Joe Sandborn The heritage will feel more manageable because it's lighter and lower slung weight but the Street Glide has a way better ride that is best felt going down the highway at 60 MPH +. Then you have the infotainment system etc. basically the FLHX is more bike with a bigger chassis that has more highway comfort and bell and whistles. That being said, depending on your size, the FLSTC might do the trick just fine especially if you have a shorter inseam.
Joe, just get or test drive a Road King..the SG will feel heavy due to the faring...much heavier than the Softail. The RK, u can take the windshield off if u are riding local...just a thought
Very good review. I bought the 2018 street rod two days ago and i've been having an absolute blast on it. For anyone curious - I'm 5'6" and 125 pounds and this bike is perfect for me. Foot controls (for me at least) were weird at first, but after a couple days of riding I got used to them pretty quick.
I love all the motorcycle manufacturers mixing things up. All the the companies mimic each other. I'm not brand loyal just love motorcycles all kinds. Keep them coming!
Just bought this street rod for driving to work each day and it is the best. Lots of power and easy to take on highway and in stop and go rush hour traffic. The bar end mirrors are really the best motorcycle mirrors ever . I can see all traffic behind and beside me. The brakes are really good and this bike is so much fun to drive anywhere . I put some longer foot pegs and it helps a lot with my boots.
I agree with you on the foot controls. In my opinion this bike was built for more of the aggressive rider and I think it would've benefited with Rearset Controls.
As a allround bike-lover I've preferred nakeds from Yamaha, but this bike is something else man. I think this is how they answer the naked bikes from other manufacturers. And I think it came out great. Now maybe a bigger power plant?
Thanks Matt! I am a new rider from the San Francisco Bay Area living in Vegas and looking to go back. I have been going back and forth between the street rod 750 and the iron 883 and you nailed it. My mind is to go with the street rod!!!
Another great review Matt. I know H-D is trying to entice more younger buyers but as a baby boomer I would consider the Street Rod as my around-town bike of choice. Can't wait to test ride one.
Dude, I am going to go broke watching your videos -- lol! I already bought a new Sport Glide because of you. Now I want to buy Street Rod 750 as a second bike!
I have owned five sportsters, one Dyna. I am 5'8" tall. I've always tried to get to like Harleys. For various reasons they never just really got to me. I'm too short for any of those forward controls. I don't like that seating arrangement anyway. Just my opinion, but I think bikes should have standard upright sitting positions for safety. And comfort. This new bike has a serious chance of winning me over once and for all. I'm going to test ride one later today I hope.
I work at the Mile High Harley Davidson here in Colorado and we just got a few of these. I can say I like it but we also have a heavily modified street 750 (most parts you can't get anymore like the racing tuner) we did the cams and a stage one to it with Vance heins pipes and I love it. it's just a little faster and alot louder than the street rod but the brakes are garbage. I like the street rod design and feel better.
Holy crap! I didn't realize it had upside forks. Definitely worth the $1K upgrade from the regular Street 750. I totally missed seeing this at the dealership.
I just got an iron used... I kind of wish this bike was out a couple months ago. I kind of feel like I missed out. I love my 883 though and I can't wait to customize it. Great vid!
I have one and love it! Plenty of power for fun but not too much for trouble. Breaks work super well... threw me off my bike and I crashed it. Lots of traditional people don't like it, but this is for the younger crowd who want a sport style under the Harley name that isn't super heavy. I have noodles for arms but this thing feels like nothing. Totally love it! EDIT: I'm 5'9 and 200-210 lbs. It fits me perfectly.
I traded my 2016 street 500 for this new 2017 Street Rod and the power is just awesome. Put a speed merchant slip on and this bike sounds so good. I would highly recommend this bike for a daily commuter or a starter bike. Great video really liked that you showed the comparisons to the other street model.
I'm a new driver but...old yet :) (44 years old)...and I'll buy this moto because I loved it from the first moment that I saw! Thanks for your review...help me very much :) I hope that it will be so funny to drive in Italy as in US :)
I was drawn to watch this because the bike looked like an updated 1982 Honda 500 twin Ascot which I don't mean in a derogatory way. I am sure this bike won't appeal to current HD base but in 20 years guys my age (63) won't be paying HD bills anyway, so I think it is a smart move to build this bike to help the future considering the demo and environmental reg changes. BMW made this type of move bringing in 1985 and has slowly continued to change their bikes to appeal to a younger market. There are enough bikes for my generation for my to buy so I am all for building bikes the next generation.
