HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET BOB (2006 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £280
Power: 67 bhp
Seat height: Low (25.8 in / 655 mm)
Weight: High (635 lbs / 288 kg)

Prices

New £10,995
Used £7,500 - £11,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

If you’re wondering about the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob's name, it comes from the ‘bobber’ fashion in the custom world inspired by the post-WWII movement which saw ex-military Harleys chopped down with low seats, fat tyres and Ape hanger bars. The Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob, based on the ubiquitous Super Glide, takes this minimalism to the limit with a low seat, classic Fat Bob tank, wire wheels, Ape hangers and satin paint. Cool it is.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Neither of these are top of the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob's wish list, but then, one look at those bars and you probably already knew that. That said, the ride, thanks to half-decent suspension, is fairly flush. Instead it’s the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob's extreme riding position that rules out long journeys or tackling switchbacks with impunity.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Although when launched the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob had the Twin Cam 1449cc lump, like all Big Twin Hogs, for 2007 it gets the new 1584cc unit. There’s more torque and improved performance, but it’s still essentially the same old Harley V-twin it’s been for Eons. Which is both incomprehensible and perfect for the kind of motorcycle the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob is.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Again, the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob is a modern Harley motorcycle, so paint, build quality, robustness etc are a given to be amongst the best anywhere. Reliability is a pretty much beyond question, too, after all this is a big, massively refined yet understressed motorcycle ridden very little and serviced often by wealthy people. So go figure…

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

For style per buck, the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob is among the best of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Super Glide may be a tad cheaper, but it can’t match this for sheer pose factory and crowd drawing ability and if you’re into Harleys, that counts for a lot. Find a Harley-Davidson Street Bob for sale.

Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

As the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob is a minimalist concoction based on the already basic Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide, don’t expect any frills. And there aren’t any. Even the paint (on the Denim black version) has been deprived of its lustre. What you get with the Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob is two (fat) wheels, one (big) V-twin engine, a single seat some ape hanger bars and not a lot else.

Specs

Engine size 1800cc
Engine type Steel twin double cradle
Frame type Steel twin double cradle
Fuel capacity 1584 litres
Seat height 655mm
Bike weight 288kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload
Front brake Single 300mm disc
Rear brake Single 292mm disc
Front tyre size 100/90 x 19
Rear tyre size 160/70 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 43 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £280
New price £10,995
Used price £7,500 - £11,000
Insurance group 15 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 67 bhp
Max torque 81 ft-lb
Top speed 115 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 13.5 secs
Tank range 135 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2006: Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob launched.
2007: Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob updated with 1584cc engine.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET BOB (2006 - on)

12 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET BOB (2006 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET BOB (2006 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Engine: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Reliability & build quality: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Equipment: 2.9 out of 5 (2.9/5)
Annual servicing cost: £280
5 out of 5 Great bike
28 July 2023 by Nthnlnlsn

Year: 2006

I love the bike fits me perfectly, needs more top end horse power

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes are not great they do ok but should be 2 disks on the front. Super comfortable for short to medium rides

Engine 3 out of 5

Want more HP

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought it from the dealership for 6500 with 17xxx miles (it now reads 23xxx)

4 out of 5 Cancel those indicators
19 April 2022 by John S

Version: FXBB

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £250

Prefer to have indicators on one switch. Sometimes indicate right and inadvertently twist the throttle at the same time.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Seat a little hard. For me, would like more powerful brakes, twin discs on front. As ever, best taking it easy to brisk riding though it does have wallop from standstill

Engine 4 out of 5

Throttle response can be a little snatchy when not use to it. Take care with side stand, bike leans a long way

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

still running in

Equipment 3 out of 5

Put a fly screen on it.

Buying experience: Very easy, from main dealer

4 out of 5 Street Bob 2020
09 July 2021 by Gibbo

Year: 2020

Engine is stunning - it is not like the HD of old, still has that Harley vibe but doesnt move itself of the stand ! Dealers are chilled out and friendly but HD know how to charge for extras ! But, and its a big but for me - everytime I press the starter it brings a smile to my face and after 30 different bikes of all types over the years thats all I need !

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Lovely position for me but front brake could be a bit more confidence inspiring.

Engine 5 out of 5

Torque, torque and even more torque !

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Lack of depreciation is a massive bonus.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Favourite features are keyless start and built in USB charging

5 out of 5 Big Harley at a Bargain Price
25 April 2020 by Steve Edmans

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £300

Its a gorgeous machine & captures the look & feel of a true bobber (unlike some bikes with that name). The mighty Milwaukee 8 1745cc motor produces loads of power & torque & all at a price comparable with much lesser bikes. I would recommend this bike to anyone that wants the real deal.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Pretty comfortable for a couple of hours which just about coincides with the need for a fuel stop.

Engine 5 out of 5

Torque monster, great sound with Vance & Hines pipes fitted.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Superb solid engineering & a quality finish.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The bike itself is a 5 out of 5 bargain but servicing & accessories are on the expensive side.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Great spec for the price but no passenger footpegs or heated grips.These are quite expensive extras.

Buying experience: Maidstone Harley Davidson are great to deal with. I was very pleased with the deal they did for me.

