The 50 Best Harley-Davidsons Of All Time
By Janaki Jitchotvisut | Jan 11, 2012 | 10:12 am | Permalink
From humble beginnings in 1903 to the instantly recognizable and awe-inspiring company of today, Harley-Davidson's image is so powerful that it represents "American motorcycle" to a huge number of people throughout the world. For a company that's been around so long, it was difficult to choose just 50 bikes to represent the important strides the company has made through time. (We'll say in advance that this list was largely guided by passion, and as such, is highly subjective. We hope your favorite is on here. If it isn't, we hope you'll let us know in the comments.) As the great Willie G. Davidson signed off in his 100 Years of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles: "Enjoy the pleasures of motorcycling as I have, and ride free always!"
[All photos provided courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Archives.]
Mike January 11th, 2012 at 10:45 AM
#22 isn't called the "Superlow"
Tony C. January 12th, 2012 at 04:26 AM
22. Sportster XL883L SuperLow
Geno January 11th, 2012 at 11:56 AM
What? No XR1200? You guys missed a good one there. One of the 50 best for sure!
Jeff January 11th, 2012 at 12:18 PM
WHAT!!?? This is supposed to be a list of the 50 bikes that best represent the brand image, and #1 is a V-Rod?? How does that even make sense?
Streettracker January 11th, 2012 at 12:37 PM
50 Best? Really? What a joke. V-Rod at the Top and in 4th when it's an under performing poor selling model. And how many times can you list variations of the Softail, they're all just variations of the same thing. I'ma big Harley fan and have owned 20+, but I don't think I could come up with 50 Best- there just isn't that much difference in so many of them! And the disaster of the MT350 and 500, not a good bike by any measure.
Streetglide 103 January 11th, 2012 at 01:16 PM
I think that the Streetglide perhaps should have been in the top ten. Im not sure if the ranking system you used really means the V Rod is really number one. Lets go back to the Streetglide I believe it got a great more people riding. With its low seat height many more people can ride it without having to spend money on a lowering kit. I see a lot of woman riding this bike i think they look hot. Its a touring bike and can do every thing the other touring bike can do but it does it in a sporty way. Im 6.1 and have no problem with comfort.
MadDogXR January 11th, 2012 at 01:18 PM
Not only should the XR1200 be on the list, it should be #1 on the list. Someone doesn't know Harleys.
MadDogXR January 11th, 2012 at 01:20 PM
Not only should the XR1200 be on the list, it should be #1 on the list.
djefrry azwa January 11th, 2012 at 01:41 PM
i love HARLEY-DAVIDSON
D-Money January 11th, 2012 at 02:05 PM
I worked at a Harley Dealership for several years and it is a disgrace to put and v-rod in the top 50 let alone #1. That bike is too slow to be a sport bike and rides too shitty to be a cruiser. If you are truely a rider, the best touring bike Harley has ever made is the Road Glide and it didn't even make the list. You can't even ride a v-rod except to the local bar. Janaki Jitchotvisut-whoever this guy is, has no taste in motorcycles.
CaptainJim January 11th, 2012 at 05:33 PM
Road Glide for sure!!!!!
Big Dog January 13th, 2012 at 05:15 AM
D-Money....??? I seriously doubt you worked at a dealer other than to to sweep the floors and wash bikes. Your comment shows way to much ignorance for you to have held any substantial position and shows lack or real experience. Now go put on yout little outfit and act like a biker.
steve March 15th, 2012 at 03:00 PM
Soooo not true. I put 60.000 miles touring on a vrod. RI to sturgis and back twice. kansas city once daytona and laconia several times and rode it all from RI. Met Willie G on the way to Sturgis in Blue Earth Minnesota and his comment was beautiful bike but can't believe you rode cross country without a windshield (100th anniv. came with one but i took it off 1st night i had it). RoadGlide is a great bike too. I own a 2010 FLTRX that i'm racking up the miles on also. Cowboys didn't have 1 horse in the corrall. Why should we only have 1 bike?
Dalai75 January 11th, 2012 at 03:38 PM
AMBRIACONI!!!