Harley-Davidson has introduced the 2017 Street Rod in the Middle East to further expand the brand’s Dark Custom range. Grown from the Street platform, the new Street Rod is equipped with a tuned High Output Revolution X 750 engine, producing more torque through the mid-range and power at the top-end, while it also chases a higher redline. The bigger hitting motor is matched with sharper chassis geometry and aggressive riding position, which has also led to introducing further upgrades to the suspension, brakes and wheels.

From the design and look perspective, the Street Rod’s lines are very much its own. Its tough look is drenched in Harley-Davidson Dark Custom styling (plus hints of flat-track steel) and oozes purpose, with a hunched forward, ready-for-action stance. The raised ride height and 17″ 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 will be offered in three colour options, Vivid Black, Charcoal Denim and Olive Gold.

The Street Rod’s liquid-cooled, single OHC 8V 60° V-Twin engine produces 20% more horsepower and 10% 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 5,000 rpm, with strong midrange performance that a rider can feel and exploit in real-world situations.

The Street Rod backs up its upgraded engine with a liberal dose of Harley-Davidson Dark Custom styling. Thick, blacked-out forks and triple camps, 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; the taillight is crisp LED, as are the indicators.

The Street Rod chassis is engineered to match the performance of the engine. The front end features rigid 43mm USD forks gripped by lightweight aluminium yokes. The fork rake is tightened from 32° to 27° for quicker steering. New rear shock absorbers feature an external reservoir to increase fluid capacity and maintain damping consistency; travel is increased by 31% to 117mm. The swing arm 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 by 104mm, to 757mm, to enhance the rider’s view forward. The 2017 Harley-Davidson 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. To suit more spirited riding, the lean angle is increased from 28.5° left and right to 37.3° right and 40.2° left.

The flat, drag-style handlebar creates an aggressive riding position; new bar-end rear-view mirrors can be mounted above or below the grips, and feature a patent-pending design that allows them to fold back without interfering with the rider’s hands.

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Street Rod wears exclusive 17″ front and rear Open Spoke Black Cast aluminium wheels and new Michelin Scorcher 21 radial tyres, sized 120/70 R17V front and 160/60 R17V rear; dual two-piston calipers and 300mm front disc brakes plus ABS deliver powerful, controlled stopping power. Harley-Davidson’s Smart Security System is standard fitment.