Street Rod XG750A: Built to a Standard, Not a Price

By Brett Foote - May 3, 2017

Quick spin on new Street Rod proves reviewer wrong — in a good way.

When any company as rooted in tradition as Harley-Davidson begins to tinker with that tradition, people are going to be angry. That’s just the way things go for any company as iconic as H-D. But as we also know all too well, companies must change as their customers change. Or face extinction. So when Harley began to roll out products like the Street Rod and Street 750, they did it with an eye toward survival.

This is a great move, obviously. The 2017 Street Rod represents the dawn of a new era for H-D, as it’s the first of 50 new models set to debut over the next five years. And it isn’t what one would call a traditional Harley in any sense. It’s more urban commuter than cruiser, perfect for a young city dweller who wants to navigate busy city streets in a stylish manner.

‘The Street Rod doesn’t feel, look or ride like a
cheap product despite its budget price tag.’

But many journalists and Harley enthusiasts have approached the new Street Rod with some skepticism. Take PistonHeads, for example. Their U.K.-based reviewer walked away from the bike somewhat unimpressed. So, you can’t blame him for having low expectations heading into his seat time on the Street Rod. But the newfangled machine proved him wrong, to say the least.

The reviewer lauds the build quality, noting its “lovely paint finish and neat details such as the laser etching on the new mirrors and the Harley logo on the peg’s rubbers.” The 40-degree lean angle and chassis geometry lead to some impressive handling. Overall, he notes that “the Street Rod doesn’t feel, look or ride like a cheap product despite its budget price tag.”

Really the only gripe here is one we’ve already heard elsewhere, and that is in regards to peg placement. Instead of sitting further forward, the foot pegs are closer to the middle. This means your heel sits on the exhaust, which is rather uncomfortable even with the added heat pad. H-D says this move was necessary to save costs. Switching out the exhaust, as most buyers do, should clear that up.

All-in-all, another stellar review for the new Street Rod. The stylish ride continues to win over even the most stubborn traditionalists. Maybe it’s fitting of the iconic Harley badge after all.