Harley-Davidson has a rich heritage and decades of experience. It's a company that embodies everything that American motorcycles stand for. Surviving the Great Depression that saw many automobile companies pack their bags and call it quits, Harley has proven its worth and grit through all these years of existence. Despite having periods that saw poor models being produced, poor product quality, and challenging global competition, the company has held its ground and produced some memorable motorcycles that are still celebrated.
While Harley-Davidson is planning to diversify their range and offerings by venturing into different kinds of motorcycles with their upcoming 2021 lineup, they have primarily been known for being the marquee producers of cruiser motorcycles. The brand has etched its name in the motorcycle industry as the king of cruiser motorcycles.
10 Harley-Davidson VRSCSE2: 2006 Model
The Harley-Davidson VRSCSE2 from 2006 is a cruiser that offered plenty of power from its 1,250 ccs, liquid-cooled, 60-degree, V-twin, Revolution engine. It further provided riders with functionality that complemented its performance specs and endearing good looks.
The VRSCSE2 was available in three color combinations: scarlet-red and charcoal-slate, chrome-yellow pearl and platinum pearl, and the classic electric-orange and black.
9 Harley-Davidson CVO Softail Convertible
Part of the CVO lineup that Harley-Davidson had created in order to attract the growing population of custom bike lovers in the domestic market, this motorcycle offered a number of features that made it a hit with bikers.
With a seat height of 24.4 inches, big and intimidating stature, and a lightweight frame, this motorcycle was ideal for any rider who wanted to look cool. While there are many cool American motorcycles that aren't Harleys, it would be a sin to ignore and neglect the CVO Softail Convertible.
8 Harley-Davidson XR-1000: 1983 Model
Although quite pricey at the time of its release, the XR-1000 was worth the buck, providing riders with a comprehensive package of power and performance. While the excessive price of the motorcycle deterred its sales volume, it still is one of the best Harley-Davidson bikes ever made.
The highlights of this motorcycle have to be its 998 ccs, OHV, V-twin, air-cooled powerplant that allows the XR-1000 to reach a top speed of 112 mph.
7 Harley-Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy: 1990 Model
Although there are many Indian Motorcycles people would ride over a Harley, few would make this decision over one of the most beloved Harley Davidsons ever released, the FLSTF Fat Boy. Powered by a 1,337 cc, air-cooled, OHV, V-twin engine, the Fat Boy utilizes a transverse engine mounting system to produce 49 hp at 5,000 rpm.
Factors that made it so beloved with the buying audience included its flared fenders, solid rear and front wheels of 16-inches, and the hugely attractive silver color scheme that had subtle highlights in yellow.
6 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide: 2010 Model
Although not extremely practical when you compare it to other motorcycles that Harley-Davidson has produced, the Dyna Wide Glide made up for it in terms of fun-factor. A joy to ride, this motorcycle tried to alter general perception regarding Harley motorcycles by taking a different approach than what the company is usually known for.
Unique features that made it special include a chopped fender at the rear, 2-1-2 exhausts from Tommy Gun, a lower seat, and a larger rear end.
5 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train: 2009 Model
Available in multiple shades of black, as well as a black and red color combination, this uniquely stylish motorcycle featured a 1,584cc Twin-Cam engine, which allowed it to deliver a top speed of 120 mph.
Having a wet weight of 682 pounds and an extended front end, this Harley-Davidson might have been low and long, yet compact. Furthermore, handling this Harley-Davidson seemed like a dream.
4 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special VRSCDX
Belonging to the muscle motorcycle category of Harley-Davidson, the VRSC DX Night Rod Special was an incredible addition to the already elite V-Rod motorcycles that the company offered. Having an all-black color scheme, the Night Rod Special justified its name by looking like a mean-machine donning the nightly colors of black.
Powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 1,247 cc, Revolution Engine, the VRSCDX Night Rod Special was capable of churning out a peak power output of 125 hp, complemented with a peak torque of 85 ft-lb. The engine inside the Night Rod Special was the result of a joint venture between Harley-Davidson and Porsche, which gives it further legendary status.
3 Harley-Davidson Road King FLHR: 2012 Model
A motorcycle that can best justify Harley-Davidson as being the king of cruiser motorcycles is a bike that spells it out with its very name. The 2012 Road King FLHR is exactly what it sounds like; a supreme machine on the road. Powered by a 103 twin-cam engine, this motorcycle comes equipped with electronic cruise control and ABS.
This cruiser also supports customizations, making it a delight for people who like to tweak their two-wheelers and help them create some of the most beautiful custom Harleys people have ever seen. Having a touring suspension in the rear that can be air-adjusted, as well as a detachable windscreen, the FLHR Road King does not compromise in performance, comfort, or in the looks department.
2 Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide: 1958 Model
A comfortable suspension is a must-have on any motorcycle in today's day and age, but what about the motorcycle that first introduced the concept of comfort in suspensions? One of the most iconic cruisers from Harley-Davidson's arsenal, the 1958 Duo-Glide is the first motorcycle that truly implemented what is known today as a comprehensive rear suspension.
Depending on how it is ridden, the suspension in this motorcycle can be adjusted to heavy-rider specifications, two-up specifications, or solo specifications. The archaic sprung-seat from Harley-Davidson also featured in the Duo-Glide, making it a motorcycle that celebrated both the old and the new.
1 Harley-Davidson V-Rod VRSCA: 2002 Model
Harley-Davidson is a name that creates landmarks with almost every model that it launches. With the 2002 VRSCA V-Rod, Harley re-introduced the concept of drag racing to the motorcycling world. While Harley-Davidson had produced drag bikes in the past, the VRSCA V-Rod revisited those design and performance elements, reigniting the lost-charm that such beasts incurred in forgone years.
Capable of producing 115 hp at 8,250 rpm, it could reach a maximum speed of 135.83 mph, making it a deserving candidate of being one of the fastest Harley-Davidsons ever made.