1 out of 5 harley rusty davidson
04 March 2014 by rockincurt

2014 streetbob 4 months old and already going rusty, I have had problem with brake lever not returning properly, blown bulbs I keep the bike in garage all the time , cleaned all the time , Harley uk are not interested , local dealer say well you shouldn't really ride Harleys in the winter.I am absolutely disgusted overpriced , and poor quality.I have been riding for 30 years and this is the poorest quality bike I have ridden.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 2 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 1 out of 5
Equipment 1 out of 5
4 out of 5 Real Bad Boy Looking
07 October 2013 by IsraelsRSV

I have never owned a Harley, but have worked for Harley Davidson as a mechanic and have had a wee go of most Harley's hundreds of times. The Street Bob is one of my favorite Harley's. Its got the real bad boy look in the mat black and with a few blacked out bits and a sidey number plate looks the dogs balloons. The engine is reliable and strong and everything about Harley's is solid. I find the DYNA range spot on. Bigger and badder than sportsters but without the outrageous weight of the bigger bikes. Not much more to buy the a 1200 sportser either. They really do need forward controls like the early models had standard. The bars should line up with the forks from a side view but some people put them forward for look, but this makes it harder than it already is to control at slow speeds or around town (unless you've got arms like a giraffes neck). The Systems Relays blow on all modern fuel injection harley's all the time so keep a few spare, the ignition will come on and you won't hear the fuel and the bike won't start. Voltage regulators need to kept as out of rain as poss, stupid that they are right behind the front wheel. Over all cool harley

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 Wake up the dead
01 February 2009 by all624

Mean looks, acceptable handling (for what it is)and full V&H exhaust system is what old style biking is all about. The brakes at rubbish, the suspension not much better, but hey who cares. Surprisingly fast at cruising on the motorway and has "reasonably" build quality. Really love it though.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
5 out of 5 Harley Bob
18 September 2008 by peter rabbit

Jumping off a Z750 to Harley Bob was a bit of a shock at first. It would be even worse doing it from a sports bike. It takes time to get to know a Harley, know how to ride it, know how to stop it and most of all know how to enjoy it. You need to forget preconceptions and "get" the Harley thing. Forget the owners group preconceptions forget the slow tractor stuff and takke time to appreciate what it really is. Harleys have soul. If you had bikes before the onslaught of the Japanese, you'll know what I mean. Not that there is anything wrong with Japanese biukes - they're just a different concept. If you are not sure - go hire a Harley for a weekend, but have a mission in mind - go some place special and then see if you "get" it.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Harley Convert
10 March 2008 by cdheinrich

I've been riding for 21 years, before this I owned 4 honda's and a 2 yamaha, all street bikes. I love this bike, big breaks make stopping easy with a passenger (unlike my honda shadow), nothing rattles when you go over bumbs, paint is high quality, lots of torque means I don't shift down. The mini ape handle bars add to the handling in that the require extremely small input for turning. I love the way this bike looks, it has a comfortable seat that my 35 year old bum can handle for 400 miles without complaining. A set of slip ons and new air filter and I don't shift down at highway speeds anymore. This has the 6 speed transmission. I average 50 mpg mixed driving. It is heavy enough that 20mph crosswinds don't send me leaning to the ground. My only complaint is harley's maintenance plan which is expensive and overkill (changing gear fluid every 5k miles?? plllease) But while I hate the maint. plan, I love this bike. I hope to keep it for a long time.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 Rusty the Street Bob
24 August 2007 by racertwo

My first "new" Harley, an 07 gloss black Street Bob, great looks, fun to ride, very comfy but, quality is poor, several parts went rusty within weeks, steering stem at the base of the bottom yolk, footrest shims, wheel bearings and exhaust ends are the obvious ones, the engine fin machining is so sharp I was cut twice when cleaning it, the front brake is very poor, no shock adjustment tool is supplied with a £9k bike ! after 2 months the headlight rivets gave up, this is the one item they were interested to sort out under warranty. The dealer has been good but the Harley rep blamed the wet weather for the rust and has admitted that HD HQ dont listen to complaints. For a few "cents" this bike would be a lot better. Other than those few things the bike is a lot of fun to ride.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
5 out of 5 Bob and me are an Item...
11 August 2007 by billecosse

Bought my Street Bob in March 07 after 3 years of Sportster ownership (Another great bike) Loved it from the moment it arrived, looks good and feels good. Some minor changes since purchase which include, Vance and Hines slip ons, smoked lenses, Kuryakyn rear light, lay down plate etc. Most of my riding is on A and B roads and the Bob does just fine here. Okay it’s never going to beat a race rep round the twisties, but for a feel good feeling it’s hard to match. Bike cruises happily at 70-80 and the 1584 engine is quite happy to go much faster, but with those ape hangers and no wind protection it’s hard to sustain speeds above 90 for any length of time, but then again why would you? Thjat’s not what the Street Bob’s about. I find the seat can get uncomfortable after 100 miles (but that may be my ageing body rather than anything wrong with the seat) and fuel consumption isn’t great at around 40mpg. I have done a few 3-400 mile trips in a day and as long as you stop to stretch your legs now and then it’s fine. I may change the mid-controls/bars/seat just to see if I can find a more comfortable position, however this will be done slowly as I changed the bars and seat on the Sportster and whilst it looked great it was awful for long distance riding. Will I change it for something else? Probably not in the near future as I love every mile, but should my body continue to deteriorate in this way (damn all that hard living!) a bagger may be in line for the future. So if you are considering a Harley the Street Bob is great value for money and also a great base if you’re into customising. Aren’t all Harley owners into this? One thing I will say is that after 28 years of riding, the Harleys have given me more fun than any of the Italian or Japanese bikes I have ridden and I have also done more miles on them than I did on any of my other bikes in years and that I think speaks for itself… The bike is only 4 months old and I have done 3,800 miles already and I don't commute due to my work. So every mile has been stolen and even my wife dosn't mind... as she loves the bike too. In fact it has inspired her so much that she is now taking her CBT. Might also be the fact that the Bob only has a single seat and she don't trust me on my own! Whatever it is I'm sure she'll have her own HD once she passes her test.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 bobber
04 March 2007 by bobber

already done 6000 miles found it to be a great tourer with lots of comfort for the miles

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
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