cruiser motorcycles

10 Best Harleys for Beginners

10 Best Harleys for Beginners

Harley Davidson is one of America’s oldest and most famous motorcycle companies. Founded in 1903, Harley Davidson has been around for about 119 years. Harley Davidson has made the best bikes in the world for riders of all ages, especially in the cruiser and touring bikes  categories. It is a popular belief among riders that beginners should not ride a heavy and powerful bike, but that is not true at all.


Here is a list of the best Harley Davidson motorcycles for beginners.

1. Harley Davidson Sportster XL883

Harley Davidson Sportster XL883
Photo Credit: @wickedwesthd.com

The Harley Davidson Sportster series is considered Harley Davidson’s smallest bike category. The Harley Davidson Sportster XL883 was first launched in 1957. The current Harley Davidson Sportster XL883 is the enhanced version of the older Sportster 883. The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 is considered a middle-weight cruiser and was the first model to be built with a hand clutch. It also has a rear brake lever on the left and a gear shifter on the right side.


The abbreviation XL means “extra light.” The Harley Davidson Sportster also had another variant, the Harley Davidson Sportster XL1200. The major differences between these two models were their engine sizes and maximum torque output.


Because of the Harley Davidson Sportster XL800’s smaller length, it is easier to handle while riding within the city or turning around tight corners.

1.1 Detailed Specification

Engine
883 cc (53.9 cu)
Engine Type
Air-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Maximum Torque
54 lb-ft (73.2 Nm) @ 3,750 rpm
Horsepower
49 hp
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
105 mph (169 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual Shock 39 mm/ Preload Dual
Adjustable Shock
Brakes
Floating Disc Brakes (ABS optional)
Fuel Capacity
3.3 gal (12.5 L)
Fuel Mileage
51 mpg (21.6 km/l)
Weight
545 lbs (247 kg)
Seat Height
25.7 in (653 mm)
PRICE
Starting at $11,249

2. Harley Davidson Low Rider S

Harley Davidson Low Rider S
Photo Credit: @harley-davidson.com

The Harley Davidson Low Rider S is a member of the Harley Davidson Softail series, having different variants that all share the hidden rear mono-shock. The S in the name refers to “Special.”


The Harley Davidson Low Rider S is a fully black motorcycle with a powerful engine. The Harley Davidson Low Rider was first released in 2018 with a Softail frame, hence why it is also known as the Harley Davidson Softail Low Rider S . The basic variant of the Low Rider is a bit slow and less sporty compared to the Low Rider S. The 2022 model of the Harley Davidson Low Rider S does not have gauges on the fuel tank like its previous model. However, the bike’s ergonomics are good which reduces the drag force by the air and helps the motorcycle to attain its speed quickly.

2.1 Detailed Specification

Engine
1914 cc (117 cu)
Engine Type
Air-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Maximum Torque
125 lb-ft (169.5 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm
Horsepower
103 hp @ 4,750
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
120 mph (193 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual Shock 43 mm Inverted Fork/ Mono Shock 56 mm Pre-load Adjustable
Brakes
Dual 300 mm Floating Disc/ Single 292 mm Floating Disc
Fuel Capacity
5 gal (18.9 L)
Fuel Mileage
47 mpg (19.9 km/l)
Curb Weight
649 lbs (308 kg)
Seat Height
27 in (685 mm)
PRICE
Starting at $17,530

3. Harley Davidson Sportster IRON 1200

Harley Davidson Sportster IRON 1200
Photo Credit: @3stateharley.com

The Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 is another variant of the Harley’s Sportster series. The Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 was fitted with a bigger engine and could deliver more power than the Sportster 883.


The Harley Davidson Sportster series is perfect for people who wanted a bike with a compact shape and a powerful engine. The Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 has an analog speedometer and a digital screen displaying the odometer.

3.1 Detailed Specification

Engine
1202 cc
Engine Type
Air-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Maximum Torque
73 lb-ft (99 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm
Horsepower
66 hp
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
118 mph (190 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual Shock / Dual Shock
Brakes
Single 300 mm Floating Disc/ Single 260 mm Floating Disc
Fuel Capacity
3.3 gal (18.9 L)
Fuel Mileage
48 mpg (20.4 km/l)
Curb Weight
546 lbs (248 kg)
Seat Height
28.9 in (735 mm)
PRICE
Starting at $10,249

4. Harley Davidson Street 750

Harley Davidson Street 750
Photo Credit: @newsbytesapp.com

In 2013, Harley Davidson announced the Street series to appeal to a larger target audience by launching smaller bikes with smaller but more powerful engines at lower prices.


