It’s no secret that Harley-Davidson has taken the lead as a premier motorcycle brand worldwide. They draw in all sorts of riders, from newcomers to die-hard enthusiasts, whether they’re embarking on cross-country adventures or navigating urban streets. Whether you’re someone who prefers a laid-back cruise or craves the thrill of speed, Harley-Davidson caters to a wide range of preferences. They’ve been at it for an impressive 120 years, consistently bringing joy to riders of all kinds.
A significant portion of Harley-Davidson’s audience prefers hopping onto their motorcycles for a leisurely ride on a sunny summer day, cruising along the town’s quiet back roads, and later rendezvousing with friends at their beloved local eatery. On the flip side, there are those who crave speed. For them, the exhilaration of twisting the throttle, the engine’s mighty roar, and the thunderous rumble of the exhaust while zooming down the highway are pure joy. With all that power nestled beneath the seat, it’d be a waste not to put it to good use. Fortunately, Harley-Davidson provides a broad array of models that perfectly satiate even the most insatiable speed enthusiasts.
Harleys For Those With a Need For Speed and Style
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
For the longest time, the world of lightweight high-performance motorcycles was ruled by Japanese brands like Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha. These bikes were a dream come true for riders seeking speed, style, maneuverability, and affordability. However, the tables turned in 2021 when Harley-Davidson introduced their revamped Sportster S, causing a stir in the market as the fresh contenders.
Fitted with a liquid-cooled 1250cc Revolution V-twin engine, the Sportster S boasts a remarkable 121 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque, capable of pushing it to speeds of up to 143 MPH! Weighing a mere 500 lbs, this bike comes complete with forward controls, multiple ride modes, GPS, and Bluetooth compatibility. It’s safe to say that this motorcycle has set a new standard for upcoming sport bikes in terms of speed, technology, and performance.
Harley-Davidson Nightster
When the Sportster S burst onto the scene, its rivals were already abuzz about Harley’s entrant into the high-performance sportster realm. Continuing the momentum into 2022, its younger counterpart, the Harley-Davidson Nightster, made its debut, capturing the attention of even more potential riders. While the Nightster carried over all the impressive technical attributes of the Sportster S, its main appeal stemmed from its choice of engine. Unlike its sibling’s robust 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine, the Nightster sported a 975cc Revolution V-Twin engine.
Recognizing that some might find the power and size of the Sportster S a tad overwhelming, the Nightster scaled things down a notch, delivering 90 horsepower, 70 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 130 mph. This thoughtful adaptation allowed riders to enjoy the exhilaration without feeling the need to tame a beast, making the Nightster a compelling choice.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
In line with Harley-Davidson’s fleet of high-performance cruisers, speed inextricably links with power and proportions. The Street Bob embodies this principle, housing the commanding Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine within Harley’s distinctive softail frame. Renowned for its simplicity, stripped-down design, and versatile nature, the Street Bob offers ample space for personalized modifications. When you combine a robust engine with a moderately-sized bike, the allure of twisting the throttle and engaging the sixth gear becomes irresistible – a chance to unleash this cruiser’s true potential.
For the curious minds, rest assured, this machine can truly fly if you so desire. Straight out of the factory, the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine churns out an impressive 110.5 horsepower, along with 119 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds. And should you opt for the stage 4 upgrade, expanding it to 131 cubic inches, brace yourself or risk watching this motorcycle leave you in its dust!
Harley-Davidson Fat Bob
The Fat Bob has solidified its standing as one of Harley-Davidson’s premier selections for an energetic cruiser. With its elevated seat, forward controls, robust tires, agile suspension, and the potent Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, it has struck a chord with riders who revel in the blend of relaxed cruising and exhilarating highway blasts. Often, riders who’ve transitioned from sport bikes find themselves drawn to the Fat Bob. It retains the elements of high speed and top-notch performance they’re accustomed to, while introducing added heft, comfort, and a distinctive post-apocalyptic aesthetic that ushers in a fresh chapter in their motorcycling escapades.
