The Harley-Davidson Street Rod is the newest addition to the MoCo’s Street lineup.
Powered by a hot-rodded version of the liquid-cooled 749 cc Revolution X V-twin, the Street Rod looks a lot like a scaled-down V-Rod, for riders on a budget. The upgraded powerplant redlines at 9,000 RPM (up from 8,000 RPM); max power is just over 68 horsepower at 8,750 RPM (up 18 per cent) and just over 47 ft-lb of torque at 4,000 RPM (up eight per cent).
The engine’s increased performance comes from improved airbox and muffler, as well as new throttle bodies, cams, and four-valve cylinder heads. Compression is now 12.0:1, up from 11:0:1.
Harley-Davidson didn’t stop with engine upgrades. There’s a new dual-disc brake setup up front, with 300 mm discs (ABS is available as an $860 option). The chassis was also tweaked, with rake changed from 32 degrees to 27 degrees. There’s also a new, longer swingarm, and the rear shocks supposedly have more travel (4.6 inches, Harley-Davidson says). There’s also a new 17-inch rear wheel, replacing the 15-inch unit (front wheel is a 17-incher too).
The standard telescopic forks found on the Street 500 and Street 750 have been replaced with USD forks.
All these changes mean the new Street Rod has a lean angle of 37.3 degrees on the right and 40.2 degrees on the left. The standard Street 750 has a lean angle of 28.5 degrees. The changed bodywork (new seat and tank) mean the rider now sits further forward, too, changing handling due to revised weight distribution.
Weight “in running order” is listed at 234 kg, up 12 kg from the standard Street 750; no doubt the upgraded brakes account for much of that weight. Fuel capacity is 13.1 litres. Unladen seat height is 765 mm.
The Harley-Davidson Street Rod will have a Canadian MSRP starting at $10,399; for reference’s sake, the closest competitor (Indian Scout Sixty) is priced at $10,999. Canadian buyers can pick from Vivid Black, Charcoal Denim (+$350) or Olive Gold (+$350)paint. A security system is a $455 option.More details, photos, and specs are available at Harley-Davidson’s Canadian website.
GALLERY
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I just like a girl who can judge quality, grace and style.
This is exactly what the “Streets” should have been in the first place – and at a price point at or lower than most comparable Triumphs and Scramblers while not being assembled in Thailand.
Seeing it backed by a strong dealer network helps its chances too. And its near 70hp shows well against 54hp Street Cups, though it remains heavier than it should be,
Looking forward to the first test.
I would really like to have seen Hardley-Ableson come up with a good bike in this style: Call it a “streetfighter” or a “hooligan” bike, wrap it up in a comfortable upright riding position and give it really good performance. Something really exciting that blows away the competition.
But this? Mid fifties horsepower and low 500s in pounds? That’s 1978 GS750 territory. Not a bad bike in its day, but that was 29 years ago!
I’ve seen reviews that claim that this is to go up against the Triumph heritage twins and the little Guzzis so we shouldn’t consider comparing it to “performance” motorcycles: But those “heritage specials” are niche bikes and they are getting improved power to (and beyond) what HD is offering. Clearly Triumph and Guzzi have heard from the buyers that they need power: The new Guzzi V9 has about 55HP, compared to 40HP in the old V7, and Triumph is moving to a 1200 engine with a LOT more power.
Don’t think of comparing it to the Yamaha FZ-07: Not at that price point. The FZ-09 kicks it’s butt in every category.
Don’t think about comparing it to the Ducati Scrambler: That has about 10-11 more horsepower (at the back wheel) and a hundred pounds less weight. And while the HD badge may attract the surgically enhanced bimbettes, the sort of ladies attracted by the Ducati badge carry fewer viruses and daddy issues.
So HD has a heavy “standard” with low power and all the farkles you can afford. The Japanese and Europeans have better, faster, lighter, less expensive bikes with plenty of character and style. HD is VERY late to this party: That’s not good.
HD, go and remake “Easy Rider”. It’s the ONLY way to drum up new business.
“And while the HD badge may attract the surgically enhanced bimbettes, the sort of ladies attracted by the Ducati badge carry fewer viruses and daddy issues.”
Uhm. If you’re choosing your partners based on their brand affiliation, you’re doing it wrong. Good grief.
Well, I for one think it looks really good and it seems H-D has made some serious improvements over the base model. It’s a move in the right direction, IMO, but whether it will sell remains to be seen.
At last! A Harley for the 21st century! Now how about a 900 cc version to replace the medieval sportster?