Harley-Davidson has seen and done it all as one of the oldest motorcycle companies. They've pioneered some incredible engines, experimented with many bike formats, been the bedrock for countless biker gangs, and, more recently, even dabbled in alternate propulsion. And it certainly hasn't all gone Harley's way every time, but they've somehow always managed to stay ahead of the curve.

UPDATE: 2024/03/31 18:46 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

Given the sheer number of good Harleys out there, this list would always feel incomplete. In that spirit, we have updated this list to include a few more of Harley's finest creations.

Through all this, of course, the common denominator has been their motorcycles. They've made a fair few of them, and quite a lot of them have been received well. With such a large sample set, it's always a daunting task to pick out the most desirable, especially considering subjective desirability. Nonetheless, we've cracked it and formulated a list of some of Harley's best models ever.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, we went through all of Harley-Davidson's motorcycles right from the start and narrowed down our selections. No specific parameters were set to refine the list, but we made our selections based on what we felt made the biggest impact: relevance, use-case, performance, design, and a few others. The list is a collection of models that have long since been discontinued and are currently in production.

15 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special

Production Years: 2007-2017

VRSC stands for V-Twin Racing Street Custom or just V-Rod. They belonged to the muscle bike lineup of this legendary motorcycle brand. The Harley V-Rod debuted in 2007 and ruled the motorcycling world till 2017. The VRSCDX Night Rod Special was a delightful complement to this lineup of Harley-Davidson's.

Everything was blacked out in the DX, done to make it look lean and mean. This racing machine was armed with a 1,247cc liquid-cooled DOHC Revolution engine that Porsche and Harley had developed together. The revolutionary engine could unleash a peak power of 123 horsepower and a peak torque of 86 ft-lb.

2007 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

14 Harley-Davidson VR1000

Production Years: 1994-2001

Admittedly, Harley-Davidson is not the first name that pops up when you think of superbikes, but the VR1000 proves they've been there and done that. This motorcycle was designed to take on the likes of Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki.

The VR1000 used parts made by legends such as Buell, Roush, and Cosworth, and thanks to their collaboration, the 1,000cc VR1000 was born. It was more than competent around the bends but eventually fell short in key areas like power and reliability and was eventually canceled. That said, the VR1000 proved that Harley is willing to experiment and expand its horizons, so while it may not have been the 'best' Harley, it certainly pushed the boundaries and deserves its spot on this list.

1994 Harley-Davidson VR1000 Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

13 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy

Production Years: 1990-2017

This Harley is dubbed one of the most-loved motorcycles in the history of automobiles. The Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy debuted in 1990 with a lot of fanfare. It featured all-new solid 16-inch wheels, both front and rear. This motorcycle was painted in elegant silver and subtle yellow highlights that enhanced its overall appeal, which was new to bikers of that era. The flared fenders add to its beauty.

This is one Harley that was loved by millions. It had a 1,337cc air-cooled four-stroke V-Twin OHV engine capable of belting out 67 horsepower. The FLSTF Fat Boy was produced in 2017 and was replaced by FLFB/FLFBS in 2018.

1990 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

12 LiveWire One

Production Years: 2019-Present

Understandably, some eyebrows will be raised at the LiveWire making it to this list. This motorcycle was so far removed from the norm for Harley-Davidson, and the first installment dictated as much: the LiveWire nose-dived in terms of public acceptance.

That said, this was a crucial moment for Harley-Davidson. It was a step into the unknown for the manufacturer, and an electric motorcycle by the American giant might have made its debut too early. But, once again, it proved to the world that Harley was thinking ahead and making provisions for the future. Since the original LiveWire electric motorcycle, a completely new division called LiveWire has developed its electric endeavors, like the One and the S2 Del Mar.

2023 LiveWire One Specs

(Specs sourced from LiveWire)

11 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod

Production Years: 1999-2017

As one of the quickest Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever made, the V-Rod opened the doors to drag racing and always reminds us of Harley's drag racing past. It's a perfect blend of high-performance and custom styling that later became a benchmark in the world of motorcycling.

When launched in 2002, it took the motorcycling world by storm. It was powered by a 1,130cc liquid-cooled V-Twin Revolution Engine that could crank out 115 horsepower at 8,250 RPM and 74 ft-lb of torque at a peak of 7,300 rpm. The bike could attain a top speed of 140 mph, which is remarkable for any motorcycle of the early 2000s.

2002 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

10 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King

Production Years: 1994-Present

This Harley is true to its name. It's the real king of the roads. This iconic Harley debuted in 1994 and soon became a benchmark for every other motorcycle name in its segment. The Road King is packed with a punchy 1,690cc Twin-Cam 103 workhorse mated to a six-speed cruise drive transmission unit.

This long-distance tourer is fully equipped with all the premium features of a modern-day motorcycle, including an ABS mechanism, an adjustable touring rear suspension, and electronic cruise control. Plus, the windshield can be removed provisionally for a smooth ride on the streets.

