2017 Harley-Davidson Street Rod is delivering performance, handling and a sense of purpose

THE new 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Rod is the latest addition to join the impressive line-up of iconic motorcycles at Jennings HarleyDavidson in Gateshead, part of the Jennings Motor Group.

Grown from the Street platform, it’s built to thrive in the city – and provide an exhilarating experience beyond.

Its tuned High Output Revolution X 750 engine produces more torque through the mid-range and power at the top end.

The bigger-hitting motor is matched with sharper chassis geometry and aggressive riding position, and there are also upgrades to the suspension, brakes and wheels.

And the Street Rod’s lines are very much its own. Its tough look is drenched in Harley-Davidson Dark Custom styling (plus hints of flattrack steel) and oozes purpose, with a hunched forward, ready-foraction stance.

Thick, blacked-out forks and triple clamps, topped with a new speed screen (colour-matched to the bodywork except for a black centre insert) add mass to the front end.

A new tail section, with perforated rear mudguard, lightens the rear and the taillight is crisp LED, as are the indicators.

The raised ride height and 17in wheels inject the Street Rod with an athletic stance, while the new scoop-style air cleaner cover and sharper snap of the exhaust note draw attention to the engine’s strong design. The Street Rod’s liquidcooled, single OHC 8V 60° V-Twin High Output Revolution X 750 engine produces 18% more horsepower and 8% more torque than the Street 750; peak power arrives at 8,750rpm, with peak torque delivered at 4,000rpm. It’s tuned to deliver strongly between 4,000 and 5,000rpm, with strong mid-range performance that a rider can feel and exploit in real-world situations. Street Rod also features a larger-volume air box and new dual 42mm throttle bodies, new fourvalve cylinder heads and high-lift camshafts, plus a higher-volume exhaust muffler – all designed to increase airflow and efficiency.

Its chassis has been engineered to match the performance of the engine.

The front end features rigid 43mm USD forks gripped by lightweight aluminium yokes. Fork rake is tightened from 32° to 27° for quicker steering response.

New rear shock absorbers feature an external reservoir to increase fluid capacity and maintain damping consistency. The swingarm is slightly longer to accommodate the taller shocks, with performance-inspired styling.

A new seat shape is designed to hold the rider firmly in place and seat height is raised to 765mm to enhance the rider’s view forward.

The Street Rod also features new forged brake/gear levers plus aluminium rearset footpegs that aid control and make it easier for more riders to get good ground reach when stationary.

The Street Rod wears exclusive 17in front and rear Open Spoke Black Cast aluminium wheels and new Michelin Scorcher 21 radial tyres, and dual two-position calipers and 300mm front disc brakes plus ABS deliver powerful, controlled stopping power. Harley-Davidson’s Smart Security System is standard fitment.

In addition to the all-new Street Rod being available at the Ellison Road dealership in Gateshead, staff are also anticipating the imminent arrival of the all-new King of the Street – the Road King Special.

The Gateshead dealership provides the entire line-up of highquality and competitively priced Harley-Davidson motorcycles, in addition to a wide range of quality used bikes, which have all been inspected by the on-site team of approved service technicians.

There’s also an impressive display and wide range of clothing and other merchandise.

Call 0191 461 9100 or go online to jenningsharley-davidson.com.