2015–2020 Harley-Davidson Street Revolution X 750 (XG750)

The 2015–2020 Harley-Davidson Street Revolution X 750 (XG750) is a cruiser-style motorcycle and part of the Street series, a line of motorcycles developed by Harley-Davidson for a new generation of global, urban riders. Unveiled in 2013 at the EICMA show in Milan, the XG750 represented a significant strategic shift for the American manufacturer. It was designed to be more accessible, affordable, and maneuverable than the company’s traditional heavyweight cruisers, targeting younger demographics and emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Europe. The motorcycle was produced in two primary locations: Bawal, India, for international markets, and Kansas City, Missouri, for the North American market.

A Departure from Tradition

The Street 750 marked a radical departure from the classic Harley-Davidson formula. Unlike the brand’s iconic air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin engines found in models like the Sportster, the XG750 was built around an entirely new powertrain: the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin Revolution X engine. This modern engine design allowed for higher-revving performance, more consistent temperature management in heavy traffic, and the ability to meet stricter global emissions standards—a key consideration for its intended international audience.

Furthermore, the chassis and ergonomics were tailored for urban environments. The Street 750 featured a lower seat height, mid-mount controls, and a lighter, more nimble frame compared to its larger, heavier stablemates. This focus on agility and rider-friendliness was a direct contrast to the long, low, and heavy cruisers that had defined the Harley-Davidson brand for decades. The styling also broke from tradition, embracing the “Dark Custom” aesthetic with blacked-out components, minimal chrome, and a leaner profile aimed at attracting riders who favored modern, understated design.

Engine and Performance of the Harley-Davidson Street Revolution X 750

At the core of the XG750 is the 749cc Revolution X engine. This liquid-cooled, single overhead cam (SOHC), four-valve-per-cylinder V-twin was engineered to deliver a responsive and predictable powerband well-suited for city riding. It produces approximately 57 horsepower and 43 ft-lb of torque, with peak torque arriving low in the RPM range for quick acceleration from a stop.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a six-speed transmission and a low-maintenance belt final drive, a hallmark of modern Harley-Davidson motorcycles. While not designed for high-speed touring, the powertrain provides ample capability for navigating urban streets and handling short highway stints with ease. Early models received some criticism for their braking performance, which led Harley-Davidson to update the bike with improved single-disc brakes and eventually offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS) as an option, which later became standard.

Chassis, Suspension, and Variants

The motorcycle is built on a narrow and lean steel frame, designed for easy handling. The suspension consists of a traditional telescopic front fork and dual coil-over shocks at the rear, tuned more for comfort over imperfect city pavement than for aggressive cornering. Its low 25.7-inch laden seat height makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, inspiring confidence for newer or shorter motorcyclists.

Alongside the XG750, Harley-Davidson also produced the nearly identical Street 500 (XG500), which used a smaller 494cc version of the Revolution X engine. In 2017, the platform was expanded with the introduction of the Street Rod. This sportier variant featured the high-output Revolution X 750 engine with more horsepower and a higher redline, along with upgraded suspension components, including inverted front forks and piggyback reservoir rear shocks, a higher seat, and more aggressive ergonomics for improved handling and cornering clearance.

Despite its initial sales success in bringing new riders to the brand, the Street series faced a mixed reception from both critics and brand loyalists. Production of the Street 750 and its variants was discontinued after the 2020 model year as Harley-Davidson began to refocus its product strategy.

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Specifications: 2017 Harley-Davidson Street 750 (XG750)**