Meet the Harley-Davidson Street 750, a motorcycle engineered to inject modern performance into the classic Harley-Davidson experience, all while maintaining an accessible price point. This model marked Harley’s strategic foray into a broader market segment, particularly appealing to new riders and those seeking an entry into the Harley lifestyle. With its stripped-down, café racer-inspired aesthetics, the Street 750 serves as an excellent foundation for customization, embodying Harley-Davidson’s promise of affordability, nimble handling, and surprising agility.
The Street 750 underwent a comprehensive long-term review by MCN in 2016, with reviewer Alison Silcox documenting over 8000 miles. Her experience provides valuable insights into the bike’s real-world durability and comfort, noting initial discomfort that was alleviated through aftermarket modifications. Notably, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became an available feature in 2016, enhancing safety before the model’s discontinuation in 2021.
Ride Quality and Braking Performance of the Street 750
The Harley Hd Street 750 delivers a remarkably smooth engine performance, making it a genuine pleasure for navigating urban environments. Its power delivery is generous and responsive, ideal for quick bursts between traffic signals and powering out of corners. However, when taken to motorways, the bike begins to feel somewhat strained, with sixth gear acting more as an overdrive for relaxed cruising rather than high-speed acceleration. While maintaining 75mph is comfortable, pushing towards 80mph introduces noticeable vibrations through the handlebars. The minimalist headlight cowl offers minimal wind protection at higher speeds, and in stop-and-go city traffic, the liquid-cooled engine, while an improvement over air-cooled systems, does generate noticeable heat, prompting riders to adjust their leg positioning for comfort during extended periods in warmer conditions.
The initial absence of ABS was a notable point, particularly as European regulations were set to mandate ABS for all new motorcycles over 125cc from 2016 onwards. The front Brembo caliper provides strong and reliable stopping power from the single front disc, effectively bringing the 229kg Street 750 to a halt. The rear brake is equally robust; however, aggressive application of the front brake can easily lead to rear wheel lock-up due to a lack of pedal feel. While this characteristic might be appreciated by experienced riders for controlled skids, it could be unsettling for the novice riders Harley-Davidson aimed to attract with this model.
Revolution X Engine: The Heart of the Harley HD Street 750
While the Harley HD Street 750’s handling and agility are commendable, the true highlight is its innovative liquid-cooled Revolution X engine. This powerplant represents a significant departure from Harley-Davidson’s traditional air-cooled engines. Unlike the characteristic shudder at idle associated with older Harley engines, the Revolution X is considerably smoother and requires higher revs to access its peak performance – a trait unusual for a Harley motor. The engine achieves peak torque of 44ftlb at 4000rpm. While not an overwhelming figure, this torque output is more than sufficient to propel the Street 750 with considerable enthusiasm and pace, making it surprisingly sprightly in urban settings and beyond.
The engine in the Harley-Davidson Street 750
Alt text: Harley Davidson Street 750 Revolution X liquid-cooled engine showcasing modern design and performance.
Reliability and Build Quality of the Affordable Harley
Given its competitive retail price, it’s expected that the Harley HD Street 750 incorporates cost-conscious manufacturing. Although designed in the United States, the Street 750’s production takes place in India. Despite this, the overall build quality feels robust and well-assembled. At the time of its initial reviews, long-term reliability was still under observation. However, with a ten-month market presence in Europe prior to its UK launch, it was anticipated that any initial production issues would have been addressed.
However, insights from Harley-Davidson Street 750 owners’ reviews reveal a number of concerns regarding build quality and reliability. Prospective buyers are advised to consult these owner reviews before making a purchase decision to gain a comprehensive understanding of potential long-term ownership experiences.
Value Proposition Compared to Rivals in the Cruiser Market
The Harley HD Street 750 stands out as a value-packed offering in the cruiser segment. While it may not come loaded with an extensive list of features, the components it does include are of good quality and well-executed for the price point. Despite its affordability, Harley-Davidson incorporated subtle premium touches, such as the iconic Harley emblem on the headstock and the neatly integrated ignition barrel beneath the clock, which contributes to a streamlined and uncluttered cockpit appearance.
Key competitors to the Harley-Davidson Street 750 include the Honda Rebel 500, which is smaller and more budget-friendly; the Ducati Scrambler 800, representing a more premium and stylistically different option; and Harley-Davidson’s own Iron 883, offering a more traditional air-cooled Harley experience within a similar price range.
Harley-Davidson Street 750 fuel tank and clocks
Alt text: Harley Davidson Street 750 fuel tank and instrument cluster featuring minimalist design and Harley-Davidson branding.
Equipment and Features: Keeping it Simple
The Harley HD Street 750’s switchgear and instrument panel are deliberately basic, aligning with its no-frills cruiser ethos. The dash provides essential information, displaying speed and the option for odometer or dual trip counters. For a straightforward, stripped-down cruiser like the Street 750, this level of instrumentation is perfectly adequate. It intentionally omits unnecessary gadgets and complexities, focusing on delivering a pure and uncomplicated riding experience.
The Street 750 was offered in a selection of four colors: Vivid Black, Black Denim, Superior Blue, and Velocity Red Sunglo, allowing for some personalization while maintaining its classic Harley-Davidson aesthetic.
