The Harley-Davidson Softail has been discontinued. The latest entry-level Softail model is now the Street Bob. True to its name, it features a bobber-style design typical of a cruiser motorcycle, aimed primarily at customization, minimizing unnecessary features. This medium-sized bike offers a reliable engine and a comfortable riding position, designed to be both agile and dependable. Over time, it has gained popularity among custom bike builders. This sparked an idea – let’s explore what enhancements can be added to the Street Bob from the OEM catalog and at what cost.
It’s important to note that we won’t be seeking high-end modifications such as a Screamin’ Eagle 135 ci Stage IV engine, since that upgrade isn’t offered – although we will consider a few Screamin’ Eagle parts. Our goal isn’t to create a bike that could feature in Sons Of Anarchy; we’re focusing on reasonable upgrades available from Harley-Davidson. Here’s what we found.
For accuracy, the data compiled in this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other reputable sources.
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What Is A Base Street Bob Like?
Setting A Baseline
The Street Bob stands out as one of Harley-Davidson’s top motorcycles. Its starting price is $17,199, which includes features like alloy wheels and a flat gray paint scheme. The hardware remains consistent regardless of the chosen accessories. The Street Bob is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic engine, delivering 98 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque from 1,917 cc. With a by-wire throttle, it offers ride modes and cruise control alongside a full suite of Harley safety features, including cornering ABS, cornering traction control, drag-torque slip control with cornering capabilities, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Despite its vintage aesthetics, such as the gaiters, the suspension is modern, utilizing Showa dual-bending valve forks. Similarly, while the brakes may not be radially mounted, the front features 4-piston fixed calipers which provide impressive feel and feedback along with robust stopping power.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob Safety Features
- ABS, cornering ABS
- Traction Control, cornering TC
- Drag-torque slip control, cornering DTSC
- Tire Pressure Monitoring
Harley-Davidson Street Bob Engine Specs
Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic 45-degree V-twin, air-cooled, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Displacement | 1,917 cc |
Max Power | 98 HP @ 4,600 RPM |
Max Torque | 120 LB-FT @ 2,500 RPM |
Fuel Economy | 47 MPG |
Transmission | 6 speeds, final belt drive |
Price | $17,199 |
What Upgrades Are Available For The Harley-Davidson Street Bob?
Accessories Include Paint, Wheels, Seats, Among Others
The Street Bob is priced at $17,199 as its base cost, coming with alloy wheels and a gray paint scheme. Now, let’s get into the exciting options. The trim comes only in chrome, with no blacked-out variant. To upgrade from the gray paint, you’ll need to spend $350 for black, $525 for a shade Harley names ‘Centerline’ in bright yellow, and $650 for the most luxurious color options, Iron Horse Metallic and Purple Abyss Denim.
If you choose to upgrade the wheels to laced ones, it will cost an additional $800. Below, we’ve detailed the most notable upgrades to give you an overview of potential costs. Some options cannot be combined – for instance, three air cleaners are available, but only one fits. Among the accessories, the single-sided swingarm bag ($242.95) might seem unconventional for a Street Bob, yet it adds a unique touch. The available air cleaners include a wedge air cleaner ($974.90) and a round air cleaner ($724.90) for a more traditional aesthetic.
A Switchback seat with red stitching is available for $499.95, while a U-stitch option can be paired for $399.95. A Hollywood handlebar ($189.95) isn’t compatible with the quarter fairing but works with the detachable windshield ($489.95) and a tall sissy bar with passenger pillion ($312.90). If you prefer a one-stop solution, the Coastal Package (FXBB) costs $1,627.99, including the quarter fairing, switchback seat, hand grips, 80 Grit claw-style metal footpegs, and the necessary components to install turn signals.
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Performance Upgrades For The Street Bob
Did We Mention The Street Bob Can Be Infinitely Customized?
The Street Bob is a unique motorcycle that appeals to a broad audience – its low seat height and friendly power delivery make it beginner-friendly, while providing enough excitement for seasoned riders. Harley has strategically designed it with a traditional frame, recognizing its potential as a customization canvas. In contrast, bikes like the Sportster S integrate the engine into the chassis, which aids in weight reduction but restricts modification options.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob Performance Accessories
Titanium slip-on exhaust | $750 |
Heavy Breather air intake | $600 |
Stage II Kit | $680 |
High capacity tappets | $285 |
Adjustable pushrods | $315 |
Smart Tune Pro module | $600 |
Accessories Total | $3,230 |
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In the case of the Street Bob, customization is wide open, so we’ll examine the options available from the Screamin’ Eagle catalog as well. You can opt for either a Stage I or Stage II upgrade, both of which include a freer-flowing intake and exhaust alongside an ECU remap for Stage I. The Stage II option provides a choice of cams – either a ‘torque’ cam for improved low-end power or a ‘power’ cam to enhance high-end performance.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob Accessories
Base price | $17,199 |
Most expensive paint option | $650 |
Cross spoke rims | $800 |
Sissy bar | $366.85 |
Saddlebags | $1,057.90 |
Forward footpegs | $574.95 |
Comfort seat | $414.95 |
Heavy breather air cleaner | $724.90 |
Black fork tubes | $549.95 |
Quarter fairing | $838.14 |
Handgrips | $129.95 |
Performance Accessories | $3,230 |
Total | $26,861.59 |
Additionally, for optimal performance, you’ll need high-capacity tappets and adjustable pushrods. Do note that the table below includes only the essential components for the upgrade, excluding optional but recommended additions like a high-volume oil pump and cam support plate kit for $800, or the valve spring upgrade priced at $350. Interestingly, the Heavy Breather intake is $125 cheaper when obtained from the Screamin’ Eagle section.
Unfortunately, a crate engine isn’t available; it’s best to stop the fantasies about that Screamin’ Eagle 135 ci right now. By combining the performance upgrades ($3,230) with the cosmetic enhancements ($23,631.59) and adjusting for one Heavy Breather Intake ($724.90) included in both categories, the total cost of a fully equipped Street Bob comes to $26,861.59.
