EICMA 2013: Harley Davidson Street 750 and Street 500

It was August when Harley-Davidson officially presented Project Rushmore where, incidentally, Customer ideas are placed at the center of the various development processes of the new stars and stripes motorcycles. It is therefore from this philosophy, from this new approach to design, that the new Harley Street 750 and Street 500 were born.

These two new bikes are the progenitors of a new lineage of Harley Davidsons designed to be easy, friendly, at ease even in an urban context. They are equipped with a new V-twin which has been given the naming “Revolution X”. No, no relation to the explosive Revolution of the V-Rods, they only have liquid cooling and the 60° cylinder angle in common. There are two displacements, 500 and 750 cubic centimetres. 6-speed gearbox and belt final in full Harley Davidson style.

The engine is placed in a double-cradle tubular frame narrow and slim, ideal for maximum agility when slalom between cars is necessary and the traffic is crazy. The bikes also offer a lowered seat, new suspension and a wide handlebar that guarantees safety and maneuverability both in tight corners and in rapid movements.

These new HDs want to complete the range of models with affordable dimensions and prices. Be careful though: the whole thing is anything but cheap, on the contrary, the details are pleasant and well studied, such as the beautiful "cafè" style windshield. Furthermore, the fact of being inspired by a style Dark Custom, premium and minimalist, places them at the center of the customization panorama. Practically a “blank canvas” to work on!

From a global perspective, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 and Street 500 will also be manufactured in India, with the exception of those for the US market. The bikes should still proudly carry the “Made in USA” label. And what about Europe? Harley-Davidson Street 500 is not planned for a European version. While for the Street750 we will have to wait next year when it will be delivered to Spain, Italy and Portugal. In 2015 it's Germany's turn.