Harley Davidson Street 500

[walterego]

As many of you probably know, Harley Davidson has for the last few years had a smaller model of bike. The street 500.  As I am currently in Australia for a few months I have just purchased one (2017 model with ABS) and just now rode it home to be later put on freight to Thailand.

Its my first HD having owned previously a Zepher (not in Thai) a, TT 250 (not in thai), KX (not in Thai),  KLR 250 (not in Thai) Mio x2, fino, CBR 2011 250cc, 2011 ER6n. I have also ridden of course numerous other bikes but none for any prolonged periods so sorry if my comparison is limited.

It is a smaller bike for HD, but probably considered large for Thailand.  I thought I would take the time to write a small review as it will surely be enjoying massive popularity in Thailand soon.

You are probably better to do a google search in order to get all the specs however the 2017 model is by far superior to the 2016 for the following reasons and maybe some more that I have not realised yet. 2017 has ABS brakes (by far the leading reason), RPM and gear position are on the dash display and the fact that the RPM is not shown on previous models in my opinion is a very good reason not to buy one. The power to weight ratio is also higher.

The bike is incredibly easy to handle and quite attractive, It is well balanced and was easier to ride than my CBR, I am quite tall and despite the reviews online saying it is not that good for tall  people, I found it incredibly comfortable to ride (in comparison to my previous owned bikes).

The comfort in comparison to what I am used to is excelent. The seat quality and cushion is way better for my fat arse than previous bikes.  Also no chain shenanigans or maintenance of the chain as it is belt driven.

All HDs are cursed with no under seat storage (but they give you a nice HD man bag instead), also tools are all imperial not metric.

The gears are smooth and easy to manage. Once again I cant express how easy the bike is to ride and handle compared to the others I have owned. The rider position is also much easier (upright more like a cafe racer or enduro with better visibility and comfort). there is no windscreen and this could become an issue on longer rides and open roads in bad weather. I will definitely consider an aftermarket windshield. The dash display although sufficient is poor (much like most kawasaki models I have seen are poor). and the CBR is way way better in tis regard (although I know teh two bikes are not really in comparable classes) as Although HD has included the revs (only as a digital readout below the KMph dial) on this dash they are not as visible as I would like (after I know the bike better I can hear the revs more accurately  but I would still like to see details, like where the red line is for example. The mirrors are absolute crud, They are so small and in short just do not work efficiently, they definitely need an aftermarket upgrade. the rest of the bike is bliss... so far so good.

Its made in India and is priced affordably ($9250 with on roads in Aus and about $8600 (aprox 220000THB.... a very competitive price) if you don't have to get the on roads done in that country (rego insurance etc) and then freight).

I would be interested in any other forum members reviews and comparisons also any links to cost/instructions on bike freight to Thailand. Thanks for reading and future feedback.

[canthai55]

You do realize that you can only import for a specified time period - no permanent import without jumping thru many hoops and spending considerable dollars ?

[walterego]

No I dont and I appreciate you saying so, though respectfully it would be good to get further confirmation on this. That said even with a temporary (just a guess say 5 or 6 months) 'pass' one could always ride to a border point right and do it again? Perhaps it can be put in or sold into a Thai nationals name (ie: Son or wife).

Or perhaps partial dis-assembly and bring it in as parts.  More info on this aspect would be good. Thanks for your comment CanThai55

Edited January 30, 2017 by walterego
changed temporary guess to a more realistic figure

[walterego]

Your probably right but I find it hard to believe that a few thousand baht would not solve all my registration  worries with the local officials in my families small city,

after the plates have been put on an old Mio/wave and driven over to Laos.

Edited January 30, 2017 by walterego
more detail

[guzzi850m2]

No, getting the bike registered here when imported from Australia will be a nightmare from hell.

 

You can buy the HD500 here I believe? It will be way more than you paid back home but importing it yourself will be even more and might take years. 

 

The bike will be unsalable here without a registration unless you dump the price to ridiculous low price.  

