Harley-Davidson is known for its strong community of riders who have a deep love for their bikes. However, not every model has met expectations. Some motorcycles, despite their iconic brand, have left riders feeling disappointed. In this article, we will explore ten discontinued Harley-Davidson bikes that many enthusiasts likely won’t miss.
1. Harley-Davidson Street 500
The Harley-Davidson Street 500 was produced from 2015 to 2020 and was known for being one of the easiest bikes to ride. This made it a popular choice for new riders, but it also meant that many outgrew it quickly. Here are some key points about this model:
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Engine Type |
Air-cooled V-Twin |
|
Displacement |
73.3 cubic inches |
|
Max Power |
91 Horsepower |
|
Max Torque |
73.91 pound-feet |
|
Fuel Capacity |
3.5 gallons |
|
Transmission |
5-speed |
|
Running Weight |
573 pounds |
The Street 500 was a great starter bike, but it lacked the excitement for long-term riders.
In summary, while the Street 500 was a good entry-level motorcycle, it ultimately fell short for those seeking a more thrilling ride. Riders looking for a long-term investment might want to consider other options.
2. Harley-Davidson Street 750
The Harley-Davidson Street 750 was introduced to cater to new riders looking for a manageable bike. It was part of the Street series, which aimed to attract a younger audience. However, it didn’t quite hit the mark in the market.
Specifications
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled Revolution X V-Twin |
|
Displacement |
30 cubic inches (494 cc) |
|
Max Power |
53 Horsepower |
|
Max Torque |
44 pound-feet |
|
Fuel Capacity |
3.5 gallons |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Running Weight |
514 pounds |
Key Points
- Designed for new riders.
- Easy to handle, but may lead to boredom.
- Produced from 2014 to 2020.
The Street 750 was a good starter bike, but many riders quickly outgrew it, seeking more power and excitement.
In summary, while the Street 750 had its strengths, it ultimately fell short in a competitive market, leading to its discontinuation. Riders looking for a long-term motorcycle might want to consider other options.
3. Harley-Davidson Street Rod
The Harley-Davidson Street Rod was a unique entry in the Harley lineup, aimed at younger riders looking for a sportier experience. With its aggressive styling and modern features, it stood out from traditional models. However, many enthusiasts felt it strayed too far from the brand's classic roots.
Key Features
- Engine: Liquid-cooled Revolution X V-Twin
- Displacement: 750 cc
- Max Power: 68 horsepower
- Weight: 480 lbs
Performance Specifications
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Max Torque |
47 lb-ft |
|
Fuel Capacity |
3.5 gallons |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
Why It Didn't Last
- Handling Issues: Many riders found the handling to be less than ideal, especially compared to other models.
- Market Appeal: It struggled to attract the traditional Harley crowd, who preferred classic designs.
- Limited Upgrades: Riders often felt that the bike had limited potential for customization.
The Street Rod was an attempt to modernize the Harley experience, but it left many fans feeling disconnected from the brand's heritage.
In summary, while the Street Rod had its fans, it ultimately didn't resonate with the core Harley-Davidson audience, leading to its discontinuation.
4. Harley-Davidson V-Rod
The Harley-Davidson V-Rod was a unique motorcycle that stood out from the traditional Harley lineup. Produced from 2002 until 2017, it was known for its powerful performance and modern design. Here are some key points about the V-Rod:
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Engine Type |
Liquid-cooled V-Twin |
|
Displacement |
76.1 cubic inches |
|
Max Horsepower |
122 horsepower |
|
Max Torque |
87 pound-feet |
|
Fuel Capacity |
5 gallons |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Running Weight |
673 pounds |
The V-Rod was designed to attract a new generation of riders, blending Harley's classic style with modern performance.
While some riders loved the V-Rod for its powerful engine and sleek look, others felt it strayed too far from the traditional Harley experience. Its unique features and design made it a polarizing model among enthusiasts. Overall, the V-Rod remains a memorable part of Harley-Davidson's history, even if it wasn't everyone's favorite.
5. Harley-Davidson Dyna
The Dyna series was a popular line of motorcycles from Harley-Davidson, produced for over 25 years. Known for their unique style and performance, these bikes had a loyal following. However, they were discontinued, leaving many riders wondering what made them special.
Key Features of the Dyna Series
- Engine Type: Air-cooled Evolution V-Twin
- Displacement: 73.3 cubic inches (1,200 cc)
- Max Power: 91 Horsepower
- Max Torque: 73.91 pound-feet
- Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallons
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Running Weight: 573 pounds
Why the Dyna Was Discontinued
- Market Changes: The motorcycle market evolved, and Harley-Davidson shifted focus to newer models.
- Sales Decline: Sales for the Dyna series dropped, leading to its discontinuation.
- Competition: Other brands offered more modern features that appealed to new riders.
The Dyna series was a blend of classic Harley style and modern performance, but it couldn't keep up with changing rider preferences.
Conclusion
While the Dyna series may not be missed by everyone, it certainly left a mark on the Harley-Davidson legacy. Riders who loved the Dyna appreciated its powerful performance and classic design, making it a memorable part of Harley's history.
6. Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe
The Softail Deluxe was a classic cruiser that many riders loved for its vintage style and comfortable ride. However, it was discontinued, leaving some fans wondering what they might miss about it.
Key Features
- Engine: Air-cooled Twin Cam 103
- Displacement: 103 cubic inches (1,690 cc)
- Max Torque: 100 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Weight: 670 lbs
Performance Specs
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Max Power |
75 Horsepower |
|
Fuel Capacity |
5 gallons |
|
Fuel Economy |
45 miles per gallon |
Why It Was Popular
- Classic Look: The Softail Deluxe had a retro design that appealed to many riders.
