The 10 most iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles of all time!

Iconic Harley-Davidson models that defined the brand.

If you've lived on planet Earth in the last 120 years, chances are you've heard of Harley-Davidson, considered one of, if not the, most prestigious motorcycle brands in the world. is the most prestigious. They have been the ultimate resource for adventure enthusiasts everywhere with motorcycles designed to fit almost any lifestyle. Whether speed and adrenaline seekers, casual cruisers, highway conquerors or any other rider profile, there is a Harley-Davidson for everyone. Although not every Harley was a success, the company experienced many ups and downs throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Some motorcycles had a very short lifespan. Others are still in production today. And some may have overstayed their welcome. Naturally, given its 120-year history, several specific models have managed to define the history, culture and future heritage of the brand, as well as the world of motorcycling in general. So let's take a moment to take a closer look at some of Harley-Davidson's most iconic models that have stood the test of time and remain essential to the company's history.

10 - The Dyna series

If we're going to look at the most iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever created, you can bet we're going to talk about the Dyna. Launched in 1991, the Harley-Davidson Dyna series quickly won the hearts of the brand's enthusiasts . Known for its versatility and ability to customize, the Dyna has distinguished itself as the model of choice for many loyal Harley riders. Dynas were affordable, fun to drive, and served as blank canvases for customization, making them extremely popular among enthusiasts. These motorcycles were considered mid-sized cruisers capable of transforming into high-speed performance monsters. With a Twin Cam 103 engine offering 80 horsepower and a 6-speed gearbox, they combined power and driving flexibility.
Over the years, several models have been added to the Dyna family, including the Street Bob, Low Rider, Wide Glide, Super Glide, Fat Bob and Switchback. Each of these models offered something unique, reinforcing the cult status of the Dyna series.

End of production

In 2017, Harley-Davidson removed the Dyna series from its production line after deciding to adopt the current softail design. Although many Dyna models have been incorporated into the softail lineup, used Dynas remain models of choice among enthusiasts today, testament to their lasting impact on the motorcycling community.

9 – Road King

The name says it all. The Road King has been the mainstay and foundation of Harley-Davidson's touring class since its original introduction as the FL model in 1941, with the first official model launched in 1994. Designed primarily for comfort, the Road King can handle hours and hours of non-stop driving on the highway for those long cross-country trips without any fatigue for the driver, while providing additional protection with its removable windshield, storage with its two hard saddlebags, and an extra-wide saddle with room for two, making you feel like you're sitting on a sofa.
Simplicity at its best, the Road King has everything you need and nothing you don't. In time, Harley-Davidson would introduce its fairing-equipped brothers, the Street Glide and Road Glide, into the lineup. But the Road King remains the pioneer of the brand's touring class.

8 - XR750

Many Harley riders today are unaware of the brand's racing roots. Fortunately, the XR750 was the preferred choice for many riders who crossed the finish line first. According to the American Motorcyclist Association, this motorcycle is the winningest motorcycle in the organization's history. Many of the early models featured a 748cc air-cooled V-twin engine that produced 82 horsepower and reached a top speed of 115 mph (approximately 185 km/h). It's fair to say that this bike already exceeded expectations for a lightweight racer that would be used on both flat track and rough terrain. Produced from 1970 to 1985, this motorcycle went down in AMA history as the most successful racing motorcycle of all time. It was even the bike that Evel Knievel rode until his last jump in 1977.

7 - V-Rod

Love it or hate it, chances are there's never been a Harley with a cult following as dedicated as that of the V-Rod. This bike was actually the product of Harley-Davidson's vision for muscular street style and Porsche's technical sophistication, delivering a one-of-a-kind cruiser capable of dominating the straights and turning heads wherever it went. . This low-profile cruiser featured a low seat, forward controls, a large rear wheel, a narrow front wheel, a liquid-cooled Porsche engine, and a fuel tank hidden under the seat. If someone claimed to have seen a motorcycle similar to the V-Rod, you might call them a "big liar." Because it was the bike of choice for many Harley riders who were looking to stand out from the pack by riding something extraordinary, as well as for many sport bikers who were transitioning to the Harley world and didn't want a cruiser typical heavy chrome.