In 2014, Harley Davidson launched two variants of the Harley Davidson Street , the Street 500 and the Street 700. Both had a similar design but differed in engine power and performance. Harley Davidson Street 750 is the best option for riders who want an excellent all-rounder cruiser motorcycle on a budget.

4.1 Detailed Specification

Engine
753 cc (46 cu)
Engine Type
Liquid-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Maximum Torque
43.5 lb-ft (59 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm
Horsepower
64 hp
Fuel System
Mikuni Single Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
124 mph (200 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual Shock / Dual Shock
Brakes
Single Floating Disc/ Single Floating Disc
Fuel Capacity
3.4 gal (13.1 L)
Fuel Mileage
54 mpg (23 km/l)
Curb Weight
491 lbs (223 kg)
Seat Height
28.3 in (720 mm)
PRICE
$7,599

5. Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow

Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow
Photo Credit: @roughriderhd.com

The Harley Davidson Sportster was first released in 1957, becoming one of Harley’s best-selling series that is currently still in production. This Harley Davidson motorcycle attracted many novice riders because of its fuel efficiency and lightweight build.


The Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow was suited for beginners, female riders, and shorter riders. Because of its low seat height and lightweight build, it is easy to handle in the city and on long-distance rides as well. The last Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow was released in 2020. But it is still available for purchase on many websites that sell automobiles.

5.1 Detailed Specification

Engine
883 cc (53.8 cu)
Engine Type
Air-Cooled Engine
Maximum Torque
50.8 lb-ft (69 Nm) @ 4,750 rpm
Horsepower
50 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
104 mph (167 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual Shock / Dual Shock
Brakes
Single Floating Disc/ Single Floating Disc
Fuel Capacity
4.5 gal (17 L)
Fuel Mileage
51 mpg (21.7 km/l)
Curb Weight
540 lbs (245 kg)
Seat Height
27.7 in (705 mm)
PRICE
Starting at $6,449

6. Harley Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Harley Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
Photo Credit: @harley-davidson.com

The Harley Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is a variant of the Harley Davidson Sportster series . This model was released in 2010 and it is currently still in production. Unlike the other Sportster motorcycles, the Harley Davidson Forty-Eight had a smaller fuel tank and a single seat. Despite the fact it has a 2.1-gallon fuel tank, its 1200CC engine produces massive torque and creates a satisfying rumbling sound. The overall structure of this motorcycle reduces discomfort while riding.

6.1 Detailed Specification

Engine
1,199 cc (73.2 cu)
Engine Type
air-Cooled Engine
Maximum Torque
73 lb-ft (99 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm
Horsepower
65 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
110 mph (177 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual Shock / Dual Shock
Brakes
Single Floating Disc/ Single Floating Disc
Fuel Capacity
2.1 gal (8 L)
Fuel Mileage
47 mpg (20 km/l)
Curb Weight
545 lbs (247 kg)
Seat Height
26.2 in (665 mm)
PRICE
Starting at $12,299

7. Harley Davidson Softail Standard

Harley Davidson Softail Standard
Photo Credit: @cowboyharleyaustin.com

Among all the bikes Harley Davidson has ever made, the Harley Davidson Softail Standard has still retained its popularity over the years, once being the traditional vehicle that represented Harley Davidson.


The two selling points of the Harley Davidson Softail Standard were the design of the handlebars and the rear hidden suspensions. Compared to its previous models, the Harley Davidson Softail Standard’s engine is able to output more power.

7.1 Detailed Specifications

Engine
1,753 cc (107 cu)
Engine Type
Air-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Maximum Torque
110 lb-ft (149 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm
Horsepower
92.5 hp @ 4,980 rpm
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
110 mph (177 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
49 mm Telescopic Dual Shock / 43 mm Preload Mono Shock
Brakes
Single Floating Disc/ Single Floating Disc
Fuel Capacity
3.5 gal (13.2 L)
Fuel Mileage
40 mpg (17 km/l)
Curb Weight
642 lbs (291 kg)
Seat Height
25.8 in (665 mm)
PRICE
Starting at $13,949

8. Harley Davidson DYNA Wide Glide

Harley Davidson DYNA Wide Glide
Photo Credit: @powersportsdirect.com

Harley Davidson made the  Harley Davidson Sportster for smaller riders, the Softails for taller riders, and DYNAs for average riders.


