Do you ever find yourself wondering what is the fastest Harley-Davidson bike in the market? If you do, then you’re not alone. Most Harley-Davidson enthusiasts and motorcycle lovers, in general, love the speed of the bikes. However, Harley-Davidson bikes aren’t really known for their high speeds. That isn’t to say that they’re slow either.
The fastest Harley-Davidson bike is the 2001 V-Rod as it can go from 0 to 60 mph within 3.5 seconds. There are many Harley-Davidson bikes that are capable of going as high as 115 mph. The top speed of the bike will depend on several factors like ergonomics, engine CC, engine type, and more.
If you love speed and want to know what is the fastest Harley-Davidson bike, this article is for you. Here you’ll get to know all about the speed of Harley-Davidson bikes, which is the fastest one, and more.
What is the fastest Harley-Davidson bike in the market?
Harley-Davidson bikes are not traditionally known for their incredibly high speeds. With the iconic Big Twin design, Harley-Davidson bikes were meant for cruising. Moreover, average riders rarely go out of their way to reach the top speed of the bikes. However, it hasn’t stopped Harley-Davidson from coming up with some incredibly fast bikes in their time. From the traditional gasoline-powered V-twin bikes that put them on the map to the recent bikes with incredibly high speeds. Harley-Davidson is definitely no slouch when it comes to bikes that offer high speeds. In this article, you’ll get to know all about the fastest Harley-Davidson bikes in the market.
This list of Harley-Davidson bikes will rank the quickest Harley-Davidson models and their time to go from 0 to 60mph.
#10 – 1998 FXST Softail – 4.8 seconds
Harley-Davidson bikes of the late 90s can easily be mistaken for motorcycles much older than that. In the past, they were popular for keeping the styling consistent and rarely deviating from the tried-and-tested designs. The Harley-Davidson FXST Softail was able to easily go from 0 to 60mph in as little as 4.8 seconds. While this isn’t blistering quick by modern standards, it’s still speedy for something as old-school as this one.
#9 – 2017 Roadster – 4.7 seconds
The modern 2017 Roadster is modeled after the classic racing bikes of yesteryear. However, it also cashes in on the latest trend of naked “streetfighter” style of bikes. The bike has a short wheelbase and low handlebars, giving it a phenomenal grip and stability. This will make it possible for you to nail the throttle on the corner exit harder than such bikes should. It will be able to achieve 0 to 60mph in 4.7 seconds.
#8 – 2014 Softail Deluxe – 4.5 seconds
Despite it being a 2014 model, you’d be forgiven in case you thought it was a bike from the 70s. The classic black & white motif, the big tri-lamp headlights, and the whitewall tires are signs of the classic Harley-Davidson. This is one of the best iterations of the iconic Softail line. Further, the massive V-twin will give the bike enough power to overcome the weight. This bike is capable of going from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds.
#7 – 2018 Softail Heritage Classic 114 – 4.4 seconds
It is common to feel that with a name like “Heritage”, the bike will look very different. However, the new Softail model forgoes the glossy black & white for a much cleaner, matte gray theme. Further, they’ve done away with the whitewall tires and chrome. The “114” refers to the engine’s displacement in cubic inches, which is enough for propelling the bike to high speeds. The bike is capable of going from 0 to 60mph in 4.4 seconds. This is a one-tenth improvement compared to the 2014 Softail.
#6 – 2016 Sportster 48 – 4.3 seconds
Users of this motorcycle have pointed out that one of the best features of this bike is the front forks. The motorcycle is designed in a way to improve the handling by several notches. It is one of the Harley-Davidson bikes that don’t use wire-spoke wheels. Instead, it comes with a set of lightweight, alloy wheels that are wrapped in performance tires. The V-twin of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle helps it go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
#5 – 2014 Street Glide Special – 4.3 seconds
Similar to the Sportster, this bike has also ditched the chrome spoke wheels for alloys. This is where the similarities end. This is a big, brash, bruiser of a bike that comes with full fairings, massive chrome V-twin, and saddlebags. It features a paint job so vivid that all eyes will be on you when you’re riding the motorcycle. Its engine comes with enough power to overcome its weight, propelling it from 0 to 60mph in 4.3 seconds.
#4 – 2013 Sportster 1200 Custom – 4.2 seconds
Harley-Davidson chose to modern up with this model and used the metric system in the name. The “1200” here refers to the size of the engine in cubic centimeters. This is a massive engine for a motorcycle, especially one with only two cylinders. Just think about how loud and menacing this Harley-Davidson bike will sound. It is incredibly fast as well, as it goes from 0 to 60mph in 4.2 seconds.
#3 – 2016 Softail Slim S – 3.9 seconds
Finally, it is time for the first bike that reaches 0 to 60mph in less than 4 seconds. The “Slim” part in the name is what gives it the edge over some of the competitors. This motorcycle lacks the bulky dressing compared to other Softails while also retaining the powerful V-twin. Its matte green-colored look is a factory option loved by most riders. Its fantastic look is one of the best features of the bike. To top it all off, this motorcycle can go from 0 to 60mph in 3.9 seconds.
#2 – 2010 V-Rod Muscle – 3.7 seconds
Harley-Davidson’s V-Rod series include some of the highest-performance options. These bikes are designed in ways to prioritize quickness and high speed. These bikes are built for competing with important performance bikes. However, it still manages to retain the American charm normally associated with Harley-Davidson bikes. The front forks have been raked back and kept low for helping with aerodynamics and balance. The bike is very lightweight as well, compared to the standard of Harley-Davidson bikes. It can easily go from 0 to 60mph in as little as 3.7 seconds.
#1 – 2001 V-Rod – 3.5 seconds
This motorcycle will come with a phenomenal look and looks better than the other V-Rod options because of its color. This will allow you to admire the exquisite skeleton of the frame. You can also see the way the fairings are designed for fitting within the frame for maximizing the airflow. It has a fantastic look to it while it is also paired for exceptional performance. This motorcycle is capable of going from 0 to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds. This makes it the fastest Harley-Davidson bike and a star attraction for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.
Which is the most wanted Harley-Davidson bike?
While speed and horsepower are definitely factors that buyers look for, many Harley-Davidson lovers don’t normally look at the speed when looking to buy a Harley-Davidson bike. A lot of the time, an average buyer is looking for a bike closer to the old-fashioned model. While they’re definitely powerful bikes in their own right, the classic design will not always lend itself to the same speeds as the more aerodynamic models by the competitors.
People looking for a more traditional Harley-Davidson bike often go for the touring Harley-Davidson Road Glide. With the V-twin engine and the classic look, it is one of the most popular options currently in the market. When talking about the sport(ster) models, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is a highly sought-after option among Harley-Davidson riders. Although these models might not be as fast as the ten Harley-Davidson models mentioned above, they’re more in line with what Harley-Davidson buyers are looking for.
If you’re looking for something that isn’t very recent, there are some models that have retained their value. Instead of speed, the most widely regarded Harley-Davidson bikes are the ones with the most unique and attractive designs. It includes the FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide, which was released back in 1993. This bike was truly a spectacle, as it was the longest bike released by the brand at that time. It also featured dual exhausts. While Dyna Wide Glide had the classic Harley-Davidson charm, it even introduced the unique edge many users crave even now.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading. Hopefully, now you know more about what is the fastest Harley-Davidson bike in the market. Remember, while the 2001 V-Rod is the fastest Harley-Davidson bike ever, it isn’t necessarily the most popular. It isn’t necessary that every Harley-Davidson buyer prioritizes speed. Many of them go for the design and overall style of the bike. Bikes like 2021 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Iron 883 come out on top in that regard.