Flops Vs Classics
Some motorcycles earn their place in history as legends. Others become cautionary tales that mechanics whisper about in garage corners. One of the world's premier motorcycle manufacturers, Harley-Davidson, has been responsible for a litany of machines over the years, both good and bad. So, let’s examine 10 devastating valleys and 10 absolute peaks in Milwaukee's engineering powerhouse.
1. AMF Shovelhead (1970s Models)
Quality took a nosedive when American Machine and Foundry bought Harley in 1969, turning the company into a nightmare of cost-cutting and strikes. However, the 1973 oil crisis delivered its ultimate blow with dropped octane ratings, causing engine knock, overheating, and blown gaskets.
Nova Motorcycles-1975 AMF Harley Davidson Shovelhead by Nova Motorcycles
2. FXRT Sport Glide
Here's the thing about Harley's attempt at a sport-tourer. It tried to be everything to everyone but didn’t succeed. The motorcycle featured an enclosed chain drive that leaked oil, which was "something awful" according to owners. While the frame-mounted fairing was innovative, it suffered from vibration issues.
'Ole Fxrt' shows a 1991 Harley Davidson FXRT Sportglide by Mr. John Tutorials
3. Sportster 883 Hugger
Marketing called it perfect for shorter riders, but physics had other plans. The ultra-low 760mm seat height sounds great until you realize the forward foot controls are capable of creating discomfort for anyone under 5'4". Drivers mostly complained about the cramped riding position.
Evb-wiki at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
4. Street 500
Built in India with a 494cc engine, this bike represented everything wrong with modern Harley cost-cutting. The Revolution X engine produced a measly 34 horsepower, which was quite underpowered for highway speeds. Apparently, quality control issues also plagued early models with electrical gremlins.
2020 Harley-Davidson Street 500 First Ride & Review by Kwackajack
5. V-Rod Night Rod Special
Sometimes being different isn't better—it's just expensive and problematic. The Porsche-designed Revolution engine ran very hot, causing overheating that required costly repairs. Despite the high-tech 1250cc powerplant producing impressive numbers on paper, real-world reliability was abysmal with cooling system failures.
2nd Best V-Rod? The Night Rod Special | Raleigh Ride & Review by Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson
6. XR-1000
Harley's racing department builds an excellent XR-750 dirt tracker, then some genius decides to put it on the street with minimal modifications. Much to everyone’s dismay, the XR-1000’s race-bred engine, derived from the XR-750, faced reliability issues due to its high-performance tuning.
7. Street 750
Imagine paying Harley prices for what felt like a budget bike from any other manufacturer. The 749cc Revolution X engine produced an uninspiring 47 horsepower while generating enough vibration to cause discomfort at highway speeds. Build quality issues included premature clutch failures.
Ryan Urlacher from USA on Wikimedia
8. LiveWire (Original)
Priced at $29,799 for a motorcycle with 146 miles of range, Harley's electric debut wasn’t really worth it. The range was reportedly reduced in real-world conditions, especially during cold weather. Plus, the bike's weight distribution felt awkward due to the massive battery pack.
9. MT500
Originally designed for military use, this single-cylinder thumper proved that some bikes should stay in their intended roles. The 481cc Rotax engine seemed agricultural even by 1990s standards, producing vibrations that were noticeable and substantial. Civilian versions suffered from poor parts availability.
10. Sportster Evolution 883 (carburetor issues)
The irony was cruel—Harley finally created a more reliable engine, then strangled it with the worst carburetor system imaginable. The plastic-bowled Keihin carburetors had bowls that aged poorly, cracked from vibration, and leaked fuel like a sieve. Cold starts became elaborate rituals.
1986 Harley-Davidson 883 EVO engine Should I Hard tail it or Sale it by Angie’s Cycles & Auction Co.But not every Harley tells a tale of woe. When Milwaukee got it right, they created absolute motorcycling legends.
1. Knucklehead EL
Depression-era America wasn't known for revolutionary motorcycles, yet Harley dropped a banger in 1936 with its first overhead valve V-twin. The 61-cubic-inch powerplant produced 40 horsepower in EL trim, making it faster than most cars of the era while looking like a rolling art deco sculpture.
2. Panhead FL
When Harley replaced the Knucklehead in 1948, it retained the bottom end but replaced everything above it with aluminum heads and hydraulic lifters. The distinctive rocker covers earned the "Panhead" nickname, while the engineering improvements delivered unprecedented reliability for long-distance touring.
FOR SALE - - - Harley Davidson Panhead FL by Vince Galluzhead Motorcycles
3. Sportster XL883N Iron 883
Stripped-down minimalism meets great performance in this blacked-out bruiser. The mid-mounted controls and solo seat create an authentic riding experience, free from pretense and chrome excess, which attracts younger riders. It also features an LCD instrument cluster with gear position and trip details.
Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883 ONE YEAR LATER Review! (The affordable Harley?) by On Tour
4. Road King FLHR
This beast mastered the art of versatility by offering genuine touring capability with traditional styling that satisfied purists and practical riders. The detachable windshield and saddlebags allowed for quick transformation. Besides, its rubber-mounted Twin Cam engine delivered a smooth highway ride.
5. Fat Boy FLSTF
Nothing says "American motorcycle" quite like the Fat Boy's imposing presence, with its solid disc wheels and muscular stance earning instant road respect. The Terminator 2 movie appearance launched it into pop culture immortality. Its styling joined classic Softail comfort with show-stopping visual impact.
6. Heritage Softail Classic
Imagine having a 1940s Harley with modern reliability, and you've captured the Heritage Softail's appeal perfectly in one sentence. The hidden rear suspension retained vintage hardtail looks but provided contemporary comfort for serious mile-eating adventures. Period-correct styling details like saddlebags, windshield, and chrome brought authentic nostalgia.
7. Electra Glide Ultra Classic
When Harley decided to build the ultimate touring machine, they came up with a rolling luxury suite that redefined long-distance motorcycle travel forever. The full fairing, sound system, GPS navigation, and cruise control made cross-country rides rolling vacations. It also had massive storage capacity.
8. Dyna Super Glide
Willie G. Davidson's 1971 masterpiece launched the factory custom movement by combining a Sportster front end with the power of an Air-cooled, shovelhead V-twin engine (1200 cc). Its suspension travel (about 5 inches front, 4.1 inches rear) helps absorb road imperfections.
Self-photographed by Jwh on Wikimedia
9. Street Glide
Top-loading saddlebags and 111 ft-lbs of torque made this beast incredibly practical yet exciting, becoming Harley's best-selling model. It houses premium audio systems, plus those lower seat heights and forward controls tend to accommodate more riders comfortably than traditional touring bikes.
10. Low Rider S
Built on the legendary Dyna platform, another blacked-out performance machine delivered 110 cubic inches of Screamin' Eagle fury with decent handling prowess. The motorcycle produced 119 ft-lbs of torque while achieving a surprising 47 mpg efficiency, proving power and economy weren't mutually exclusive.
2024 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (FXLRS)│First Look and Test Ride by Matt Laidlaw
