10 Most Underrated Harley-Davison Bikes Ever (2024)

With over 120 years of being one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, Harley-Davidson has produced some of the most iconic American bikes in motorcycling history. The Sportster, the Fat Boy, and the Road Glide are fitting examples of the same, all of which remain in production today. But with hundreds of models in its repertoire, there are some that don't get the recognition that they deserve. Sure, we could most definitely do a "Top 10 Greatest Harley-Davidsons of all Time" list. But it's equally important to pay our respects to several Harley-Davidsons that didn't get the recognition they deserved. So let's take a closer look at these other beloved motorcycles and explore why they deserve a little more attention.

10 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide FXRT

Production Years: 1984 to 1992

The Harley-Davidson Sport Glide has gone through more than one iteration in its lifetime. While the most recent version took on the form of a laid-back cruiser, it was the Sport Glide of the 1980s that deserves more recognition. Powered by the aluminum Evolution V-Twin, this motorcycle proved to be more powerful and efficient than those equipped with the outgoing Shovelhead engine. This proved to be necessary as the FXRT Sport Glide, which doubled as a Touring model, would be used for long non-stop hauls on the highway.

Its fixed fairing and saddlebags were also prime indicators of its long-distance potential. Not to mention that this was the only documented Harley-Davidson to travel over 1 million miles. However, many "traditional" Harley-Davidson enthusiasts at the time criticized this bike for being too "Japanese" for their tastes. Though production ended in 1992, it wasn't until 2021 that this design was revamped with the Low Rider ST.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)

9 Harley-Davidson Softail Custom FXSTC

Production Years: 1986 to 1999/ 2007 to 2010

The Softail Custom is one bike that deserves more credit among Harley-Davidson riders as one of the brand's most quintessential cruisers for the last few decades. Its first run lasted from 1986 to 1999 and briefly returned in 2007 before finally ending in 2010. While the Softail Custom was a more affordable option when compared to the Softail Standard, it also meant that it was the less powerful version equipped with a 96 cu Twin Cam (overpowered by the Softail Standard's 107 cu engine).

Power aside, the Softail Custom was stylistically the flashier option, offering multiple color options, heavy use of chrome, and a simple laid-back design. It was easily a solid "chill out" kind of motorcycle but was unfortunately overshadowed by both the Softail Standard and the Softail Deluxe. Competition aside, the Softail Custom is a reliable and stylish cruiser that still holds up today.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

8 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic

Production Years: 1986 to Present

Generally, the Touring models that receive the most attention are the Road Glide, Street Glide, and Road King. However, it is the Heritage Classic that often gets overlooked by its larger siblings, despite being able to take on a cross-country road trip like the rest of them. Housed on a Softail frame, the Heritage Classic shares many features with the Road King, such as floorboards, saddlebags, a large touring seat, and a detachable windshield. However, it is about 100 pounds lighter than the Road King, so you're looking at lighter riding dynamics which don't require as much physical power to maneuver. It is because of this physical difference that many female riders tend to side more with the Heritage Classic when it comes to a reliable Touring bike.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

7 Harley-Davidson Softail Springer

Production Years: 1998 to 2009

If there is one Softail variant that should be receiving more praise, it is the Softail Springer. Like many other models in the Softail family, Harley-Davidson kept things simple with the Softail Springer. Of course, it is easily recognizable thanks to its "Springer" front forks, a throwback design element to the post-World War Two bikes. A twist of modern with old-school flair, the Softail Springer is always a magnet for attention at every charity ride and motorcycle rally. But it's not just its retro-like appearance that makes this bike underrated. Its on-road performance, despite being low-tech for its time, was undeniable, too. The Springer forks were ideal for laid-back cruising, even over big cracks and bumps in the road. These bikes are so well-respected that an older model in perfect condition could fetch a high price on the auction block.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle.com)

