What are the Different Styles of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Updated

White Star Rides is your trusted Harley-Davidson companion, offering expert guidance and information to enhance your riding experience.

What Are The Different Styles Of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Are you a Harley-Davidson enthusiast looking to buy a new Harley bike but don’t know the different styles of Harley-Davidson bikes available in the market? If so, then you have landed on the right spot at the right time.

Harley-Davidson offers several styles of motorcycles, including:

  • Trike (e.g., Tri Glide Ultra)
  • Touring (e.g., Road Glide, Electra Glide)
  • Cruiser (e.g., Softail, Fat Boy)
  • Sport (e.g., Sportster)
  • Adventure Touring (e.g., Pan America)

In this article, you will get to know all about Harley-Davidson bikes, different types of Harley-Davidson bikes, what are the different styles of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and more. Stick around to get all the answers that you are looking for.

Different types of Harley-Davidson bikes

Harley-Davidson is one of the two significant American motorcycle companies to survive the Great Depression. The company has endured multiple changes in ownership, periods of subpar product quality, as well as economic downturns. Further, the company has defied the fiercest competition from international brands and now ranks among the biggest motorcycle producers. Additionally, the company has developed a cult brand that everyone knows about, even if they aren’t motorcycle enthusiasts.

Harley-Davidson is a brand popular for customizing motorcycles, including hand-assembling, modifying, and painting the bikes to the customer’s preferences. This practice has sparked the birth of the chopper style and many other styles of bikes. 

The different styles of Harley-Davidson bikes have been produced since it was founded over a century ago. Some Harley-Davidson bikes are almost impossible to recall, whereas other models stick in the mind forever. Due to Harley-Davidson’s enormous impact on motorsport, this brand is often referred to as the “American motorcycle”. 

Different Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

What are the different styles of Harley-Davidson motorcycles

It is important to remember that the brand has created numerous bikes for a century, which is why it is important to know what are the different styles of Harley-Davidson motorcycles before going out to buy one.

Harley-Davidson Cruiser bikes

Cruiser is one of the most popular styles of Harley-Davidson bikes. Cruisers are the low-sitting variants, and they are ideal for commuting on city streets. A powerful V-twin engine and large rear tires are two of the greatest features of these bikes.

The Iron 883 and Forty-Eight also places the motorcycles in a sportier forward position over the air-cooled Evolution engine. Moreover, they are the least costly Cruiser bikes at less than $13,000. Higher-end models adopt a more upright or relaxed stance, and they are powered by rumbling Milwaukee-Eights.

Despite having a low back end, many Cruiser bikes offer storage for passengers and saddlebags while the seats can be adjusted to a respectable degree. Furthermore, most Cruiser bikes also offer riders a wide variety of color choices. The Heritage Classic is the second-most expensive Cruiser bike, and it has 14 color options compared to the Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114’s four.

See also  How to Change Front Brake Pads on a Harley-Davidson Sportster: A Step-by-Step Guide

Harley-Davidson Street bikes

The Harley-Davidson Streets bike is the bike of choice for the younger generation. India is the only country to manufacture Street bikes outside the United States. Additionally, Harley-Davidson Street is metric, not an inch.

This is why a misplaced screw does not have to be shipped from abroad, but could instead be picked up locally. It even has a water-cooled motor. Additionally, this is poor for Orthodox Harley-Davidson bikers. It will be possible to leave everything as it is, but Harley-Davidson frequently forgets about it. Instead, the brand points out in press releases that they are producing extremely heavy bikes – cruisers.

As a result, many bikers don’t consider Harley-Davidson Street bikes a “Harley”. However, a Harley-Davidson Street bike is neither a heavy nor a cruiser. This extremely lightweight city bike is almost entirely distinct from other models manufactured by the company. A Harley-Davidson Street bike is a fantastic option for novice riders and women. Its 750cc engine is pretty strong, while its brakes are generally sensible.

Harley-Davidson Sportster bikes

Harley-Davidson Sportster bikes are also one of the different types of motorcycles available in the market. The Sportster is widely regarded as the cheapest Harley-Davidson bike and the most miniature bike among the Harley-Davidsons in size. A vintage bike that has been manufactured continuously since it was started in 1957. Additionally, this motorcycle has competed in many races while also being one of the best vintage bikes.

The bike’s V-shaped 2-cylinder engine comes with a fundamental structural design. Moreover, the engines also come in different sizes, ranging from 883 cubic meters to 1200 cubic meters.

Harley-Davidson Softail bikes

The Harley-Davidson Softail Series is the biggest and most varied lineup in the market. There are over a dozen models that are now combined in this series. Some renowned motorcycles, formerly members of the no-longer produced Dyna family, have reworked the Softail Chassis.

Additionally, it relates to the Street Bob, Low Rider, and Fat Bob models of Harley-Davidson bikes as they all are currently branded as “Softail” members. What is the main characteristic of the Softail bikes? The primary line is that the rear shock absorbers aren’t visible when you’re looking at any motorcycle from this family from the side.

