It was nearly two years ago we revealed Harley-Davidson was to reintroduce the Street Rod name, which last appeared on a V-Rod-derived bike in 2007. But we didn’t expect the new generation to be quite like this.
Far from being a muscular, high-performance Harley sitting near the top of the range, the new Street Rod is an entry-level machine based around the water-cooled Street 750.
Packing a High Output version of the Revolution X 750cc engine, with 18 per cent more power (about 50kW at 8750rpm) and torque up eight per cent compared to the Street 750, the Street Rod will be one of Harley’s least expensive machines.
Ditching the usual cruiser looks for something a little more aggressive and up to date, it’s got sportier geometry than the Street 750 as well.
With 17-inch wheels, dual 300mm discs up front and an upside-down fork, its head angle is steepened from 320 to a sharper 270. Remote reservoir rear shocks increase suspension travel 31mm and help raise the seat by 104mm to 757mm.
Lean angle is also improved with 37.30 right and 40.20 left.
The engine has increased compression, redesigned heads and high-lift cams, raising the redline from 8000rpm to 9000rpm.
First bikes are expected to arrive late May, with pricing confirmed at $12,995 ride away. That’s $3000 more than the entry-level Street 500, but around $3K less than the cheapest Sportster models.
By Ben Purvis
