cruiser motorcycles

Harley Davidson Street 500 vs Royal Enfield Classic 500

Harley Davidson Street 500 vs Royal Enfield Classic 500

1. HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500

ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

The HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 is the cheapest Harley cruiser. It was first introduced in 2014 and has two variants: the Street 500 and the STREET 750. The Street series is lightweight, has a smaller engine, and is cheaper than other Harley Davidson cruisers and touring motorcycles. The Street series has a unique riding style compared to other cruisers. Both variants of the Street series are quite similar in design and ergonomics, except for the engine size.

The Royal Enfield is an Indian motorcycle company that launched the Classic 350 and 500 in 2009. The main difference between both these Enfield Classic variants is their engine displacement size. The Classic 500 was equipped with the Euro 4 engine and an ABS in 2017. In 2019, the company launched the new Classic 500 with a BS6 engine and a dual-channel ABS.

Also Read: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS HONDA REBEL 500

2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

  Harley Davidson Royal Enfield
BASIC INFORMATION
Year 2020                         2022       
Model Street 500 Enfield Classic 500
Motorcycle Type Cruiser Standard
Base Price $6,899 $5,599
Colors Barracuda Silver Deluxe, Vivid Black, Vivid Black Deluxe, Black Denim, and Performance Orange Black
ENGINE & SYSTEMS
Displacement 30 cu in (494 cc) 30.4 cu in (499 cc)
Engine Type Revolution X, V-Twin Single-Cylinder, Four-Stroke
Cooling System Liquid-Cooled Air-Cooled
Compression Ratio 10.5:1 8.5:1
Stroke 66 mm (2.6 in) 90 mm
Bore 69 mm (2.72 in) 84 mm
Cylinders Two One
Drive Train Belt Chain
Transmission Six-Speed Five-speed
Clutch Wet, Multi-Plate Wet, Multi-Plate
Starter Electric Electric/ Kick
Exhaust Two-into-One One-into-one
Fuel Delivery System Mikuni Single Port Fuel Injection Electronic Fuel Injection
PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY
Horsepower N/A 27.2 hp
Torque 29.5 ft-lbs (40 Nm) @ 3,750 rpm 30.4 ft-lbs (41.3 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.5 gal (13.2 L) 3.56 gal (13.5 L)
Mileage 64 MPG (27.2 km/l) 75.2 MPG (32 km/l)
Oil Capacity 3.2 quarts (3.1 L) 2.5 quarts (2.25 L)
DIMENSIONS
Trail 115.062 mm (4.53 in) N/A
Rake 32o 26o
Seat Height 720 mm (28.3 in) 800.1 mm (31.5 in)
Wheelbase 1520 mm (59.84 in) 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Weight 514 lbs (233 kg) 432 lbs (196 kg)
Ground Clearance 145 mm (5.7 in) 135 mm (5.31 in)
Length 2,215 mm (87.2 in) 2,140 mm (84.2 in)

3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

Key Similarities Key Differences
Both have a single-disc brake at the front and rear The Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a stock solo seat, while the Harley Street 500 has a dual seat
Both have dual shocks at the front and rear Both have differently styled fairings
Both aer covered with a matte black finish, except the fuel tank and fenders The Harley Street 500 does not require a kickstart, while the Royal Enfield Classic 500 has an electric/kick start ignition system
Both have mid-mounted footrests Both have a differently styled tail lights
Both have license plates below the tail light The Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a single-cylinder engine, while the Harley Street 500 has a twin-cylinder engine
  The Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a detachable passenger seat, while the Harley Street 500 has a fixed passenger seat
  Both have differently styled side panels
  The Harley Street 500 has a two-into-two exhaust system, while the Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a two-into-one exhaust system
  The Harley Street 500 has chopped fenders, while the Royal Enfield Classic 500 has full fenders
  The Harley Street 500 has an LED headlight, while the Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a Halogen bulb headlight
  The Royal Enfield Classic 500 has springs beneath the rider seat, while the Harley Street 500 does not
  The Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a chain drive train, while the Harley Street 500 has a belt drive train
  Both have a different cooling systems

4. DESIGN: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

4.1 Design: Harley Davidson Street 500

The Harley Street 500 is a cruiser with mid-mounted footrests. It is covered in a matte black finish, except for the fuel tank and fenders. It has small fenders and handlebars at the arm position. Among all of Harley’s cruisers, Street 500 has a unique seating style. It has a two-into-one matte black exhaust and wide tires at the front and rear. At the front, it has 37 mm telescopic non-adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 5.5 in and a tire size of 100/80 R17. Meanwhile, at the rear, it has non-adjustable dual shocks with a tire size of 140/75 R15. It can have an optional ABS installed with single-disc brakes at the front and rear.

4.2 Design: Royal Enfield Classic 500

The Royal Enfield Classic 500 is a standard motorcycle with an elegant design. It has a detachable passenger seat, dual rear shocks at the back, and two springs under the rider seat. It has a fuel tank with a fuel cap in the center. Like most standard motorcycles, It has a one-into-one exhaust. It has a simple analog speedometer between the handlebars. At the front, it has a 35 mm hydraulic telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 5.1 in and a tire size of 90/90-19, 52P. At the rear, it has dual five-step preload adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 3.1 in and a tire size of 110/90-18, 62 P. It has a dual-channel ABS and 240 mm, two-piston caliper discs at the front and rear. It has full-size fenders at the front and rear.

