The Street 750 Moves Up in the World to Sport Standard
The first all-new platform from Harley-Davidson since the V-ROD was introduced to the world at the beginning of the millennium has slowly taken hold within its intended community.
1. An All-New Platform
Harley-Davidson made waves in 2001 with the introduction of the V-ROD platform. Some loved it, some hated it and that is still the overall consensus for that particular line. The V-ROD developed a faithful following and that was the intent. The latest all-new platform introduced by the company is the Street 750. To those that don't necessarily understand the targeted rider for this bike it just doesn't make sense. In a world where Harley-Davidson is improving their engines to be bigger, why a 750? The answer, from a business perspective? A new market, of course.
2. A True Work Horse
Let's consider the first markets where the Harley-Davidson 750 was first released and tested - Spain and India to name two. The company is going after a previously ignored market far different from that of the usual Harley enthusiast. Some would say that the "750" world is your true commuter world. The bike is aimed to be an integral part of the daily grind for urban commuters. This bike is entering a class where Harley-Davidson has never existed, among the $6000-$8000 offerings from Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha, and it is doing so very well. It's price-point is very competitive and the bike offers that Harley Davidson appeal. Although lacking the many bells and whistles in terms of chrome, engine size (and growl), and overall presence, the "urban" rider is, however, not your typical touring, group riding, bike-night cruising biker. This model is expected to be owned by someone who will ride it as a primary method of transportation, daily-grind kind of rider.
3. Hipster Ride
In the United States, the Street 750 has found places deep in congested cities where these smaller motorcycles provide a worry-free method of transportation. College towns, busy city town centers, inner cities, and in the hipster scene. This bike is as big as the rest of the Harley Davidson line up when it comes to attitude and ownership pride. The Street 750 is bringing the bar-and-shield logo to areas where your normal touring and group riders would not normally go.
4. Still A Harley-Davidson
Even sitting next any of its bigger sisters, the Street 750 is quick to assert itself as a true Harley-Davidson. Its a no-frills motorcycle with a mission. There is no chrome, and the engine does not resonate with that satisfying potato-potato sound that we are all so familiar with. The 750's engine actually sounds much like a Honda Shadow, but then again, that is its competition and in that category, it shines. The black-out treatment gives it the brand's attitude and the styling are very much Milwaukee made.
5. Can't Escape The Mods
The Street 750 is smaller, it's meant to be a daily commuter, and original reports when the model was launched said that owners would "not spend as much time and money" on this bike as they do on other models... Wrong! It is a Harley-Davidson and as such, there is no escaping it. As soon as this model was released there were after-market parts and people began modifying these machines to suit taste.
6. Here To Stay
Unlike the vast majority of motorcycles in its class, the Street 750 still gets the Harley-Davidson treatment. It commands the respect of the brand on the street, and it is customized almost as soon as it is purchased. It quickly solidified itself a part of the HD line-up and many say that this will be the bike that opens the company to a whole new generation of riders. With quick international acceptance and home-grown following, the Street 750 is here to stay.
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