 

Before was the option of grey imports and they imported the bikes in parts and got them registered but that has been stopped now.

 

I can't understand you didn't check that out before buying one back home with the purpose of shipping it over??

 

Try search the car/bike forum about people that wants to import their beloved vehicles, heaps of info to be found.

[canthai55]

Search this forum - and the Motor forum. Been discussed many times. Heard of one success - took over 2 years and over 200,000 baht. BMW R80GS if memory serves. Up 2 U

[Richard-BKK]

First the Harley-Davidson Street 500 is officially not available in Thailand, in Thailand we only have the H-D Street 750 (XG750). This means that you not only will pay a good amount for importing the motorcycle, you also will have to pay for exhaust emission, environmental and road safety testing…

 

My advice is to sell your HD Street 500 in Australia, and buy a new Harley-Street 750 in Thailand which costs 557,000 THB. Of course in Thailand you also have the option to go for a Honda Rebel 500 (220,000 THB) or a Kawasaki Vulcan S (293,000 THB).

 

In the +500,000 THB range you also have several choices from Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and even Moto Guzzi with the V7 II Stone for 569,000 THB. At the over 600,000 THB range you find motorcycles like the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber (635,000 THB).

 

For the more exclusive range, say from +800,000 THB you can find the Indian Scout (845,000 THB).

[guzzi850m2]

Or a Triumph! You can get one of the Street Twins for app 395.000 baht. 900cc water cooled engine, about 54HP. Awesome beginner bike but also okay for experienced riders but this is not a cruiser but more a classic simple looking bike, looks awesome.

 

I am pretty sure my next bike will be a Triumph, either 900 or more likely a 1200cc Twin.

 

Come on Triumph, please open that dealership in Pattaya and let the good times roll.

[Richard-BKK]

The Triumph Street Twins are not really the same style of motorcycles as the Harley-Davidson Street 500. The Triumph Thunderbird would be a nice alternative for a Harley, but sadly the Thunderbird is not available in Thailand....

[Rdrokit]

Sell the bike or put it in storage if you are not coming to Thailand permanently. I just bought a Stallion Scrambler 400 which is a Chinese bike. The engine is based on the old Honda XBR500 from the 80s. A very reliable single with 4 valves, plus the new bike is fuel injected. You will probably get the same performance as the Stallion only weighs 160kg and has 29hp measured at the rear wheels. Put on a custom exhaust like I did and the hp is in the low 30s. Cost is only 116,900 baht. Redlines at 8500, top speed 145kph and can cruse at 110kph all day long.

 

[Mousehound]

I also never thought I would like a small cruiser, or any cruiser for that matter.  Then I had a go on a Suzuki C50 800 and changed my mind in the first hour.  I can't believe how comfortable it is and how easy to ride.  I love the cleanliness  of the shaft drive and most of all I loved the price.  In OZ the HD crew look down on the HD 500 but I really like the look of it.  The price is also good for what you get.  There is a definite move to the smaller cruisers and I, for one, can recommend them as a convert.  I agree though that importing into Thailand might just not be worth the hassle.

I attach a pic of my new toy.  Not a scratch on her and with 11k on the clock  only cost me 75k Bht  in OZ.  came with side leather bags which are not attached.

I also really like the Triumphs but can't afford one.

 

 

[walterego]

Thanks firstly for your input and sorry for my delayed response. I needed to confirm details. I appreciate that it is perceived as a difficult thing. From what I understand though, and I have confirmed this with family (much as many TVFM do not trust Thai families my in laws are fantastic, I trust them implicitly and love them very much) who have thoroughly checked and this is very doable. I go and get prior approval for the bike to arrive with me on a tourist visa from consulate/embassy/or though a tour group operator for up to 6 months (but usually 3 months) with that in hand, the bike is then flown straight into BKK airport. Its in the country, and its not going out of the country! Unfortunately I cannot go into details as to how this is done after arriving in country, though it involves a transfer to another person and a border trip to Laos/cambodia. It is easily done and anyone with a will to do so and a Thai friend that they trust not to steal their bike after a transfer of ownership can do it. So in actual fact I will not legally own the bike anymore, though it will remain in my possession.  I do appreciate your warnings. 

