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The King is Back: Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117 Roars into India

Forget what you thought you knew about cruisers. The legendary Harley-Davidson Street Bob has returned to Indian shores, and it’s not here to be a wallflower. At an ex-showroom price of ₹18.77 lakh, this isn’t just a bike; it’s a statement, a lifestyle, and a thrilling ride wrapped in iconic bobber-style attitude. The question isn’t whether you want one, but how soon you can get your hands on a piece of Milwaukee iron.

Marketing & Brand Persona: The Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold

The marketing for the Street Bob 117 cleverly targets a dual audience. First, there’s the long-time Harley loyalist, the seasoned rider who appreciates the brand’s heritage. For them, this bike is a nod to classic Americana, a familiar silhouette with a beast of an upgrade. The “true bobber style” with its ape-hanger handlebar and teardrop tank appeals directly to this sense of authenticity.

Then, there’s the new-age buyer, the one who wants a powerful, customizable cruiser but is also accustomed to modern tech and safety. Harley speaks their language by highlighting the “comprehensive electronics package” and the bike’s status as the “lightest Harley Softail with the 117 engine.” This bike promises to be as approachable as it is intimidating, bridging the gap between raw, old-school cool and contemporary practicality. The ability to personalize with heritage-style wire-spoke wheels for an extra ₹87,000 is a brilliant upsell, appealing to the individualist in every rider.

The brand’s messaging is all about freedom, rebellion, and a sense of belonging to a tribe. The Street Bob 117 embodies this perfectly—it’s a stripped-down machine built for pure riding pleasure, with just enough modern flair to make every journey effortless. The name itself, “Street Bob,” suggests a bike that is at home tearing up city streets as much as it is eating up highway miles.

The Research Report: Under the Chrome and Leather

Engineered for Excess: The heart of this machine is the Milwaukee-Eight 117 cubic-inch V-Twin motor. This isn’t just an engine; it’s a force of nature. At 1,923cc, it produces a staggering 91 bhp and a pavement-shaking 156 Nm of torque. Think about that: 156 Nm at a ridiculously low 2,750 rpm. It’s the kind of torque that makes you smile maniacally when you twist the throttle, delivering an instant, satisfying surge of power that you can feel in your bones. The six-speed gearbox ensures a smooth, highway-ready ride, a testament to its long-distance DNA.

A Smart Ride, Not Just a Loud One: The electronics are where the Street Bob 117 truly shines. It comes with a suite of features that would make other cruisers blush. We’re talking three riding modes—Sport, Road, and Rain—plus traction control, cornering ABS, cruise control, and drag-torque slip control. This suite of tech ensures that even with all that power, you remain firmly in control, no matter the road conditions. The semi-analogue instrument cluster is a thoughtful touch, blending a classic aesthetic with digital readouts for gear position and fuel range.

Lightweight Champion: Weighing in at 293 kg, the Street Bob 117 is a contradiction in the best possible way. It is the lightest 117ci-powered Softail in Harley’s global lineup. This “lightest” tag is a powerful selling point, promising a more agile and manageable ride compared to its heavier siblings. It makes the prospect of owning a big-capacity cruiser less daunting for new riders, while still providing the immense power and presence that hardcore enthusiasts crave.

Competitor Analysis: V-Twin Wars in India

The Indian cruiser market is a battlefield, and the Street Bob 117’s arrival changes the game. While direct competitors are few at this specific price point and engine size, the bike will be fighting for market share against a range of heavy hitters.

  • Indian Scout Bobber: This is the most direct rival. At a lower price point, it offers a comparable bobber aesthetic and a powerful 1,133cc V-Twin. While the Scout is a fantastic bike, the Street Bob 117’s sheer engine size and torque advantage, plus its more advanced electronics package, give it a compelling edge for those who want the biggest and best.
  • Triumph Bonneville Bobber: The Triumph Bonneville Bobber, with its 1,200cc parallel-twin engine, is a masterpiece of retro styling and modern performance. It’s lighter and often praised for its handling. However, for the true “American V-Twin” experience and a thunderous exhaust note that only a Harley can provide, the Street Bob 117 remains in a league of its own. The Street Bob is about raw, unfiltered power; the Triumph is more about refined, classic elegance.
  • Harley’s own lineup: The Street Bob 117 will also have to contend with its own family. The Sportster S, for example, is more of a performance cruiser, and the Fat Bob 114 offers a different aesthetic. The Street Bob’s unique blend of classic looks, a massive engine, and an approachable weight places it in a sweet spot that stands out even among its brethren.

Reviews & Rider Feedback: The Road to Success

While hands-on reviews of the new Indian-spec model are just coming in, the global reception of the Street Bob with the 117 engine has been overwhelmingly positive.

Likes:

  • That Engine, Period: The Milwaukee-Eight 117 is consistently praised for its immense torque and thrilling acceleration. It transforms the riding experience from good to absolutely epic.
  • Agile for its Size: Riders are delighted by how nimble the bike feels despite its substantial presence. The “lightest Softail” title is more than just a marketing gimmick; it’s a real-world benefit.
  • Modern Tech Integration: The inclusion of riding modes and cornering ABS has been a huge win. Riders feel more confident and secure, knowing they have a safety net without compromising the traditional Harley experience.
  • Classic Looks, Endless Customization: The timeless bobber styling is a massive plus, and the factory and aftermarket customization options mean every bike can be unique.

Dislikes:

  • Price of Premium: The ₹18.77 lakh price tag puts it squarely in the premium segment, a barrier for some potential buyers.
  • The Weight: While it’s the lightest with the 117 engine, 293 kg is still a significant weight, a factor for riders with less experience or smaller builds.
  • Single-Seat Focus: The solo seat, while true to the bobber style, limits practicality for those who want to ride with a pillion.

In conclusion, the new Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117 is a meticulously crafted machine that honors its past while sprinting into the future. It’s a compelling package of brawn, brains, and beauty. For a rider seeking the quintessential American cruiser experience with a shot of adrenaline and a dose of modern technology, the Street Bob 117 is a choice that’s hard to beat. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s an invitation to a different kind of life—one filled with the rumble of a V-twin and the open road.

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