Menus
- Roadstom or Custer: between two saddles
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Motorway and expressways
- Departmental
- Part-cycle
- Braking
- Comfort / Duo
- Consumption
- Conclusion
- Colors
- Availablity
- Harley-Davidson Street Rod Video Test
Roadstom or Custer: between two saddles
A variation of the Street 750 model, the Harley Davidson Street Rod leaves the custom in the locker room and opts for a roadster style. They thus adopt part of the codes and equipment, without renouncing, or choosing, totally between its lineage and its originality..
By unveiling its entry-level model, the Street 750 last year, Harley Davidson was making some surprising choices. Almost revolutionary, in the true sense of the word. Thus, built in India, the machine was equipped with a brand new twin-cylinder of only 750 cm3 cooled by liquid. Isolated in a range and universe with inflexible codes, the machine struggled to convince. To support its concept more specifically intended for young people, beginners or bikers wishing to discover the brand in a more accessible way, the Milwaukee firm is offering it in a roadster version, the Street Rod.
More dynamic in both style and action, the novelty is a charming urban machine. It is around Malaga, Spain, that we take control of the new generation rebel.
Discovery
On a common basis, Harley Davidson has been able to effectively develop a machine significantly different from its first opus. Like the latter, European models are made in India for the world and in America for the USA. And the novelty is eligible for the A2 license.
The general appearance is clearly more roadster and somewhat reminiscent of the XR 1200 X, aesthetic heir to the queens of Dirt Track. With its compact line and red shock absorber springs, the little Harley clearly stands out from its predecessors.
It is therefore the dynamism that speaks first, the Street Rod displaying clean lines and being equipped in a conspicuously more modern way. It is first of all a profiled headlight cover surmounting a non-adjustable 43 mm inverted fork that catches the eye..
This front-tilted steering gear precedes a large 13.1-liter tank with an almost flat top. In its extension, a large padded saddle precedes a passenger folding seat topping an enveloping rear shell. This stern, concluded with a LED light with an elegant and modern design, incorporating the Harley logo, gives the American a real identity of a muscular roadster. A feeling reinforced by the adoption of a large profiled side air intake, with the mesh opening on the right side. On the other hand, the regulator is discreet under its shiny black cover.
The whole is based on a most classic architecture but significantly revised to follow the active claims of the model.
More dynamic, the Harley Davidson Street Rod benefits from a barely modified double cradle frame, carrying the V-twin High Output Revolution X, of 749 cm3. Liquid cooled, the block benefits from numerous optimizations aimed at improving gas circulation, compression and therefore general efficiency. Thus, set at 60 °, the twin cylinder with the bore stroke ratio of 85 x 66 mm adopts Mikuni butterflies of 42 mm and new cylinder heads with 4 valves per cylinder. The camshaft profile is more aggressive, allowing greater and longer lifts. Also, the air box is enlarged and the exhaust silencer more voluminous. Thus, the compression ratio goes from 11.0: 1 to 12.0: 1 and the maximum speed gains 1,000 revolutions, reaching 8,750 revolutions / minute. A value where we find the maximum power, increased to 69 hp. Also increased, the torque increases to 6.5 da.Nm at 4000 rpm. That is 20% and 8% respectively more performance compared to the Street 750 model.
A balancing shaft limits the vibrations of the block and the belt transmission ensures discretion and failure of daily maintenance..
In order to improve the behavior of his machine, Harley refines the geometry of the "Rod". The column angle is reduced from 32 ° to 27 ° for better handling, but the swingarm has been lengthened slightly. However, the wheelbase is reduced by 10 units with 1510 mm and the ground clearance still gains 60 mm. !
Intended for more sustained developments, the rear suspensions go to the next level with shock absorbers with external reservoirs and greater travel (31%) adjustable in preload.
