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

If you've lived on planet Earth for the past 120 years, chances are you've heard of Harley-Davidson, considered one of the most prestigious motorcycle brands in the world—if not the most prestigious. They've been the ultimate resource for adventure seekers everywhere, with motorcycles designed to fit almost any lifestyle. Whether for speed and adrenaline junkies, laid-back cruisers, highway conquerors, or any other type of rider, there's a Harley-Davidson for everyone. While not every Harley was a success, the company has seen many ups and downs throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Some motorcycles had very short lifespans. 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 brand's history, culture, and future legacy, as well as the motorcycle world 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.

If we're going to look at the most iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever created, you can bet we're going to be talking about the Dyna. Launched in 1991, Harley-Davidson's Dyna series quickly won the hearts of Harley enthusiasts . Known for its versatility and ability to customize, the Dyna stood out as the go-to model for many loyal Harley riders. Dynas were affordable, fun to ride, and served as blank canvases for customization, making them extremely popular among enthusiasts. These bikes were considered mid-sized cruisers capable of transforming into high-speed performance monsters. With a Twin Cam 103 engine delivering 80 horsepower and a 6-speed gearbox, they combined power with a smooth ride.
Over the years, several models were 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 Dyna series' cult status.

End of production

In 2017, Harley-Davidson discontinued the Dyna series after deciding to adopt the current Softail design. While many Dyna models have been integrated into the Softail lineup, used Dynas remain a favorite among enthusiasts today, a testament to their lasting impact on the motorcycle community.

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The name says it all. The Road King has been the pillar 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 highway riding for those long cross-country trips without any rider fatigue, while also offering additional protection with its removable windshield, storage with its two hard saddlebags, and an extra-wide seat with room for two, making you feel like you're sitting on a couch.
Simplicity at its best, the Road King has everything you need and nothing you don't. Over time, Harley-Davidson would introduce its fairing-equipped siblings, the Street Glide and Road Glide, to the lineup. But the Road King remains the pioneer of the brand's touring class.

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These days, many Harley riders 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 bike has the most race wins in the organization's history. Many early models were equipped with an air-cooled 748cc 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 bike went down in AMA history as the most successful race bike of all time. It was even the bike Evel Knievel rode until his final jump in 1977.

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Love it or hate it, there's likely never been a Harley with a cult following as devoted as the V-Rod. This bike was actually the product of Harley-Davidson's vision for urban muscle styling and Porsche's engineering 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 bike similar to the V-Rod, you could call them a "big liar." Because it was the motorcycle of choice for many Harley riders looking to stand out from the pack by riding something extraordinary, as well as many sport bikers transitioning into the Harley world who didn't want a typical chrome-heavy cruiser.

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Technically known as the EL model, it was later nicknamed " Knucklehead" after its V-twin engine used in the 1930s . Just looking at it instantly transports you back to nostalgic America of yesteryear, when housewives placed apple pies on windowsills and neighborhood kids played baseball. Initially, the Knucklehead had a rocky start as the company rushed to release the bike to the masses, which led to numerous oil leaks and minor malfunctions. But after a few improvements, the EL quickly became one of the most reliable motorcycles Harley-Davidson ever produced. These days, if you see someone driving one of these models on the road, stop and take a picture because you might not see one like this in the wild for a long time, as they are so coveted by collectors and enthusiasts.

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