Harley-Davidson Street 500: The Urban Warrior You Didn’t Know You Needed

Thinking of jumping into the world of Harley-Davidson without taming a full-blown beast? Then let me introduce you to the Street 500—a smooth, stylish, and surprisingly agile entry-level cruiser built for the concrete jungle. Whether you’re a beginner biker, a city commuter, or someone who just wants that Harley rumble without the intimidation, the Street 500 might just check all your boxes.

In this article, we’re going full throttle into what makes this bike tick. We’ll look at its specs, performance, style, and why it became a favorite among new riders. Spoiler: it’s more than just a pretty frame and a loud exhaust.

What Exactly Is the Street 500?

Let’s start with the basics. The Harley-Davidson Street 500, part of Harley’s now-discontinued Street lineup, was designed as a gateway bike. It aimed to make Harley more accessible—both in terms of price and usability—especially for newer, younger, and shorter riders.

Launched in 2015, the Street 500 was Harley’s bold move into modern, urban-focused motorcycling. Unlike the traditional V-twin monsters in the Harley stable, this one offered:

• A 500cc liquid-cooled Revolution X™ engine

• Lightweight chassis and low seat height

• Minimalist, blacked-out styling

• A surprisingly nimble ride—perfect for city traffic

Think of it as the Harley equivalent of a café racer that ditched the lattes for straight-up attitude.

Street 500 vs. The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

Now let’s be real—this segment is crowded. The Street 500 wasn’t just fighting for attention; it had to prove itself in a pool full of solid small-displacement cruisers. So, how does it compare?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

So what do these numbers mean for you?

The Street 500 wins points for its low seat height and Harley-style presence, but it isn’t the lightest or the fastest. What it does offer is the most authentic Harley experience in the lightweight category—without making you feel like you’re riding a freight train.

Design & Comfort: Minimalist Muscle Meets City Style

Let’s talk looks. The Street 500 is sleek, stripped-down, and dripping with attitude. It doesn’t scream Harley in the traditional sense—no chrome overload or classic cruiser bulk—but instead whispers it with a modern, urban edge.

• Blacked-out engine and pipes: No shiny distractions, just clean aggression

• Drag-style handlebars: Give you a low, hunched riding posture—urban stealth mode

• Small fairing and teardrop tank: Compact but commanding

• Low-slung seat: Makes you feel connected to the road and confident at stops

Now, about that seat: at just 25.7 inches, it’s one of the lowest in its class. This makes it a godsend for shorter riders who want flat-footed security at red lights or stop signs. The upright ergonomics and slightly forward footpegs keep the riding position comfortable, even for longer hauls.

Performance on the Streets: Where the 500 Really Shines

This bike wasn’t built for burnouts or long cross-country tours. It was built for city chaos—quick turns, tight lanes, and dodging potholes like a pro. And in that environment? The Street 500 absolutely thrives.

The Revolution X™ engine, which was a new liquid-cooled platform for Harley, delivers a smooth and responsive ride. You won’t get jaw-dropping speed off the line, but you will get enough torque to zip through traffic and leave four-door sedans in the dust.

Quick performance notes:

• Horsepower: Around 35 hp—enough for highways, ideal for urban

• Torque: ~30 lb-ft—solid grunt for a 500cc bike

• Transmission: 6-speed, smooth shifts, geared well for city-to-highway transitions

• Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes—adequate but could be punchier

One minor gripe? The stock suspension is a bit stiff over rough pavement, especially on the rear. If your city’s roads look like Swiss cheese, you may want to upgrade or brace yourself.

Fuel Economy & Maintenance: Affordable and Friendly

Here’s some good news for your wallet: the Street 500 is one of the most economical Harleys ever made.

• Fuel Efficiency: Expect around 55–60 MPG, depending on how aggressive you ride

• Tank Size: 3.5 gallons—modest, but enough for ~180 miles per fill-up

• Maintenance: Easier and cheaper than larger Harleys; parts are generally affordable

This makes it perfect for daily commuting or weekend cruises without burning a hole in your gas budget. And since it’s a Harley, there’s a huge aftermarket if you want to customize or upgrade down the road.

Who Is the Street 500 Really For?

This bike fits a specific type of rider like a glove. If you’re any of the following, you’ll love the Street 500:

• New Riders: It’s forgiving, lightweight, and confidence-boosting

• Shorter Riders: Low seat height makes a huge difference

• Urban Commuters: Great for stop-and-go, lane splitting, and tight parking

• Harley Fans on a Budget: It’s the cheapest way to wear that H-D badge

• Riders Who Want Style + Simplicity: It’s barebones cool with minimal fuss

What it’s not great for: heavy touring, aggressive two-up riding, or high-speed highway domination. But if your main goal is style, maneuverability, and Harley swagger in a manageable package, this is it.

Final Verdict: Should You Still Consider the Street 500?

Although Harley-Davidson discontinued the Street 500 in many markets (including the U.S.) by 2021, used models are still widely available—and they’re a steal for what you get.

If you’re a first-time rider or looking for a second bike that’s nimble and fun for the city, the Street 500 offers something unique: real Harley DNA in a size that won’t scare you.

It’s easy to ride, cool to look at, and surprisingly affordable to own. Sure, it won’t turn heads like a Fat Boy or Road King, but in the world of practical, street-savvy cruisers, the Street 500 is a silent assassin.