The Harley-Davidson Street 750 was intended to be a global motorcycle, introducing the brand to new markets with a liquid-cooled engine and a more accessible price point. However, the initial reception was lukewarm, with criticisms focusing on underwhelming performance and concerns about the overall fit, finish, and aesthetic appeal. Harley-Davidson responded to this feedback by introducing the Street Rod in 2017, aiming to address the shortcomings of the Street 750 with a series of notable upgrades. These improvements included enhanced braking with steel-braided lines and dual front discs, a higher level of fit and finish, a slight power increase, and even details like improved bar-end mirrors. On paper, the Street Rod seemed to be a step in the right direction, a Harley that could handle corners with more confidence. However, after spending some time riding the Street Rod, the question arises: did Harley-Davidson truly hit the mark, or does this model still leave riders scratching their heads, especially when considering its predecessor, the Harley Street 750?
Initial Improvements and Lingering Issues from the Harley Street 750
The upgrades from the Harley Street 750 to the Street Rod are undeniable. The braking system is noticeably improved, offering more stopping power and a better feel. The fit and finish are also a step up, presenting a more refined appearance compared to the somewhat basic presentation of the original Street 750. While the performance increase isn’t dramatic, it’s enough to feel a slight difference. These changes suggested that Harley-Davidson was listening to the criticisms and actively trying to create a more appealing and capable machine. Yet, despite these enhancements, the Street Rod presents a perplexing riding experience, primarily due to its unusual ergonomics.
The Ergonomic Enigma: Riding Position of the Street Rod
Motorcycle ergonomics are crucial for rider comfort and control, and the Street Rod’s configuration presents a unique set of challenges. While various motorcycle styles offer different riding postures, from aggressive sportbikes to laid-back cruisers, the Street Rod seems to carve its own path into awkward territory. The foot pegs are positioned higher than typical Harley-Davidson models, which is generally a positive change for cornering clearance. However, they aren’t rear-set like those on a sportbike. Combined with a relatively low seat height, this creates a riding position where the rider’s knees are positioned higher than their hips.
This knee-high riding position is further complicated by the fuel tank’s design. The tank is quite wide, particularly at the rear, forcing the rider’s knees outwards. Unlike sportbikes with sculpted tanks designed for knee grip, the Street Rod’s tank features relatively sharp edges and lacks knee cutouts. This means riders can’t comfortably grip the tank for added control, nor can they easily avoid contact due to its width. For riders with longer legs, this combination becomes particularly uncomfortable and counterintuitive, making the motorcycle feel strangely proportioned.
Suspension Stiffness and Handling Concerns
Beyond the awkward riding position, the Street Rod’s suspension setup also contributes to a less-than-ideal riding experience. While intended to be sportier than the Harley Street 750, the suspension tuning leans towards being overly stiff. Riding on city streets and highways reveals this harshness, with bumps and imperfections in the road transmitting jolts directly to the rider. This stiffness diminishes rider confidence, particularly when considering cornering at anything beyond a leisurely pace. The lack of suspension compliance makes it difficult to assess how the bike would react to mid-corner undulations, further hindering the rider’s willingness to explore the bike’s handling limits. Considering that the Street Rod was also intended for markets where riders might be smaller on average, the rationale behind such a stiff suspension setup becomes even more questionable.
Handlebar Width and Upper Body Posture
The ergonomic challenges extend to the upper body as well. The handlebar on the Street Rod is notably wide, which splays the rider’s arms outwards. This wide handlebar increases the reach to the grips, potentially causing discomfort and strain, especially on longer rides. The combination of the wide handlebar and the lower body riding position creates a sense of being stretched out and somewhat unbalanced on the motorcycle.
Market Positioning and Value Proposition Compared to the Harley Street 750
The intended market for the Street Rod, like the Harley Street 750, was global, aiming to appeal to riders in diverse regions. However, the ergonomic package raises questions about who exactly this bike was designed for physically. The combination of a cramped lower body, stretched upper body, and stiff suspension seems mismatched and doesn’t align with typical rider preferences in any specific market. Furthermore, the Street Rod’s price point, starting at $8,699, places it in competition with compelling motorcycles like the Yamaha FZ-07, Suzuki SV650, and Kawasaki Z650, all of which offer more performance, lighter weight, and often at a lower cost. These competitors present a strong value proposition, making it harder to justify the Street Rod based purely on specifications and price.
Conclusion: Still a Puzzle?
The Harley-Davidson Street Rod undoubtedly represents an improvement over the original Harley Street 750. Harley-Davidson addressed some key criticisms and delivered a motorcycle with better components and a more premium feel. However, the fundamental ergonomic issues and the stiff suspension create a riding experience that feels awkward and less enjoyable than it could be. The Street Rod, despite its upgrades, remains a bit of a puzzle in terms of its target audience and overall design execution, particularly when considering the competitive landscape and the legacy of the Harley Street 750 it sought to improve upon.
