What are the Most Desired Harley-Davidson Models?

Harley-Davidson has always been at the top of the motorcycling scene in the US. Being the American National motorcycle brand, it remains in high demand throughout the motorcycling season.

There are countless notable and popular models Harley-Davidson has produced so far since its establishment. For this reason, it may be difficult to pinpoint the Harley model that has the most desired features ever produced.

Based on multiple reviews, owners’ feedback, and Harley fans’ views, we have compiled a list of the most desired Harley-Davidson models. However, it doesn’t mean that the other top H-D motorcycles are any less popular.

There are Harley motorcycles that fall under the best-seller categories, like the Sportsters. On the premium side of motorcycles, Harley baggers, including the Glides, have been the most desirable Harley motorbikes ever produced.

There are also many cruisers made by Harley that are ranked among the top motorcycles the company has ever produced. Continue to read this article to learn about the Harley models that most interest you.

It is almost impossible to name a single Harley-Davidson motorcycle as the most desirable bike. It will also be respectful of the brand and other popular Harley models.

It also majorly depends on the demographics, including where you live and what your age is. For example, Americans love to ride cruisers, classic touring bikes, and baggers, which is why Harley-Davidson still outranks other motorcycle manufacturers in the region.

However, if you talk about other motorcycle markets, they prefer a more sportier and aggressive ride. This is also true for the upcoming younger generation of motorcyclists who prefer sports bikes, naked bikes, lightweight roadsters, and sports-style modern performance cruisers.

Meanwhile, if you are an old rider above 50 or 60 years old, you are most likely to prefer a vintage-looking bulky Harley cruiser with shiny chrome parts and leather accessories.

If you have a good job, you are established, can afford luxury, and in your midlife, you will get more attracted to the premium Harley baggers and tourers.

Interesting Facts

• H-D Sportsters are the best-selling Harley motorcycles of all time.

• Sportsters has one of the longest production runs, having been made since 1957.

• Apart from being the most desired, Sportsters always stay in demand.

• Most fans want the Sportster Iron 883 and the Sportster Iron 1200 back in production.

• Sportsters are the perfect Harleys for beginners.

• They are also the most affordable Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

• Sportsters are among the most highly customizable Harleys ever produced.

• They are also the best-handling Harley motorcycles.

The Harley-Davidson Sportsters are not only the most desired Harley models ever produced, but they are also the best-selling Harley motorcycles. These motorbikes are loved for various good reasons.

Above all, H-D Sportsters are lightweight, agile, nimble, and modern-style cruiser motorcycles, unlike the traditional Harleys. They are the favorite Harleys of beginner riders, thanks to their lightweight build, low-powered engine, and easy handling.

The Sportster models are among the oldest and most recognizable motorcycles ever produced by the company. Since its introduction in 1957, it has become a trademark or flagship model for the brand.

The recently discontinued Harley Sportster Iron 883 is an all-time favorite American motorcycle for beginners, experienced riders, and custom builders alike. It has also been referred to as the girl bike due to its low-powered nature.

There is also the bigger version of the Iron 883, known as the Sportster Iron 1200, which is also a better option for beginners and intermediate riders alike.

The company currently produces the H-D Sportster S and the Nightster models with Revolution Max engines. The Sportster S is a sporty performance cruiser that is built to ensure quick performance.

The Harley Sportster models are the ideal options for riding comfortably within the city and for weekend rides, thanks to the low seat height and impressive maneuverability.

Interesting Facts

• The Harley Fat Boy has the most controversial name.

• The company claims it is due to its bulkier build.

• The critics claim it is a combination of “Fat Man” and “Little Boy,” the two atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II.

• The H-D Fat Boy starred in Terminator 2, in which Arnold Schwarzenegger used this bike.

• The particular Harley Fat Boy used in Terminator 2 was sold at a price of $480K in an auction.

• Willie G. Davidson was primarily involved in the design of the Harley Fat Boy.

The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is another very popular and cherished Harley model for its chubby looks and large displacement engine. It immediately became popular after its release.

The Fat Boy remained controversial initially after being introduced due to its name. According to most reviewers and critics, the name “Fat Boy” was derived from the infamous atomic bomb names that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the US.

This bike has a very powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine that ensures smooth and consistent power delivery across the rev range.