- Comfortable Ride: It was known for its smooth ride, making it great for long trips.
- Customization Options: Riders loved the ability to personalize their bikes with various accessories.
The Softail Deluxe combined style and comfort, making it a favorite among many Harley enthusiasts.
While the Softail Deluxe is no longer in production, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who enjoyed its ride and style.
7. Harley-Davidson FXDR 114
The Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 was a unique bike that stood out for its sporty design and performance. Produced from 2019 to 2020, it featured a lightweight cast aluminum swingarm and a Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine. Here are some key specifications:
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin |
|
Displacement |
114 cubic inches (1,868 cc) |
|
Max Power |
88.76 Horsepower |
|
Max Torque |
119 pound-feet |
|
Fuel Capacity |
4.4 gallons |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Running Weight |
668 pounds |
Despite its impressive specs, many traditional Harley fans felt that the FXDR 114 didn’t look like a classic Harley. Instead, it resembled more of a European cruiser, which may have contributed to its low sales. Here are some points to consider about the FXDR 114:
- Sporty Performance: Agile and responsive, it was one of the sportiest Harleys in years.
- Design Controversy: Its appearance led to mixed feelings among loyal riders.
- Limited Production: With only two years of production, it quickly became a rare find.
The FXDR 114 was a bold attempt by Harley-Davidson to attract a younger audience, but it ultimately didn’t resonate with their core fans.
If you're looking for a used FXDR 114, you might find some options available in Illinois. Browse our extensive inventory of used FXDR 114 motorcycles for sale in Illinois to see what’s out there!
8. Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883
The Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 was a popular choice among riders looking for a classic cruiser experience. Released in 1988, it quickly became known for its unique style and performance. However, it faced some challenges that led to its discontinuation.
Key Features
- Engine Type: Air-cooled Evolution V-Twin
- Displacement: 53.9 cubic inches (883 cc)
- Max Power: 50 Horsepower
- Max Torque: 54 pound-feet
- Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons
- Transmission: 5-speed
Comfort Issues
Many riders found the Iron 883 to be less comfortable due to its:
- 30.9-inch seat height
- Low drag-style handlebars
- Slightly hunched riding position
Market Competition
The Iron 883 faced stiff competition from other models, such as:
- Iron 1200
- Forty-Eight
- Roadster
The Sportster series has a rich history, with the Sportster 883 being a significant part of it. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a beloved model among enthusiasts.
9. Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
The Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 was a popular choice among riders looking for a blend of classic style and modern performance. Released in 2018, it featured a powerful 1200 cc engine that provided a thrilling ride. However, it was discontinued in 2021, leaving many fans wondering what made it special.
Key Features
- Engine: Air-cooled Evolution V-Twin
- Displacement: 73.4 cubic inches (1,202 cc)
- Max Power: 65 Horsepower
- Max Torque: 76 pound-feet
- Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gallons
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Running Weight: 571 pounds
Why It Stood Out
- Classic Design: The Iron 1200 had a retro look that appealed to many riders.
- Performance: With its strong engine, it offered a fun riding experience.
- Customization: The bike was known for its extensive aftermarket support, allowing owners to personalize their rides.
The Sportster series has a rich history dating back to 1957, and the Iron 1200 was one of the last models to carry on that legacy.
Despite its strengths, the Iron 1200 faced tough competition from other models in the Sportster lineup, such as the Iron 883 and Forty-Eight. As Harley-Davidson shifts its focus to new designs, the Iron 1200 will be remembered as a significant part of the Sportster family.
10. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard
The Electra Glide Standard was a unique offering from Harley-Davidson, often referred to as a "dressed down dresser." This bike was essentially a stripped version of the popular Street Glide, featuring a batwing fairing but lacking the high-tech infotainment system.
Performance Specifications
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin |
|
Displacement |
107 cubic inches (1,746 cc) |
|
Max Power |
93 horsepower |
|
Max Torque |
111 pound-feet |
|
Fuel Capacity |
6 gallons |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Running Weight |
820 pounds |
Key Features
- Classic Design: The Electra Glide Standard maintained a classic Harley look with its black finish.
- Comfortable Ride: Designed for long-distance travel, it offered a comfortable seating position.
- Simplicity: Without the infotainment system, it appealed to riders who preferred a more straightforward experience.
The Electra Glide Standard was a bike for those who wanted the essence of touring without the distractions of modern technology.
Despite its strengths, many riders found it lacked the features they desired, leading to its discontinuation in 2022. Overall, while it had its fans, the Electra Glide Standard is not a model that many will miss.
Final Thoughts on Discontinued Harley-Davidson Bikes
In conclusion, while some Harley-Davidson bikes have been retired, it's clear that not all of them will be missed. Each model had its own unique features, but many just didn't hit the mark for riders. Whether it was due to poor performance, odd handling, or simply not appealing enough, these bikes have left the scene. As we look ahead, it's exciting to think about the new models that will take their place. The world of motorcycles is always changing, and while we say goodbye to these ten, we can look forward to fresh designs and innovations from Harley-Davidson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some discontinued Harley-Davidson bikes?
Some discontinued models include the Street 500, Street 750, and V-Rod.
Why were these bikes discontinued?
Many were discontinued due to low sales and not meeting customer expectations.
Are there any Harley-Davidson bikes that are still popular?
Yes, models like the Sportster and Softail are still very popular among riders.
What should I consider when buying a used Harley-Davidson?
Check the bike's condition, service history, and if parts are still available.
Is it worth buying a discontinued Harley-Davidson?
It can be worth it if you find a good deal and the bike fits your needs.
Where can I find information about Harley-Davidson models?
You can find information on Harley-Davidson's official website or through motorcycle forums.
