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Harley-Davidson

Street 500

XG500· 2015-2020 cruiser
Price (AUD)
$6k–$10kest. Aug 2026
Type
Cruiser
Origin
USA
Built in
India

Overview

Built to capture the entry-level and riding school markets, the Street 500 was manufactured in India using the liquid-cooled 'Revolution X' V-twin. It sold in huge numbers in Australia simply because it was the only way to get a Harley badge on a LAMS licence. While it holds its value remarkably well due to brand cachet, build quality and braking performance fall noticeably short of its Japanese rivals.

Engines & variants

494cc V-twin (LAMS) LAMS approved

Natively LAMS compliant. The 494cc capacity and conservative power output meet LAMS limits easily.

Engine
494cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-valve V-twin
Config
V-twin
Capacity
494cc
Power
26kW @ 6500rpmunverified
Torque
40Nm @ 3500rpm
Seat height
720mm
Weight
233kg kerb
Final drive
Belt
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Optional
Traction control
None
Fuel
13L
Service
8,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
24,000kmunverified
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • The only way to get a Harley badge on a learner licence, which is most of why people buy one
  • Low seat height and low center of gravity
  • Belt drive requires no lubrication and very little maintenance
  • Massive resale demand from learners wanting the brand

Cons

  • Very heavy (233kg) for its modest power output
  • Front brake is notoriously weak and lacks feel
  • Build quality and wiring tidiness are poor compared to Japanese equivalents

Known problems

medium
Stator failure
The electrical charging system, specifically the stator, is known to burn out. Symptoms include the bike running out of battery and dying while riding.
Fix: Replace the stator (and often the regulator/rectifier at the same time). Test charging voltage across the battery while the bike is running before buying.
From 15,000km+ · ~$500-900
low
Neutral switch failure
The switch that detects if the bike is in neutral frequently fails, meaning the neutral light on the dash won't illuminate even when the bike is out of gear.
Fix: Replace the neutral switch sensor on the engine case.
Any
low
Poor brake feel
Particularly on early (2015-2016) models, the front brake caliper and master cylinder provide wooden feedback and require a hard squeeze to stop a heavy bike.
Fix: Harley upgraded the brakes slightly in 2017. Braided lines and better pads help, but it will never be sharp.
Any

unverified marks a figure we could not confirm against a manufacturer source. It is our best reading of what is published, not a checked fact — confirm it yourself before you spend money on the strength of it.

Also worth looking at

Closest in class and capacity to the Harley-Davidson Street 500.

Honda CMX500 Rebel 2017-2023 Cruiser LAMS Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015-current Cruiser LAMS (some) Honda CB500F 2013-2018 Naked LAMS Honda CB500X 2013-2018 Adventure LAMS