Few models in the American motorcycle industry have sparked as much interest and conjecture as the Harley-Davidson Bronx. This bike signified Harley’s bold foray into the street naked bike market, offering the brand’s signature blend of performance and style. However, despite the fanfare and the near-production-ready concept exhibited to the world, the Bronx never went into production. This made many devotees speculate about its potential. While the official Bronx remains a “what if,” some clever individuals have taken it upon themselves to make a variation of this vision a reality. Powerbrick Performance, based in the Netherlands, has redesigned the Bronx by starting with the Harley-Davidson Pan America. Let us go into the details.
The Custom H-D Pan America: A Stripped-Back Design
Adventure-touring motorcycles, like the Pan America, typically feature large, robust designs for wind protection and road presence. However, streetfighters need a more streamlined and aggressive look. Powerbrick Performance aimed to achieve this with their custom creation. The Pan America’s OEM fairing has been significantly reduced, removing the windscreen and upper section, leaving behind the fierce all-LED headlight and shark-nose nacelle. The headlight and TFT instrument cluster are now mounted on a custom bracket since they originally resided in the top half of the fairing. The fuel tank remains unchanged, save for a new billet aluminum filler cap.
The Tail Is Even Crazier
Powerbrick Performance did not stop at the front. The rear of the bike got a more drastic change. The original subframe, seat, and panels have been replaced with a completely customized layout. The tail portion is supported by a new bolt-on subframe painted a bright crimson. This is topped with simple panels manufactured of a carbon composition using 3D printing. The small LED turn signals are tastefully integrated into the new tail panels, beside the conventional brake light. The look is enhanced with a sleek and sporty livery. The bike is mostly encased in a Spirit Silver color inspired by Aston Martin, with red inlays on the tank, fairing, and subframe. Even the braided brake lines and mono-shock are red, enhancing the sporty appearance.
Small But Significant Mechanical Changes
The now-defunct Bronx concept was supposed to feature the Revolution Max 1250 engine, the same powerhouse found in Pan America. Powerbrick has kept this 1,252cc, V-twin engine, which produces 150 horsepower and 95 pound-feet of torque, largely unchanged. However, they have added a custom exhaust system with a Powerbrick muffler and fully stainless steel headers. This modification should result in higher performance due to the reduced weight compared to the stock exhaust. The bike retains its advanced electronics, including traction control, hill hold control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, TPMS, Drag Torque Slip Control, electronically linked braking, and rear wheel lift mitigation.
Powerbrick replaced Pan America’s dual-purpose tires with Pirelli Angel GT street tires. These new tires, together with Venhill brake hoses, allow the custom bike to tackle tight curves with ease. The ergonomics have also been updated to reflect the bike’s athletic objectives, with a unique handlebar mounted on new risers and a flat, supermoto-style leather saddle with diamond stitching. The wheels were acquired from a Pan America 1250 Special. Although alloys would have been better, the cross-spoke wheels provide a unique design that complements the bike’s silver paint. The Brembo calipers, disc brakes, and electronic Showa suspension are unchanged.
The Custom H-D Pan America Will Go On Sale in Europe
This custom Pan America isn’t just a showpiece; it’s available for purchase. However, to get your hands on one, you’ll need to head to the Netherlands. This unique motorcycle is being sold through the Harley-Davidson Rotterdam dealership’s online portal. Alternatively, you can contact Powerbrick Performance directly to commission a similar custom bike. Both options will be costly, especially considering the base Pan America 1250 Special starts at $19,999. But for those yearning for something close to the elusive Harley-Davidson Bronx, this custom creation offers a compelling alternative.
Conclusion:
The Harley-Davidson Bronx remains one of the most intriguing “what ifs” in the motorcycle world. Although Harley-Davidson decided against bringing it to market, the spirit of the Bronx lives on through the ingenuity of Powerbrick Performance. Their custom Pan America, with its stripped-back design, custom tail, and significant mechanical tweaks, offers a glimpse of what the Bronx could have been. This bike stands as a testament to the creativity and passion within the motorcycle community, proving that even when manufacturers pull the plug, enthusiasts can still bring dreams to reality. Whether you’re a fan of vehicle reviews, seeking car buying tips, or simply intrigued by new car releases and used car reviews, the story of the Harley-Davidson Bronx and its custom counterpart is a fascinating chapter in the world of motorcycles. For those interested in the latest in-car technology and maintenance tips, this tale also underscores the innovation and dedication that drive the automotive industry forward.
