Harley-Davidson Street Bob

The Harley-Davidson lineup has undergone some serious changes for MY18, and the chopped-down, Dyna-based Street Bob was rebuilt and reintroduced as a Softail model while the Dyna family was cut from production in its entirety. Not only did it switch to Harley’s faux-rigid style frame, but the frame itself got completely reinvented to the point where it bears little resemblance to the original that saw the light of day for the first time back in ’84. Sure, it still has that classic Softail visage, but the factory achieved it in a totally different way this time, and any perceived similarities are only skin deep. As if that wasn’t enough, the Street Bob got a beating-heart transplant with the addition of the new-to-cruisers, Milwaukee-Eight 107 powerplant that brings over 100 pounds of twist to the table. More power, new frame and a new family/model combination. Excited yet? I know I am, so let’s get started.

Continue reading for my review of the Harley-Davidson Street Bob.

Introduced in 2006, the Dyna Street Bob (FXDB) was the first "Dark Custom" designed for Harley-Davidson’s Dyna family. The Street Bob originally came with an 88.5 cubic-inch (1,450 cc) engine and graduated to 96.7 cubes (1,584 cc) in 2007. After the release of the Twin Cam 103 in the 2012, Harley dropped it into the Street Bob starting in 2014.

In the modern bobber style, the 2017 Street Bob is minimal: solo seat, no windshield, cut-down fenders, mid-mount controls and retro-style air cleaner cover. Minimal doesn’t mean lack of comfort, though. The Street Bob is very comfortable — comfortable enough for all-day riding. With bags and a windshield, it would make a nice casual tourer — better than a Softail would.

Minimal also doesn’t mean lack of quality. The Street Bob holds to the same standard of quality that Harley is known for and pledges that to you in a cast 3-D fuel tank medallion, not some econo graphic sticker.

Continue reading for my review of the Harley-Davidson Street Bob.