5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

5.1 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Street 500

The Harley Davidson Street 500 has a 494 cc liquid-cooled Revolution X, V-Twin engine with a compression ratio of 10.5:1. It has a bore size of 69 mm and stroke size of 66 mm that helps it provide a maximum torque of 40 Nm @ 3,750 rpm. With a fuel capacity of 13.2 liters and a single-port fuel injection system, it has a fuel economy of 64 MPG (27.2 km/l). It requires low maintenance because of its reliable belt drive train system and six-speed transmission system. It also comes with an electric ignition system.

5.2 Engine & Performance: Royal Enfield Classic 500

The Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a 499 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with twin sparks with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. With a bore and stroke size of 84 mm and 90 mm, it can deliver a maximum torque of 41.3 Nm @ 4,000 rpm and horsepower of 27.2 hp. It has both electric and kick start ignition systems. The Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a fuel capacity of 13.5 liters with an electronic fuel injection system that provides a good fuel economy of 75.2 MPG (32 km/l). It operates an efficient chain drive train and a five-speed transmission system.

6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Street 500

Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Street 500

Photo Credit: @mirror.co.uk

The Harley Street 500 has a riding position similar to standard and street motorcycles but has a relatively higher handlebar and a shorter seat height. It has an overall length of 87.2 in, a seat height of 28.3 in, and a ground clearance of 5.7 in. Due to this rake angle of 32^o The Harley Street 500 has a comfortable handlebar position. The Harley Street 500 is a big motorcycle with a slim body. Because of its small black fairing around the headlight, Street 500 reduces air drag.

6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Royal Enfield Classic 500

The Royal Enfield Classic 500 is a standard motorcycle with a seat height of 31.5 inches, providing an ideal riding position for most riders. With an overall weight of 196 kg, it is lighter and easier to handle than most cruisers. With a wheelbase of 54.3 inches and an overall length of 84.2 inches, it is easier to handle for all riders. The Royal Enfield Classic 500 has a lower handlebar position with a rake angle of 26^o which ensures good handling.

Also Read: 7 TIPS TO HELP YOU AVOID MOTORCYCLE CRASHING ON A TRACK DAY

7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

FEATURES STREET 500 ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500
ABS Optional Included
Instrument Cluster Handlebar-Mounted Handlebar-Mounted
Clock X X
Engine Kill Switch
Speedometer
Odometer
Tachometer X X
Gear Indicator X X
Fuel Gauge X
Fuel Warning Indicator
Low Battery Indicator X X
Low Oil Indicator X
Slip & Assist Clutch X X

8. PROS & CONS: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 VS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500

8.1 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Street 500

STREET 500 PROS STREET 500 CONS
Less weight No cruise control
Easy to control Less effective rear brake
Beginner-friendly motorcycle No passenger seat
Comfortable riding No extra luggage space
Digital meter Not recommended for heavyweight riders
Good ergonomics  
Reasonable price  
ABS is included (optional)  
Good fuel economy  

8.2 Pros & Cons: Royal Enfield Classic 500

ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500 PROS ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500 CONS
ABS is included Inadequate braking
Good fuel mileage Vibrating engine
Reasonable price Too light for heavyweight riders
Comfortable riding position No crash bars
Suitable for all riders Heavy for a standard motorcycle
Good beginner motorcycle  
Good sound  
Easier to handle  

9. FAQ

9.1 Is the Royal Enfield Classic 500 good for long rides?

Despite the Royal Enfield Classic 500 being a slightly heavyweight vehicle, it has enough power necessary for long rides. However, the riding position causes the rider to become fatigued more quickly. However, after modifying the handlebars and the seat, the Royal Enfield Classic 500 can offer better comfort on long rides.

9.2 What are the main differences between the Harley Davidson Street 500 and the Royal Enfield Classic 500?

The Harley Davidson Street 500 and the Royal Enfield Classic 500 have completely different riding styles and designs. The Harley Street 500 is a cruiser and hence has more weight than the traditional standard Royal Enfield Classic 500. The Classic 500 has a five-speed transmission system, while the Street 500 has a six-speed transmission system. The Street 500 is also larger than the Classic 500.

Also Read: HOW LONG DO MOTORCYCLE ENGINES LAST

9.3 Why pick the Harley Davidson Street 500 over the Royal Enfield Classic 500?

The Harley Davidson Street 500 has a pre-installed passenger seat and offers better comfort on longer rides than the Royal Enfield Classic 500. The Harley Davidson Street 500 has more aftermarket parts available than the Royal Enfield Classic 500.

9.4 How is the Royal Enfield Classic 500 better than the Harley Davidson Street 500?

The Royal Enfield Classic 500 weighs less and has better fuel mileage than the Harley Davidson Street 500. The Royal Enfield Classic 500 is cheaper and easier to handle than the Harley Davidson Street 500. The Royal Enfield Classic 500 is smaller and sleeker than the Harley Street 500, making it an ideal motorcycle for shorter riders and beginners.

10. TAKEAWAY

TAKEAWAY

 

The Harley Davidson Street 500 and the Royal Enfield Classic 500 are cheap motorcycles from different motorcycle brands. Both are lightweight vehicles, but the Royal Enfield Classic 500 is slightly lighter than the Harley Street 500. Both are entry-level motorcycles but the Royal Enfield Classic 500 is better for novice riders due to being smaller and narrower than the Harley Street 500. Street 500 is a cruiser, while the Classic 500 is a standard motorcycle, but both perform well on the road. Like other cruisers, the Street 500 does not have pre-installed saddlebags, sissy bars, or crash bars.

Photo Credit: @hendersonhd , @rideapart

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