Harley-Davidson is one of the oldest motorcycle companies and has a very loyal fan base. Consumers generally love or hate Harley – or even a bit of both. But no one can deny the company has produced some legendary cruisers. Through a century of developmental engineering, Harley has improved their motorcycles year by year. As a result, they have produced some of the best touring bikes that give other top brands like Triumph Motorcycles and Royal Enfield a run for their money.
Updated March 2024: Due to their timeless designs and rugged features, Harley-Davidsons are one of the most popular motorcycles to buy used. That's why we've pulled up a list of our 14 favorite used Harley-Davidson models worth buying.
For a dark period during the 1970s, Harley belonged to American Machine and Foundry (AMF). Their production was ineffective and lacked quality control. The AMF years nearly stained the reputation of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle until they regained ownership in 1981. In addition to ownership problems, Harley has also faced several recalls. And although Harley has had its setbacks, it has still succeeded as a legend in the motorcycle world. But thinking that all Harley-Davidson models are great is a big mistake. So, to help steer motorcycle fans in the right direction, here's a list of 14 used Harleys worth every penny and six to avoid at all costs.
We have accurately compiled this list of 14 best and 6 worst used Harley-Davidsons using pricing and performance data from J.D. Power, Ultimate Specs, and Motorcycles.
15 One Of The Best: 2009-2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob
Used Starting Price: $4,570-$4,915
The Fat Bob Is arguably one of the best Harley-Davidsons ever built. Although a new model had a starting price of roughly $15,000, used ones in pristine shape go for $10,000-$11,000 while fair condition examples start at $4,915. Few bikes can match the Fat Bob's raw presence and power, making you feel like you're sitting on top of a wild hog. This is a Harley worth investing in.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$15,544-$15,574 |
Engine |
1584-cc Air-cooled, Twin Cam |
Transmission |
6-Speed |
Horsepower |
67 hp |
Torque |
92 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
670 lbs |
Its massive stature gives the Dyna Fat Bob an unmistakable street presence. It features twin headlights and big tires featuring aggressive tread patterns. Power comes from a 67-hp 1584-cc air-cooled Twin Cam engine mated to a 6-speed transmission.
14 One Of The Best: 2001 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster
Used Starting Price: $1,415
How could it not be worth it? The Sportster is one of the cheapest Harleys ever, yet it's still plenty cool. It's nothing fancy, offering rugged looks and up to 48 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque in the 883-cc spec and 66 hp and 73 lb-ft for the 1200-cc bikes. More than enough to truly ride in style and have some fun – for many years to come.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$9,415 |
Engine |
883-1200-cc 4-Stroke, Air Cooled, V-Twin |
Transmission |
5-speed |
Horsepower |
48-66 hp |
Torque |
50-73 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
489-491 lbs |
The Sportster’s hot cams, dual-spark ignition, and black ceramic-coated pipes send a strong performance message to its rivals. As do the premium, fully adjustable suspension, and triple-disc brakes. The sports compound performance tires also add to the Sportster’s incredible exhilaration.
13 One Of The Best: 2006 Harley-Davidson FXSTS Springer Softail
Used Starting Price: $5,075
The 2006 FXSTS Springer Softail may be the greatest Softail that Harley-Davidson has ever made. The FXSTS comes with simple styling, enabling personalization and customization that Softail owners enjoy. The bike proved its durability on the market. According to Nada Guides, a 2006 FXSTS Softail with about 30,000 miles costs around $10,000.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$17,730 |
Engine |
1450-cc Air-cooled Twin Cam 88BTM |
Transmission |
5-speed |
Horsepower |
67 hp |
Torque |
85 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
694 lbs |
After years of problems with their twin-cam engines from 1995 to 2005, Harley revitalized their engine through the FXSTS. It had a more powerful and counterbalanced engine that provided riders with durability. The 2006 FXSTS Springer cements itself as a true Softail – it comes with a 200-mm rear tire covered by a bobtail fender.
