2015–2020 Harley-Davidson Street Revolution X 500 (XG500)

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The 2015–2020 Harley-Davidson Street Revolution X 500 (XG500)** is a standard motorcycle that was part of a new platform for Harley-Davidson, designed to attract a younger, more urban demographic and expand the brand’s global reach. Produced for six model years for the North American market, the Street 500, along with its larger-displacement sibling, the Street 750 (XG750), marked a significant departure from the company’s traditional air-cooled, large-displacement cruisers. The XG500 was developed as an accessible entry point into the Harley-Davidson brand, featuring a lower price point, manageable power, and nimble handling suited for city environments.

Development and Purpose

In the early 2010s, Harley-Davidson initiated a program to develop its first all-new lightweight motorcycle platform in over a decade. The goal was to create a machine that would appeal to new riders, women, and customers in international markets where smaller, more agile motorcycles are preferred. This resulted in the Street series, which was engineered with an emphasis on urban mobility.

Unlike the existing entry-level model, the Sportster Iron 883, the Street 500 was not an evolution of a previous design but a clean-sheet creation. The key difference lies in its core architecture. The Sportster utilized the traditional air-cooled, 45-degree Evolution V-twin engine, a lineage tracing back decades. In contrast, the Street 500 was built around the modern, liquid-cooled Revolution X engine. This change addressed the challenges of operating an air-cooled engine in stop-and-go city traffic, where heat buildup can be an issue. The chassis was also designed to be narrower and lighter than a Sportster, with a significantly lower seat height to inspire confidence in novice riders.

Key Features of the Harley-Davidson Street Revolution X 500 (XG500)

The heart of the Street 500 is the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin Revolution X engine. With a displacement of 494 cc (30 cu in), the engine was tuned for low-end torque, making it responsive and easy to manage in urban settings. The 60-degree V-angle allowed for a lower center of gravity and a narrower profile compared to Harley’s classic 45-degree engines. It was paired with a six-speed transmission that provided smooth shifting and a final belt drive, a hallmark of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that offers a quieter, lower-maintenance alternative to a chain.

The motorcycle’s ergonomics were tailored for accessibility. It featured a low seat height, mid-mount foot controls, and a pullback handlebar that created an upright, relaxed riding position. The suspension consisted of a conventional telescopic fork at the front and dual coil-over shocks at the rear, tuned for city riding rather than high-performance handling. Braking was handled by a single-disc setup on both the front and rear wheels, with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) becoming an available option in later model years.

Styling was a key component of the Street 500’s appeal. It was launched as part of the “Dark Custom” family, featuring blacked-out components, including the engine, exhaust, and wheels. This minimalist, aggressive aesthetic was intended to serve as a blank canvas for owner customization, a core tenet of the Harley-Davidson culture.

Reception and Discontinuation

Upon its release, the Harley-Davidson Street 500 received a mixed but generally positive reception. It was widely praised by riding schools and beginner-focused publications for its user-friendly nature, manageable power delivery, and affordability. It successfully lowered the barrier to entry for the Harley-Davidson brand, attracting riders who may have been intimidated by the size, weight, and cost of the company’s larger motorcycles.

However, the model also faced criticism from some brand purists. Points of contention included its liquid-cooled engine, a perceived lack of premium fit and finish in some components compared to other Harleys, and the fact that models for international markets were assembled in India. Despite these criticisms, the Street 500 and 750 sold well globally and accomplished their mission of bringing new customers into the fold.

In 2020, Harley-Davidson announced the discontinuation of the Street 500 (and 750) for the U.S. market as part of its “Rewire” corporate strategy. This shift saw the company refocus on its core heavyweight cruiser, bagger, and touring segments, effectively ending its foray into the lightweight, entry-level market in North America.

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