The Harley Davidson Street Rod Drag Bike

With the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Mellow Yellow Drag Racing Series season already on the way, Harley-Davidson looks to make a big statement by switching from the V-Rod platform they have used since 2002.
 
It has only been a few short months since the factory edition Street Rod was introduced with positive fanfare. What’s not to like about what is essential is a more powerful Street 750 that puts out numbers better than a Sportster, while coming in lighter? Oh! And its priced under $8,700.
 
The Street Rod Drag Bike, keeps the same liquid-cooled High Output Revolution X 750 engine as its factory counterpart.
 
Bold move considering the success the V-Rod platform has had.
 
However, Harley-Davidson believes they have been able to find the perfect balance between power and weight.
 
Just ask Scott Beck, Harley-Davidson’s Global Brand Director. “With its muscular stance, high-performance engine and hot-rod inspired styling, the new Street Rod motorcycle is the perfect vehicle to carry Harley-Davidson’s championship winning Pro Stock Motorcycle program forward on the race track and in the showroom”.
 
Part of this was in thanks to Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines crew, who used CAD software to design a brand-new chassis that could withstand the strength and rigidity, while minimizing weight.
 
And it borrows design cues from the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom styling, aiming to be a menacing two-wheel hot rod.
 
“The Street Rod is a contemporary interpretation of American performance and Harley-Davidson design heritage. It’s a tough looking motorcycle with design cues that reflect hot rod and muscle car DNA,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Styling & Design. “We wanted to create a new body that would not only be competitive on the track but also embodies the personality of the production Street Rod, which we think is a great tie in because they are both motorcycles with dynamic performance deeply rooted in their DNA. We particularly love the design of the fairing and the bobbed tail section because they truly identify the motorcycle. Whether it’s the race bike or the production bike, from 200 feet away you know it’s a Street Rod.”
 
Fortunately, we do not have to wait long to find out if Harley-Davidson has made the right decision to replace the V-Rod as the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance &Hines team will be campaigning the Street Rod Drag Bike for the remainder of the NHRA season.