The set prose on 17-inch cast aluminum rims fitted with Michelin Scorcher 21 radial tires in 120/70 and 160/60. Stylish detail, they incorporate the Milwaukee logo on the sides of the tread…. To stop their rotation, two double piston calipers pinch 300 mm discs at the front. The opposite retarder is exactly the same type and ABS takes care of everything.
Pleasantly designed, the Harley Street Rod effectively heals its dynamic style with its red shock absorber springs and massive air intake. In addition, the successful integration of the radiator in the front of the frame keeps it an acceptable family resemblance. All the finishes are of the same type, hoses and cables finding a path or hiding places keeping the American a rewarding presentation. Finally, the fit of the elements and the coatings of the metal parts are of good quality and the Street Rod admits a weight of 238 kg.
In the saddle
There are also significant changes in ergonomics compared to that of the Street 750 model, the Street Rod affirming a more roadster positioning. Thus, the topstitched and padded seat goes to 765 mm from the ground (instead of 720 mm). The footrests are set back and the handlebars are Drag bar style. The set gives the pilot a more forward position. Or rather, leaning forward, because the pelvis remains quite far from the hanger, behind the long and wide tank. The latter clearly spreads his legs while the knees rise above the can…. A special posture, leaving the right foot resting on the collector protections but the left heel without support.
Under the eyes, a single counter dominates the upper tee, composed of an analog tachometer incorporating a small digital window. This scrolls through a button the odometer, two partials, the clock and a combined display gear engaged / engine speed. Finally, there is a switch placed under the instruments and not on the left side of the machine.
In the city
From the start, the V-twin admits a rather muffled roar, quite far from the staccato of the Sporster 1200 openers. Likewise, the mechanical life is discreet and the machine hardly vibrates, leaving the pretty mirrors at the end of the handlebars free of vibrations. Sound, the box locks without difficulty but very often struggles to give the neutral point. Likewise, the gear indicator engaged takes a long time to display its data. More pleasant, the remarkable engine availability allows urban evolutions in sixth at 1,700 rpm. And, controlled, the injection avoids jerks when going around. We then stroll quietly along the main city roads.
On the intermediaries, the Street Rod shows a marked dynamism and quickly revives, moving with ease in the Iberian traffic. Stable and well balanced, the American fits there naturally. Long and with a wheelbase of 1,552 mm, the Harley sometimes requires a bit of engagement in low-speed maneuvers. Thus, the U-turns are not his favorite figures but remain manageable on a daily basis. But if the low seat allows good support to the legs, the footrests sometimes interfere with movement..
Polished and pleasant in town, the Rod also likes to stretch the connecting rods at a faster pace, towards a less crowded horizon. She then reveals another facet of her character.
Motorway and expressways
Spreading out into multiple tracks, the little 749cc V-twin is capable of astonishing performance. Pushed into the turns, it reveals another face, roaring furiously to tease the over 180 km / h in fifth gear. A surprising dynamism. Hardly pleasant to support for the pilot in flag configuration, this gait however highlights the good stability and correct heading of the machine at high speed..
In legal terms, the Street Rod is set at 4,900 rpm, providing acceptable driving comfort, despite a position that is not suited to long-distance sailing. In addition, the twin still vibrates significantly on a short and high frequency…. We would prefer, therefore, to take less numbing routes.
Departmental
Mainly dedicated to urban travel according to the Milwaukee firm, the Street Rod does not hesitate to travel the countryside. On its handlebars, two pilotings are possible. The first is conducive to contemplation, in the usual way of Motor Company machines. Stalled on the last gear, the secondary network is then wound between 3 and 4,200 turns. It is on this beach that the mechanics are most charming in the "Davidsonian" sense of the term. We then find a sound reminiscent, a little, of those of its sisters with air-cooled engines. The block also lets through more pleasant, longer vibrations, without tingling. Large, the handlebars allow effective downforce to guide the machine smoothly. We then take advantage of the best of this unexpected compromise, the custom aspect then taking the advantage. And the road then passes serenely under the wheels, saddle and suspensions combined with the round character of the block for a playful getaway. However, the position of the legs, apart and raised and the feet difficult to position in the long run can lead to the second piloting…. much more dynamic.