6 - Knucklehead

Technically known as the EL model, it was later nicknamed "Knucklehead" due to the name of its V-twin engine used in the 1930s. Just looking at it takes you instantly back to nostalgic America of yesteryear, when housewives placed apple pies on window sills and neighborhood children played baseball. Initially, the Knucklehead got off to a rocky start as the company rushed to release the motorcycle to the general public, leading to numerous oil leaks and small malfunctions. But after a few improvements, the EL quickly became one of the most reliable motorcycles Harley-Davidson has ever produced. These days, if you see someone driving one of these models on the road, stop and take a photo because you may well never see such a model in the wild again for a long time, They are so coveted by collectors and enthusiasts.

5 - Panhead

Successor to the Knucklehead, the Panhead embodies old-school Harley-Davidson cool . Much like its predecessor, the Panhead earned its name from its engine's tappet placement and upturned-pan valve covers, which was capable of producing 60 horsepower in its later years. Produced from 1948 to 1965, the Panhead truly set the bar for motorcycle powertrains for nearly twenty years, as it was the same engine used in Harley-Davidson's Hydra-Glides and Duo-Glides. This power was all the more impressive because of the streamlined design of the bike itself, allowing it to perform at its highest level without any additional weight to hold it back. Nowadays, Panheads are also highly sought after items by collectors and enthusiasts, with some willing to spend a considerable amount of money to acquire one.

4 - Fat Boy

If a Harley-Davidson model had to perfectly encapsulate the brand's power, muscle and machismo, look no further than the Fat Boy . Viewed as the motorcycle version of a classic muscle car, the Fat Boy was designed to provide comfortable cruising around town, across the city and on the highway, while looking as imposing as possible. Known for its massive front and rear tires, this ride covers the road well, and its sturdy, drum-shaped fenders only add to this bike's masculine energy. Debuting in 1991, the Fat Boy gained popularity after being Arnold Schwarzenegger's motorcycle of choice in the iconic career scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Even after more than 30 years of production, the Fat Boy remains a staple of the Harley-Davidson lineup today.

3 - Sportster

In 1957, the world of motorcycling experienced a major turning point when Harley-Davidson launched the legendary Sportster. This motorcycle has been in production for over 50 years and has been the model of choice for a strong and agile motorcycle that is easy to maneuver around town while still being powerful. It was also the direct rival of many British models in the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly the Triumph Bonneville 650cc. With advances in riding technology and engine upgrades over the decades, the Sportster also evolved, seeing a major jump in displacement from 883cc to 1000cc in 1972. These motorcycles only benefited from 'a five-speed transmission only at the end of the 20th century, in 1991, after several refreshed variations over the decades. Today, the Sportster has evolved into the tech-rich, acceleration-hungry Sportster S that would make its predecessors proud with what it has become today.

2 - Electra Glide

We can thank the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, for helping popularize the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. First appearing in 1965, the Electra Glide was a more rugged model than usual, opening the door to more long-distance cruising and touring. Its engine was initially equipped with an electric start before receiving the Shovelhead engine which gave it a 10% power increase, producing around 60 horsepower and a top speed close to 100 mph. It's fair to say that the Electra Glide paved the way for the growing Harley-Davidson touring class we see today. It remains in production, but with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic-inch engine that produces 77 horsepower, 101 lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of around 115 mph. It also comes standard with a batwing fairing with a blank housing for a touchscreen infotainment system, which would transform it into more of a Street Glide.

1 - Model 11F

In 1915, it was the second year of World War I, Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States, the Ford Motor Company was producing its millionth Model T, and Harley-Davidson, which was only 12 years old, launched the model 11F. Although it still looked like a motorized bicycle, for its time the 11F was a big novelty. Notably, it featured a 30 cubic inch V-twin engine with a three-speed transmission and electric lighting. At that time, most motorcycles had only one gear. Equipping a motorcycle with multiple gears was a major turning point that would propel Harley-Davidson as the leading motorcycle brand we know today. Although the company was still in its infancy, it managed to sell 10,000 11F models. This goes to show the mass appeal this brand had in its early years.