2016 Harley Davidson Streetbob Motorcycle Review

[@stevenhellwig4927]

I'd Like to start out by saying I like your videos, they're fun to watch and I appreciate the work and effort you obviously put into making them. As far as this particular video goes, I'd say it came off as slightly harsh and slightly biased. In the general scope of things this bike is meant to give the perspective buyer a full size Harley at a low end price. This includes (generally) the largest frame and engine Harley puts out, at about 13.5k a bike. Considering Harley is still 80% manufactured (no I 'm not going to cite sources) in the U.S. I'd say that's a pretty sweet deal. As far as the performance of this bike, I'd say that there might be some initial upgrades that a rider would find useful after buying this bike as far as; suspension, seat, stage 1 engine upgrade, and perhaps other personal preferences, like foot postion. However as far as I could tell from watching this video, regarding the engine response; it appeared you were generally expecting the bike to take off while in very low RPM range; these bikes have a sweet spot of 3500 to 4500 rpm and at this point will respond just as enthusiastically as many sport bikes. Suspension on a 700lbs motorcycle, even brand new, when stock will not be the luxury ride of a sport touring motorcycle - holding them to this standard is unrealistic in my opinion. As far as price and other models, I think finding a similar bike, American manufactured, and in the general same sphere of characteristics or class of bike as the Street Bob would be extremely hard to do. Even a Dyna Lowrider jumps up a couple grand to it's base model. I'd say you may have been expecting to much out of this motorcycle, maybe I'm biased because I own one, however I would say, Given the price, gaining reasonable knowledge of how to operate this particular type of motorcycle and managing expectations in regards to bike models and prices this bike is well suited to fit the bill for many riders on the road and does. Including myself, Thanks for the review.

[@theflyingclutchco.5918]

I just picked up a 2016 Street Bob after years of sport bikes, dual sports, and supermotos. I can affirm the vibration is ridiculous below about 1800 rpm, the suspension is stiff over bumps, and the stock pipes are super quiet. To me, this model is pretty much designed to be a builder’s bike. I now have 12” t-bars, it had a 2-up seat, threw passenger pegs on it, and it has a Two Brothers Racing 2-into-1 exhaust. Still waiting to get rear shocks, but these come factory with 12” length shocks in the rear to fit the “bobber” styling, and the short shock length seems to make mine bottom out over hard bumps. Going to 12.5”, 13”, or 13.5” will drastically improve turn-in and shock absorption. The FXDT came with 13.5” shocks and was considered one of the best handling Harleys ever made, rivaling the FXR. As far as the 103ci motor running hot and not making much more power than the 96, I agree. The exhaust made a substantial difference and apparently with an air filter and a tune you get really good power out of them. A stage 3 kit from Harley will get you more power than the Milwaukee 8 motor. All in all, I really like the bike. I can never go back to a sport bike, and surprisingly, the lean on this bike with mid-controls is far more than I’d care to push, and I ride very aggressively. The torque is enough to keep a smile on my face too. I have no illusions about this bike being the peak of modern performance technology, but it is more than enough for my purposes. Thanks for the review!

[@jesuscital6780]

So it should be good for a beginner that will ride it 20 miles a day just to use as transportation to work? I'm probably buying one next month.

[@theflyingclutchco.5918]

@@jesuscital6780 it’s a heavy bike for a beginner but it’s do-able. Not much in the way of power to get you into trouble, but a lot of weight for sure.

[@pmh1nic]

I'm 5'6" with a 29" inseam and had the dealer swap out the mid controls for forward controls. As for vibration there is a spot between 2300 and 2600 where ther is vibration but above that it's a smooth running motorcycle. While the bike pulls well in 6th at 50mph I usually don't see 6th gear until I hit 70mph at 2700rpm. At 55mph in 4th you're around 2800rpm and 65mph in 5th about the same with plenty of torque when you twist the throttle. The Street Bob is a good cruiser with plenty of power, a smooth transmission and the fit and finish you expect from Harley.

[@pmh1nic]

P.S. I did do stage 1 with Big Sicker intake, V&H Slash Cut mufflers and V&H FP3 fuel management with wdded some addition pop to performance.

[@thehighvaluecat9313]

Jesus that bike looks BEAUTIFUL

[@Toni62R]

+SilentPrayingmanTis ....who knows,- there are more things between heaven and earth....

[@geddstock]

+SilentPrayingmanTis that's just an expression man,chill

[@stephenwilson2504]

Awe was hoping you would like this bike. I test rode one 2 years ago and fell in love with it. I was smiling for a week. Bought a used soft tail custom last year, same sort of look but more easy rider like, which is what I wanted. Anyway keep up the good work really like your channel.

