street750
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 25,202
Likes: 30,162
I've researched quite a bit for a bike for my sister. She is 5' 3" and been riding a while but has difficulty with her Vulcan 900. She's ridden an 883 and did not like it. Several sales guys I've talked to say they would take the Street 750 over the 883. I think HD hit the mark on the 750. I also think the 500 is a dud and will drop out. If the numbers are there they will keep the 750 to continue to compete in that class. I have yet to ride one and I should so I can speak from experience.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 470
Likes: 84
From: wisconsin
back in 70 I drove cross-country on a CB450 ( to quote E Burdon "when i was young..") but i rememeber the 750's where just really making splash here in wisconsin (first year of manufacture was 69) i remember sitting on one back then and thinking "man this is like sitting on a box car!"
but regarding the OP's post i think a 750 would be just fine... the 450 rode me across America
with out a hitch.
but regarding the OP's post i think a 750 would be just fine... the 450 rode me across America
with out a hitch.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 25,202
Likes: 30,162
Out of curiosity I went to a local dealer and rode one today. My initial thoughts are it's really light and fairly torquey. I didn't like the mirrors and some better (louder) exhaust would be nice. You can do a U-turn like a pro on this little bike. For bopping around town I think I could get used to it after a bunch of mods. It rode fine on the freeway at 70 mph, but that was only for five minutes. I'd like to spend the day on one just to see how it really stands up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,017
Likes: 7,139
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
The 500/750 was developed for Harley's "Rider's Edge"program. (Now, Rider's Academy with LP's curriculum.) Anyway, it is designed to be "easy to learn on." And, it is.
Here are some of it's features~
1. Super easy clutch pull
2. Long travel throttle cable
3. "Short reach" levers for smaller hands.
4. Pedal controls closer to the pegs.
5. Low seat height
6. Narrow profile (to keep your knees "in.")
7. Lightweight
8. Insensitive brakes
9. Outriggers easily added or deleted for school or street service.
*Only the 500cc model is used in the "BRT" (Basic Rider Training)
Now, some things Harley didn't think about when designing the 500/750~
1. The rearview mirror locations are worthless. Got this from fellow RC's too.
2. Some things look kind of "cheap" even though they work well.
Personally, I'm glad to see both the 500 and 750 marketed here. As an RC, I see too many people that are on motorcycles that they clearly aren't ready for. Too bad their ego is so fragile.
Yes, I've ridden both models in all kinds of scenarios. They are adequate for their intended purpose.
Here are some of it's features~
1. Super easy clutch pull
2. Long travel throttle cable
3. "Short reach" levers for smaller hands.
4. Pedal controls closer to the pegs.
5. Low seat height
6. Narrow profile (to keep your knees "in.")
7. Lightweight
8. Insensitive brakes
9. Outriggers easily added or deleted for school or street service.
*Only the 500cc model is used in the "BRT" (Basic Rider Training)
Now, some things Harley didn't think about when designing the 500/750~
1. The rearview mirror locations are worthless. Got this from fellow RC's too.
2. Some things look kind of "cheap" even though they work well.
Personally, I'm glad to see both the 500 and 750 marketed here. As an RC, I see too many people that are on motorcycles that they clearly aren't ready for. Too bad their ego is so fragile.
Yes, I've ridden both models in all kinds of scenarios. They are adequate for their intended purpose.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,469
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
It's mind-boggling. Even worse, there are many here who fervently recommend starting on the bike you think you "need".
Rider currently has a 250cc metric: "Don't waste your money on that Dyna, just get the Ultra!".
Good grief.
Rider currently has a 250cc metric: "Don't waste your money on that Dyna, just get the Ultra!".
Good grief.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,396
Likes: 266
From: Southern California
A 750 is certainly enough for a "starter" bike. I remember when my 650 Boneville (not the one I have now, unfortunately) was one of the fastest and best handling bikes around. Then the 750 Honda came out and that was like Holey $h!t . . . 4 Cylinders . . . in a row! I mean OMG how could anyone ever use that much power? LOL
Last edited by Bluehighways; Nov 30, 2015 at 01:52 AM.