The solid disc wheels, wider front fork, and muscular appearance of the H-D Fat Boy make it easily recognizable.

The ergonomics this bike offers are also pretty spacious and comfortable, making it a highly suitable option for long-distance rides. The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is popular for its timeless design and strong build, which are very important features of a motorcycle.

Interesting Facts

• The Harley Street Glide is easily recognizable due to its iconic Batwing fairing.

• The top-loading saddlebags are a great feature, making them easily accessible to riders.

• The TFT full-color screen display is a massive 12.3 inches on the 2024 Harley Street Glide.

• The Harley Street Glide is one of those iconic models that is globally popular.

• Regardless of the tough times and sales decline the company faces, the H-D Street Glide still has a strong presence and standing in the market.

• It remains the favorite bagger in the local motorcycle market.

• Customizability has played a major role in sustaining the Street Glide’s popularity.

The Harley-Davidson Street Glide is among the top Harley’s touring models with the iconic batwing fairing. It is primarily designed for superior comfort on long-distance rides. The wide batwing fairing not only provides sophisticated wind protection but also includes a full infotainment system.

The wide batwing fairing helps keep the rider relaxed for hours without fatigue from the wind. The large saddlebags and sophisticated infotainment system make motorcycle touring more enjoyable and safe.

The rider has access to navigation, music, and phone calls with the Boom Box system. The saddlebags provide decent storage space.

The latest Street Glide model comes with the massive Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, making it quite a powerful Grant Touring option. The 1,917 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine produces 105 hp of horsepower and a remarkable 176.3 Nm of torque.

Such impressive power figures and a torquey engine make it an ideal touring choice for those experienced riders who want to cover long miles. It is one of those touring bikes that can be used for cross-country rides.

Interesting Facts

• The Harley Road King was introduced in 1994 to pay homage to the 1960s H-D Electra Glide.

• It is one of the most retro-looking Harley models with modern comfort.

• The Road King has a superior customizable nature.

• The H-D Road King is easily recognizable thanks to its mini ape hangers and protruding headlight nacelle that merges into the front forks.

• The Road King attracts motorcyclists throughout the world.

• The Harley Road King is also one of the Harley’s best-selling motorcycles.

The Harley-Davidson Road King is unique in its own way. It is designed perfectly according to the interests of most American riders. It exemplifies the design of the perfect American motorcycle, making it one of the most desirable Harley.

It comes with standard hard saddlebags, crash bars, and floorboards, yet it still boasts a stripped-down look. It is among the most retro-looking modern-day Harley motorcycles.

The retro-ness majorly comes from its front-end look. It has an extended binnacle merged with the front forks, encompassing the headlight. The sweptback mini ape hangers are a cherry on top.

The fact that there is no wind protection and the road view remains clear throughout the ride is what makes this bike special.

The H-D Road King is primarily a cruiser, but you can easily convert this bike into an ideal touring machine. All you need to do is to install an aftermarket windscreen. This is another great advantage you can have with the Road King.

The 2024 Harley Road Kind also features the big Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine capable of producing 158 Nm of torque and 93 ho of horsepower. This powerful engine makes the Road King a blast to ride.

Despite having a timeless retro-inspired design, the Harley Road King encompasses state-of-the-art technology. This bike features the best possible modern tech features, including cornering-enhanced features to make riding safer and fun.

Without a doubt, the Harley Road King is among the most desirable flagship models in the Harley lineup. The comfort it offers is also top-notch, thanks to the plush wide seat, large fuel tank, and adequately tall and wide handlebars, making it suitable for both urban commuting, freeway cruising, and long miles.

Interesting Facts

• The term “Softail” came from the sealed/hidden rear mono-shock, giving a more sophisticated and smoother look to the bike.

• Though the Softail models were given the name “Softail,” they actually have a hardtail look.

• Softails are highly preferred custom bikes for their superior customizability.

• Softails are equipped with high-capacity Milwaukee-Eight engines.

• Softails comes in a wide and diverse variety of Harley models.

• They offer the ideal blend of retro and modern designs.

• Softails are designed to pay tribute to the hardtail models of the past.

With all due respect to Harley-Davidson Dyna models, Harley got a new life after the Sofail lineup was introduced. The H-D Softails became an instant hit and were hugely welcomed due to their highly sophisticated and clean looks.