12 One Of The Best: 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King
Used Starting Price: $7,975
With all the comfort and compartments in the 2012 FLHR Road King, the motorcycle is a well-equipped touring bike. After reinventing its twin-cam engine, Harley-Davidson optimized the opportunity to redesign the Road King with a 1690-cc engine and six-speed transmission.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$18,479 |
Engine |
1690-cc Air-cooled V-Twin, Twin Cam 103 |
Transmission |
6-speed |
Horsepower |
67 hp |
Torque |
100 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
812 lbs |
This bike comes with many features: a six-gallon fuel tank, an anti-lock braking system, and cruise control. The Road King has always been one of the best Harleys, as it received a 4 out of 5-star rating on Motorcycle News. With a six-gallon tank, it is the perfect choice for a long cruise on the highway.
11 One Of The Best: 2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic
Used Starting Price: $7,180
With a low used price tag of about $10,000, the 2011 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic comes with comfortable seating to provide a smooth ride. The motorcycle ranks higher than the average touring bike in every category, according to Bikez. This Harley is one of the company's best touring bikes and makes a great used purchase.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$18,064 |
Engine |
1584-cc air-cooled V-twin, Twin Cam |
Transmission |
6-speed |
Horsepower |
68 hp |
Torque |
92.2 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
761.3 lbs |
The Heritage Softail Classic is perfect for cruising as it comes equipped with technology to easily operate hazard lights and cruise control. The bike's design offers a taste of the past and comes fan-friendly with leather saddles and chrome-laced wheels.
10 One Of The Best: 2014 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide
Used Starting Price: $8,045
The Dyna Wide Glide is a rider's dream. The bike has many customizable features and the captivating looks of a true cruiser. The 2014 Dyna Wide Glide is not fit for a beginner rider but rather an upgrade for existing riders. Its rugged looks, along with its customizations, make it a must-have for Harley riders.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$16,729 |
Engine |
1689.5-cc Air-cooled V-twin, Twin Cam |
Transmission |
6-Speed |
Horsepower |
68-74 hp |
Torque |
98.8 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
683 lbs |
After years of failure, the twin-cam engine on the Dyna Wide Glide was finally mastered in 2014. Now, the reinvented twin-cam provides durability for riders. According to J.D. Power, it starts at about $8,000, making for a high-quality, low-cost motorcycle.
9 One Of The Best: 2008 Harley-Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom
Used Starting Price: $4,870
The 2008 Softail Custom combines all the classic areas of Harley-Davidson that motorcycle enthusiasts love. It comes with a 200 mm rear tire, a bobtail fender, and the 1584-cc twin-cam engine in its second year of reinvention. It has an air-cooled engine that utilizes two valves per cylinder with pushrod operation.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$17,550 |
Engine |
1584-cc, Twin Cam V-twin |
Transmission |
6-speed |
Horsepower |
68 hp |
Torque |
92 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
703 lbs |
The classic look of a high-hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic features, make the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley fans. This bike is a Harley classic, and it’s worth every cent. According to J.D Power, the bike sells in good condition for around $7,000.
8 One Of The Best: 2006 Harley-Davidson VRSCSE2 Eagle V-Rod
Used Starting Price: $7,055
The VRSCE2 V-Rod is a limited-edition Harley motorcycle that comes with additional modifications and features. It has been one of the fastest Harley-Davidson cruisers of all time, with a top speed of 127 mph. Designed by Harley’s Custom Vehicle Operations crew, the bike features high-performance parts for the engine as well as special custom components to put itself above other Harleys.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$26,495 |
Engine |
1250-cc liquid-cooled V-twin |
Transmission |
5-speed |
Horsepower |
123 hp |
Torque |
86 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
679 lbs |
The team installed a liquid-cooled, DOHC Revolution engine on the VRSCE2 V-Rod. This engine has been continually improved throughout the years. The VRSCE2 V-Rod appeared in the top 10 of all time for Harley-Davidsons by Money Inc.
7 One Of The Best: 2009 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train
Used Starting Price: $5,945
The FXSTB Night Train gets its name from its rear suspension design. In many ways, the suspension imitates the lines of a classic hard-tail frame but offers the comfort of a modern suspension. Its 6-speed transmission provides a relaxed engine speed while cruising and outstanding mid-range torque
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$16,444 |
Engine |
1584-cc air-cooled V-twin, Twin Cam |
Transmission |
6-speed |
Horsepower |
72 hp |
Torque |
92 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
682 lbs |
With a 1,584-cc twin-cam engine that’s proven to last, the 2009 Night Train is a durable bike with style. The bike is best for street cruising and also comes with a six-speed transmission. The bike is perfect for younger riders. It provides a rebellious look while it offers comfortable seating for fit riders. The FXSTB is not a fast bike but has multiple customization options for owners to explore.
