Harley-Davidson XG 750 Street Rod 2020 — Specifications

Still frustrated by the image of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle as a large rolling armchair for bearded men? The brand was, and it attempted a bold move with the XG 750 Street Rod. This isn't a simple cosmetic evolution; it's a statement of intent. Milwaukee decided it was time to inject some adrenaline into its entry-level offerings, and the result, this 2019 Harley-Davidson XG 750 Street Rod, is a motorcycle that rattles its teeth on the pavement.

Under the hood, the 60-degree V-twin has undergone a serious rejuvenation. Named High Output, this engine sees its compression ratio increase and its intakes optimized. The gain is tangible: 70 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 65.7 Nm of torque. That's far from the stratospheric figures of a Japanese roadster, but for a Harley, it's a significant kick. The beast breathes better, revs more willingly, and sheds some of its original nonchalance. It remains very torquey at low rpm, perfect for urban acceleration, but it no longer fears brushing the redline.

It's on the chassis that the transformation is most radical, and this is where the Harley-Davidson XG 750 Street Rod truly finds its meaning. Farewell to the grandfatherly geometry, make way for a rake angle reduced to 27 degrees and a shortened wheelbase. The 43 mm inverted telescopic fork and reworked shocks send a clear message: here, we're looking for some handlebar feel. The braking system, with its dual front discs, gains bite. The weight, however, remains a significant adversary at 238 kg fully fueled, a figure that constantly recalls its origins.

So, who is it for? Clearly for the urban rider who wants Harley style without the retro folklore, for the young motorcyclist attracted by the badge but put off by the soft dynamics. At €8,690, it positions itself as a characterful alternative to roadsters like the Suzuki GSX-S 750 or the Yamaha MT-09, infinitely more lively and lighter. It will never catch up to them in curves, but it offers something they don't: that raw attitude, that custom-rod look, that deep sound.

The Harley-Davidson XG 750 Street Rod is an interesting oddity. It proves that the firm can step outside its comfort zone and tinker with an engaging motorcycle. It's not perfect; it remains heavy, and its 13-liter tank limits range, but it’s good that it exists. It's a character machine for those who want a roadster that fully embraces its American DNA, with its own flaws and qualities.