It’s unquestionable that Harley-Davidson has built some of the best and most iconic motorcycles ever. The term Harley is inseparable from street bikes. Here are the 20 best Harleys-Davidson motorcycles ever made.
20. Harley Davidson 11F (1915)
Harley Davidson’s first motorcycle debuted in 1904 with models 0 and 1 (named retroactively), and the 11F came along in 1915. It debuted Harley’s first three-speed transmission, and electric headlights and taillights. The bike was powered by a 61 cubic inch, 11 horsepower, IOE V-twin engine. It also had an automatic oiler and intake valves and a magneto ignition system.
19. EL “Knucklehead” Harley Davidson Model (1936, 1941)
The 1936 EL “Knucklehead” represents the last motorcycle designed by the Davidson brothers and William S. Harley. The retroactively named “Knucklehead” refers to the distinct shape of the rocker boxes. The knuckleheads were built between 1936-1947. The EL engines were 61 cubic inches with 40 horsepower, and the iconic 74-inch versions were first produced in 1941.
18. Harley Davidson “Fat Boy” (1990)
The 1990 “Fat Boy” model was one of the most popular Softail looks on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It’s a V-twin Softail cruiser motorcycle with 16-inch solid-cast disc wheels. It also came with a pair of “shotgun” designed exhaust pipes. The term “Fat Boy” originates from the bike appearing wider when viewed head-on.
17. Harley Davidson “Screamin’ Eagle” VRSCSE2 (2006)
One of the most popular Harley-Davidson models ever is the 2006 VRSCSE2 “Screamin’ Eagle.” Its incredible power came from its 1,247 cc Revolution Engine, which featured a 60-degree, liquid-cooled, dual overhead cam and short-stroke architecture. This V-twin engine was created through a partnership with Porsche Engineering as a part of their Superbike Program.
16. Harley Davidson CVO Softail Convertible (2012)
The CVO Softail Convertible debuted in 2010, but the standout model was the 2012 FLSTSE3. Its capabilities suited both in-town cruising and long rides. Standout features were its windshield, rear passenger seat, and removable backrest. It accommodated tall and short riders equally well. Despite its large appearance, its light weight made the CVO easy for women to control.
15. Harley Davidson XL Sportster (1957)
Harley-Davidson’s Sportster designation has been used by Harley-Davidson on a long line of motorcycle models since 1952. The first Sportster XL debuted in 1957. The original K series used side-valve, flathead engines, whereas the XL featured an 883cc overhead valve engine, which was later replaced with a 1,100cc, and finally a 1,200cc.
14. Harley Davidson Dyna Wilde Glide (2010)
Featuring a completely different look from other popular Harley-Davidson models, the 2010 Dyna Wilde Glide had a much lower seat than its predecessors. It also featured Tommy Gun 2-1-2 exhausts. This model is the result of Harley in its “slammed” out phase and when the era of “bobbers” (stripped-down bikes for weight and speed) was gaining momentum.
13. Harley Davidson XR-1000 (1983)
The 1983 Harley Davidson XR-1000 Sportser added an OHV V-twin 998cc air-cooled engine, delivering a maximum speed of 112 mph. It used a combination of XLX Sportster and modified XR-750 parts. Two staggered K&N type filters fed Dell’Orto carburetors on the right, while two high-rise flat-track style exhausts sat on the left.
12. Harley Davidson KR750 (1953)
The most popular Harley-Davidson model for AMA sports was the KR, which was designed for flat-track racing from 1953 to 1969. The KR750 dominated motorcycle racing in the US and was replaced in 1970 by the XR-750. It featured a 45.125 cu in (739.47 cc) air-cooled side valve 4-stroke V-twin with 42 hp and a top speed of 142 mph.
11. Harley Davidson FLHR Road King (2012)
The Harley Davidson FLHR Road King is dubbed the king of the road with its electric cruise control, six-speed cruise transmission, and an ABS braking system. The 1994 FLHR Road King was the first to replace the FLHS Electra Glide Sport, but the premier model is the 2012 Road King FLRH, which offers the most customization and performance.
