Harley-Davidson Street 500: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

• Table of Contents
• 1. Brief History of Harley Street 500
• 2. Harley Street 500 at First Glance
• 3. Harley Street 500: Buyer’s Guide
• 3.1 Is Harley Street 500 a Good Beginner Bike?
• 3.2 How Much Does a Harley Street 500 Cost?
• 3.3 Does Harley-Davidson still make the Street 500 Model?
• 3.4 Is Harley Street 500 a Good Bike For Long Routes?
• 4. Detailed Specifications
• 4.1 Engine Specs:
• 4.2 Chassis Specs:
• 4.3 Dimensions and Capacities:
• 5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options for Harley Street 500

The Harley Street 500 is an entry-level motorcycle that boasts comfortable riding posture and modern blacked-out styling. Once there was a time when Harley-Davidson motorcycles were made to last long, with their revolutionary engines and powerful performances, and H-D was well-known as the largest motorcycle production around the globe.

After many years of success, Harley felt that they were losing their respect and position because of their similar model designs and same typical ergonomics. In 2013, Harley decided to take a step to regain their fan's attention and customers' interest with a revolutionary bike that broke the records and took its valuable place in the market again.

Harley Davidson revealed its new street bikes in 2014, as the Street 500 and street 750. Both models are offered at the same time, the street 500 was shown up as a new line that was Harley’s comeback to compete with other motorcycle production companies who are offering similar bikes. These models take Harley to an entirely different level.

If you are a Harley enthusiast and looking for a reliable, beginner-level, and comfortable street bike, Harley Street 500 could be a good choice for you.

So let's find out the facts about the Harley Sportster 500 which makes this amazing bike magnificent.

1. Brief History of Harley Street 500

In 2013, Harley Davidson announced the Harley Street Motorcycle series and 2014 was the officially launched year of Harley Street 500 across foreign markets in the U.S as well. Foreign markets include countries like India, China, and Southeast Asia.

Harley-Davidson has never failed in fulfilling the customer’s demands. They knew that some beginners want to ride slowly as the previous models were higher in power and weight which were not appropriate for starting their cruise.

Also Read: Here's All You Need to Know Before Buying A Cruiser Bike

By considering this thought, the Harley production line ended up making a motorcycle for riders who want to begin their journey at a very initial stage. Harley Street 500 was small and agile. This bike was ideal for scooting in and out of traffic. Riders didn't face problems with this bike while driving in narrow streets. This bike was a piece of art for riders with shorter heights. Its low weight, totally new ergonomics, ultimate design, and great performance made this bike amazing for the youth.

2. Harley Street 500 at First Glance

The first impression of the motorcycle is pretty sweet. The design is actually different from previous Harley models. There are a lot of things to admire in this bike from its paint job to its rear tire. As a matter of fact, this bike was a great success for the company because its low seat, forward-mounted pegs, and wider handlebar give a great feel to every rider. Being lower makes this street bike very accomodating for shorter people. Its affordability and lightweight are the signature points to remember.

Also Read: Should You Buy The Harley Sportster 1200 Low? Find Out Here

Street 500 is designed with a 494cc (30cu. in) liquid-cooled, Revolution X™ V-Twin engine. This engine was specifically designed for the Harley Street series. There are some visible changes in the engine including the 60° V arrangement of the cylinders compared to the traditional 45°, and liquid-cooled engine rather than a traditional air-cooled one. This engine provides reliability, smoothness, and great torque which is enough for building comfort for new riders.

This bike has decently tuned suspension, a comfortable seat, good handling, sub-par brakes, stunning looks, and a basic instrument cluster. If we talk about its riding position it is more towards the standard upright configuration. This provides a very natural and familiar position that most beginners enjoy.

3. Harley Street 500: Buyer’s Guide

3.1 Is Harley Street 500 a Good Beginner Bike?

The Harley Street 500 is a reasonable entry-level bike from a performance point of view. Many new riders tend to ride cruiser-style bikes. This bike has a low and relaxed riding position which gives the vibes of the cruiser. Furthermore, the 494 cc X™ V-Twin engine generates enough power that can be easily handled by every rider. Please make a note that this bike is not for people above 6’ feet, taller riders may even find it a bit uncomfortable.

