Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750, entry level to whom?! [ROAD TEST]

Three years ago, when the Street debuted, many saw it as the economical HD, destined to take market share in countries whose numbers are becoming increasingly important, but basically it was pointed out as an uninteresting product for the old continent, so much so that the 500 isn't even imported to us. But then, timidly at first, now more decisively with its "Rod" setup, the Street made its way and today, especially after having tried it, we must admit that it has its own dignity and that it is in fact an important piece in the Harley-Davidson range. There are many new features and they affect all aspects, from the engine to the chassis, from its look to the general quality. Let's find out in our road test.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Dark Custom style and greater attention to detail

A new bike with the look of the Street we knew, that's how we could define it. To a less attentive eye it is in fact always her, but a few seconds are enough to recognize the great work that has been done, in all directions. We will have the opportunity to talk about the engine, aesthetically it can be recognized above all from the right side, where a sports air filter makes it look more sporty. However, there is immediate evidence of the chassis and the related great technical innovations.

Different dimensions for frame and fork, two new rear shock absorbers (colored and no longer chrome) which have an external tank, the straight drag-bar handlebar and many other details that make it more aggressive, without forgetting the rear wheel that goes from 15 to 17". In general the finishes are more refined and the Street Rod certainly does not go unnoticed, as one would like from any self-respecting HD. The comfortable saddle is well finished, while its height from the ground rises slightly, also for the different driving position. The fairing and rear light have also been modified, while the front wheel sports a double disc and a fork that loses the gaiters and gains an up-side-down setting. The mirrors have also been replaced, they are no longer traditional and simple mirrors, but an element of style, fixed to the end of the handlebar and can be placed both above and below the grips (in this case they must be reversed).

If some of the purists of the American brand might turn up their noses, we must immediately clear the field of doubts, the Street Rod is a true HD, with details worthy of the most famous models and with a heritage rooted in decades of history. There's no shortage of them either Harley-Davidson branded tires, in this case produced by Michelin, they are Scorcher 21s, while nothing is left to chance. The pipes and electrical cables are well finished and studied, the paintwork is very impressive and also the shape of the pot-bellied tank, rigorously with a chromed cap asymmetrically placed on the right side.

Well hidden between the tubes of the frame is the radiator, narrow and long, which cools the V2 with 4-valve distribution, which not only affects the technique, but also affects the aesthetics of the bike, maintaining an HD style as much as possible.

The circular instrument is very classic, with the large speedometer, the indispensable warning lights and a small display that shows the other data, including a digital tachometer, combined with the gear engaged, which after a "lap" among other information ended up being the default setting we use.

Engine and performance:

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On power and torque, with them also driving pleasure

The engine is also the center of attention, because the750cc High Output V-Twin Revolution makes a mark +18% for its maximum power, as well as +8% of torque, again compared to the “standard” Street 750. It is designed to give its best between 4.000 (maximum torque regime) and 5.000 rpm, but performance and extension are very respectable. Whereas its approx 70 horses align it with the data of an HD 1.200 engine, we are therefore well beyond an 883, which is placed higher in terms of price list than the "small" one from the house.

Delivered at 8.750 rpm, its 70 horsepower give a great boost and make the Street Rod a more spirited motorbike than expected, with a Harley sound, even if the original exhaust cuts his voice a bit, as usual. The merits of such brilliance, but also of an important back and in general of a smooth and pleasant delivery, come from the 4-valve distribution per cylinder and the liquid cooling of the twin-cylinder V of 60°, which have now been accompanied by interventions aimed at further increasing performance.

In addition to complying with the directives Euro 4, there are places for them new camshafts, with a more advanced profile and heads that guarantee a better suction flow. The red zone moves up, with the limiter only intervening at 9.000 rpm, compared to 8.000 on the Street, while the compression ratio has been increased from the previous 11.0:1 to the current 12.0:1. Mathew Weber, Chief Engineer of Harley-Davidson, declared that the desire was to give the "Rod" an aggressive chassis, with new chassis and riding position, as well as a more powerful engine, essential to give this bike a character sporty.