6 Harley-Davidson VRSCR Street Rod

Production Years: 2006 to 2007

The V-Rod is one model that leaves many Harley-Davidson fans divided on whether it is underrated or overrated. However, one variant that deserves more time in the limelight is the VRSCR Street Rod. 2006 was the year when Harley-Davidson took its Porsche-designed DOHC liquid-cooled V-Twin and gave it a hefty boost of power. It was also the year when they raised the seat height by four inches and improved the ergonomics. This gave riders a slightly more assertive riding stance, which was a must for enthusiastic riders. The Street Rod also had much better cornering abilities than its predecessors, thanks to its inverted 43mm Showa cartridge front forks and elongated rear shocks. It was the first time Harley-Davidson introduced some of the positive elements of a sports bike onto one of their cruisers, and it showed in its on-street performance.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)

5 Harley-Davidson Cross Bones

Production Years: 2008 to 2011

Despite being around for four years, everyone loves the Harley-Davidson Cross Bones. This motorcycle was a modernized bobber with vintage throwback elements, including a hand-stitched springer seat, a stripped-down look, half-moon floorboards, bobbed fenders, and a nearly blacked-out appearance. For fans of old-school homage and contemporary aggression, the Cross Bones was a gem that always stands out wherever it goes. Appearance aside, this bike was also a smooth performer on the road, delivering robust power delivery and ideal comfort to the rider. Not often does a motorcycle have a perfect balance of style, comfort, and performance. The Harley-Davidson Cross Bones was able to check off all of those boxes without any effort whatsoever.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)

4 Harley-Davidson XR1200X

Production Years: 2008 to 2012

Another member of the Sportster family that deserves more time in the spotlight is the XR1200X. Inspired by the legendary XR750, the XR1200X really knew how to put its mechanical prowess on display. Equipped with wide flat-track bars and rear-set footpegs, this bike put its rider in a more aggressive riding position, which gave it unmatched riding dynamics at the time. Though not as popular as its predecessor, this motorcycle still managed to leave a statement both on the track and along city streets. While not everyone was too excited about the footpeg position and its price tag, its riding performance was undeniable.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

3 Harley-Davidson Seventy Two

Production Years: 2012 to 2016

There have been numerous Sportster models throughout the years. But one particular model that deserves a little more recognition is the mighty Seventy-Two. This motorcycle brought the classic chopper attitude of the 1970s and brought it into the 21st century as a bare-bones, Low Rider-inspired cruiser. The Seventy-Two was an affordable laid-back Sportster with lots of flash, including several Hard Candy Custom color options, a peanut tank, a round retro-style air cleaner cover, ape hanger handlebars, whitewall tires, and lots and lots of chrome. If you've never seen a Seventy-Two in person before, you'd assume that this bike was an original custom.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

2 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler

Production Years: 2014 to Present

The Freewheeler, much like other models in the Trike family, used to be considered the motorcycle for "old guys" and people who were too scared about balancing a bike. However, this three-wheeled motorcycle is as sturdy, reliable, and comfortable as they come. Because of its physical size, the Freewheeler is arguably one of the safest motorcycles to take on the highway. It requires little to no physical effort to operate, it uses a foot-operated parking brake in place of a kickstand, it has plenty of storage space in its trunk, and it even has its own electric "reverse" motor for when you need to back up. Trikes have long deserved more credit and respect from the motorcycling community, and it appears that everyone is starting to see the light.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)

1 Harley-Davidson Street 750

Production Years: 2015 to 2020

If you've been around Harley-Davidsons for the last ten years, then chances are you've come across the Street 750. While the Sportster family still held a massive grasp on both beginner and experienced riders, it was the Street 750 that held the mantle as the ultimate entry-level bike for first-time riders. Along with the Street 500, it was the most forgiving and user-friendly model Harley-Davidson has produced in recent years and is even a regular sight in Riding Academy classes. There are many passionate riders who can thank the Street 750 for helping them get their start on their motorcycling journey, and that is a large reason why this bike is so underrated. Some may view it as being "too novice" to be considered a Harley-Davidson, but it got more riders on the road nonetheless.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)