Harley-Davidson Lowrider S
Within Harley-Davidson’s selection of softail models, there exists one that encapsulates the essence of a high-performance cruiser – the Lowrider S. Whether traversing city streets, suburban lanes, or open highways, this bike exudes sleekness, seamless operation, speed, simplicity, aggression, and unparalleled responsiveness to the rider’s every command.
Undoubtedly, the demand for this bike has skyrocketed, with units often being spoken for before they even grace dealership lots. The most recent iterations sport a Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine, propelling the Lowrider S to greater heights in terms of torque and displacement compared to any other stock Harley-Davidson powertrain. Achieving 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.11 seconds, this motorcycle comfortably secures a lofty position on the wishlist of avid speed enthusiasts.
LiveWire One
Amidst the gradual rise of electric vehicles, the notion of electric motorcycles is also gaining momentum. For those unfamiliar with the mechanics of an electric vehicle’s battery powertrain, it’s effortlessly straightforward. There’s no need for gear shifts – just twist the throttle, and the LiveWire springs to life, harnessing its formidable 86 lb-ft of torque, catapulting from 0 to 60 mph in an astonishing three seconds flat.
On a full charge, this motorcycle boasts an estimated city range of around 146 miles, while on the highway, it covers approximately 70 miles. Charging frequency primarily hinges on an individual’s riding style, although most riders tend to stick to urban routes. However, the occasional chance to embrace its maximum speed of 110 mph becomes a gratifying reward when they find an empty stretch of road exclusively their own.
Harley-Davidson Breakout 117
Picture this: Harley-Davidson’s upgraded Breakout 117, a fusion of the potent Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine and a revamped version of their contemporary chopper. The result? A fresh and enhanced Breakout 117 that stands out. While motorcycles like the Lowrider S strike a balance between high-performance and cruising, the Breakout defies expectations. This sleek, low-slung bike is purpose-built for cruising, armed with substantial power tailor-made for those endless stretches of highway. Boasting an elongated rake, a slender 21-inch front wheel, a robust 18-inch rear wheel, captivating chrome accents, forward controls, and vibrant color palettes, this modern chopper is designed to catch eyes before it swiftly disappears down the road.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
When you hear “fast” and “Fat Boy” in the same sentence, it might seem like an odd pairing, yet Harley-Davidson consistently defies expectations. This rings particularly true for the latest iterations, which boast the dependable Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine. While the Fat Boy, like the Breakout, exudes the essence of a relaxed cruiser rather than a pure speed demon, it’s worth noting that appearances can be deceiving. Unveil an open stretch of road, and those colossal tires will astound everyone by revealing that despite its moniker, the “Fat Boy” can indeed flex its muscles as a skilled sprinter. Turns out, all that power isn’t just for show.
Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
Not all speed enthusiasts prefer the sleek and polished routes. Some crave a touch of adventure, veering onto the wildest paths Earth has to offer – venturing into the heart of nature itself. This is where the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special comes into its own. Making its debut in 2021, Harley’s inaugural adventure bike swiftly established itself as a heavyweight contender in the ADV market.
Similar to its kin, the Sporster S, the Pan America boasts the liquid-cooled 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine, packing a punch with 150 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. Whether you’re gliding down the street or tackling dirt trails, that level of power swiftly transports you from point A to B. And let’s not forget, that kind of engine prowess proves invaluable when navigating bumpy hills, rugged terrain, and those deep, murky puddles of mud.
Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST unmistakably clinches the title of the brand’s ultimate high-performance bagger. It’s a seamless fusion of the robust Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine encased within Harley’s dependable touring frame, matched with a capacious six-gallon fuel tank. Topping it all off is the fixed Shark Nose fairing, a masterstroke that slashes wind resistance and dampens vibrations. The result? A sought-after touring motorcycle that turns every highway and winding road into its personal drag strip.
Even more enticing, this motorcycle welcomes Harley’s most substantial stage 4 engine upgrade yet – the Milwaukee-Eight 135 cu crate engine. With the potential to churn out a staggering 143 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque and 130 horsepower, a 28% surge in power compared to the stock Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, this upgrade is an absolute dream for speed enthusiasts. And if you remain unconvinced, there’s a clear reason why the Road Glide reigns as the favored choice in the competitive “King of the Baggers” race series.