Great vid man. Question; how did your legs feel after riding? Were you cramped up too much while riding? I get the feeling the foot pegs are way too vertical, or underneath your legs so much that it might feel uncomfortable.
Hello. I have one of the First Street 750s that came out in 15. Being only 5' 4" and weighing 140 Lbs, I didn't have much of a problem with the stock brakes. Until I put accessories on it. Saddle, Trunk Bags, Windshield. Had to stop quick once. Just kept rolling. Only thing I could do within my budget was, Replace the Stock Pads. Using EBC FA643V. Front and Rear. It stops better. And have on occasion Locked the rear. I also did some Stage 1 Upgrades. VO2 Intake, Fire Brand GP muffler, FP3, Sumax 8mm wires, Accel Coil. Had it Dyno'd at a local shop that is big with the Racers. Have a printout that states 70 HP and 58 Ft Lbs Torque. When V&H comes out with their goodies, I can see the Street Rod cranking around 80HP. My question is, Can I fit on it?? I have short legs. And can just touch the ground on the Roadster 1200. Without bent knees.
Thank you. My "Chapel" HD Dealer doesn't have one for me to try. Can't wait for Harley Demo Days!!! Last August they let me take out a Low Rider S. The Biggest bike I have ever ridden. That thing has some Power. Never took the Tach above 2250. Just to keep from blowing past the Bucks HOG RC. The Brakes, Can't compare them to the Street 750 I have. They wouldn't let me take out the Roadster. I'm Hoping they bring a 1200 Low so I can compare to my 750. They did let me take out the 883. That thing is a TOY compared to my 750.
thank you for making a review of this worth watching!!! Harley definitely got my attention with this one. never cared much for riding cruisers but I grew up in Wisconsin around Harleys and was sad when they shut buell down. Glad to see them dipping into this market.
Love the bike in Vivid Black Matt. In my humble opinion Harley is knocking it out of the park with the new models. Great Vlog Matt. I have to get down there and say hello to you in person some day. Thanks again.
Great review Matt. I just bought the 2018 model Street rod and everything you said about the bike is true, especially the performance capability. You mentioned height suitability of people who would fit this bike and you were spot on. I'm 5 foot 6 , and the bike fits me like a glove. Thanks for a top review.
Totally agree on the fit and finish comment with the street 500/750. I saw one and was immediately turned off by that which was a shame as I was all set to buy one, instead I bought a Bonneville. Mind you, If they were to bring out a 1200 cc version of this bike I would be really tempted to trade in my Roadster for it. Great video as always and much appreciated.
Awesome bike. Tuffside has a fender eliminator kit and tuffside makes a super tall boy seat and makes the comfort so much better. Speed merchant makes an awesome slip on that makes this bike roar. I have this bike and really like the price and how the custom parts are available to make it my own style.
Hey Matt! Love your channel (Y). Was thinking of getting this bike as my first one but I am also tall guy and this video somehow made my change my mind - what HD would you recommend for this kind of money?
Thanks for the review bro. Looking for a beginner bike for my girl. This seems like it would be perfect, based off your review. We were looking at the streets, glad we didn't pull the trigger on them. Also, how do you like that Simpson helmet, and which model is it?
Great video! You really put all the pros and cons Vs an Iron 883. Would you take the Street Rod or Iron 883 for commuting (+- 40km)? Thank you for your review!
In terms of all out fun i would say this is probably the bike to get. the exhaust is horrible but thats probably the only thing u would need to customize on it. Great review as always man!
Am looking at a 2017 street rod right now, should I worry about getting parts in the future since the bike is no longer being built? ANy peace of mind on this topic? Thank you for your quality videos, you are a huge help!
I believe they say parts will be supplied on any given bike for at least 10 years. So you got about 5 more years. If you’re worried about parts availability then I’d get something different
Hello Matt, thanks for the clip. I just saw some oder movie about the street Rod. And 2 things came always; first the problem about the neutral gear - difficult to find etc. and second about the heat on the left leg... do you have any command about this too?
