Principal Blog
H-D Street Bob keeps things classically simple
14 February 2025
H-D Street Bob keeps things classically simple
Whilst still keeping things simple, Harley-Davidson has refreshed its Street Bob cruiser for 2025.
The softail has shed a few pounds and added a few cubic centimetres, benefited from some ergonomic tweaks and yet maintained its classic look.
As Paul Browne notes, it’s also been designed for the owner who really wants to make it their own.
Where American motorcycles are concerned Harley-Davidson’s Breakout and the Fatboy are always going to be the ones that stand out for me.
From the same family as these two big ticket bikes, are the Heritage and the Low Rider. Both carry the same classic Americana look, with a simpler design.
Also in the cruiser clan is the wonderfully titled Street Bob.
In spite of having a name that sounds like the junior member of a 1950s street gang, it’s a more than capable machine.
Lightweight champions
All of the class stand out for the simplicity of design that they present.
This is because they’re built in a lightweight classic H-D frame.
With the latest generation of these bikes manufacturing technology ensures that the chassis can be lightweight as well as stiffer than before.
The Street Bob is lightest of all the company’s cruisers.
Simplicity abounds with a set of easier-to-keep cast wheels, a pillion seat and pegs being standard.
From the rider’s point of view I find the bike more comfortable since the lower handlebars fit me better.
The foot pegs being mounted further back than much of the H-D range makes for a much more conventional sitting position, making the Street Bob easier and more familiar to operate.
Built for custom
For this year the new bike has a larger 117ci (1,917cc) engine.
It’s still slightly larger than motor that powers the ’24 model. It may only be 49cc, but every little bit helps!
The big thing that Harley have done with all of the cruiser range – and the Street Bob in particular – is provide a base for individualising the bike.
For me that would always be less is more.
Mine would be stripped back, no pillion seat, matte black and with an open exhaust! ‘Those who ride alone ride fastest’ and all that…
The Street Bob starts at €19,995. For details give Mo at Waterford Harley-Davidson a shout on 051 844 200. He also has the smaller engined ’24 model in stock.