When driving, the effects of the treatment can be felt, the little HD doesn't seem small at all, on the contrary, it has plenty of grit when you dare with the throttle, but maintains the renowned Harley character when you apply the throttle in a more polite way, with the ability to recover optimally even from the lowest regimes. The new air filter, scoop style, the exhaust sound stands out, while the 6-speed gearbox does its job well, combined with a soft clutch, even before power assistance. The vibrations? On a Harley if they were missing it would be a problem, but they are contained and concentrated just above the maximum torque regime, around 5.000 rpm, then they disappear.

Ride and handling:

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Many improvements, but pay attention to the height of those sitting in the saddle

Let's start by fork, because in addition to having been replaced by a "up-side-down" from 43 mm, now has a different inclination and a setting dedicated to the "Rod". Its inclination angle goes from 32° to 27°, a substantial difference, to the benefit of reactivity and more dynamic driving. The changes that led to themaximum lean angle to rise copiously, going from 28,5° to the current ones 40,2° on the left and 37,3° on the right. The riding position is therefore completely new, also thanks to the straight handlebars and the seat which rises to a height of 765 mm from the ground.

The 17" rear gives a decidedly better feeling, while making the 238 kg in running order, radial tires, Michelin Scorcher 21, in size also take care of it 120/70 for the front wheel e 160/60 for the back one. Double 300 mm front disc for the braking system and new rear shock absorbers, now equipped with an external tank to increase the oil capacity from the increased stroke up to 117 mm, complete the picture. Once we get into the saddle we immediately notice a particular driving position, very collected, which intrigues us above all from a comfort perspective, but only after several kilometers will we be able to give our personal verdict.

For the rest the Street Rod appears easy and handy, even in city driving. We then move onto a fast road, where on the one hand it offers decent protection and a comfortable position for the torso, on the other hand our doubts begin regarding the short distance between the footrests and the saddle. In curves, the high footrests provide much more light and scratching them becomes much less easy. We can do it anyway, because the Stret Rod descends well into the bend and encourages you to dare, with an almost unexpected sportsmanship. It handles well thanks to the wide handlebars and is stable even at higher speeds. The defects emerge, at least in our opinion, from a front brake master cylinder which makes braking a little spongy when you ask the system for the maximum, while the ABS does its job well and is never invasive.

The truth, but actually the only major flaw of this bike, is represented by the very compact riding position. We are talking about something very subjective, mainly linked to the height of the person driving it, but above 1.75 m, the knees are bent like on a sports motorbike, but above all, the high platforms force a very narrow torso/femur angle. The worst detail is linked to the right foot, given that the presence of the muffler does not even allow you to lower the heel which is resting on a support on the upper part of the exhaust, a detail which then makes the use of the rear brake a little uncomfortable. Too bad, because the Street Rod for the rest it is very pleasant to drive, in any context. The suggestion, if you are interested in purchasing it, is to try it, to make sure you are "comfortable", or to evaluate an intervention that solves the problem, to avoid looking for a way to lengthen the right leg to remedy such a sacrificed position .

Price and consumption:

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It starts from 8.700 euros, as always plenty of room for customisation

From 7.450 euros for the Street, it rises to 8.700 for the "Rod", which however differs quite a bit, given that it adopts the High Output version of the Revolution Among other things, it offers it as standard Smart Security System, with a key capable of communicating with the control unit, as well as the steering lock integrated into the ignition lock. The Street Rod is available in three colors: Vivid Black, Charcoal Denim and the fascinating Olive Gold of the sample we tested.

As for accessories, as per HD tradition, the list of original spare parts is extensive and allows you to make your motorbike a unique piece. They range from backrests, saddles and bags aimed at comfort and tourist use, to others more linked to aesthetics, such as numerous chromed details or with a refined appearance. You can also mount the LED headlight, but there is no shortage of sports exhausts and almost everything you can think of or want to mount on the Street Rod. The consumption? We detected an average value of around 20 km/l, with a decidedly dynamic driving style, because we wanted to enjoy all the punch of the engine in the High Output version, while the company declares a combined cycle value of 4.3 l/100 km, so not too far off.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Nice look, engine performance, finishes
We do not like it:
Spongy braking, uncomfortable position for heights above 1.75m

Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750: the Motorionline Report Card

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Tester clothing:
Gloves: Dainese Blackjack
Jacket: Dainese Bryan Leather Jacket
Pants: Dainese Bonneville Regular
Shoes: Dainese Street Rocker D-WP
Helmet: Agv K-5 Jet