Indian motorcycle market is growing at a speed of light. From the pure commuter segment motorcycles, the market received a whole new family of commuter-performance motorcycles. Companies like Bajaj and Hero have lead the market very well domestically. Even the international players like Kawasaki, Honda and Yamaha are bringing in their revolutionary products to the booming market. With all the things taking place, the American brand – Harley Davidson entered India and how! They started manufacturing their all-new product in India in form of Harley-Davidson 750 and then got in their whole line-up. Now Harley-Davidson is a known name for any motorcycle enthusiast, whether or not he likes cruisers. The all-new Street 750 is something that will give Harley Davidson good volume in a market that is still price conscious but brand lover.
We did swing our leg over the latest Street 750 and here is what we think about the all-new Harley.
Looks
Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their big characteristics. They have this characteristic twin-cylinder exhaust note that differentiates them from the rest of the breed. Typically, Harley-Davidson motorcycles look great on big bulky riders but with the new Street 750, Harley has made it sleeker and suitable for the riders with average body built.
This is Harley-Davidson’s first new motorcycle platform in 13 years. The cruiser carries typical elements of Harley-Davidson design but in a much subtle way. There is classic circular headlamp up front. The Street 750 is the cheapest Harley and it does look like one. It has a muscular stance with low ride height. The front tyres are held by telescopic fork with rubber protection.
The instrument cluster is a simple pod with analogue speedometer and a small digital display for odometer. The quality of the Street 750 is very mixed. We found that the electrical switches were substandard and did lack the quality feel to them.
The Street 750 gets typical Harley-Davidson teardrop shape tank. The matte black finish on the metal parts make the motorcycle look crisp and bold. Harley-Davidson Street 750 is a modern day Harley that will please the youngsters rather that old stereotype Harley-Davidson riders.
Engine and Performance
The motorcycle gets an all-new engine. The four-stroke, 60-degree V-Twin engine is named Revolution X and comes with fuel injection and four-valves per cylinder. This is most advanced engine that Harley has in terms of technology.
The 749cc engine gets liquid cooling and huge radiator in front. The engine develops 64.92 Nm of maximum power. Harley-Davidson never reveals the power produced by their products and this is no different. The motorcycle has good low-end grunt. The power is transferred to the rear wheel through belt.
It comes mated to an 6-speed gearbox. The transmission is very smooth and shifts without any fuss. Harley has tall gearing and the engine stays relaxed even during the high-speed highways.
The 2 into 1 exhaust system makes the engine sound very nice with low and deep rumbles. The good part is, you can easily get it modified for louder sound. The motorcycle accelerates very rapidly. It can touch 100km/h in just 5 seconds and get to a top speed of 180 km/h. It is good motorcycle for highways and city ride is not that difficult either. The addition of liquid cooling helps the motorcycle to stay cool during city traffic.
Ride and Handling
This is a typical cruiser motorcycle with long wheel base, and easy riding position. The seat is very comfortable and the handlebar is placed in a very comfortable position and the rider can take no-break long rides without any discomfort.
Harley has designed the motorcycle while keeping the Indian conditions in mind. The suspensions travel extra 2-inch than any other Harley motorcycle sold In India. The motorcycle weighs 222 kg, which is not light and becomes bit cumbersome to ride around in city traffic.
The cheapest Harley comes with MRF tyres who make special 15-inch 170/170 rear tyre and 150/70 front tyre. Braking duties are taken care by single ventilated disc at both front and rear. There is no ABS in the motorcycle. They come to stop but the brake bite is not good enough. You do feel that the brakes are spongy but with time you do get used to the delayed braking action.
Price
It is priced at just Rs. 4.52 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The motorcycle does not get any direct competitor in the market as of now but it can be pitted against the Bonneville.
Verdict
It is a revolutionary bike and is really value for money product. The all-new motorcycle performs very well in the Indian conditions and you get to own a Harley-Davidson product. Some made in India products do lack some quality but it is not as bad. If you really want a cruiser motorcycle and like to roam around in highways more than the city, you should definitely go for the Street 750.
Note : Images provided by the Writer /Reviewer
