Harley to reinvent the Buell Blast?

IF the latest internet rumours are to be believed then Harley might be on the verge of launching a 500cc single-cylinder machine to add a new lower-echelon to its range and entice novice riders to the fold.

While a single from the firm that's synonymous with V-twins might sound odd, in fact the pieces are all in place. Harley may have closed down its old Buell subsidiary, but it's still got access to the 500cc single that powered the rather dull Buell Blast so it wouldn't be a tough job to stick it in something that looks more like a conventional Harley.

Will it happen? Well some forum users claim their dealers have confirmed it to them, so there's a chance. It certainly makes sense if the firm's looking to expand into a new market area without spending a fortune on development.