What’s the Best Harley Davidson Starter Bike for Beginners?
If you’re a new motorcyclist looking for the perfect cruiser to usher you into the fun world of motorcycles, then Harley Davidson should top your list of preferred brands.
Don't let the high-displacement, low-rpm torque-hogs scare you away; most of them are surprisingly easy to handle and ride.
The manufacturer has an unmatched reputation for producing powerful, reliable and iconic bikes that appeal to all riders. They also offer a couple of beginner-friendly bikes at attractive prices — designed to meet the needs of new riders with varying riding requirements.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best entry-level Harley Davidson motorcycles you can get today.
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Sportster Iron 883
The Sportster Iron 883 is one of Harley's best affordable bikes, period.
It’s characterized by a low seat height (27.5 inches) and an even lower suspension that’s not only stable but also comfortable for all riders. The weight (545 pounds), however, might be daunting for new riders but once you get used to the balance point, you'll hardly notice it.
The Iron is powered by HD's classic 883cc air-cooled, twin cylinder engine that truly pays homage to Harley's heritage of being a "motor" company first, and "motorcycle" company second. This is something that's sorely missed with the Street 750 and 500.
The Iron 883 features drag-style, dropped back handlebars that give it an old school look. Not to forget that this bike comes in multiple colors; the most popular option being the anti-chrome, all-black style.
Regarding the price, this Harley will cost you approx. $8,999. This is quite on the lower compared to the other Harley motorcycles.
Street 500
This is the most affordable motorbike in Harley Davidson’s lineup and another great entry-level bike for you.
Just like the previous model, this motorcycle is also low slung, with a seat height of 25.7 inches. It feels incredibly light, at 492 pounds, makes it super-easy to handle for newer riders straight from their first safety course.
If you are a true Harley fanatic, chances are that you probably hate the Street 500. Even though "hate" is a harsh word, there's no denying that Harley suffered a lot of backlash for this bike for one reason; the engine. It's small, it's liquid cooled, and it most certainly does not feel like how a Harley-Davidson should.
Don't get us wrong though, it's a great bike, but is it a great Harley? We'll leave that up to you to decide.
The Street 500 is powered by a (little too) refined 494cc liquid-cooled engine that makes enough power to get beginners excited. If this is going to be your first motorcycle ever, by all means, go for it. It's nimble, fun and sounds nice as long as you pair it with HD's screaming eagle.
This is the perfect bike for dialing commuting or weekend touring. You can also easily customize it with a large front fairing as well as saddlebags for extra storage—and turn it into a two-wheeled beast for long-distance touring.
With an attractive price tag of $6,899, this is the cheapest, most affordable beginner-friendly motorcycle you can get from Harley Davidson.
Street 750
This is another highly affordable Harley Davidson motorbike designed with novice riders in mind. It was designed as a more powerful version of the street 500.
This explains why both bikes share similar features such as lightweight design (weighs 492 pounds) which promotes easy handling for new riders, low 25.7-inch height seat, narrow frame, and more.
The major difference between the two bikes is the engine. This particular model features a 749cc liquid-cooled engine which can develop a maximum power of p to 47bhp and a top torque of up to 59Nm at 4000rpm. Despite this powerful engine, any beginner can easily manage this bike on freeways as well as in city traffic.
The bike costs approx. $7,599, which makes it another affordable option for beginner son a tight budget.
SuperLow
This is a low-height cruiser from Harley Davidson which will make even the shortest riders feel confident. It features a super-low (25.5-inch) seat height that's suitable for most beginner riders. Note that larger riders can easily adjust the seat and footpegs for a more comfortable ride.
Easy ergonomics, rock solid stability and the signature Harley-Davidson, two-cylinder, pushrod engine is what you get when you buy the Superlow. It can easily munch down several hundred miles a day without a problem.
Just like all the previously mentioned motorcycle, this model also features a fairly lightweight design (considering how much torque it produces), at approx. 545 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about having a hard time maneuvering it.
The bike costs approx. $8,699, which also falls within an affordable range.
2022 Sportster S
The Sporsters S from HD feels like a muscular makeover compared to its predecessor, thanks to a revamped Revolution Max 1250 engine that brings its total weight to 502lbs. This cruiser has a liquid-cooled V-Twin engine that can produce 121hp.
It comes with a complete redesign that gives a stretched-out riding position, although the aggressive slouch on the handlebar might be a problem for smaller people. However, it is a perfect beginner bike as you can quickly adapt to the size.
The Sportster S has easy access to Bluetooth that lets you connect your phone and play your tunes in less than 3 minutes. In terms of performance, the Sportster S delivers with a brand new braking system, and the motor brings a lot of dynamism to the table, making it a sturdy ride.
Its retail price has seen a steep increase compared to older generations, and you can get the deal starting at $14,999.
Harley Davidson Street Bob 114
The 114 line is undoubtedly one of the best HD bikes you can get, and the brand new Street Bob 114 is designed to make heads turn. Not to mention the sweet rumbling sound of the engine that feels and sounds like a genuine Harley Davidson machine.