All these guys that go negative on this bike because it doesn't fit the H-D image are missing the point. It reminds me of Apple. For years Apple had a hardcore user base of desktop computer users. Me included. When the iPod was introduced there was an uproar in the Mac community that Apple somehow lost its way. This later changed the course of history...not saying this bike is a game changer but give some kudos to American ingenuity. This bike will attract a younger crowd, I already know of guys who are actually now thinking of buying a Harley instead of some plastic Japanese toy. Would I buy this bike, never... not my style and I'm to big
Hi Matt, I got a question as I was able to pop in to your Grandpa's birthday. Could a Harley dealership like yours lower the suspension of a Roadster to where I can plant both my feet flat footed without sacrificing performance as it does have adjustable rear suspension? I am 5'6 and thought where the seat of the bike currently that is boarding a bit too high. Originally, I wanted an Iron 883 but as a mature that will soon be a first time rider, I've changed what I want for a bike that will last me which is why I now want the Roadster instead. Do you think it would be a good bike for me, a 5'6 29 year old, along you thinking that I should suspension lowered? Also, this isn't anytime near soon, but if a prospective customer wanted ABS for a bike, could your dealership get it or get a desired bike with ABS from another dealership? Also, what is the discount that comes with the HD first time buyer program? Thanks!
I'm considering buying the streetrod but I know that I'll want to take it on the highway to visit family about 20miles away (straightshot there on highway). Do you experience any of the "death wobble" or any such thing, or has harley addressed the issue?
I like that Harley brought in the rake, agree with another comment about rear sets. And while I am dreaming it's too bad they didn't bump the motor up to perform more like an SV, might even get some STIGs come over to the dark side. Harley chintzed out on the tail section ( lights and license plate holder). I hope this bike sells. Your videos are always well laid out, great job!
I really enjoyed this review. I am a new rider, 48 yrs old. The main concern I have is parts. I'm referring to wearable parts that need to be changed from time to time, such as brake rotors and drive belts, for example. I currently ride a Yamaha, and my parts are readily available on Ebay. However, I have noticed that Harley parts are hard to find, and they are very expensive. When I search Ebay, there is nothing for Harley motorcycles. Again, I'm talking about wearable engine, brake, and suspension parts. Do Harley owners have to go to HD dealerships exclusively, to buy parts? I have heard that HD parts are very expensive, and it takes a long time to order parts. If parts are hard to find and expensive, then that's a real problem for me, because my bike is my only transportation.
How does this compare to the Iron 883? Im 5'10" and 215lbs, looking for my first Harley... I really like the looks of the Dark Custom 883 but dont want to buy a bike purely on looks.
SURFER Yea. That's kinda a hard question. A bike being good for you depends on your riding ability, size, preferences. It will do it no problem. What state? Are you lane splitting? Is there a lot of traffic? Are the roads in good condition? What's your weight and height?
..went on a Club ride with a guy who had a brand new GX750, and during the ride some part of a leaf spring fell off a passing truck and hit the oil pan drain plug on the underside of the bike, bending it. After showering everyone riding behind with oil leaking from the sump, we got the bike stopped and collected on a flat bed. Back at the dealer, they claim that the oil plug bent up into the bottom of the crank and damaged the crank case, the repair is going to cost over $2.5K...the bike only had less than 2K kilometers on it. Seems like they need to do either a redesign of the sump or fit the bikes with some sort of sump guard. Never heard of a sump drain plug being able to damage the crank case.
Nice review...of course I wouldn't expect anything less. I live a long ways from Laidlaw's but I'm buying my next Harley from you or Scott. Keep them reviews coming!
Matt Laidlaw you did a nice review. I heard a report that HD sales were down in general as a company now will this bike help I think so because it has the cafe style look which is leading all sales currently just look at all the scramblers out there. People are not buying 1000,1100,1200 because you can have just as much fun on mid size bikes. This bike appeals to me because of the seat yup that's right. You can move around on it I believe. The traditional HD your in the seat can't move hence swamp butt. For those of you haters HD has to try something different to keep up with the times. They can not keep making the bike you like they have to diversify. Sometimes it works sometimes not. I do not and never have owned a Harley but this bike appeals to me. My current ride is a Suzuki V-Strom 650 adventure.