Having only ridden a Harley other than this one a few times and been a pillion only just a few the same, I am probably far less than novice but that said there are still some obvious differences between this and the Harleys I am used to seeing.

The indicator is similar to the Jap/korea ones in that it is on the one switch not an indicator on each side of the handle bars, there is no under seat storage! Now this is apparently standard on all HDs though dumb is as dumb does so as I did not know, I looked for ages as to how to lift up my seat for the storage area! Duh!

Some of the cables are just not sealed at the ends with the same quality fittings as my friends HD has for example (they are ok but there is something superior about the rubber fittings on his model).

The Neutral light is not reliable and does not switch on all the time when it should. This is a problem and reading forums seems to be a common problem with the HD street in general. Mind you I don't rely on it anyway, but that is not the point.

It is fairly gutless compared to say a 500cc road bike like the CBR, I don't mean that in a bad way, it is more than ample for my needs. It is comfortable, very comfortable, and I know I said that in my first post but comparatively, it really is. Despite forums saying it is no good for tall people, I am tall and find it very comfortable to ride, the seat is ok and I am confident I could sit in it for hours on end no problem. It is also highly manoeuvrable. Having got used to it a bit now it is every bit as good (well nearly as good) as the CBR was at weaving its way around traffic, it turns well and it is not a wide bike. It is also well balanced. Its looks are deceiving in that it is far more dexterous than it appears.

Mouse Hound that is a great pick up! Congrats on your new toy! Just saw one on bike sales with a windscreen, old bags and 65k on the clock for nearly 5k

http://www.bikesales.com.au/dealer/OAG-AD-14094332/2010-Suzuki-Boulevard-C50-(VL800)/?cr=0&psq=(((Make%3D[Suzuki]%26Model%3D[Boulevard C50 (VL800)])%26((((SiloType%3D[Brand new bikes available]|SiloType%3D[Brand new bikes in stock])|SiloType%3D[Demo %26 near new bikes])|SiloType%3D[Dealer used bikes])|SiloType%3D[Private used bikes]))%26Service%3D[Bikesales])&pso=0&pss=Premium

so you did very well. In the pic it hides the old toy in the background which is perhaps getting some well earned rest.

 

HD is crazy not selling them in Thailand as they are so well suited. 500cc being quite a large bike for Thai roads. I cant imagine why they wont become hugely popular.

 

(sorry about the numerous typos I cant be bothered going back over every red underline).

[thaiguzzi]

Carry on...

You're in for a shock when the bike arrives here...

[Allstars]

4 hours ago, walterego said:

Unfortunately I cannot go into details as to how this is done after arriving in country, though it involves a transfer to another person and a border trip to Laos/cambodia. It is easily done and anyone with a will to do so and a Thai friend that they trust not to steal their bike after a transfer of ownership can do it. So in actual fact I will not legally own the bike anymore, though it will remain in my possession.

 

Good luck with that one.

[Nickymaster]

Please keep us posted. Looking forward to the day that you can have the bike with green book and plates in your name. Because that's the goal right?


Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect

[Mousehound]

18 hours ago, walterego said:

Thanks firstly for your input and sorry for my delayed response. I needed to confirm details. I appreciate that it is perceived as a difficult thing. From what I understand though, and I have confirmed this with family (much as many TVFM do not trust Thai families my in laws are fantastic, I trust them implicitly and love them very much) who have thoroughly checked and this is very doable. I go and get prior approval for the bike to arrive with me on a tourist visa from consulate/embassy/or though a tour group operator for up to 6 months (but usually 3 months) with that in hand, the bike is then flown straight into BKK airport. Its in the country, and its not going out of the country! Unfortunately I cannot go into details as to how this is done after arriving in country, though it involves a transfer to another person and a border trip to Laos/cambodia. It is easily done and anyone with a will to do so and a Thai friend that they trust not to steal their bike after a transfer of ownership can do it. So in actual fact I will not legally own the bike anymore, though it will remain in my possession.  I do appreciate your warnings. 

