Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1382582
The Brand New Old Harley-Davidson God bless the Harley-Davidson motor company! In a changing world where "classic" isn't as important to some as it used to be, Harley-Davidson is trying just about everything to stay in touch. There was the V-Rod, then the Tri-Glide, the Live Wire, the Harley-Davidson Street (500 & 750) and now, The Electra Glide Revival! Some thought the V-Rod was too much too fast, resembling the Jetson's tea pot. The Tri-Glide was an honest attempt to encourage aging Harley riders to continue riding after two wheels became too much of a challenge and the Live Wire rewarded satisfaction to those who criticized anything that sounded cool and burned fuel. And then came the Street 500/750, built for busy city streets and/or those on a budget but still wanting a Harley-Davidson. So where does the 2021Electra Glide fit in? It has been dubbed, "a modern reproduction of the 1969 classic." It's all the cool of old school with all of the advantages of a modern Harley-Davidson! b Entry Level Bikes for BSHDFC (excerpts from) John Burns Motorcycle.com Harley makes it easier on your purse to gain access, with its Street 750 model – XG750 – a great little bike that starts at $7,599 – 750 cc really only being "small" by American V- Twin standards (46 cubic inches in American). As a matter of fact, the Street 750 is one of our favorite entry-level bikes. That little engine is one of the most modern in H-D's line-up, given its liquid cooling and overhead-cam design – which is probably why the H-D purists haven't fully accepted it. Their loss, really. With its light weight, low seat and zippy performance, the Street's a great beginner bike and plenty of fun for experienced riders as well. The bike most H-D wannabes begin with, though, would be the venerable Sportster, which the Motor Company has been producing since 1957 in many iterations. To lots of the faithful, it's not a real Harley unless it's got an air-cooled 45- degree V-Twin engine with shiny pushrod tubes, and the Sportster delivers. To lure buyers in, Harley sets the base- model Sportster Iron 883's price at $8,999. Meanwhile, Indian attempts to set the hook with its Indian Scout Sixty, for the exact same $8,999. Coincidence? We think not. Where the Sportster's 883 cc engine resides, Indian places a modern 1000 cc liquid-cooled engine (61 cubic in) that makes substantially more power than the Harley's motor. The Indian is longer, lower of seat, better suspended and therefore more fun to ride for most of us. Editor's Note: With respect and appreciation to Mr. Burns for his comparative process, ma n y add that a well maintained used HD Softail or Dyna, even with low mileage, will sell for about the same as a new Sportster or Scout - and may prove easier to learn o n with its low center of gravity. b