home of the well-established US manufacturer. At first glance, it looks like an elaborately built custom bike. However, the RMCR is actually an official project from the manufacturer’s design department, showcasing what a modern café racer from Milwaukee could look like.
Harley-Davidson RMCR
Shortly after the presentation, images of the bike were shared on Harley-Davidson’s social media channels and quickly went viral. The name reveals a lot about the concept: ‘RM’ stands for the brand’s current Revolution Max 1250 engine, while ‘CR’ stands for ‘Café Racer’. The idea of a sporty Harley café racer is not new; the Harley-Davidson XLCR, designed by Willie G. Davidson, attracted attention in the late 1970s. The RMCR reinterprets this concept using modern technology.
In the video, Harley-Davidson’s design director discusses the inspiration and technology behind the new café racer concept. The interview focuses on the technical modifications made to develop this unique motorcycle and its intended use.
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More InformationV-Twin mit mehr als 150 PS
At the heart of the prototype lies a liquid-cooled V-twin engine with a displacement of around 1,250 cubic centimetres, capable of producing over 150 hp. It appears to be based on the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 platform. The engine plays a key role in the chassis. However, the geometry has been redesigned for a significantly sportier look: the bike sits lower, the rear frame is shorter, and the aluminium swing arm is more compact and lighter.
While we can only speculate about the weight of the RMCR, it is likely to be significantly lighter than the Sportster S (RH1250S), which weighs 228 kg ready to ride. Together with the short wheelbase, agile 17″ tyres and Öhlins suspension, this combination is ideal for having fun on the bike.
These sporting ambitions are also reflected in the choice of tires, as the bike is not equipped with sport touring tires, but with genuine Michelin Power GP2 supersport tires. In order to translate this grip into cornering speed, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer opted for a rear-set footrest system, which should ensure plenty of lean angle.
Sporty chassis with Öhlins and Brembo
Harley-Davidson uses high-quality components for the chassis. The upside-down fork and shock absorber, both from Öhlins‘ Black Series, are fully adjustable. There is also a steering damper located between the sporty handlebar stubs. Powerful Brembo brakes are used for deceleration. The RMCR cockpit combines modern technology with classic looks, featuring two round TFT displays that form a contemporary ‘Modern Classic’ dashboard.
Clear accents with carbon and titanium
The concept bike also makes a clear visual statement. Many of the fairing parts are made of lightweight carbon fibre, from the small lamp fairing with a round LED headlight to the short café racer rear that is reminiscent of the XR750. Gold-coloured details provide an elegant contrast. The sporty look is complemented by a specially adapted 2-in-2 Akrapovič exhaust system with rear silencers partly made from titanium. For the production model, however, the rear silencers may require slightly more volume to comply with the current Euro 5+ standard.
Is the Harley-Davidson RMCR coming as a new model?
Currently, the Harley-Davidson RMCR is purely a show bike and a one-off, or a ‘1 of 1’. However, the response to the concept has been so positive that further development into a production model seems entirely possible.
Not every concept vehicle makes it into series production, as demonstrated by recent RevMax projects such as the Bronx, Café Racer and Scrambler from 2020. The situation was different with LiveWire, however, which now operates as a separate electric brand. However, there is a little bit of the Bronx and the “old” Cafe Racer in the RMCR, because the swing arm and wheels look very familiar to us.
Should the RMCR go into production, it would give Harley-Davidson an exciting, powerful and modern café racer to add to its range.
CR for Café Racer – just like in the late 1970s