3.2 How Much Does a Harley Street 500 Cost?

The low price of this motorcycle was the actual success for the company which attracted many customers. The pricing of this bike starts at $6,899 before options. They have kept this price for the base model and if you want customization, it could reach as high as $8,700. Abs brakes are optional in Street 500.

3.3 Does Harley-Davidson still make the Street 500 Model?

The answer is no, The Harley Street 500 has been officially discontinued. Harley’s small-and-medium displacement era has come to an end.

3.4 Is Harley Street 500 a Good Bike For Long Routes?

Harley Street 500 is an entry-level bike with a 494 cc Revolution X V-Twin engine, it is a cruiser-style bike with balanced brakes and suspension. This bike is not designed for long miles as it has a smaller engine in comparison to Harley Cruiser Motorcycles. Rather, you can plan a shorter or one-day trip as the bike is considered under power according to enthusiasts who often go for motorcycle trips. The seat is comfortable and the sitting posture is relaxed but the only thing which restricts you from going on long routes is the engine power.

Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Buy a Cruiser Motorcycle

4. Detailed Specifications

4.1 Engine Specs:

Engine	Liquid-Cooled Revolution X™ V-Twin
Displacement	30cu. In. (494cc)
Valves	Chain drive single overhead cam with mechanical lifters and rocker arms (4-Valves Per Cylinder)
Bore x Stroke	2.72 in. x 2.6 in. (69 mm x 66mm)
Engine Torque	29.5 ft. lb. (40 Nm)
Fuel System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Lubrication System	Pressurized, wet-sump
Air Cleaner	Paper, non-washable
Clutch	Multi-plate, wet
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh spur gear
Primary Drive	Gear, 36/68 ratio
Final Drive	Belt, 30/80 ratio
Exhaust	Black, two into one
Compression Ratio	10.5:1

4.2 Chassis Specs:

Frame	Mild steel tubular frame
Front Forks	37 mm telescopic (non-adjustable)
Rear Shocks	Twin tubular shocks externally mounted (pre-load adjustment only)
Swingarm	Mild Steel, rectangular tube sections
Wheels	Black, 7-Spoke Cast Aluminium
Wheel, Front	17 in. x 2.5 in. (432 mm x64 mm)
Wheel, Rear	15 in. x 3.5 in. (381mm x 89mm)
Rake (Steering head)	32°
Fork Angle	32°
Lean Angle Right/Left	28.5° / 28.5°
Trail	4.5 in. (115 mm)
Brakes	11.8 in. x .24 in.(300 mm x 6mm)
Anti - Lock Braking System (ABS)	Optional

4.3 Dimensions and Capacities:

Length	87.2 in.
Width	33.1 in.
Height	43.5 in.
Ground Clearance	5.7 in.
Seat Height	Laden: 25.7 in. Unladen 28.3 in.
Wheelbase	59.8 in.
Fuel Capacity	3.5 gal. (13.1 L)
Fuel Economy	64 mpg (3.6 L/100 km)
Oil Capacity (W/Filter)	3.3 qt. (3.1 L)
Coolant Capacity	1.4 qt
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating	950 lb. (431 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating	Front: 320 lb.(145 kg), Rear: 360 lb (286 kg)
Weight in Running order	514 lb.
Weight As Shipped:	492 lb. (223 kg)

5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options for Harley Street 500

Although Street 500 is an entry-level bike and made for cruising around the town, this bike is offered with total customization by fitting aftermarket parts on it, like motorcycle seats and s sissy bars .

All you need to do is sit down and take a look at the available parts and accessories for the bike to modify it according to your taste and make it look more stunning when parked in your community or while urban riding.

And if you are using your Street 500 on a daily basis and you have to carry some luggage along with you, a pair of good saddlebags would be great for you, it is advised not to install large luggage bags on your bike because this is low profile bike and large bags won't suit it perfectly.