6 One Of The Best: 2012 Harley-Davidson CVO Softail Convertible
Used Starting Price: $9,675
Another mastery by the Custom Vehicles Operations crew at Harley, the 2012 CVO Softail Convertible is a limited-production motorcycle that comes with a powerful V-Twin engine. Every feature on this Harley is what makes the company a fan favorite.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$29,899 |
Engine |
1802-cc air-cooled Twin Cam, V-twin |
Transmission |
6-speed |
Horsepower |
105 hp |
Torque |
105 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
756 lbs |
This legend is perfect for customization by riders, which makes it coveted by every motorcycle enthusiast. The Softail Convertible is excellent for cruising. It comes with a six-speed cruise drive transmission along with a modern suspension. Owners can customize this bike to ride in two-up cruising, all-day touring, or solo cruising.
5 One Of The Best: 2007 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Sportster Nightster
Used Starting Price: $3,075
The Sportster Nightster is one of the best Harley bikes ever made and includes all the rugged features of the legendary motorcycle company. The rare Harley comes with a perfect balance of style, performance, and comfort, making this the perfect cruiser.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$9,990 |
Engine |
1199-cc air-cooled V-twin |
Transmission |
5-speed |
Horsepower |
67 hp |
Torque |
79 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
565 lbs |
Consumers enjoy the rough urban feeling this bike gives off, and it’s worth the incredibly low used price that it’s sold for. The Nightster handles better than other Sportsters, making it a leader among the legendary models.
4 One Of The Best: 1983 Harley-Davidson XR-1000
Used Starting Price: $5,460
The XR-1000 was Harley’s bounce back after a horrible streak of bikes released under AMF ownership. The Harley crew returned to the drawing board in 1982, and by 1983, they constructed a brand-new 883-cc engine that resembled the engines from the 1950s. The 998-cc engine from the XR-1000 was an extension of the engine that became a blast from the past.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$6,995 |
Engine |
883-cc air-cooled V-twin |
Transmission |
4-speed |
Horsepower |
70 hp |
Torque |
48 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
509.3 lbs |
The bike was special in that it was years in the making. The idea for a Sportster XR was sat upon for a while. According to Low Brow Customs, Willie G. Davidson then decided to make the Sportster after the Harley buy-back from AMF. Hence the XR-1000 was put into construction. The result was one of the best classic motorcycles you can buy right now.
3 One Of The Best: 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHT Electra Glide
Used Starting Price: $5,725
The 2009 Electra Glide was a Harley built for touring. Standard features include auxiliary lamps, fork-mounted touring fairing, and locking hard saddle bags. It also benefits from a new Touring chassis, designed to offer improved rider and passenger comfort and deliver precise, responsive maneuverability.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$17,649 |
Engine |
1584-cc air-cooled V-Twin |
Transmission |
6-speed |
Horsepower |
72 hp |
Torque |
92 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
864 lbs |
The Electra Glide had an 80 out of 100 ranking on Bikez, showing how good it was. It has a 1584-cc V-Twin engine and a gas tank that carries six gallons of gas. This makes the bike capable of traveling for long distances. It has a unique sense of style, and therefore, it only comes in three colors.
2 One Of The Best: 2007 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special
Used Starting Price: $5,525
The 2007 Night Rod Special is an all-black Harley-Davidson with one of the most powerful Harley engines. With 120 horsepower, the Night Rod Special cements itself as one of the most powerful cruisers. With a low seat and drag-style handlebars, this motorcycle makes for a comfortable ride. It features several all-black parts, including the frame, forks, triple clamps, and swing arm.
Motorcycle Specs
Starting MSRP |
$16,495 |
Engine |
1130-cc liquid-cooled V-twin |
Transmission |
5-speed |
Horsepower |
121 hp |
Torque |
80 lb-ft |
Curb Weight |
637 lbs |
The Night Rod Special comes with a fierce look, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders. It delivers on the road, as well, with a five-gallon fuel tank and 80 lb-ft of torque. This bike is one of the best ever made by Harley.