Cruisers

2016Harley-Davidson Street 500

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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Street 500 is an entry-level cruiser designed for new and returning riders seeking an accessible, manageable motorcycle. Powered by a liquid-cooled Revolution X V-Twin engine, it delivers approachable performance with 40 Nm of torque and quick acceleration. Best known as an affordable gateway into Harley ownership, the Street 500 excels in urban commuting and casual riding with its nimble handling and modern fuel injection technology.

Capacity: 494.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 206.4 kg
Seat height: 653 mm
Power: 49.4 HP (36.3 kW)

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What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Street 500

vs the 2015

Spec	2015	2016
Front brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Twin piston, floating caliper
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Twin piston, floating caliper

Other years 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering40%

City riding70%

Daily riding65%

Touring35%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: It's built as an entry-level cruiser for relaxed urban riding and short leisure trips rather than performance or long-distance touring.
Built for: It has the classic cruiser feel with a V-twin thump, upright relaxed ergonomics, and easygoing low-rev torque delivery rather than outright speed.
Not ideal for: It's not the right choice for riders wanting highway-devouring touring comfort, aggressive cornering performance, or any kind of off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 653mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Harley-Davidson Street 500, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 494.0 ccm
Power: 49.4 HP (36.3 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 85 CO2 g/km
Torque: 40.0 Nm (4.1 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 3.70 litres/100 km (27.0 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2393 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 69.1 x 66.0 mm
Compression: 11.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1534 mm
Overall length: 2225 mm
Seat height: 653 mm
Dry weight: 206.4 kg
Wet weight: 221.8 kg
Fuel capacity: 13.30 litres
Ground clearance: 145 mm
Oil capacity: 3.10 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Dual shocks
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 114 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Twin piston, floating caliper
Rear brakes: Single disc. Twin piston, floating caliper
Front tyre: 100/80-R17
Rear tyre: 140/75-R15

Other

Color options: Superior Blue, Velocity Red Sunglo, Vivid Black, Black Denim

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2015	2016	2017	2018	2020	2021
Capacity	494 cc	494 cc	494 cc	494 cc	494 cc	492 cc
Dry weight	206 kg	206 kg	206 kg	206 kg	223 kg	223 kg
Seat height	653 mm	653 mm	653 mm	653 mm	720 mm	720 mm
Fuel capacity	13.3 L	13.3 L	13.3 L	13.3 L	13.3 L	13.3 L