The Harley Davidson DYNA Wide Glide can be customized as both a sports bike and a touring bike . The Harley Davidson DYNA Wide Glide was first launched in 1993 and remained in production till 2008, then was relaunched in 2010 and is now currently still in production.

8.1 Detailed Specifications

Engine
1,690 cc (103.1 cu)
Engine Type
Air-Cooled Four-Stroke V-Twin Engine
Maximum Torque
99.5 lb-ft (135 Nm) @ 3,750 rpm
Horsepower
80 hp @ 5,020 rpm
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
99.4 mph (160 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual Shock with 5.0 in. of wheel travel / Dual Shock with 3.1 in. of wheel travel
ABS
Dual Disc at Front/ Single Disc at Rear
Fuel Capacity
4.7 gal (17.8 L)
Fuel Mileage
42 mpg (17.2 km/l)
Curb Weight
673 lbs (305 kg)
Seat Height
32.2 in (820 mm)
PRICE
$15,999

9. Harley Davidson Sportster Nightster

Harley Davidson Sportster Nightster
Photo Credit: @harley-davidson.com

The Harley Davidson Sportster Nightster is one of the most popular Harley models from the Sportster series . It has a similar engine design as the other Sportster models. The Harley Davidson Nightster has a lower overall height which makes it easier for the rider's feet to touch the ground. The handlebars are also positioned at a low height to give the rider an easier and more comfortable seating position.


The Harley Davidson Sportster Nightster’s seating position makes it ideal for female riders, shorter riders, and beginners. The Harley Davidson Sportster Nightster’s engine gives a soul-satisfying rumbling sound.

9.1 Detailed Specifications

Engine
975 cc (59.5 cu)
Engine Type
Air-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Maximum Torque
70 lb-ft (95 Nm)
Horsepower
90 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Top Speed
112 mph (180 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual 41 mm Conventional Fork / Dual Shock with Adjustable Pre-Load
ABS
Single Disc at Front/ Single Disc at Rear
Fuel Capacity
3.0 gal (11.7 L)
Fuel Mileage
55.4 mpg (23.5 km/l)
Curb Weight
487 lbs (221 kg)
Seat Height
27.7 in (705 mm)
PRICE
Starting at $13,499

10. Harley Davidson Softail Night Train

Harley Davidson Softail Night Train
Photo Credit: @wallpapersafari.com

The Harley Davidson Softail Night Train is a famous bike from the Softail series first released in 1998 and remained in production till 2010. The Harley Davidson Softail Train Night’s classic design, the engine’s power output, and comfort while riding over long distances are its best features.


The Harley Davidson Softail Night Train is not a touring bike , but it can be transformed into one if you attach proper equipment. Riders find the loud rumbling sound and the constant vibrations are both satisfying sensations every time you pull the throttle. The Harley Night Train also has good resale value. Though this bike is no longer in production, you can purchase this model and aftermarket parts by searching the second-hand market. Riders can also attach high-quality SADDLEBAGS and SISSY BARS to this bike to improve comfort and help you carry your belongings.

10.1 Detailed Specifications

Engine
1584 cc (96.6 cu)
Engine Type
Air-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Maximum Torque
86.3 lb-ft (117 Nm) @ 3,200 rpm
Horsepower
67 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Injection
Top Speed
118 mph (190 km/h)
Suspension (front/rear)
Dual 41.3 mm Telescopic Fork / Hidden, Horizontal Pre-Load Adjustable Mono Shock
ABS
Single Disc at Front/ Single Disc at Rear
Fuel Capacity
4.9 gal (18.9 L)
Fuel Mileage
38 mpg (16.1 km/l)
Curb Weight
656 lbs (297 kg)
Seat Height
25.9 in (660 mm)
PRICE
$16,444

11. Conclusion

As from the list of Harley Davidson motorcycles mentioned above it is quite clear that there is a variety of options for the beginners who are interested to buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle. However, although there are cruiser and bagger motorcycles in the list above, many of them do not come with the saddlebags attached to them.


Extra Accessories like Saddlebags , Tank bags , Sissy bar bags , Sissy bar , Crash bars , Luggage Racks , Trunk ,  Handlebars bags , Seats, etc. are bought from the online stores .

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