[@ArizonaRE]

A friend of mine got a Street Bob earlier this year. I'd say you hit it about right, when I rode it I had many of the same thoughts as you. Nice fit and finish though, that paint, chrome, and crinkle all look really stellar B-)

[@davemonday5381]

I have the street bob. I ride mine a 2015 short shots sate 1 and k&n filter I couldn’t agree with your test. Mine has mode. Very little vibration and what it does have I like it Mine is fast. It’s fast compared to my fireblade I do agree about the shocks. You need to ride harder a lot harder

[@KAOTICx929]

This is the only Harley that I really like

[@KyleSchwanz]

I have a street bob with with the standard mid controls, hate the forward controls. I did add hwy pegs which mount were the forwards are. I like them for cruising on the interstate but that's it.

[@anthonysnobs2637]

Did I miss the green option? I pick up a 15 street Bob last year and I got amber whiskey. I like it but wow does that green look good!

[@kylemichaud5454]

Bike look good, respect is earned.

[@madmaxbobber8936]

Bike goals

[@glasgowharleyrider]

Good review appreciated, hi from Scotland . Subbed 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤟🏻

[@Toni62R]

great review again - but, is the ride really so harsh? (In think that is one of your main critical points).

[@TwoWheelObsession]

+Toni R Yep

[@1Imrichard]

back shucks are stiff . put on a a thicker seat .

[@GTOAviator]

Are the forwards or mids standard for a Street Bob? I have zero interest in forwards.

[@savagecabbage1594]

I think the pegs arent stock. The street bob usually has mid controls.

[@kellyj5389]

Nice ride

[@russellcupples2170]

I've said it before 2 or 3 times but can you do a Rocket 3 roadster and rocket 3 touring .And do a Thunderbird LT

[@cvaria]

i love my dyna after stage 1. hated it before. the shaking and vibes are great! i love it all. way less than my sporty. the pipes make noise above 4000 rpm

[@ozziejim8472]

Hey WW do u feel the road on yours too?

[@cvaria]

Ozzie Jim what do you mean?

[@ozziejim8472]

He was commenting about feeling the road, like it could have done with better shocks or something.

[@HealthyMango]

so the 2016 does not have spokes anymore? Or is this special edition?

[@budfans]

i rode one and totally feel the same way I don't know why people spend so much on Harleys just upgrade everything... Ill admit the street glides ride nice but then your spending a a lot more money..

[@sjenttivensventa]

So my 2007 super glide or this?

[@ChrisSmoove77]

Smaller motor making the same power. Your 96. Coming from someone who just bought a new bob lol

[@northwestnw8515]

What do you think of the iron 883

[@reddog907]

They Walt tried that and put on progressive no difference, oh well I will keep trying.

[@RapidInstincts]

I simple cannot do forward controls. I need mid. Is it stock like this or an option?

[@TwoWheelObsession]

Stock. I'm sure there are several options for it.

[@Broncoride]

Dyna's are cool.

[@pepsilui]

does it need abs?

[@saddle8bag]

NIce to hear a little reality in a video review. I enjoy David Cohen's reviews, but that guy can't bring himself to say a harsh word about anything. Here, you pretty much laid out what off brand types have known for a long time. Harley has a dated engine/chassis with a bunch of uber cheap, though often shiny parts bolted on to it. Get in their catalog and spend another $10k and you can get it up to ride/performance of an Asian or Euro machine that cost half as much to begin with. With Harley it's all about style. Nothing wrong with that. If you're the type of rider who likes parading around in large groups, pointing at every pebble in the road with your toe, they are perfectly nice machines. If you want to push them longer and harder, they can do that to some extent too, just be prepared to shell out a lot for upgrades.

[@apacheone9887]

Hi everybody i have a question that the USA never to greet each other to you ??

[@ronaldwesterduin3719]

Very good review and a very nice bike, my friend.But its a shame that your testrides are only on long straight roades.So how about cornering and ground clearance?That,s important for Europeans.Yes there are other options fot that money,maybe better bikes to.But its not a Harley-Davidson.......

[@uncleskull3270]

You're sounding like your old self again. Hope all is well.

[@aaronbehindbars]

Anybody notice the mirrors?

[@cvaria]

+Aaron Fink it's just rotated

[@buzzyfuzzsaw]

Yes. I came back to this video to comment on Dude's two right-hand mirrors. Good attention to detail.

[@buzzyfuzzsaw]

When exactly did you see the mirror rotate? It's been ass-backward since the onset of the video.

[@1Imrichard]

i owned 2012 street bob . stock seat is a brick . city bike . wouldn't buy anther one . traded it for 16 road king . rk is ten times the bike

[@reddog907]

Harley suspension sucks, Your teeth hit your cranium with every bump.

[@cvaria]

+Robert Logee ajustable