The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has taken a bit of
a different tack in their pursuit of new riders and increased
market share. They have brought out the café racer 2015
Street 500 and Street 750 to market targeting entry-level
riders on the international markets of Asia and Europe as well
as the domestic market. The Street models in either a 500cc
or 750cc version are the new entry-level motorcycles in the
HD line up. Including Harley-Davidson’s new Revolution X
engine an eight valve, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine featuring
a six speed transmission, with robust power from 2000-8000
rpm. The Street has been designed for the demands of
urban riding lighter weight and with a low center of gravity
and a 25.8 inch seat. The Street 500 and 750 both weigh
in at 489 lbs (including fluids) with prices starting at $6799
for the Street 500 and $7499 for the Street 750 respectively.
www.thunderroadscolorado.com
Obviously, these motorcycles are not head-to-to head
competitors with a more than $5000 difference in starting
MSRP between the Street 500 and the NM4.
Both
motorcycles however, do represent two very different ways
in which to entice new riders to the banners of Honda and
Harley Davidson.
Undoubtedly both the NM4 and the Street 500/750
motorcycles have style and though there is no way to
determine today if these motorcycles will have precisely the
allure and effect that the manufacturers intend and draw
the market share they were created to attract; I believe that
more choice in the motorcycle marketplace is a good thing
for motorcycle consumers.
Patrick McCauley
October 2014
Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 23