2014 H-D Street 750 First Road Test
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,773
Likes: 38,456
From: Post Falls, ID
Honestly, as a concept, it is great... It's the execution where it really disappoints... I was personally expecting much more from HD than what they have delivered... They have compromised on the quality and substance to meet the cost... I'll probably get one eventually, but only after they may update it and make it more at par with the current models in the lineup, quality wise.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 669
Likes: 4
From: Rockwall,TX
Any word on who is building these things yet? I would imagine since they chose Italy to launch a new bike that it would not be built here …….never mind answered my own question Kansas City and India http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/11/12...nd-street-500/
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Here's the problem as I see it. Harley wants to build bikes that will attract new/young/hip/urban/whatever types. But they built something that the average current Harley rider thinks is a joke. Harley doesn't have enough of an image with the younger generation to sell something the rest of the Harley community doesn't see as a "real Harley." When people say, "you typical Harley guys just don't get it," that is a PROBLEM for this motorcycle, not a feature. We should "get it."
Kids these days aren't going to buy something that makes them not only an outcast among their peers who are into more typical bikes that are better marketed to that generation (sport bikes) but also with other Harley riders. This bike fits in nowhere. As "punk rock" as America's youth may pretend that they want to be, they want to fit in. Badly. This bike will be a joke to your average sport bike rider and also to your average Harley rider.
I'm not saying this concept is easy to execute. Harley is a big company with a lot of resources and they are not stupid. Their first crack at this concept is a little off. But my guess is that if they can sell enough and stick with it that the next generation will be better.
If this bike is only meant to appeal strictly to the international market and not America's youth, I think it is actually pretty well executed.
Kids these days aren't going to buy something that makes them not only an outcast among their peers who are into more typical bikes that are better marketed to that generation (sport bikes) but also with other Harley riders. This bike fits in nowhere. As "punk rock" as America's youth may pretend that they want to be, they want to fit in. Badly. This bike will be a joke to your average sport bike rider and also to your average Harley rider.
I'm not saying this concept is easy to execute. Harley is a big company with a lot of resources and they are not stupid. Their first crack at this concept is a little off. But my guess is that if they can sell enough and stick with it that the next generation will be better.
If this bike is only meant to appeal strictly to the international market and not America's youth, I think it is actually pretty well executed.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 2
From: Salinas, CA
My $.02 is that Harley is making these bikes primarily for the European and Asia / India markets. They will do very well there if they can prove themselves to be reliable. I think these will be the big bikes (size wise) in many different markets. I think any sales in the US will be just icing on the cake for HD instead of a new profitable US line. However, like many have stated, maybe they're trying to get in some new designs on cheaper to manufacture bikes before they have to roll some of these features out on their mainstays thanks to the EPA and other regulations.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 176
Likes: 12
From: in a house
In my 30's and 40's I had an RD400 Yamaha 2 stroke Cafe racer. If I had had a Street back then, it would have be given better tires, twin discs, clip ons, cafe seat/fender, rear set pegs/controls, K&N and performance pipes. It would satisfy my obsession with modification and make the riding position better for my 6' frame.
The results wouldn't be a Hyabusa killer, but the ride would be a blast (no pun). Some kid will do a similar job and be proud to be on a Harley that can hold it's own on the Dragon.
That being said, this is my ride.
The results wouldn't be a Hyabusa killer, but the ride would be a blast (no pun). Some kid will do a similar job and be proud to be on a Harley that can hold it's own on the Dragon.
That being said, this is my ride.
However, as an entry level CRUISER I'd say it competes nicely with it's peers and even holds a power advantage over nearly all of them.
Is it going to tempt in the sportbike crowd though? Not a chance.
Like many here, I like the concept but the execution leaves me wanting.
Last edited by NooneOfConsequence; Mar 28, 2014 at 11:45 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 4
From: MI
This bike is true to the Harley man. This is the bike their loyal too old to ride a half ton plus weighted down geezer glide anymore. Too old and frail for the hip replacement to handle that kind of weight anymore rider. I realize the real "bikers" on the forums will just hang it up and relive their bad *** biker days online. The real Harley guys who aint rode nothing but a Harley and will be damned if they just give up, and who plan on riding to their own funeral in their golden years will buy this light easy to ride looks mostly like a Harley, but most important, has a Harley badge on it bike.
It is a retirement bike. Harley has no concept of recruiting new riders into the brand. Instead they will be selling bikes to the Harley riders of the world to the end. Hip and knee replacement riders will handle these lighter bikes better. So this is what they have to offer you. Are you going to buy a Shadow or Vstar 650 because Harley dont know how to market to kids now?
I think it will make a great brand loyal ride into the sunset bike for you old guys. Ive got about 4-5 decades before I think about a street, that will put me at 90 years old. Some of you may require it earlier than others though. So have fun on your retirement bike! Its here! Available now!
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Denver
You think this motorcycle was aimed at elderly riders? That's the most absurd thing I've read on these forums. Which is saying a lot.
If it is aimed at aging riders then Harley-Davidson has failed even more horribly. I don't see grandpas clamoring to buy blacked out "Street" bikes pictured against brick backdrops in alleys, labeled as "urban brawlers" and accompanied by marketing materials stating it's aimed at a "new generation."
Give me a break.
Ridiculous.
EDIT: I apologize if you are being sarcastic/satirical, it's kinda hard to tell.
If it is aimed at aging riders then Harley-Davidson has failed even more horribly. I don't see grandpas clamoring to buy blacked out "Street" bikes pictured against brick backdrops in alleys, labeled as "urban brawlers" and accompanied by marketing materials stating it's aimed at a "new generation."
Give me a break.
Ridiculous.
EDIT: I apologize if you are being sarcastic/satirical, it's kinda hard to tell.
Last edited by jdub099; Mar 28, 2014 at 02:52 PM.