2017–2020 Harley-Davidson Street Revolution X 750 HO (XG750A Street Rod)

The 2017–2020 Harley-Davidson Street Revolution X 750 HO (XG750A Street Rod) is a liquid-cooled V-twin motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson. Developed as a high-performance, sport-standard variant of the existing XG750 Street model, the Street Rod was engineered to appeal to a younger, more urban demographic seeking aggressive styling and more dynamic handling characteristics. It represented a significant evolution of the Street platform, featuring a revised engine, an upgraded chassis, and a completely different riding posture compared to its predecessor.

Development and Design

The Street Rod was introduced in 2017 as a direct response to market feedback and criticism of the original Harley-Davidson Street 750. While the base Street model was a successful entry-level platform, it was often criticized for its soft suspension, modest braking performance, and relaxed cruiser ergonomics. Harley-Davidson’s engineering team addressed these points directly when creating the XG750A.

The design brief for the Street Rod was to create a more assertive and performance-oriented machine. This was achieved through a combination of mechanical upgrades and stylistic changes. The bike’s stance was made more aggressive with a new tail section, a steeper rake angle, and drag-style handlebars with bar-end mirrors. The overall aesthetic moved away from the traditional cruiser look of the Street 750 and towards that of a modern streetfighter or muscle bike.

Drivetrain: The High Output Revolution X 750

At the core of the Street Rod is the High Output (HO) version of the 749cc Revolution X engine. This revised powertrain was the most significant difference from the standard Street 750. To increase performance, engineers equipped the engine with several key upgrades:

A larger, dual-throat 42mm Mikuni throttle body
Revised four-valve-per-cylinder heads with higher-lift camshafts
An increased compression ratio of 12.0:1 (up from 11.0:1)
A higher-volume muffler designed for better flow

These enhancements resulted in a claimed 18% increase in horsepower and an 8% increase in torque over the standard Revolution X engine. The redline was also raised from 8,000 RPM to 9,000 RPM, giving the engine a broader and more responsive powerband. This transformed the character of the motorcycle, providing stronger acceleration and a more engaging riding experience.

Chassis, Suspension, and Handling

To match the upgraded engine, the Street Rod’s chassis and suspension components were substantially improved. The conventional, right-side-up forks of the Street 750 were replaced with a rigid 43mm inverted front fork. The rear suspension was upgraded from basic twin shocks to a pair of piggyback reservoir shocks, offering improved damping and control.

The steering geometry was also sharpened. The rake angle was steepened from a relaxed 32 degrees to a more aggressive 27 degrees, which quickened the steering response and made the bike feel more agile in corners. A new, longer swingarm was fitted to maintain stability despite the steeper rake.

Braking performance, a notable weakness of the original model, was addressed by equipping the Street Rod with dual 300mm floating disc brakes on the front wheel, clamped by two-piston calipers. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, providing a significant improvement in stopping power and safety. The bike rolled on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels both front and rear, allowing for the fitment of modern radial tires that further enhanced grip and handling.

The rider ergonomics were completely revised. The forward-mounted foot controls of the Street 750 were replaced with mid-mount controls, and the pulled-back handlebar was swapped for a low, flat drag-style bar. This combination created a forward-leaning, aggressive riding position that was better suited for spirited riding and city maneuvering, though it proved less comfortable for some riders on longer journeys.

Specifications