Harley-Davidson has introduced an all-new motorcycle that is set to make its global public debut live in Montreal tonight: the Street Rod. Based on the existing Street series but borrowing from the successful V-Rod platform, the Street Rod is powered by a High Output Revolution X 750 cc engine making more torque through the mid-range and more top-end power, with a higher redline, than the Street 750 motor.
Harley-Davidson also promises sharper chassis geometry and aggressive riding position, as well as upgrades to the suspension, brakes and wheels. Dark Custom styling gives it an edge that sets it in a class above the Street 750.
The Street Rod will be offered in Vivid Black, Charcoal Denim and Olive Gold. We think it’s a good-looking bike for $10,399!
Tune into our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter sites for up-to-the-minute photos from the global unveiling in Montreal this evening!
Mathew Weber, Harley-Davidson chief engineer:
“The Street Rod’s new High Output Revolution X 750 has got hot cams, gas-flowed heads, more
compression and a higher redline. It gets your attention. And we wanted a chassis to match, sharp
handling and aggressive, perfect for urban cut-and-thrust and canyon carving. Its attitude and the
relationship between seat position, rearset footpegs and wide handlebars put the rider fully in
control. The fact the Street Rod looks so good – and very close to our early sketches – gives us all a
real charge too!”
Press release from Harley-Davidson below:
More midrange torque, top end power and an extra 1,000rpm…
The Street Rod’s liquid-cooled, single OHC 8V 60° V-Twin High Output Revolution X 750 engine
produces 18% more horsepower and 8% more torque than the Street 750; peak power arrives @
8,750rpm, with peak torque delivered @ 4,000rpm. It’s tuned to deliver strongly between 4,000 and
5,000 rpm, with strong midrange performance that a rider can feel and exploit in real-world
situations.
It features a larger volume air box and new dual 42mm throttle bodies, new four-valve cylinder
heads and high-lift camshafts, plus a higher-volume exhaust muffler – all designed to increase
airflow and efficiency. Compression ratio is raised from 11.0:1 to 12.0:1 and the redline goes from
8,000 to 9,000 rpm.
Sharper geometry plus new suspension and brakes deliver agile handling
The Street Rod chassis is engineered to match the performance of the engine. The front end features
rigid 43mm USD forks gripped by lightweight aluminium yokes. Fork rake is tightened from 32° to
27° for quicker steering.
New rear shock absorbers feature an external reservoir to increase fluid capacity and maintain
damping consistency; travel is increased 31% to 117mm. The swing arm is slightly longer to
accommodate the taller shocks, with performance-inspired styling.
A new seat shape is designed to hold the rider firmly in place and seat height is raised to 765mm to
enhance the rider’s view forward. The Street Rod also features new forged brake/gear levers plus
aluminium rearset footpegs that aid control and make it easier for more riders to get good ground
reach when stationary. To suit more spirited riding lean angle is increased from 28.5° left and right
to 37.3° right and 40.2° degrees left, with a 205mm ground clearance.
The flat, drag-style handlebar creates an aggressive riding position; new bar-end rear-view mirrors
can be mounted above or below the grips, and feature a patent-pending design that allows them to
fold back without interfering with the rider’s hands.
The Street Rod wears exclusive 17-inch front and rear Open Spoke Black Cast aluminium wheels
and new Michelin Scorcher 21 radial tyres, sized 120/70 R17V front and 160/60 R17V rear; dual
two-piston calipers and 300mm front disc brakes plus ABS deliver powerful, controlled stopping
power. Harley-Davidson’s Smart Security System is standard fitment.
The Street Rod backs up its upgraded engine and handling performance with a liberal dose of
Harley-Davidson Dark Custom styling. Thick, blacked-out forks and triple camps, topped with a
new speed screen (colour-matched to the bodywork except for a black centre insert) add mass to the
front end. A new tail section, with perforated rear mudguard, lightens the rear; the taillight is crisp
LED, as are the indicators.
The raised ride height and 17-inch wheels inject the Street Rod with an athletic stance, while the
new scoop-style air cleaner cover and sharper snap of the exhaust note draw attention to the
engine’s strong design.
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