Posted on 03/10/2017 3:25:55 AM PST by BraveMan
The mid-weight naked motorcycle craze is alive and strong in America. Yamaha has its FZ-07. Kawasaki its Z650. Others have updated previous mid-weights due to this craze, such as Ducati with its Monster 797 and Triumph its Street Triple 675.
Harley-Davidson wants a bigger piece of this market. It’s answer? The 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Rod, which is the third member of the Street family that includes the base 750 and 500.
This Street Rod offers more aggressive styling, and claimed improved handling over the Street 750. The engine’s design was borrowed from XG750 flat track platform, and makes a claimed 18-percent more than the base Street 750, bringing it to around 70 base horsepower.
“The Street Rod will put the thrill in any urban commute,” said Mathew Weber, Harley-Davidson Chief Engineer for the Street Rod. “We’ve paired the potent new High Output Revolution X 750 engine with a revised chassis and up-rated suspension components to make the Street Rod quick, light-handling and easy to ride.”
We’re heading to Daytona Bike Week to ride the new Street Rod, but for now, here are the Ultimate Motorcycling Fast Facts.
(Excerpt) Read more at ultimatemotorcycling.com ...
That’s a Harley?
Of just get the midweight Ducati and it's perfect right out of the box.
“That’s a Harley?”
From the 1st sentence it sounds like HD wants to compete with Yamaha, Kawasaki, Ducati and Triumph in a particular market. IIRC the VROD was developed to compete with the Japanese sport bikes (aka organ donors).
“Needs a proper set of forks swapped in right off the bat though.”
HD would be glad to sell those to you.......for a nominal fee. :)
I notice all Harley’s now have a radiator...like the old Water Buffaloes.
Not a bad looking bike, but 70 HP? Probably pretty torquey. Ive got 5 bikes already. None are Harley. Not sure who they are targeting market wise. Women? Water Buffaloe? My dad had one. I drove it a couple times on some short trips. Pretty cool bike for the times. Very smooth.
I own a Triumph Bonneville T-100. Its got a classic look (think Steve McQueen’s bike in “The Great Escape”) and has is awesome to ride. My only complaint is that the starter sucks. For some reason, the British have never perfected the starter. They must also have trouble with the supply chain ‘cause it takes a long time to get parts too.
This Harley would directly compete with the T-100. I’d be willing to give it a try. However, I feel like I always get dissed or ignored when I walk into a Harley dealership. It may be because I don’t look like the stereotypical Harley customer. That feeling of alienation may be why I haven’t bought any Harley’s so far.
Was going across Mobile Bay several weeks ago when a group of full dresser Harley riders passed me...along with their chase van.
For some reason, the British have never perfected the starter.
Did Lucas manufacture the starter? If so, that explains it.
Why do the British drink warm beer? Because they all have Lucas refrigerators.
Lucas, the Price of darkness.
“I feel like I always get dissed or ignored when I walk into a Harley dealership”
Your not the only one, I’ve heard that story before from guys that have been riding HDs forever. I do own a Harley but rarely do I go into a dealership unless I can’t help it. There’s plenty to choose from at bike trader (and other sources I’m sure) if your not opposed to a pre owned. But the rumors are true, HD bikes and OEM HD parts are expensive, but with HDs there are literally a ton of quality after market parts suppliers. I know a guy that had a Yamaha cruiser and he couldn’t find any accessories for it. Also, Most dealerships now provide test rides and or rentals. That may help you look before you leap.
Pretty anemic for that displacement. The Japanese in line four cylinder 600cc engines have 100 to 125 hp and red line at around 16,000 rpm.
“along with their chase van”
YOU GOTTA HAUL THE BEER SOMEHOW! LOL
I saw a water cooled Triumph with a 2300 CC in line motor a few ago. Looks as if they’ve finally got past the verticle twin mentality.
Norton has a new V-4 bike, based on an italian design.
Drool Ping . . .
When I purchased my T-100, the other two runner-ups were a HD Iron 883 and a Yamaha Bolt. They both had above average rides, but had other problems. I didn’t like the 883 seat and the Harley dealer gave me a hard time about putting in another seat. As for the Bolt, the gauges were very hard to make out in direct sunlight. It was to the point of being dangerous IMHO. I finally decided to give the Triumph a try and glad I did. The ride was much better than either of the other two.
However, had a small mishap 3 years ago and had to wait 1.5 months for the parts to come in. That was a big chunk of the riding season gone. That would not have happened with a Harley. Also, there is a Harley dealership 5 miles away, while the Triumph dealer is 45 minutes away. So, I’m thinking next time I might just bit the bullet and buy a HD.
Before the Triumph, I only rode Hondas. Reliable, but meh. But at least the salesman would not ignore you.
Triumph makes a bike called the Rocket. It looks very bad a$$, but I don’t need that much power. Afraid I’d kill myself.
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/cruisers/rocket/2016/rocket-iii-roadster-abs
Now that I recall, I didn’t like the Yamaha Bolt’s seat either.
The triple is a blast.
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