Bigger is always better!
Where American motorcycles are concerned the Breakout and the Fatboy are always going to be the ones that stand out for me. Carrying the same classic Americana with a simpler design from the cruiser family as my two big ticket bikes are the Heritage and the Low Rider. Also in the same family is the wonderfully titled Street Bob. While, arguably, a little less well known, it’s a more than capable machine.
All of the class stand out for the simplicity of design that they present. This is because they’re built in a lightweight classic H-D frame. The latest generation of these bikes manufacturing technology ensures that the chassis can be lightweight as well as stiffer than before. Indeed, it’s the lightest bike in the company’s cruiser range.
Stripped back simplicity
Simplicity abounds with a set of easier to keep cast wheels, with a pillion seat and pegs being standard. From the riders point of view I find the bike more comfortable since the lower handlebars fit me better. The foot pegs being mounted further back than much of the H-D range offers a much more conventional sitting position and makes it easier and more familiar for me to operate.
Up from 114ci to 117ci
The big thing that Harley have done with all of the cruiser range, but the Street Bob in particular, is provide a base for individualising the bike. For me that would always be less is more, mine would be stripped back, no pillion seat, matte black and with an open exhaust! ‘Those who ride alone ride fastest’ and all that…
Classic styling meets todays tech
For this year, 2025, the new bike has a bigger 117ci (1,917) engine. While cleaner and in a higher state of tune, it’s not a huge change from the slightly smaller 114ci (1,868cc) one that powers the ’24 machine. It may only be 49cc, but bigger is always better!
The Street Bob starts at €19,995. Mo at Waterford Harley-Davidson has '25 machines available to order. Give him a shout on 051844200.