Having only ridden a Harley other than this one a few times and been a pillion only just a few the same, I am probably far less than novice but that said there are still some obvious differences between this and the Harleys I am used to seeing.

The indicator is similar to the Jap/korea ones in that it is on the one switch not an indicator on each side of the handle bars, there is no under seat storage! Now this is apparently standard on all HDs though dumb is as dumb does so as I did not know, I looked for ages as to how to lift up my seat for the storage area! Duh!

Some of the cables are just not sealed at the ends with the same quality fittings as my friends HD has for example (they are ok but there is something superior about the rubber fittings on his model).

The Neutral light is not reliable and does not switch on all the time when it should. This is a problem and reading forums seems to be a common problem with the HD street in general. Mind you I don't rely on it anyway, but that is not the point.

It is fairly gutless compared to say a 500cc road bike like the CBR, I don't mean that in a bad way, it is more than ample for my needs. It is comfortable, very comfortable, and I know I said that in my first post but comparatively, it really is. Despite forums saying it is no good for tall people, I am tall and find it very comfortable to ride, the seat is ok and I am confident I could sit in it for hours on end no problem. It is also highly manoeuvrable. Having got used to it a bit now it is every bit as good (well nearly as good) as the CBR was at weaving its way around traffic, it turns well and it is not a wide bike. It is also well balanced. Its looks are deceiving in that it is far more dexterous than it appears.

Mouse Hound that is a great pick up! Congrats on your new toy! Just saw one on bike sales with a windscreen, old bags and 65k on the clock for nearly 5k

http://www.bikesales.com.au/dealer/OAG-AD-14094332/2010-Suzuki-Boulevard-C50-(VL800)/?cr=0&psq=(((Make%3D[Suzuki]%26Model%3D[Boulevard C50 (VL800)])%26((((SiloType%3D[Brand new bikes available]|SiloType%3D[Brand new bikes in stock])|SiloType%3D[Demo %26 near new bikes])|SiloType%3D[Dealer used bikes])|SiloType%3D[Private used bikes]))%26Service%3D[Bikesales])&pso=0&pss=Premium

so you did very well. In the pic it hides the old toy in the background which is perhaps getting some well earned rest.

 

HD is crazy not selling them in Thailand as they are so well suited. 500cc being quite a large bike for Thai roads. I cant imagine why they wont become hugely popular.

 

(sorry about the numerous typos I cant be bothered going back over every red underline).

Thanks for your comments.  Yes the older bike in the background is a CB400 .  I nice little bike as it has the race engine in it.  Actually quite quick and very noisy with a cut muffler.  The cruiser is way more comfortable if not as much fun in the traffic.  One thing I notice is the cruiser, even though small by cruiser standards, does keep the traffic from creeping up on you.  It does dominate the road better.  It is also surprisingly nimble and although its top speed is very ordinary it is low geared so acceleration is fair.

I had a mechanic give it a total going over and full service, valve adjustment etc yesterday - all good.

best odf luck with your Harley project.  There is always a way!

[VocalNeal]

15 hours ago, Allstars said:

 

Good luck with that one.

Especially for a Hardley and a model that is not sold in Thailand. When Land Transport guy tries to key in the info there will be no box for Street 500 so you might get it registered as Street 750. Bring some badges from Aus.?

 

I suppose if living up north in a small community you could buy and old Wave and ride around with Wave plates on your Hardley but then what happens with insurance?

 

Anyway you can always sell it to a bar and they can mount it on the wall next to the Lambretta which also has no plates.

 

If it was easy the country would be awash with Grey market bikes. Oh!  and manufactured in India means no break on excise or import duty as motor vehicles are excluded from the bilateral import/export agreement. Which is why KTM's are more expensive here.

Edited February 8, 2017 by VocalNeal