Harley-Davidson is one of the most loved, and hated, motorcycle brands. Critics will say the company’s bikes are overpriced, heavy, underpowered, and slow.
While that may have been true in the past, the brand’s 2024 lineup is more powerful than ever, and some models have as much torque as a small car.
Even if you’re not a fan of Milwaukee’s finest, there are some models that most motorcycle enthusiasts will have to agree are pretty awesome!
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
The old Harley-Davidson Sportster was discontinued a while back, and while it was always one of the brand’s top sellers, many dyed-in-the-wool bikers didn’t give it the respect it deserved.
Its successor, the Sportster S, looks nothing like the old Sportster, and is like a mix between a cruiser and a naked sports bike. Powered by the new 1250cc Revolution Max engine, it’s as powerful as it looks, pumping out 121 hp and 93 lb-ft of torque.
Harley-Davidson Nightster
Let’s not kid ourselves, the Nightster is the old Sportster’s true successor. Unlike the Sportster S, the Nightster looks like a slightly modernized Sportster, and we love it!
With a 975cc Revolution Max engine in its frame, the Nightster is more powerful than the old Sportster ever was, as 91 hp and 72 lb-ft is sent to the rear wheel.
Harley-Davidson Trikes
Generally, trikes aren’t considered cool, but if they allow those with mobility issues to keep riding, we think they’re pretty awesome! Harley-Davidson’s trike offerings consist of the Freewheeler, Road Glide 3, and Tri-Glide Ultra.
All three of these machines are powered by the excellent 114 engine, producing 90+ hp and around 120 lb-ft of torque.
Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
The Street Bob 114 is a cruiser bike in its purest form — a bare-bones, unpretentious cruiser that Harley-Davidson says is the “perfect performance base for customization.” The styling is timeless, but with a whiff of retro, and we love the now-iconic “Number One” graphic on the tank.
Its 114 cubic-inch V-twin engine looks old-school, but it’s packing some modern features, including rear cylinder deactivation to reduce heat. With 94 hp and 119 lb-ft of torque, it has enough power to get you into trouble, but it still returns a decent 47 mpg.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114
The Harley-Davidson Fat Boy has come a long way since it arrived in the early 1990s. That said, it still has many of the styling cues that, arguably, made it the most recognizable Harley-Davidson of the last three decades.
It still looks as macho as ever, and thanks to the beefy design, the Fat Boy lives up to its name. It has a wide, five-gallon gas tank, floorboards, and forward controls, solid wheels wrapped in chunky rubber, and, of course, a powerful 114ci V-twin engine mounted in its frame.
Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic
If you like old-school cruiser motorcycles, the H-D Heritage Classic is your bike. Harley haters may tell you that all the Milwaukee-based company’s bikes are old-school. In reality, their new bikes pack modern features like cruise control and offer decent performance.
Looks-wise, the Heritage Classic resembles the Harleys of the past, with large fenders, spoke wheels, lots of chrome, and leather saddlebags. However, it has a modern 114ci Milwaukee Eight V-twin, and its 94 hp is sent to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission.
Harley-Davidson Pan America
The Pan America is Harley-Davidson’s first entry into the adventure bike segment. Adventure bikes are very much like the SUVs of the motorcycle world, meaning they’re extremely capable, but not necessarily cool.
H-D knows some things about building cool bikes, and so it injected the Pan America with a healthy dose of its traditional DNA. It uses the same 1250 Revolution Max V-twin found in some cruiser models, and those opting for the CVO model get a bike that’s as capable as any of the European adventure touring motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
Harley introduced the new Low Rider S model in 2019. It oozes cool and has been a favorite among style-conscious riders ever since. If you want a club-style/West Coast-style bike straight from the showroom floor, the Low Rider S is one of your best options.
It looks mean with murdered-out components, slightly raised rear suspension, and small fairing at the front. Courtesy of a 117ci V-twin with 103 hp, it also delivers a punch that matches the looks,
Harley-Davidson Softail Standard
The Harley-Davidson Softail Standard isn’t a fancy bike, but it’s definitely cool. Being a stripped-down cruiser, it only has the bare necessity of parts and components, but that’s what makes it so good.
Harley motorcycles are practically begging to be modified, and the Softail Standard is the perfect blank canvas. Pick and choose from the vast selection of optional extras and aftermarket parts, and turn it into a bike that’s truly yours. With a 107ci V-twin producing 87 hp and 110 lb-ft, it’s not as powerful as many others on this list, but that’s easily sorted with some performance parts.
Harley-Davidson Breakout 117
If flashy and eye-catching bikes are more your style, forget about the Softail Standard and get the Breakout 117 instead. There’s shiny chrome everywhere, so there’s no chance it’ll go unnoticed.
In 2020, Harley-Davidson actually discontinued the Breakout for the American market, but in 2023, they brought back a new and improved model. Whereas a measly 103 ci engine powered the old model, the new H-D Breakout has a magnificent 117 mill, churning out 101 horsepower, 123 lb-ft of torque, and a glorious V-twin soundtrack.