I know this is a three year old video, but just in case anyone looks it up, I would give my opinion on this bike. I already own a 2018 sport glide, so I was looking for a second hand bike to ride to work and back, quick shopping trips and little journeys, back up bike. I had a limit on what I could spend, so I looked at either a Sportster (I have had 3 sportster in the past, great bikes) or this, I also needed the bike to be a new as possible because of the emissions laws where I live, if I wanted to go into London then a pre 2007 bike would cost me to use it, and as the goal post keep being moved it really had to be as new as possible. So this ruled out buying a sportster in the end. I eventually found a 2018 XG750 street rod I had previously test rode one when they came out as did I with the streets, to be honest I probably wouldn't touch a street I was not impressed with the street's in anyway. I did think about buying an XG750 street Rod brand new but I ended up with a VRSCR Street rod which I had a few years, then sold after I had an accident on it and the emissions laws were getting tighter. My impressions of the XG750 Street Rod after 6 months of ownership are that's its a good little bike, it suits shorter people, the brakes and suspension work okay on it and the engine is quite nice, it has some go in it. The engine perhaps is more than the rest of the bike can handle if I am honest, which can get a bit skittish when ridden hard. Everything is easy to use. Apart from the engine it feels more like a Japanese or Euro bike than a big Harley Davidson, but I am sure its one of the reasons why Harley didn't build this bike for your Harley fanatics, but for the general market. My gripes for this bike start with the paint, its pretty piss poor quality wise, but I find this with a lot of new bikes these days, and it quickly can deteriorate if not cleaned very regularly, I have the same issues with my Sport Glide paint wise but I have had that since new and have kept it showroom clean, but does the paint scratch easily. My second gripe is the right foot peg position, I am quite short and it feels so vague finding your footing on the bike, its odd that the heel plate is on the exhaust, it take some getting used to. My third gripe is the neutral, when the engine gets hot its quite hard to get the bike into neutral something of which Harley Davidson NEVER addressed, I found this the same on the entire street range. My fourth is that the engine roasts your legs if you have to come to a stop in traffic. Other than that its a good little bike that I will keep hold of, its a shame Harley Davidson discontinued it really as outside of America Harley needs these sorts of bikes to get the younger generation into the saddle of a bigger Harley later on, and now the Sportster gone/going I think when the economy picks up, they are going to get left behind as the older lot stop riding. The adventure bike might just hold them in there a little though.
Thanks for the awsm review, thumbs up... Im plannin on gettin a more traditional HD wich is loud, old skool & like u said the iron is more of tht but im havin a dilema between the iron & 48! Im 5'9 & 165lbs... Wt are yr suggestions? Pls let me know. Thank u
This Street Rod really is what I was hoping what the Low Rider S would be.. Inverted forks, piggybank-shocks, more ground clearance and lean angle, decent brakes.. Too bad Harley wasn't brave enough to put those on the S-models. If I was a bit smaller and looking for a commuter, I definately would check out the new Street Rod.
Well, the original Street Rod was based on the V-Rod. That's a completely different type of bike than a Dyna or Softail, especially with the 110-motor in it. I test rode a V-Rod but the ergonomics are (were) just waaaay off the line for me. And they kinda ruined it with the big ass rear tire.