The position of the handlebar is practical for most bikers, and the torque running at 119lbs-ft delivers on every type of road. Many reviewers describe this bike as one of the best alternatives to other sportsters like the Honda Rebel 1100.
The bike weighs a sweet 631lbs, which allows you to control the vehicle swiftly during the steepest turns, and is a perfect option for beginners.
The retail price of the Street Bob 114 starts at $15,579.
Softail Slim
The Softail Slim is one of seven bikes in the Softail line-up, and the model is one of the truest to the original line, with 16-inch wheels and a slick design reminiscent of cherished old bobbers in the fifties.
The engine is a V twin that will rumble nicely without waking up in the neighborhood. It is ideal for beginners looking for a thrill and retro style. The V-Twin engine can also top up to 73hp and 99lbs-ft.
There is enough power to feel the road at every moment, yet the rider always feels in control. You might regret the lack of new technology, such as Bluetooth, but I say a beginner doesn't need any gadgets when riding their first bike.
With its retail price starting at $19,000, the Softail Slim is a mid-range Harley Davidson that is notably easy to drive.
LiveWire
Now, you would probably not believe that Harley Davidson is a brand famous for its electric bikes. However, the Livewire has made its way into the HD prestigious line-up, and the bike delivers many features.
With an estimated 100hp, the Livewire delivers performance that is nothing to be laughed about. It can do the 0 to 60 mph test in less than 3 seconds which is superb for a 560lbs vehicle.
One of the perks of the Livewire is the screen that’s fully loaded with features such as Bluetooth, speed regulation, ABS, and more. The screen is very responsive and helps with rider safety, which is the best for a new biker.
The handlebar is high enough not to end up slouching, and the position on the bike is very comfy overall. Charging takes only 40 minutes to be 80% complete, and you can ride at least 146 miles with a full charge.
Forty-Eight
There are specific bikes that you can take for long rides, and there’s the Forty-Eight, a classic of the HD line-up that serves another purpose by looking classy and fabulous.
The Forty-Eight has two main characteristics that separate it from the rest. It is arguably tiny, and the gas tank can hold 2.5 gallons of gas. You cannot go long distances with this bike, but it is perfect for an urban lifestyle and short trips.
This Sportster is not only a slick bike with the trademark 16-inch front tires but also a vehicle where the rider is seated comfortably. For a total weight approaching 556lbs, the Forty-Eight can pass 0 to 60mph in 3.4 seconds, which puts this in the mid-range category in terms of speed.
Buying the Forty-Eight is about having a sense of heritage but mostly looking classy on a budget, starting at $12,000 for the bike with no options. It is, therefore, ideal for beginners that want to dig deeper into the Harley Davidson series.
Harley 1200 Iron
The Iron 1200 differs little from the Iron 883 in style, but as the name suggests, there is more power in the V-Twin air-cooled engine. However, its thoughtful design, reminiscent of a bobber, allows any beginner to start with a sturdy bike that feels easy to ride on every occasion.
The feeling of this bike is one of a cruiser, something that will take you places more than the sporty type. With an estimated 72hp, this Sportster offers a no-nonsense feeling to its rider. It doesn’t have a fancy screen or any other features than an ABS, making it suitable for newcomers that want to ride without personalizing their vehicle.
Many riders have noticed one minor inconvenience with the strong vibration of the handlebar, but this detail surely doesn’t kill the fun of riding this bike. Its price starts at $11,000, which makes it a perfect compromise between quality, sturdiness, and budget.
FAQ
Q: Can a beginner ride Harley Davidson?
A: The Milwaukee-based firm Harley Davidson has a reputation for producing massive and legendary bikes, some of which are tough to drive for a beginner. However, all the bikes presented on this list are easy enough to handle, and their weight does not exceed 700lbs.
Q: Is the Harley 1200 a good beginner bike?
A: The Harley 1200 made it on this list mainly because it is a super vehicle, but also because its weight, speed, and response make it a competent beginner bike for any newcomer out there. Its entry price (around $11,000) makes it a sought-after sports bike that goes for miles.
Q: What is a good Harley for a small guy?
A: It is essential to check the seat height before testing a Harley Davidson product. If your height ranges from 5.3 to 5.7 ft, the Softail Slim is your best bet, as it means your feet will likely touch the ground.
Q: How much is an entry-level Harley?
A: An entry-level Harley goes from $8,750 to $12,000. Models like the Street 750 costs $8,049, and the Iron 883 costs about $1,249. You can get the Forty-Eight, a classic from the brand, for less than $12,000 as well. Please note that you can get bikes significantly cheaper if you don’t buy the most recent in the line-up.
Check out this article on Who Makes Better Motorcycles? by Joshua D. Mattie.
Best Harley Davidson Starter Bike for Beginners: Our Verdict
So, these are the best entry-level motorcycles from Harley Davidsons that you should consider getting as an aspiring rider.
All these models come with features such as lightweight design for easy handling and low and comfortable seat for comfortable riding. Also, you get good quality braking system and brake pads.
The bikes also come at affordable costs, making them accessible to even the aspiring riders on a tight budget.
Which of the above motorcycles would you like to get as your first Harley?
