Rick Barrett

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Harley-Davidson Inc. has added another bike to its 2017 motorcycle lineup with the new Street Rod aimed at urban riders.

The bike’s High Output Revolution X 750 engine produces 18% more horsepower and 8% more torque, according to Harley. The engine has a larger air box, revised four-valve cylinder heads and high-lift camshafts.

"It really delivers a punch between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm, power you can always feel and use in real-world riding situations. Liquid cooling helps maintain that performance and rider comfort in stop-and-go urban traffic,” said Mathew Weber, the Street Rod’s chief engineer.

The new bike has antilock brakes and a security system as standard equipment. It also has a liberal dose of Harley-Davidson’s Dark Custom styling.

"We made this new bike look tough and aggressive,” said lead designer Chetan Shedjale.

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In February, Harley unveiled a 2017 Road King Special that also swaps chrome surfaces for black. The engine guard, handlebar and hand controls, mirrors, turn signals, engine covers, air cleaner cover, mufflers and exhaust shields are all black.

For 2017, the company says it anticipates full-year motorcycle shipments to be flat-to-down modestly compared with 2016 as the new model-year bikes are held back some until last year’s inventory is sold.

Harley shipped 262,221 motorcycles in 2016, below its forecast of 264,000. Sales in the United States, which is the company’s largest market, were flat compared with 2015, and dealerships were left with many unsold 2016 model-year bikes.

Sales in the overall motorcycle industry were down about 2.5% last year.