Because, yes, the Harley then becomes a roadster, a little, muscular. It is beyond 6,000 rpm that the transformation appears, the V-twin then pushing the Street Rod stubbornly to the red zone. We all appreciate the 1,000 additional revolutions allowed by the evolution of the block. On the winding track dominating the Spanish coast, the little Harley pushes the big Sporster 1200 ahead of me, which can struggle neither in engine nor in ground clearance. And even a few local bikers perched on more sporty machines are paying the price for this liveliness. Admittedly, it is then necessary to trajectory and anticipate the curves, even with a ground clearance clearly greater than that of the Street 750. Otherwise, the collectors, preceded by the footrests, can also rub the asphalt during cornering. too pronounced. Taken with precision, the "Rod" shows a good facility to switch from one side to the other, well helped by its riding of Michelin Scorcher 21 with a fairly round profile. Their grip contributes to the dynamic approval, ensuring the machine passages in curves without problems. Likewise, the tonic raises (any proportion kept) at high speed on the angle did not move the American..
We will be more vigilant on the cycle part always a little typed. Thus, the damping that is too soft at the front and too much braked at the rear nicely unbalances the frame in intensive use. Frank, the front axle moves however in bends on the joints and bumps. Likewise, taking the brake lever sharply straightens the machine. Fortunately, the rear retarder is very powerful. Almost too much elsewhere and we will press the command gently.
This high rate underlines a general philosophy still largely dedicated to measured management. It is therefore in an in-between that we will make the best use of the Street Rod, benefiting, if necessary, from an efficient engine power..
Part-cycle
Although heavily redesigned, the cycle part still admits a typical design. Long and low, the machine leaves its pilot quite far from the handlebars on suspensions with perfectible tuning. The machine requires a smooth and considerate piloting to give the best of its pleasure.
Braking
The front calipers provide a changing consistency, sometimes dense, sometimes looser. They are coupled with a rear retarder much more convincing and almost too powerful. Its implementation requires a certain measure but the ABS ensures efficiently at all times.
Comfort / Duo
The pilot seat compensates for a certain dryness of the rear combined on large compressions. More sparingly sized, the passenger seat will limit travel with an accompanying person, the latter having to deal with an equally unnatural position and the absence of handles. It is especially the ergonomics which weighs on the comfort on long journeys (more than 50 km). The position of the legs and feet can be confusing and tiring.
Consumption
We could not judge precisely the thirst of our mounts. Our first estimates are about 5.3 liters per 100 km but should be lower in normal use.
Conclusion
It is therefore a Harley Davidson roadster that the Motor Company offers. Aesthetics, ergonomics and dynamics make it leave the rank of customs. However, the brand’s DNA is still being felt in motion and we would have finally wished for more "sporting" bias. If the driving posture requires habit or abnegation, the two-sided V-twin is surprising if not really charming. It efficiently powers the Street Rod and allows the pilot to play on two planes, contemplative or dynamic. Priced at 8,490 € in black and 200 € more in color, the novelty offers an assertive and quirky style, breaking with that of its predecessor Street 750. The latter is displayed at 7,450 €.
More efficient in cycle parts and impactful in aesthetics, the Harley Davidson Street Rod is a motorcycle apart to ride different and access the legendary American brand.
Strong points
- Efficient styling
Belt drive
Saddle comfort
Relevant ABS
Belt drive
Weak points
- Uncharming mechanical personality
Slightly dry rear damping
Granting of suspensions
The technical sheet of the Street Rod
Test conditions
- Itinerary: small varied roads + interurban highways with a bit of town
- Motorcycle mileage: 300 km
Colors
- Vivid Black
- Charcoal Denim
- Olive Gold
Availablity
- Immediate
Harley-Davidson Street Rod Video Test
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