Do you feel fascinated by the speed and rush of driving a fast bike and want to know how fast a Harley-Davidson bike can go? If so, then you’re definitely in the right place.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles can reach top speeds between 110-120 mph, with some models like the electric LiveWire able to go over 110 mph. Speed varies by model, engine size, and rider modifications.
In this article, you’ll get to know all about the Harley-Davidson motorcycle’s average speed, how fast is a Harley-Davidson bike, why are Harley-Davidson bikes so underpowered, are Harley-Davidson bikes slower than sport bikes, and more. Continue reading to know all the answers you’re looking for.
How fast is a Harley-Davidson bike?
Bikers coming from sports motorcycle backgrounds usually have many questions about the speed of Harley-Davidson bikes. If you’re in the market for a new Harley-Davidson bike, you’ll likely want to know the speed of the bike. So, how fast do Harley-Davidson bikes go on average?
Generally, Harley-Davidson bikes can go up to a maximum speed of up to 125 mph. It takes the bikes up to 3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. The top speed of the bike will depend on numerous factors like engine, engine type, ergonomics, engine CC, and more. The Cruiser bikes are generally focused to strike the right balance between speed, comfort, and cruising.
Most Harley-Davidson bikes range between 100 mph and 125 mph. There’s one exception, though, and that is the FXDR 114. The fastest Harley-Davidson bike is the Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 and it can give you a top speed of up to 160mph. The average time taken for the bike to go from 0 to 60 mph is 2.5 seconds.
Harley-Davidson bikes aren’t designed or meant to prioritize speed, unlike other motorcycle brands. The signature Harley-Davidson bikes are designed for touring and comfortable cruising. With an average speed of 110 mph, Harley-Davidson bikes aren’t the fastest bikes in the market. However, they make up for it in other areas and are one of the most iconic brands.
Thanks to the unique styling and exciting aftermarket parts and accessories, these bikes can be customized to suit any taste. If you’re in the market for a bike that is unique and stylish, a Harley-Davidson is well worth considering.
Why aren’t Harley-Davidson bikes as quick as other brands?
Harley-Davidson bikes are generally cruiser bikes, which means they are designed for comfortable riding instead of racing. Cruiser bikes have a laid-back riding position, with the footpegs being positioned behind the rider, while the handlebars are comparatively higher than the seat. It gives the rider a much more relaxed posture, which is absolutely ideal for long riders. Harley-Davidson bikes even tend to have large engines, especially V-twin engines with a lot of torque. This makes these bikes great for highway riding, where you’ll be able to open up the throttle and enjoy the roar of the engine.
It also means that these bikes can be heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially at low speeds. If you’re looking for a bike that is fast and easy to ride around the town, a Harley-Davidson bike might not be the best option. These bikes are known for their unique styling. Most Harley-Davidson bikes have a lot of chrome, and they’re customized with aftermarket parts and accessories. It makes each Harley-Davidson bike unique, and it is a part of the overall appeal of owning one. If you’re looking for a bike that will turn heads, a Harley-Davidson bike is definitely worth the price.
How does Harley-Davidson top speeds compare to sports bikes?
Harley-Davidson bikes can reach an average top speed of between 100 mph and 125 mph. This essentially means that these bikes are capable of going from 0 to 60 mph within 3-5 seconds. Meanwhile, the fastest Harley-Davidson bike is actually the Harley-Davidson FXDR 114, which has a top speed of 160 mph. This powerful machine can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
Yamaha YZF-R1 is one of the fastest sports bikes in the market. This impressive bike can go from 0 to 60 mph within 2.3 seconds. Another sports bike that many people get attracted to is the KTM RC 390. This sports bike has a top speed of 105 mph, and it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.Â
The fastest Harley-Davidson bike FXDR 114 is comparable to Yamaha YZF-R1 as they can reach 0 to 60 mph within 2.5 and 2.3 seconds respectively. However, you should remember that the speed of FXDR 114 is the exception and not the norm among Harley-Davidson bikes. Most Harley-Davidson bikes are comparatively slow and cannot compare to sports bikes. It’s evident that sports bikes are way faster than Harley-Davidson bikes. In fact, a 600cc sports bike can easily beat a 1200cc Harley-Davidson bike in terms of speed.
The reason Harley-Davidson bikes are slower than sports bikes is that they come with undersquare, pushrod-operated, V-twin engine. These are slower than the high-rev engines, but still provide a great deal of torque at low RPM. If you see the body design and ergonomics of Harleys and sports bikes, you’ll notice why the latter are fast.
Harley-Davidson bikes are slower than sports bikes because they are not actually meant for speed. Harley-Davidson bikes are all about riding or cruising in prime comfort on highways. Sports bikes come in sporty ergonomics that have an aggressive riding position with a high-revving engine and low weight, which makes them faster than Harley-Davidson bikes. Harley-Davidson bikes are made for comfort and cruising, which is why they’re generally slower than sports bikes.
Why are Harley-Davidson bikes so underpowered?
Harley-Davidson bikes are not actually underpowered. The average Harley-Davidson bikes have a top speed of around 110 – 125 mph, which is decent for such powerful bikes. The reason some may think that Harley-Davidson bikes are underpowered is due to their size. A Harley-Davidson bike has a larger engine than any other bike. It can often lead to an impression that these bikes are not quite as fast.
However, the size of the engine is just one of the factors that determine the bike’s top speed. There are other factors like weight and aerodynamics that play a role too. Harley-Davidson bikes aren’t underpowered, but they may not be the best choice if you’re after a fast bike.
As Harley-Davidson bikes are massive and heavy, they require a greater torque amount to get these giant bikes moving. Although, using a V-twin engine doesn’t actually stop the Harley-Davidson bikes from being moderately quick bikes. Harley-Davidson bikes have their own purpose as they’re focused largely on comfort, stability, balance, and easy-to-handle bikes. The ultimate focus is comfortable cruising and not achieving the top speed.
How do Harley-Davidson bikes hold their value if they’re not fast?
Although horsepower and excessive speed are generally what buyers are looking for when buying a bike, this isn’t usually the case with Harley-Davidson bikes. Usually, the average Harley buyer is looking for something close to the traditional Harley-Davidson cruiser that you see in movies. While they’re certainly powerful bikes in their own right, the classic design doesn’t always lend itself to the record-breaking speeds produced by the more aerodynamic models of the competitors. This is what most people think when they think of Harley-Davidson bikes.
Rather than the super-quick models, the most widely regarded Harley-Davidson bikes tend to be the ones that are unique and attractive in their designs. One of the popular bikes is the FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide, a bike that was introduced in 1993. This bike is quite the spectacle, and it’s the longest bike that the brand used to produce at the time.
A popular and more traditional option currently is the Harley-Davidson Road Glide. With its classic look and V-twin engine, it represents one of the most popular twin-cam options. As far as cruiser varieties go, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is an incredibly popular choice among riders. Even though the models aren’t as fast as others, they’re still closer to what an average buyer is looking for.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading. Hopefully, now you know a lot more about the Harley-Davidson motorcycle’s average speed, how fast is a Harley-Davidson bike, why are Harley-Davidson bikes so underpowered, and are Harley-Davidson bikes slower than sport bikes, among others. It is very common to wonder exactly how fast is a Harley-Davidson bike. It is something that most beginner riders or anyone looking to buy a new bike always thinks about.
A Harley-Davidson bike has an average top speed of around 125 mph. However, the fastest Harley-Davidson bike is the FXDR 114, and it can reach up to 160 mph. Moreover, it is capable of going from 0 to 60 mph within 2.5 seconds.