The hidden rear shock absorbers ensured more comfort while maintaining the traditional hardtail look. There are many Softails that immediately became the top-of-the-line products in the Harley lineup. For example, the Harley Softail Slim, the Harley Softail Standard, and the Harley Softail Heritage Classic.

Though these motorcycles’ frames had to undergo certain modifications, they remained suitable for the iconic Harley V-Twin engines. Whether the looks, iconic sound, rumble, or attitude, the Harley-Davidson Softails didn’t disappoint. These models took the legacy forward.

The H-D Softail models are also well-known for their smooth ride quality and comfort. These bikes are quite versatile and flexible, meaning they can easily undergo customization and allow riders to personalize their bikes according to their tastes.

Being powered by the Milwaukee-Eight engines, the Harley Softails remain the trademark of the American motorcycle scene. They are good-looking bikes with an old-school look and modern technology.

Interesting Highlights

• The H-D Ultra Limited is the ultimate touring bike in the Harley lineup.

• The most comfortable, premium, and luxurious Harley model.

• The wider distribution of torque delivery makes the Ultra Limited feel lighter than it actually is while riding.

• The Ultra Limited offers long-day comfort, so you can cover miles on this bike.

The Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited is the ultimate version of Harley’s Grand American Touring category. This bike possesses almost everything that you can expect from a fully loaded touring bike.

To start with, the H-D Ultra Glide comes with:

• A Hiawatha triple headlamp

• Large fairing

• Fairing-integrated windscreen

• Infotainment system

• Crash bars

• Wind protection for riders’ legs

• Hard saddlebags

• Frame guards

• Massive rear trunk

• Sofa-style passenger seat

• Luggage rack

The Harley Ultra Limited is a perfect description of the most desired Harley-Davidson model. This is because one can only desire to have such a luxurious dream bike to ride. Being highly luxurious, it is among the most expensive and premium touring bikes in the market.

Not everyone can afford to ride this bike. If someone loves motorcycle touring so much with his/her partner and doesn’t have to think twice about spending such a huge amount of money, the Ultra Limited is a dream bike to have.

The H-D Ultra Limited comes with almost every touring feature and component that may come to your mind, but it doesn’t mean the bike is less practical. It is ideally designed for comfort, safety, and stability on the road.

Interesting Highlights

• The Harley Night Rod Special has an unconventional wide rear tire for ideal traction and linear stability.

• The Night Rod Special features a dark theme and custom styling that attracted several new and young riders.

• The Revolution engine that powered the Night Rod Special was derived from the Harley’s racing program.

• The Night Rod Special is one of those few Harley models that prioritize performance over comfort.

• The Night Rod Special is a factory-made custom variant of the Harley V-Rod.

The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special is one of the very special Harley bikes that still makes waves. It is still remembered as one of the most unconventional Harleys ever made. It was a sporty-style roadster bike that was aimed at targeting the Japanese performance cruisers of its time.

The base model, Harley V-Rod, is also famously known as the Harley Street-Rod, Night-Rod, V-Rod Muscle, or the Harley VRSC (V-Twin Racing Sport Custom).

Due to its uniqueness and exclusivity, the Harley Night-Rod Specials holds a special place among those Harley fans who always wanted the brand to make something bold.

The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special is one of the VRSC variants. Being a Night-Rod, it featured a dark theme with a blacked-out finish. The design was quite sharp, aggressive, and futuristic. It has quite an extended design and wheelbase, like the Harley Breakout.

The Harley Night-Rod Special was quite low to the ground with minimum ground clearance. To keep the weight of this bike closer to the ground, the fuel tank is placed under the seat.

Meanwhile, you can still see a gas tank-style cover on this bike to ensure a proper look. The Night Rod Special also had an unconventional wide rear tire for impressive linear stability.

The Harley Night Rod Special is still a very popular bike among custom motorcycle builders. There are several ruthless and attractive custom bikes made with the Night Rod Special.

Though the Harley Night Rod Special was discontinued in 2018, it is still considered the most modern-looking Harley to date. Considering its style, type, and performance, the Night Rod Special was not designed for comfort and cornering capability.

The Harley Night Rod Special is meant to provide an unforgivable, powerful performance, as the engine was built in collaboration with Porsche. The bike is still remembered for its breathtaking acceleration and the fun it offers.

