Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117 is a premium cruiser motorcycle made for riders who love style, power, and road presence. It is part of Harley’s Softail lineup, which is famous worldwide for big engines and classic American design. The Street Bob 117 is an upgrade from the earlier 114 version, now coming with the more powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine. This bike is not just about speed; it’s about enjoying the open highway with unmatched comfort and torque. For Indian riders, it is a dream bike because of its brand image, sound, and lifestyle appeal.
Design & Style
The design of the Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117 is pure American cruiser. It comes with a minimalist look but has a strong road presence. The bike has chopped fenders, a low-slung stance, and ape-hanger handlebars that give it a unique identity. The round LED headlamp and blacked-out engine add to its bold character. The spoked wheels with black finish and slim body design make it look raw and muscular. Harley designed this bike for riders who want something aggressive yet simple. Overall, Street Bob 117 has a timeless design that stands out anywhere.
Engine & Performance
The biggest highlight of the Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117 is its engine. It is powered by a 1,923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine, producing massive torque of 168 Nm at just 3,500 rpm. The bike is not about high-speed racing but about strong low-end torque and smooth cruising. Acceleration feels effortless, and even at high gears, the bike pulls strongly. The 6-speed gearbox is tuned for highway riding, where the bike feels most comfortable. Riders love the iconic Harley sound that comes from this engine. This performance makes it a true long-distance touring machine.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
A Harley-Davidson bike is not about mileage, but still, riders want to know the efficiency. The Street Bob 117 offers around 15-17 km per litre in real-world conditions. In city traffic, the mileage may drop slightly, while on highways, it improves. Considering the big 1,923cc engine, this mileage is actually decent. The fuel tank capacity is around 13.2 litres, which means the bike can cover around 200–230 km on a full tank. Riders who buy this bike usually do not worry about mileage, but it is still important to know for long trips.
Features & Technology
The Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117 is not overloaded with features, but it has all the essentials for modern riding. It comes with full-LED lighting, a digital display integrated into the handlebar riser, and keyless ignition. Riders also get cruise control for comfortable highway riding. The bike has Harley’s Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) which include traction control, cornering ABS, and drag-torque slip control. These features make it safer and easier to handle despite its big engine. The simplicity of design with modern technology makes it attractive for cruiser lovers.
Comfort & Handling
The Street Bob 117 is designed for relaxed long-distance riding. The riding position is upright with forward-set foot pegs and ape-hanger handlebars, which give a comfortable posture. The seat is low at around 680mm, making it easy for even short riders to manage. The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, tuned for highway comfort. The bike feels heavy at 297 kg, but once in motion, it handles smoothly. In city traffic, it can feel bulky, but on highways, the handling is excellent and stable.
Safety & Braking
Safety is a big factor in a heavy cruiser like the Street Bob 117. Harley has given the bike disc brakes on both ends with dual-channel ABS. The braking is strong and predictable, which is needed for a motorcycle of this weight and size. The Reflex Defensive Rider Systems add an extra layer of safety by controlling wheel slip in corners and during sudden braking. The wide tyres provide good grip on highways, giving confidence to riders. Overall, the bike is safe and reliable, though beginners may find it heavy to manage in cities.
Price & Variants
In India, Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117 is a premium motorcycle. The price is around ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices can go above ₹23 lakh depending on the city. It is available in multiple color options like Vivid Black, Red Rock, Billiard Gray, and Industrial Yellow. Since it belongs to the Softail family, riders can also customize it with official Harley accessories. The Street Bob 117 is not a bike for everyone—it is targeted at passionate riders who want a premium American cruiser with power and road presence.
Pros of Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117
- Powerful 117 engine with excellent torque.
- Iconic Harley cruiser design.
- Comfortable seating and highway riding position.
- Modern safety features with ABS and RDRS.
- Strong brand image and premium feel.
- Customization options available.
- Excellent road presence.
Cons of Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117
- Very expensive compared to rivals.
- Heavy weight makes it tough for city riding.
- Low mileage of around 15 kmpl.
- Limited practicality in Indian traffic.
- Small fuel tank capacity for long rides.
- Maintenance and spare parts are costly.
Final Verdict
The Harley-Davidson Street Bob 117 is not just a motorcycle, it is an emotion for riders who love cruisers. With its powerful engine, bold design, and strong road presence, it gives a unique riding experience. It is not a practical bike for daily city commuting, but for highway touring and lifestyle appeal, it is one of the best in its segment. Riders who want comfort, power, and the iconic Harley feel will find this bike worth every rupee. If budget is not a problem and passion for cruisers is high, the Street Bob 117 is a dream machine.
