10 Iconic Harley‑Davidson Motorcycles That Made History
Harley‑Davidson’s most legendary bikes have shaped American riding culture, and here are the ten models that still turn heads today.
10 Iconic Harley‑Davidson Motorcycles That Made History – Specs, Prices & Legacy
Image: 10 Iconic Harley‑Davidson Motorcycles That Made History – Specs, Prices & Legacy – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Model 1 (1903)
Design & Looks: A tiny steel frame, single‑cylinder engine and a huge headlamp gave the first Harley its unmistakable silhouette.
Performance & Mileage: Top speed around 45 mph and roughly 60 mpg.
Price & Rivals: Sold for $125 in 1903; a restored example fetches $15‑20 k today, competing with early Indian twins.
Knucklehead (1936‑1947)
Design & Looks: Bold V‑twin with the famous “knuckle” rocker covers and chrome‑filled fenders.
Performance & Mileage: 74 cu in. engine, about 45 mpg.
Price & Rivals: Original $350; pristine models now trade for $70‑100 k, outpacing most classic cruisers.
Panhead (1948‑1965)
Design & Looks: Rounded “pan‑shaped” valve covers and a more compact look than the Knucklehead.
Performance & Mileage: 74 cu in. engine, ~48 mpg.
Price & Rivals: New $400; collectible versions hit $30‑45 k, often compared to the later Shovelhead.
Shovelhead (1966‑1984)
Design & Looks: Wider engine case that resembles a small shovel, giving the bike a muscular stance.
Performance & Mileage: 74‑82 cu in. engine, roughly 45 mpg.
Price & Rivals: Original $500; good condition bikes sell for $12‑20 k, rivaling early V‑twin imports.
Sportster (1957‑present)
Design & Looks: Lightweight frame, classic teardrop fuel tank, and a youthful profile.
Performance & Mileage: 883‑1200 cc engines, about 50‑55 mpg.
Price & Rivals: Current MSRP $7‑10 k, making it the entry‑level Harley versus the larger Softail line.
Electra Glide (1965‑present)
Design & Looks: Full‑fairing tourer with a large windscreen and plush saddlebags.
Performance & Mileage: 1,690 cc V‑twin, ~45 mpg.
Price & Rivals: Starts around $20‑22 k, positioned against BMW touring models.
Fat Boy (1990‑present)
Design & Looks: Chunky “fat” tires, solid rear wheel, and a massive solid‑mounted engine.
Performance & Mileage: 1,746 cc engine, about 44 mpg.
Price & Rivals: MSRP $20‑22 k; rivals include the Indian Chief Classic.
Softail Fat Boy (1999‑present)
Design & Looks: Combines the Fat Boy’s bulk with a hidden rear suspension for a classic hardtail look.
Performance & Mileage: 1,746 cc engine, ~44 mpg.
Price & Rivals: Starts near $21‑23 k, competing with the Triumph Rocket III.
Dyna Super Glide (1991‑2018)
Design & Looks: Mixed cruiser‑sport styling with a detachable rear subframe.
Performance & Mileage: 1,746 cc V‑twin, roughly 45 mpg.
Price & Rivals: Late‑model price $19‑21 k, often compared to the Yamaha V‑Star.
Road King (1994‑present)
Design & Looks: Classic bobber look, chrome fenders, and a large 5‑gal fuel tank.
Performance & Mileage: 1,746 cc engine, about 45 mpg.
Price & Rivals: MSRP $20‑22 k; rivals include the Honda Shadow.
| Model | Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 1 (1903) | 45 cc single‑cylinder | ~60 mpg | $15‑20 k | First Harley, iconic silhouette |
| Knucklehead | 74 cu in. V‑twin | ~45 mpg | $70‑100 k | Knuckle‑shaped rocker covers |
| Panhead | 74 cu in. V‑twin | ~48 mpg | $30‑45 k | Rounded valve covers |
| Shovelhead | 74‑82 cu in. V‑twin | ~45 mpg | $12‑20 k | Wide “shovel” engine case |
| Sportster | 883‑1200 cc | ~50‑55 mpg | $7‑10 k | Lightweight, youthful styling |
| Electra Glide | 1,690 cc V‑twin | ~45 mpg | $20‑22 k | Full‑fairing tourer |
| Fat Boy | 1,746 cc V‑twin | ~44 mpg | $20‑22 k | Chunky tires, solid rear |
| Softail Fat Boy | 1,746 cc V‑twin | ~44 mpg | $21‑23 k | Hidden rear suspension |
| Dyna Super Glide | 1,746 cc V‑twin | ~45 mpg | $19‑21 k | Detachable subframe |
| Road King | 1,746 cc V‑twin | ~45 mpg | $20‑22 k | Bobber styling, large tank |
FAQ
- What is the mileage of the Harley‑Davidson Fat Boy? It averages about 44 mpg on the highway.
- Is the Harley‑Davidson Electra Glide worth buying new? It blends classic looks with modern comfort, but its $20‑22 k price may be steep for beginners.
- Which Harley‑Davidson model has the highest resale value? Vintage Knucklehead and Panhead machines often reach six‑figure auction prices.
What’s your favorite Harley? Share your story in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