It may not be the most practical Harley-Davidson ever produced. However, the Night Rod Special, along with other H-D VRSC models, was made for riders who wanted a different Harley, a truly unconventional design, and who wanted to look cool.

Interesting Highlights

• The Harley Low Rider ST has the iconic mushroom-style air breather for heavy air intake and performance gain.

• The “ST” in the Low Rider ST stands for Sport Touring.

• The fairing installed on the Low Rider ST makes the bike quite easily recognizable.

• The Low Rider ST is a more modified, better, and performance-wise superior version of the Low Rider S.

• The Low Rider ST is a perfect, lightweight, and more maneuverable alternative to large and bulkier touring bikes.

• The Low Rider ST is ideally designed for those sports bike lovers who want to transition to Harley motorcycles.

• The stock saddlebags installed on the Low Rider ST are easily removable.

The Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST is a more practical and touring-capable variant of the very popular Low Rider S. It features hard saddlebags and a front fairing with integrated windscreen as stock features.

The Low Rider ST is a highly practical bike for those riders looking for a perfect blend of both cruiser and touring bike elements in one bike.

The Low Rider ST is a comparatively newer bike than the rest of the Harley models. However, it has received immense recognition and appreciation. It has everything that most Harley fans want in their motorcycles.

It is not as heavy as the Harley touring bikes, but it gives the feeling of a full-sized all-in-one bike. With the powerful and torquey Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, the bike ensures a top-end performance and, most importantly, a remarkable torque output.

The mid-mount foot controls, sports touring-style bodywork, and low seat height offer an enjoyable ride experience on the Low Rider ST.

With additional front fairing and hard saddlebags, the Low Rider ST can become your all-in-one bike for urban commuting and highway cruising. Despite being a true cruiser, it does not shy away from taking you on long rides comfortably.

The Low Rider ST is one of the desirable Harley models because it encompasses both traditional Harley design and modern features.

The most successful Harley-Davidson bike, without a doubt, according to consensus, sales figures, and statistics, is the Harley Sportster. Since its introduction in 1957, Sportsters has maintained a solid share of the motorcycle market.

The success of Harley Sportsters clearly explains what needs to be changed by the company. Sportsters are a modern take on cruisers. They are performance-oriented sports-style cruisers with relatively aggressive riding stances.

You can also say that Sportsters are the most unconventional Harleys with unique sportier styling for better handling. It tells that even Harley fans would love to have something different and unique from the previous iconic models the company already produces.

There are several factors that come into play while riding, making the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy the hardest Harley to ride. It is not just a guess on the basis of its bulky appearance and large build. The Harley Fat Boy has been declared the most challenging Harley motorcycle to ride by most reviewers.

On top of the heavy weight, the Fat Boy also features a high center of gravity, heavier front end, and large front tire, making it more difficult to ride this bike, particularly at slow speeds.

The Fat Boy is not at all suitable for beginners. Also, if you are not used to riding a heavy-duty large motorcycle, the Fat Boy can give you a tough time riding this bike.

The Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring series is specifically designed to offer supreme comfort. Out of these, the Harley Street Glide and the Harley Ultra Limited are considered the most comfortable Harley.

Several reviews declare the Harley Electra Glide as one of the best touring and comfortable Harley models. These bikes feature plush rider and passenger seats, wide ergonomics for laidback riding, and impressive wind-blocking capabilities.

It is very unlikely for Harley-Davidson motorcycles to lose value until you keep the bike in bad shape and don’t take care of it. Harley motorcycles have a high resale value, and they tend to hold their value for long.

People love buying old and classic Harley models with vintage appeal. Even though Harley-Davidson is currently going through a tough time, the brand’s reputation is still very strong. These bikes depreciate at a slow pace compared to other brands’ motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson has been on top of the American motorcycling scene since its establishment. The brand has constantly been through ups and downs and has even witnessed wartimes, but it never stopped from producing top models.

The company has a history of producing successful models that are popular among the masses. Even the most classic models have great worth and are still relevant in the current time.

Harley-Davidson has produced a list of the most desired models so far. You cannot just name one model that is considered to be the most desired in the Harley lineup.

If you are interested in learning more about Harley-Davidson's top models or want to buy one, this article provides a list of the eight most desired Harley models. You can pick any one of these bikes if you want to ride one of the American’s sweetheart motorcycles.