Yahoo Finance Five motorcycles that helped cement Harley-Davidson's image and riders' passion
One of the things that makes Harley-Davidson unique is that it is the only motorcycle maker in the U.S. to have lasted through both world wars, the Great Depression and the Great Recession.
The Milwaukee-based brand has highlighted freedom and independence. Harley-Davidson has attracted riders across the world, including celebrities, and been featured in movies and television, including Fox's high performing TV show "Sons of Anarchy."
With Harley's 120th birthday being drawing fresh attention to the company, we look at five top-selling products that have helped cement its legacy.
Harley-Davidson Sportster, cruising since 1957
The Harley Davidson Sportster was introduced in 1957 and quickly warmed hearts of motorcycle lovers. Thanks to its versatile design, it can be used for short or long-distance rides and touring. Over the years, its popularity has continued even as the model went through a lot of change.
Tom Berlin, general manager of the Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson dealership in Thiensville, Wisconsin, describes the Sportster as a smaller bike with a lot of power.
It's lighter weight compared to other Harley models makes it a good choice for many women and beginning riders. Sportsters also are one of the company's most affordable bikes, with prices starting at $13,499.
A new model, Sportster S, has a more aggressive appearance and includes technology that allows riders to switch between three pre-programmed modes that control power, braking and traction for sports, rain or road riding. Riders also can create their own custom riding mode.
Styling features include a high exhaust mount that the company says hearkens back to "the days of H-D flat-track racing."
Road Glide, Harley's classic touring motorcycle
The Road Glide debuted in 1998 using the same frame and motor assembly as the Electra Glide but with a completely changed fairing with radio and gauges built into it. The inner and outer road fairing on the bike was not changed until 2014.
Since 2017 the standard Road Glide has been built with a Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine. The Special Road Glide, introduced in 2019, uses a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine and has a sharknose fairing.
"The beauty about Harley is, they're newer models, but they tend to keep their history, even though they make a lot of changes. A Harley still looks technically sort of the same," Berlin said.
If you compare today's Road Glides with an older model it will look relatively the same, but there are big differences in the newer bikes' technology and engineering, he said.
For example a new Road Glide has dual "Daymaker" LED headlamps that make riding at night easy on the eyes. A Boom! Box GTS infotainment system allows riders to feel an enhanced connectivity with their bike since 2019. It interfaces with the rider's phone for music and maps and can be managed with hand controls on the bike. It also has a durable touch screen glass and a fast processor for a quick start up and route finding.
Road Glide prices start at $21,999.
Heritage Classic, 'rock and roll on two wheels'
The Heritage Classic is a soft tail bike with independent front and rear suspension and a vintage design that is pure rock and roll. It is a classic bike with a powerful engine.
Berlin said Harley-Davidson motorcycles are the ultimate freedom machine, and the Heritage is no exception.
"You can do whatever you want," he said. "It sits in your garage if you want and it looks good, or you can take off and travel."
The bike comes with a detachable windscreen that can be used for both touring and cruising, and lockable and sealed saddlebags so riders can carry their essential items.
The bike has a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine and steel laced wheels that make it a perfect bike for long trips.
Prices start at $21,999.
Harley's Street Glide is designed for long haul comfort
The Street Glide is for those who like long-haul comfort. A popular touring bike known for being a showstopper on the streets thanks to its distinctive batwing fairing and chrome finishes. In addition to looking good on the road riders benefit from the smooth air flow and reduced head buffeting.
It's known as Harley's original stripped-down hot rod bagger. Riders who are looking for a sleek custom look would be traveling in high style down long roads this coming summer. The bike comes with a Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine, and the special and limited versions come with the 114. Both bike models come with a responsive suspension with hand adjustable motion rear shocks and a Boom! Box GTS Infotainment system.
Berlin said young people love the new features Harley has added to the bikes such as Bluetooth connectivity, the GTS system, hands-free engine controls, fuel injection and sound systems that are in some cases even better than those in cars.
Prices start at $21,999.
Custom Vehicle Operation: limited-edition Harley head-turners
Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operation bikes are limited edition motorcycles that are manufactured in smaller numbers then standard models. Each CVO bike is decked out with custom finishes, advanced features and exclusive components. The company says the attention to detail "almost borders in the obsessive."
As a result they're quite a bit more expensive than other models, with prices starting at $42,999.
Buyers can choose between the CVO Street Glide, CVO Road Glide and CVO Road Glide Limited. Each bike comes with new features that give the bikes to have better road performance, and the bigger exhaust pipes allow the motorcycle to breathe better and have more power.
The difference between the CVO Road Glide and the CVO Street Glide models is the front wind screen. The Street Glide has a batwing fork-mounted system, while the Road glide uses a larger frame fixed variant.
Both bikes come with new tech such as an added variable valve time to economize fuel, a new 12.3 inch infotainment system and adjustable rear shock absorbers. The bikes' front forks are inverted to give riders better performance and handling.
“With the all-new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models, our mission is to advance every aspect of the Grand American Touring motorcycling experience,” Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president, and CEO of Harley-Davidson told Forbes.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Harley's top selling motorcycles add to, enhance company's legacy
