What would I change on the Street Rod?

Not too much but something I would certainly look for a solution for is the position and bend of the rear brake lever. The first aftermarket company to come up with some trick adjustable footpeg hangers with a revised rear brake lever is going to make a mint. The rear brake lever can’t be adjusted and is positioned extremely high and close to the side of the machine. This makes it damn hard to use. In fact the only time it didn’t annoy me was when I was hanging off the opposite side of the bike in left hand corners which made it easier for my foot to be high enough to use the rear brake. I did learn to live with the situation after a few hundred kilometres but would almost certainly be looking for an improved set-up if taking a Street Rod home to live with.

The switchgear is regular Harley stuff which works well enough but I don’t think it suits the Street Rod. The big and chunky look and feel might work on a Fat Boy but I would prefer something a little more minimal and deft to the touch for the Street Rod. A set of high bend Renthals with aftermarket switchgear anyone? The starter switch is now located on the right hand side of the machine just below one of the frame cross braces which will suit some and not others.

There are four colours to choose from with a silver frame that include Black Cherry, Rich Sunglo Blue, Mirage Orange and Yellow Pearl while there is also a black framed model with Vivid Black paintwork on the panels. Oddly enough you can’t get the Street Rod in that lovely silver that the original V-Rod came in which is a bit of a shame.

Harley back the machine with a 24 month unlimited kilometre warranty and the servicing requirements are quite manageable with the initial check over scheduled at 1600km followed by minor services every 8000km and valve clearance checks every 16000km.

Overall I rate the Street Rod certainly at the top of the sporty cruiser list. The icing on the cake is that at $27995 the new Street Rod comes in a couple of grand cheaper than the original V-Rod.

SPECS - Harley-Davidson Street Rod

• Engine: 1130cc, Liquid-cooled 4-stroke v-twin

• Bore x Stroke: 100 x 72mm

• Compression: 11.3:1

• Induction: Fuel injection

• Starter: Electric

• Transmission: Five speed

• Final Drive: Belt

• Wheelbase: 1,697mm

• Seat Height: 787mm

• Dry Weight: 280kg

• Fuel Capacity: 19 litres

• Tyres: Front _ 120/70-19; Rear _ 180/55-18

• Suspension: Front _ 43mm inverted forks; Rear _ Twin shock

• Brakes: Front _ 300mm discs, Brembo four-piston calipers; Rear _ 300mm single disc, Brembo caliper

• Price: $27995

• Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres

Continue on to page 5 for a quick look at the alternatives...