Harley-Davidson Street Bob 107 review: first thoughts

HARLEY-DAVIDSON has its target firmly set on young riders. Within 10 years, the manufacturer wants to get two million new American bums on its seats.

Easy, right? Potentially, if the hundred new bikes it will churn out over the next decade are as downright fun as the 2018 Street Bob 107.

Visordown’s Laura Thomson has ridden the Street Bob at its launch in Catalonia, and could hardly bring herself to get off it.

Here’s what she thought:

‘On twisty mountain roads, wide open straights and everything in between, the Street Bob is the one model of the four tested that was unanimously loved.

‘Under the tank sits an updated version of Harley-Davidson’s 1745cc Milwaukee-Eight engine, which was first seen in the manufacturer’s 2017 tourer range.

‘It’s a lower powered version, making 107lbft of torque (Harley doesn't release power figures), but that’s more than adequate on the variety of roads we rode.'

‘At 5ft8, I found the Street Bob’s ergonomics perfect, but taller riders reported cramp after as little as 20 miles. But if you’re into the upright, right-angled knee position for which the ‘Bob is known, then you won’t have a problem.

‘As with the other models in the range, the Street Bob features a new, lighter frame and new rear monoshock with preload adjustment. However, at 56kg I found the standard set-up to be spot on.’