‘BULLDOG’ WITH PLENTY OF BITE
Looking for something stand-out radical to take you through the urban jungle? harley-davidson’s newly launched street rod may be just the ticket. This bike is no relation to the 2005 model which shared its name and was a sporty version of the V-rod. rather it builds on the street 750, which came out a few years ago. however, it is sufficiently altered to be regarded as a new model. It employs the new revolution X 750 motor, which provides more mid-range torque and high-end power. The engine rev limit is up to 9,000rpm from 8,000rpm. It has a shorter subframe, new tail section, headlight and fairing, a longer swingarm and LED lights. significantly, there has been a greater emphasis on quality and attention to detail. It looks mean and aggressive, using harley’s Dark Custom styling – not even a hint of chrome – with the thick, blacked-out forks and colour-matched speed screen giving it a muscular front end. It has 17in wheels and a new scoop-style air filter cover. Flat drag-style bars and bar end mirrors add to the bullish look – and the mirrors can be mounted above or below the grips, and folded back without interfering with the rider’s hands. Twin 300mm front discs, dual piston calipers and proper braided brake lines, plus ABS, give improved stopping power over the street 750. An increased fork rake, shorter wheelbase and the bigger wheels mean the cornering clearance is much improved – and it’s good to note there is a heel guard on the exhaust to prevent you toasting your boot – a problem on the street 750. It’s available in black, ‘charcoal denim’ and ‘olive gold’. As ever with the Us brand, there’s all manner of accessories and bolt-ons to personalise your street rod. harley’s head of styling Chetan shedjale says his idea was to turn the street 750 into an “urban bulldog” and it looks like he has done exactly that.
What to get the biker man who has everything? Well Ducati’s “1926” is a new eau de toilet, shower gel and deodorant spray. The name is the year the great Italian company was founded. The marketing spiel says it has “a powerful hint of cedar and intense notions of amber, all softened by a vanilla and tonka bean wrapping”. Blimey! So long as it doesn’t smell like my old GT1000, I’ll give it a go.