Best Harley Davidson Motorcycles for Beginners

Best-Harley-Davidson-Motorcycles-for-Beginners

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of riding a Harley in Milwaukee.

Whether you’re cruising through Oak Leaf Trail or the Harley-Davidson Museum, the rumbling roar of the engine, stable handling and comfy seating pad combine to deliver a special experience.

The iconic motorcycle brand has been a part of American culture for over a century. As a legacy born in Milwaukee, there’s no better way to start your riding journey than with a Harley.

If you’re a new rider looking to get your first bike, here are the five best Harley-Davidson motorcycles for beginners.

5 Best Harleys for Beginners

For starters, choosing the right motorcycle can be tricky.

However, the Harley Davidson brand offers several bike models that combine style, performance, comfort, and ease of handling, making them perfect for new riders.

Harley-Davidson Street 500 or 750

Harley-Davidson-Street-750
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Engine Capacity 46 cu in
Engine Type Liquid-Cooled V-Twin Engine
Top Speed 124 mph
Max Torque 59 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Capacity 13.1 l
Horsepower 64 hp
Weight 491 lbs

The Harley Davidson Street series was launched in 2014 to appeal to a broader audience of new riders who need small yet powerful bikes at affordable prices.

The series debuted with two variants: the Street 500 and the Street 750. Both variants are the most beginner-friendly lightweight cruisers in the Harley-Davidson lineup.

They share a similar design and build but only differ in engine power. The Street 750 has a larger 749cc V-Twin engine than its smaller sibling, the Street 500, which has a 494 cc engine.

With a low center of gravity and 491-pound weight, both bike models are easy to ride and provide responsive handling. The liquid-cooled, V-twin engine delivers plenty of power and torque while fuel-efficient. Plus, they feature a low seat height of 25.7 inches, ideal for shorter riders.

For new riders, the Street 500 or 750 is a perfect entry-level cruiser motorcycle to boost your confidence as you ride around your neighborhood or commute daily.

Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Engine Capacity 53.8 cu in
Engine Type Air-Cooled Evolution
Top Speed 106 mph
Max Torque 68 Nm @ 4750 rpm
Fuel Capacity 12.5 l
Horsepower 51 hp
Weight 544 lbs

For a good reason, the Iron 883 is another favorite cruiser motorcycle for new riders looking to get their feet wet. It’s a minimalist, classic cruiser with a sleek, aggressive look and has been in Harley-Davidson’s lineup for years.

Powered by an 883cc air-cooled V-twin engine, the Iron 883 is easy to handle and delivers just enough manageable power and torque without being overwhelmed. Like the Street 500 or 750 motorcycles, it has a low seat height of 25.7 inches and comfortable ergonomics, making it an excellent fit for short riders.

Other features that make this Harley a beginner’s dream include dual piston front/rear brakes, a low center of gravity for stability, and customization options. Plus, the blacked-out stylish cruiser is versatile and fun to ride.

Harley-Davidson Street Bob

Harley-Davidson-Street-Bob
Source: Harley-Davidson
Engine Capacity 114 cu in
Engine Type Milwaukee-Eight 114
Top Speed 115 mph
Max Torque 155 Nm @ 3250 rpm
Fuel Capacity 13.2 l
Horsepower 94 hp
Weight 631 lbs

Street Bob is a midweight cruiser for newbies, especially if you’re after an agile ride experience with smooth handling.

Thanks to its powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine, the motorcycle offers mid-range power for reliable performance. Whether riding around a North Point neighborhood or hitting the Stadium Freeway, its low seat height of 25.8 inches makes it comfortable and easy to handle.

The Street Bob’s minimalist, stripped-down design gives it a sleek, classic look. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can tweak the style as you ride more miles and gain more confidence.

If you’re looking to start your journey in a comfortable midweight cruiser with a bit more raw Harley-Davidson power, the Street Bob is a perfect choice.

Harley-Davidson Softail Slim

Harley-Davidson-Softail-Slim-2018
Source: Harley-Davidson
Engine Capacity 107 cu in
Engine Type Milwaukee-eight 107
Top Speed 125 mph
Max Torque 149 Nm @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Capacity 18.9 l
Horsepower 92.5 hp
Weight 671 lb

Known for being the ultimate chill-out motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim is another cruiser option for beginners. The bike is suited for newbies mainly due to its ease of use, lightweight, and stylish retro design.

With a Milwaukee-Eight 108 engine, you should expect a combination of excellent acceleration bursts, raw power, and smooth handling to deliver a reliable riding experience.

The bike’s 671 lb weight and nimble frame make it easy to manage at slow or fast speeds. Its low seat height, at 25.5 inches, makes it a popular bike choice for short or female riders and provides comfort during long rides.

For beginner riders who love the stylish design of a Harley but want something lightweight and easy to handle, the Softail Slim is a great choice.

Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow

Harley-Davidson-Sportster-SuperLow
Source: Harley-Davidson
Engine Capacity 53.9 cu in
Engine Type Air-Cooled Evolution
Top Speed 104 mph
Max Torque 74 Nm @ 3750 rpm
Fuel Capacity 17 l
Horsepower 52 hp
Weight 544.5 lbs

The Harley-Davidson SuperLow stays true to its name by being so low to the ground and having a low center of gravity. This feature makes the entry-level cruiser easy to handle and improves stability while riding.

Thanks to its air-cooled engine, it has just enough power and balance for short or long trips around the city.

With a low bucket seat height of 27.8 inches, the SuperLow is accessible for riders of all size and stature. In addition, its responsive handling will build your confidence as a beginner.

A downside of the SuperLow is its long length, which makes it challenging to pull off U-turns. On the bright side, it is one of the low-priced Harley-Davidson models making it a great starter bike for newbies on a budget.

What is the best Harley bike for starters?

Street 750 or 500 is the best entry-level bike for starting your riding journey. It’s the cruiser model used for practice if you sign up for the beginners’ course in the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy.

Powered by a liquid V-cooled engine, the Street 750 and 500 provide enough power and smooth handling for daily commutes and weekend rides across the city. Both lightweight cruisers are also fuel efficient and have a low seat height, which is excellent for short riders.

The Street 500 and 700 are perfect choices from the iconic motorcycle brand for new riders who desire easy handling, comfortable seating, and power.

Are Harley-Davidsons good for beginners?

Power, comfort, and handling are the most important considerations when choosing a first bike.

The Harley lineup has plenty of user-friendly cruisers that excel in these departments for those new to motorcycles.

Their entry-level bike models are designed to deliver enough power and torque to suit your riding style. They’re also lightweight, stylishly designed, and easy to maneuver for riders of different sizes.

Also, if you’re in the US, a perk of owning a Harley is that you can get the bike repaired almost anywhere, and its accessories are widely available.

What is the hardest Harley?

The Fat Boy is the hardest bike model in the Harley universe.

It became popular after Arnold Schwarzenegger rode it during the truck chase scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day movie.

Arnold-Schwarzenegger-Harley-Davidson-Fat-Boy-Bike-Terminator-2
Source: GoodFon

Its engine is counterbalanced, not rubber-mounted, delivering a rawer feel than other models. The mean-looking bike features fat tires, a muscular build, and a tiny seating pad, which provides less seating comfort.

At 669 pounds, it’s much heavier and can be overwhelming during twists and turns around corners. The bike would be too much to handle for a new rider and surely not a great choice for your first bike.

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