10. Harley Davidson VRSCA V-ROD (2002)
With its futuristic look, Harley Davidson VRSCA V-ROD is part of a power cruiser line manufactured from 2002-2017. The VRSCA models are called “muscle bikes” due to their higher power output. It was developed to compete against Japanese bikes. V-ROD boasts a 1,131 cc “revolution engine” that cranks out 115 HP and can reach a top speed of 140 mph.
9. Harley Davidson The FLTH Electra Glide Standard (2009)
In 2009, Harley-Davidson redesigned its entire touring range by introducing a new frame, swingarm, and revised engine-mounting system. The FLTH Electra Glide Standard featured a V-engine, air-adjustable suspension, and a six-speed cruise transmission. Best of all, it had reliable performance, making it one of the best Harley-Davidson motorcycles of all time.
8. Harley Davidson FXB Sturgis (1980)
In 1980, in the FX Super Glide line, Harley-Davidson introduced the FXB Sturgis, an all-black Low Rider. It’s also noteworthy for using primary and secondary belt drives. Harley also introduced another low rider, the FXWG Wide Glide, which featured wide forks and a flame pattern painted on the tank. But the FXB Sturgis stands out for its clean, iconic design.
7. Harley Davidson FL Hydra-Glide (1949)
In 1949, after receiving a “Panhead” engine, the Harley-Davidson FL line debuted hydraulically dampened telescopic front forks, dubbing these models “Hydra-Glide” in the 1950 model year. This new motorcycle category provided comfort for lengthy travels, and the FL Hydra-Glide became known as the long-distance cruiser. In 1958, rear swingarm suspension was added, and the FL changed from Hydra-Glide to Duo-Glide.
6. Harley Davidson Duo-Glide (1958)
In 1958, Harley-Davidson gave its FL models a new frame, which included a rear swingarm suspended by a pair of coil-over-shock suspension units. The previously dubbed Hydra-Glide became the Duo-Glide. These adjustments greatly improved riding comfort and cemented Harley as a long-distance bike. Other advancements included an overhead valve engine and aluminum heads.
5. Harley-Davidson Touring (1980)
The features on Harley-Davidson touring models include big-twin engines and large-diameter telescoping forks. The common designations for touring Harleys are the letters FL, FLHR (Road King), FLTR (Road Glide), Electra Glide, and Street Glide models. All touring models have used the same frame since 1980 and offer features for long-distance rides, including saddlebags, windshields, cruise control, radios, CBs, and more.
4. Harley-Davidson CVO (1999)
The Harley-Davidson CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) are models for the factory custom market. The program began in 1999. Each model year offers limited-edition customizations. These can include larger displacement engines, additional accessories not offered on mainstream models, and costlier paint designs. While more expensive, riders seeking the best of the best feel the customizations are worth the extra price.
3. Harley-Davidson XR1200 (2008)
The Harley-Davidson XR1200 was a limited-production racing-style bike released in 2008 for the European, African, and Middle Eastern markets. Harley was repeatedly asked to sell it in America, but first, it had to obtain the “XR1200” naming rights from Storz Performance, a customizing shop in Ventura. A US release came in 2009. The XR1200 remains popular with collectors.
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2. Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (2018)
The 2018 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S is a performance-oriented Sportster with a café racer flair. The Dyna Glide chassis was discontinued and replaced with the new Softtail frame. This bike combined Softtail and Low Rider, which irked some traditionalists. It’s considered a blank canvas for customization, with the DNA of the 1970s chopper era.
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1. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited (2019)
The 2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited represents the company’s top-of-the-line touring motorcycle. It’s loaded with features designed to improve long-distance riding, including a more comfortable seat, heated grips, and a premium sound system. It’s desirable for riders seeking the best bike for two-up touring. Harley also made a CVO Ultra Limited Electra Glide (FLHTKSE) in 2014.
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