When naming the greatest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, it's impossible to leave Harley-Davidson off the list. If you're a motorcycle fan, you've probably found yourself lusting over a Harley, and we don't blame you. Most motorcycles built by the Milwaukee-based company have gorgeous designs, comfortable riding positions, and some of the best-sounding engines you'll ever hear.
Having been in business for over a century, Harley-Davidson has built many motorcycle models. While many of them have virtually disappeared from our memories, some are unforgettable as they hold a special place in Harley's history. Let's explore ten of the greatest Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever made.
10 1990 Fat Boy
The Fat Boy is one of the most recognizable Harley-Davidson models. Introduced in 1990, the Fat Boy received a lot of praise, largely thanks to its gorgeous design. The all-new solid 16-inch wheels, wide body, flared fenders, and elegant silver paint job ensures the Fat Boy turned heads everywhere it went.
This bike was also a blast to ride, thanks to a 1,340cc V-Twin belting out 48 hp. The icing on the cake is that the Fat Boy is one of the coolest Harleys featured in movies, having appeared in the Terminator franchise.
9 2009 FXSTB Night Train
Since its introduction in 2000, the Night Train has gone through a constant evolution process that has given us many great model years. Our favorite version of the bike has to be the 2009 FXSTB Night Train.
The FXSTB Night Train is the perfect bike for enthusiasts looking for looks and power. It's powered by a 1,584cc air-cooled Twin Cam 96B engine producing 87.90 lb-ft of torque, giving it great performance.
8 1958 Duo-Glide
The FL is a model designation used on Harleys since the '40s. The FL went through multiple changes, with one of the most significant coming in 1958. The 1958 FL had many upgrades over the previous models, with the best being a new frame.
The new frame had a rear swingarm suspended by two coil-over-shock suspension units, which is why Harley-Davidson changed its name from 'Hydra-Glide' to Duo-Glide.
7 1915 11F
When Harley-Davidson was established in the early 1900s, it was essentially a motor-bike producer - the company built small engines that could be attached to regular pedal-bicycle frames. However, in 1915, Harley-Davidson introduced the model that turned it from a motor-bike producer to a motorcycle producer — the 11F.
Equipped with Harley's first three-speed transmission system, a full electrical system, magneto ignition system, a rear taillight, and a 1,000cc V-Twin producing 11 hp, the 11F was way ahead of its time.
6 1957 XL Sportster
The Sportster is one of the longest-running motorcycle models of all time, having been in continuous production for over six decades. The first Sportster was built in 1957, and it quickly became one of Harley's best-selling models of the day, helping the American company compete with the growing number of European imports.
The XL Sportster replaced the KHK and shared many parts, including the frame, fenders, front suspension, and gas tank. However, unlike the KHK, which used a flat head engine, the Sportster used an overhead valve engine, known as the Ironhead.
5 XR750
In the late '60s, the AMA Grand National Championship made a rule change that allowed European and Japanese motorcycles to outperform the dominant Harley-Davidson KR racer. To get back on top, Harley developed a new, faster racing motorcycle known as the XR750.
The XR750 turned out to be a huge success, winning 29 out of 37 AMA Grand National Championships. Interestingly, the XR750 is the bike the legendary Evel Knievel used in his most famous stunts.
4 1936 EL Knucklehead
Harley-Davidson was going through a rough time in the 1930s. Facing stiff competition from Indian Motorcycles, Harley needed a new model to generate sales, so it came up with the EL, or Knucklehead, as it's commonly referred to as.
The Knucklehead was the last motorcycle designed by William S. Harley and the Davidson brothers as a team. Early models were equipped with a 1,000cc "hemi" engine producing 40 hp, while later models gained a more powerful 1,200cc unit.
3 2002 VRSCA V-Rod
When the VRSCA V-Rod debuted in the early 2000s, it quickly reminded everyone that it was still the king of performance in the muscle bike space. This bike is the perfect blend of custom styling and performance.
The VRSCA V-Rod was equipped with a masterpiece of an engine - a 1,131cc water-cooled V-Twin developed by Porsche, pushing out 125 hp. With a top speed of 144 mph, the VRSCA V-Rod was one of the fastest cruiser motorcycles of the 2000s.
2 2012 FLHR Road King
When the Road King debuted in 1994, it showed everyone that Harley was truly the king of the cruiser segment. This awesome bike quickly became the benchmark for other cruiser motorcycles, which is why it has been in production since.
We've picked the 2012 Road King, as it combines classic Road King design, massive power, and modern technologies. It is powered by a monstrous 1,690cc Twin Cam 103 engine paired with a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission. Buyers also got technologies like ABS, electronic cruise control, and Harley's Smart Security System.
1 2012 CVO Softail Convertible
When Harley noticed a growing demand for custom motorcycles, it established the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) department to create fantastic custom motorcycles based on normal Harley models. The Softail Convertible is one such model.
The Softail Convertible debuted in 2010 and was an instant success, despite being one of the most expensive motorcycles in Harley's lineup. We love the 2012 model, as it's quick, stylish, comfortable, and comes with awesome extras like a detachable windscreen, ABS, a high-performance clutch with hydraulic actuation, and electronic throttle control.