[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/44518316554/[/flickr]
Engine is very torquey, lifts a wheel in no time
Performance – The Harley-Davidson Street Rod gets the same powerplant as the Street 750. But the motor runs on a slightly higher compression ratio making slightly more power and torque. Harley-Davidson has had a habit of keeping the power figures discreet while displaying only the torque figures. However, we know the sources and the motor produces 68.4 BHP of power at 8750 RPM and 62 Nm at an early 4000 RPM. This is almost 10 BHP and 3 Nm more than the Street 750. The higher output Revolution-X V-Twin motor revs very quickly and redlines at 9200 RPM. The 42 mm Mikuni Twin-Port fuel injection system ensures a great throttle response too. The power delivery is very raw and there are no electronics like traction control to keep things calm.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/44518313694/[/flickr]
With a different tune, this motor has a higher output than its sibling
The stock exhaust note is quite engaging for the rider, however for others, it’s rather quiet for a 750cc V-twin
There are no gizmos like a slipper clutch on the Street Rod. The 6-speed gearbox feels quite hard to use at first but it has a sweet shift spot between 4000-5000 RPM. The clutch is very heavy but at the sweet spot, the Street Rod can handle clutchless up-shifts. First gear tops out at 75 km/hr while in second gear, it takes the bike to 110 km/hr. However, the engine runs smoothly even in sixth gear at 70 km/hr. There is no harshness but vibrations can be felt as soon as you get going. The noise isn’t too much as the stock exhaust isn’t very loud. One will have to source an aftermarket exhaust to enjoy the V-twin rumble.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/45240495501/[/flickr]
Straight-line stability is well assured, it can do triple digit speeds
Riding Dynamics – The Harley-Davidson Street Rod has vivid ergonomics making it less desirable to all. But once the rider gets used to the dynamics, it will come as a surprise. The Street Rod has the best cornering clearance of the complete Harley-Davidson line-up. The rake angle is reduced by 5 mm making it very happy to tip into corners and it holds the line really well. The harder suspension setup also aids for superior feedback but it’s way too hard to deal with on Indian roads. The 43 mm USD forks at the front absorb big bumps nicely but translate those small undulations to the handlebar. It’s the same case with the rear suspension too. However, with a pillion, things get mellowed down at the rear.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/44518316014/[/flickr]
Tips into corners very quickly, handles like a gem
Rides like a street-fighter while having all the aesthetics of a street oriented cruiser
The Street Rod weighs 238 kgs which is 5 kgs more than the Street 750. However, you don’t feel the weight at all once you get going. But you can feel the weight while manoeuvring through traffic at slow speeds and under heavy braking too. The twin discs at the front have a very sharp bite but the feedback on the levers isn’t great. The rear brakes too don’t have much of a feedback, however, the ABS works brilliantly and the bike stops when needed. The 120 section front tyre along with 160 section rear tyre on the Street Rod come from MRF. They grip well in dry but aren’t the best if you encounter wet or gravel patches.