Harley-Davidson XR-1000

Harley-Davidson XR-1000 is another impressive style of Harley-Davidson bike. It is a classic bike that dates back to 1983. The motorcycle is based on the XLH 1000 frame, and it can be equipped with either a single or a twin-cylinder engine. The price of the impressive XR-1000 was a startling $7,000, but not everyone was able to afford to spend such a high price on a bike.

See also  How Much Primary Fluid Does Your Sportster Need? Get the Answers Here

The powerful 998cc engine capable of pushing the bike’s top speed to 180 km/h was enjoyed by the few who could afford this bike. Despite its outstanding performance at the time of release, the Harley-Davidson XR-1000 wasn’t very well-liked. This was although Jay Springsteen won the Daytona 500 with a racing variant of the bike, Lucifer’s Hammer.

Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King

Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King is among the different types of Harley-Davidson bikes. Further, the 2012 FLHR is the king of the road, and it’ll surely live up to its name in terms of performance and personalization. For achieving that, a Twin Cam 103 engine with a 6-speed transmission installed and a displacement of 1690 cubic centimeters. 

The vehicle has also got anti-lock brakes and electronic cruise control. The motorcycle’s tuning features include a detachable windshield and an adjustable rear suspension to guarantee a comfortable ride. The “King of the Roads” also has a traditional body style that is closely associated with biker culture.

Harley-Davidson V-Rod bikes

The Harley-Davidson V-Rod bike is also one of the different types of motorcycles available in the market. The quickest and most powerful Harley-Davidson bikes are the ones that are found in the V-Rod series. Interestingly, Porsche engineers have contributed to the development of the line.

The V-Rod series consists of only two models – Muscle and Night Rod. Engineers have attempted to reduce the center of gravity for maximizing speed in the traditional V-Rod, referred to as the Night Rod. Additionally, the camber angle of the cylinders starts at 60 degrees in a newly constructed engine, while it is always 45 degrees in the vintage Harley-Davidson engines. For further reducing the center of gravity, the engineers have also placed the gas tank under the saddle. In its place, there is an ordinary fairing that covers the air filter.

Harley-Davidson Dyna bikes

The Harley-Davidson Dyna bike gets its name from the Floridan city of Daytona. Daytona is where fans of various motor vehicles converge in the city, since it is popular for motorcycle and car racing.

The Harley-Davidson Dyna is similar in size to the Harley-Davidson Sportster, but it has a much more potent motor. Additionally, the engine is fastened to the frame with quiet blocks, causing it to vibrate while you are traveling.

See also  How Does Harley-Davidson Security System Work

The motorcycle appears to come to life as a result of this. The fact that this bike has this feature makes many Harley-Davidson riders happy. This ranks Dyna bikes as one of the different and most popular styles of bikes in the market.

Harley-Davidson Touring bikes

The Harley-Davidson Touring bike is one of the different styles of Harley-Davidson bikes. The Road King, Street Glide, and Road Glide have other special and limited series available. This makes the Grand American Touring range among the most extended Harley-Davidson offers.

These are the larger bikes with strong 1500cc all the way to 1999cc Milwaukee-Eight engines. These exciting, upright-sitting motorcycles feature saddlebags, passenger seats having optional backs, and floors designed for extended trips on highways and between cities.

Large touring models also feature more substantial infotainment kits. Some of the more recognizable Harley-Davidson models include the commanding Harley-Davidson Road King.

Trike

Harley-Davidson Trikes are among the most expensive Harley-Davidson bikes in the market. Aside from being incredibly comfortable, the more expensive Tri Glide also comes with a Touring design, a passenger seat backrest, and a Cruiser appearance.

The Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide also features a strong Milwaukee Eight 114 engine, even though both versions come with a sizeable trunk. Moreover, the Tri Glide also offers the Boom! Box GTS system for infotainment, which is an improved user interface that is seen on select Touring variants.

FAQs

What is the easiest style of Harley-Davidson motorcycle to ride?

A Harley-Davidson Street or Roadster motorcycle can make for a wonderful beginner bike, since they are typically easy to handle. Additionally, the seating position is also comfortable. These motorcycles are quick to master, and they can be the perfect generic bike type to get you started.

What is the most popular style of Harley-Davidson motorcycle?

Cruiser bikes are among the most popular styles of Harley-Davidson bikes in the market. Cruiser bikes are known for being extremely comfortable, popular, and varietal. Aside from Harley-Davidson, top cruiser bike brands also include manufacturers like Indian, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki.

What is the number one selling Harley-Davidson motorcycle model?

The Harley-Davidson Sportster is easily one of the best-selling motorcycles from the Harley-Davidson brand. With production beginning in 1957, there have been several versions of this bike, but the basic features still remain the same. You might not recognize the first models, as they came with the name “K Series”.

Photo of author
Author
White Star Rides is your go-to Harley-Davidson expert. We live and breathe these bikes. Our team has years of experience in fixing, riding, and loving Harleys. We know every part of these bikes and love sharing what we know with you. Whether it's about fixing a problem or just enjoying the ride, we're here to help. Trust us to make your Harley journey better and easier.