Matt, get HD to make one of these, with a 900cc or 1000cc Water-Cooled, "Twin" Over-Head Cam Revolution Engine, on a chassis that will comfortably fit a 6' tall person; I'd be first in line trying to buy one... I love this Bike. I've owned, since 1982, 3 Sportster's, 2 FXR's, and 1 Dyna. I live in Northern CA Valley. It gets hot here; you know what I'm talking about... :) And, I don't drive a Cage; I just ride my HD every day. The summers, here, are hard on "Air-Cooled" Bikes. My Bike, a 2005, XL883C/SE1200C, Bobber Style Putt, I built in my Garage 10yrs. ago, runs hot during the summer. I'd love to have one of these as a second Bike for those hot summers. Besides, I've always have ridden "Traditional" Naked Cruiser Style HD's, I think it would be fun to have a lightweight "Cafe Style" Bike, that fit me nicely. I'm older, now, and I like to be comfortable, but still "Sporty." And, I like to feel like I'm riding a Bike that was built for somebody my size... I really love the new Roadster. But, I already have a Sporty; one that I built just for me... I'd like to have a nice water-cooled, lightweight, fun to ride in City Traffic, in the Mountains, on the Coastal Highways, and Back Country and Delta Roads Bike. This one would do it for me if it was a little bit bigger in overall size... A "900" would sound cool, when describing your Bike, and still be a "Classic" Engine Size... In the 1960's and 70's, a 900 was always respected on the Streets, Strip, and Track; it didn't matter who it was made by, 900cc & 1000cc Cafe Bikes where always "Bad Ass!" :) Especially, if they made it a 900cc Engine with 100RWHP and 100 Pounds of Torque and Twin Over-Head Camshafts. Also, I love the way the Engine looks. Make the 900 with the same look and Fins on the Heads. And, keep the exact same style and look; if anything, make it look more like the HD XLCR from the late 70's, that would be cool... Peace, Stiletto :)
:) The V-Rod is cool. But, it's not a lightweight "Cafe" Bike. It's more of a big and heavy "Muscle" Bike. Besides, aren't they being discontinued? I'd like to see a Bike that looks just like the Street Rod, but have a longer wheelbase. Perhaps, another 2" stretch in the front and 2" in the rear? It just needs to be stretched out. So, a taller Rider can feel comfortable on it... But, keep the same spirit, style, and cool Cafe look and keep it "Light!". It would also, be nice to see some more modern technology and increase the HP to at least 100 RWHP. So, it can compete, at every level, with it's competition from the other Manufacturers, in this class of Bikes. Having 50, 60, or 70 HP is not a big deal anymore... Personally, I'd like to see HD step up it's game with it's "Lighter-Weight" Bikes and, give them some real HP. For example: HD offers a real nice power package for the new Roadster, they claim it gives the Roadster 100 RWHP; why not make it like that from the start? And, I don't mean a "Stage" Kit, like the one in my example, that you have to purchase, at an additional expense, and have somebody install to increase the power and performance of your Bike. I mean strong, quick, fast, and reliable Bikes straight from the HD Factory. I don't want to have to change anything but the intake and the exhaust to have a great performing Bike... In my opinion, a Roadster or a Street Rod, type of model, that is showcasing HD's performance abilities, should be the most high-performance versions of the Sportster or Street line of Bikes. Their engines should come equipped with all of the performance and power HD's Screamin Eagle Division has to offer, that is "Street Legal." Myself, I don't care for big heavy "Baggers." I like lightweight "Naked" Bikes that can split lanes and be fun to ride in the City and Mountain and Coastal Roads; I don't go on long Bike Trips. I like Classy but Sporty Old Style Bikes. That's why I've always liked the Sportster. I guess, what I want is a "Water-Cooled" Roadster... That would be perfect for size. But, I want a "Modern" 900-1000cc Revolution Motor in it's chassis... :) The V-Rod is too "Bulky" & "Heavy" to ever make a great Cafe Bike. It's more set up like a "Drag" Bike. I want a Bike that's great for the twisties... Come on, Matt, I love your videos, and I know you've got some "Juice" with HD... Get them to make this Bike for me, please? :) Peace, Stiletto :)
Well yesterday I got to sit on a Street Rod and I can flat foot it the seat is comfy and the bars are fine. However with my feet on the pegs I got pain in my right hip and it that sucked cause I think I really like this bike but it's just not comfy for my leg. Funny I saw a few videos from this one rider who says he fits fine on the bike? I question that because I'm 5'6" and felt cramped on it so how does someone who is 6" taller then me feel fine riding it? I will keep watching this bike to see what's happening with it.
Richard Maguire I haven't ridden the scout 60 yet. The other scout has more giddy up but I feel like the handling is better on the streetrod. It's a lighter more nimble ride.
Would you say this is a worthy spiritual successor to the Buell naked bikes? Almost all press reviewers at the launch in Daytona said the ergonomics were totally unsuitable for anyone over 5'10 - surprised you only complained about the size of the foot controls!
ToxicDonut81 I agree with those guys. I guess sometimes I feel like a broken record when I say that a bike is too small for me. Maybe I didn't make his point clear. It's definitely too small for me. Yes, I think it's probably best for someone 5'10 and down. No, this is not like a Buell. A buell is a lot faster with more technology etc. just more bike but also more expensive.
Thanks for the reply. Well, I mean mostly the XB9 - similar size, power, weight, tech, price... just suspension and brakes were better still on the Buell.