2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

9 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250

Production Years: 2020-Present

Once again, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250's making it to this list is debatable. But what can't be denied is that Harley was pushing the boundaries again.

The Pan America 1250's main aim was to attract a new audience, and the Revolution Max engine powering it certainly gave it a leg up. It's a good step away from what we know and love Harley for, and it's not perfect, but it shows that Harley's willing to go down paths it hasn't previously. The Pan Am itself is reported to be a thoroughly capable adventure motorcycle, with it being at ease on the road as well, too.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Specs

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

8 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide

Production Years: 1980-2014

Harley introduced the FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide in 1993. This motorcycle was longer than ever and was way different from its siblings. It featured Tommy Gun 2-1-2 exhausts, a larger back end, and a chopped rear fender, making it look poles apart from its cousins.

Its seat was placed lower so one could just glide and feel free. In 2017, Harley had to give away the Dyna platform to make way for a newly redesigned Softail line. Dyna Wide Glide now enjoys legendary status in the world of motorcycling.

2008 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

7 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Production Years: 2010-2022

Of all the different Harley-Davidson Sportster models we've seen over the years, the Forty-Eight is arguably the most awesome and aggressive-looking... probably except for the brand-new Sportster S.

The bike looks mean with its beefy tires, peanut tank, and low handlebars, and thanks to the 1,200cc Evo engine, it packs a hard enough punch to back up its looks. Few bikes out there can boast of an aftermarket near what the Sportster offers, making it perfect for those who want to stand out.

Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specs

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

6 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead

Production Years: 1936-1947

The Knucklehead was the last motorcycle the Davidson brothers and William S. Harley designed. It produced about 40 hp, thanks to a 'hemi' combustion chamber design.

This may not sound like much, but it was a significant boost in power compared to the previous flathead engine designs. It started with a 61 cu-in (1,000cc) engine, but the iconic 74 cu-in (1,200cc) version was introduced in 1941. It was still very much an old-school design; however, it featured a foot clutch, hand shift, and the brake lever on the left handlebar, meaning most riders used to modern bikes would struggle to ride one.

1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead Specs

(Specs sourced from National Motorcycle Museum)

5 Harley-Davidson XR750

Production Years: 1970-2008

In 1972, Harley-Davidson really started dominating flat-track racing. The XR actually won 29 of the 37 AMA Grand National Championships from 1972 to 2008, which is nothing short of astonishing.

The American motorcycle company also gave us two commemorative models: the poorly received XR-1000 released in 1983 and the much more successful and better XR1200 from 2010. The XR wasn't just used for flat-track racing; it was also Evel Knievel's weapon of choice between 1970 and 1976, used for all his record-setting stunts.

Harley-Davidson XR750 Specs

(Specs sourced from Bikez)

4 Harley-Davidson 11F

Production Year: 1915

The 1915 11F took Harley-Davidson to a whole new level. This was the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle to feature a three-speed transmission, an automatic oiler, and massive intake valves, allowing it to produce a mind-blowing (for the time) 11 hp.

The bike also had a full electrical system with a magneto ignition system and a rear taillight (unheard of back then). Sure, by today's standards, it's not as impressive, but this is one of the most important bikes in Harley-Davidson's coveted history and well worth being placed on this list.

Harley-Davidson 11F Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Classics)

3 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob

Production Years: 2007 Onwards

Not bringing up the Fat Bob as one of Harley's best and most desirable would be considered a mistake by most. As you might have noticed, it's been around for a long while now and has continued to go from strength to strength since its inception.

The Fat Bob has undergone some changes since 2007, but what's remained constant is its unmistakable presence on the road and power. The best bit is that if the new Fat Bob is a little out of reach for you, you can find plenty of used examples in good nick for very reasonable prices.

2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

2 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster

Production Years: 1957 Onwards

Admittedly, the Sportster is one of the more affordable Harley-Davidsons, but that hardly stops it from being desirable.

It has an uncomplicated set of lines dominating its body, and the Sportster never feels like it's trying too hard, which is appealing to some. It even helped Harley out when it was facing adversity. More specifically, a 2001-spec XL Sportster is higher on most desirability charts. Things like a dual-spark ignition, black ceramic-coated pipes, the fully adjustable suspension, and meaty disc brakes add to the appeal.

2001 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

1 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic

Production Years: 1987-2016

Fans of incredibly comfortable tourers don't tend to overlook Harley-Davidson's Heritage Softail Classic, and it's with good reason.

Not only is the Heritage Softail Classic one classic looker of a tourer, but it's also geared to make your long rides as comfortable as possible. And while the leather saddles and chrome-laced wheels might be over-the-top for some, it's definitely something that adds plenty of character to the Heritage Softail Classic.

2011 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

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• Source for features: Harley-Davidson, MCN
• Source for used prices: Cycle Trader
• Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Motorcycle Classics, Bikez, National Motorcycle Museum, Harley-Davidson