Country cousin

Harley-Davidson's new Street 750 has been entirely made in India. Does it live up to the company's brand reputation or is it just a pretender? The author decides after taking it for a spin

Harley-Davidson will probably never live down the joke about its entry into India being facilitated by the export of Indian mangoes to the American market. But having set up a unit in the country in 2010, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle brand has done the unthinkable and built a made-in-India bike for the entire world. When the plan was initially mooted, sceptics ranted about how Harley-Davidson's foray in a cost-conscious market would kill the brand's legendary reputation, while other critics warned of how the build quality of the bike would be seriously compromised and the end product would be an inferior machine. Such verdicts were passed even before the Street 750 was ready for the roads. The new bike is now out. Was the criticism justified?

This "pocket-friendly" Harley-Davidson, with a price tag starting at Rs 4.1 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), hasn't got an ounce that screams 'cost cutting'. The Street 750's sleek body makes it appear like a mini Night Rod, the company's popular cruiser. The India-made bike may deceive you with its compact appearance, but believe me when I say there is nothing cramped about it. Like a typical Harley-Davidson, it is low in stance which is always a good thing as we Indians aren't the tallest people around. The dark custom paintwork is just fantastic as it exudes a sense of the sinister around the cruiser, while drawing the attention of onlookers at the same time.

I must confess that when I first saw the photographs of the 750's "bikini fairing", I was disappointed. (Fairing is the shell that is built over the bike's framework, and a bikini fairing is one that is minimal, comprising bodywork around the headlamp). But when I saw this urban bike in its metal and bolt completeness, I figured that the fairing allowed it to blend in perfectly with the design and give the bike more character.

As the boys in Milwaukee say, no two Harley-Davidsons are the same. So you can be sure the Street 750 comes with numerous customisation options. The credo that a Harley owner follows is that the bike should mirror you - you do not accept anything that is doled out to you. So if you still aren't convinced about the headlamp fairing, then you can get it removed and replaced by a more classical fuller look.

The Street 750 is a well-thought-out machine whose designers have kept in mind the challenging Indian conditions while knowing at the same time that few people actual venture out for long bike rides. Therefore, the riding style is fairly comfortable. But you need to get used to the high elbow stance, which also blocks your rear view mirror. Many may find this very 100cc-ish. The front suspension fork covered with rubber boots is a practical measure that protects it from dust. Something that irks is the absence of easy-to-press switches - they have been replaced by rubbery buttons that are mostly seen in desi bikes. One thing I am happy to note is the teardrop tank that comes with a simple, but efficient, shut-and-lock lid. Harley-Davidson has also tried to ensure low maintenance bills by using the more reliable belt-drive system instead of the drive chain.

The new liquid-cooled, 749cc, Revolution X engine disappoints with its hoarse exhaust note, but honestly, this hardly matters because if you want an aural ego massage, you can install the company's "Screaming Eagle" muffler that makes the engine retort significantly louder. The V-Twin engine provides a pure pick up that will remind you of the good old 2-stroke bikes like the Yamaha RX100. The eagerness of the Street 750 can easily be controlled. The bike may yank you if you accelerate without warning but it purrs easily in bumper-to-bumper traffic. During my ride, the 750 easily touched the 150 kmph mark and was ready to go further but I ran out of tarmac.

Unlike the usual cruisers, this one loves sweeping the curves as the MRF tyres provide ample grip. Initially, Harley-Davidson was criticised for choosing the Indian tyre, but it has now been proved that MRF knows what it takes to tackle local conditions. What is immensely impressive about the 750 is its handling and ride quality. It is smooth in city traffic and also on the highway. Even at high speed it remains planted on the road, and there are no annoying vibrations that usually sap your energy. The six-speed gear box is smooth and precise.

So is the Street 750 a true Harley-Davidson or a pretender? Without a shadow of doubt, this cruiser made entirely in India remains true to its Milwaukee DNA. Actually, many Japanese bike makers could learn a thing or two from the Americans and bring out a quality bike like this rather than a high-priced 250-300cc bike. Sure the finish of the Street 750 might not feel as grand as in other Harleys, but then you can't own them for a mere Rs 4.1 lakh. And yes, I feel that ABS should have been added as a standard feature because the brakes do lack a bit of bite. But all in all, I can say there is no other bike at the moment that can match the Street 750's pedigree at its price.