10 Underrated Harley-Davidsons On Sale In 2025

For every motorcycle that deserves the top spot in the segment, there’s always another motorcycle that can give it a run for its money but never gets to be in the limelight. This can happen for a variety of reasons; some are new names in the game, while others don’t look so tempting on paper. Some are simply misunderstood for what they are capable of. Harley-Davidson’s lineup is no exception. For all the iconic motorcycles it produces today, the motor company also produces some hidden gems that fly under the radar. From the nimble Sporters to track-ready tourers, here are ten underrated Harley-Davidson motorcycles that punch above their weight but don’t always get the love they deserve.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative sources, such as Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson Nightster Special

Starting Price: $12,499

When looking for a modern-day Sportster, most people go for the “most affordable Harley” Nightster, a fun cruiser in its own right. It costs under $10,000 and delivers decent performance, thanks to the new Revolution Max 975T V-twin, along with a decent set of rider aids. However, it does miss out on a few things that would make it a complete package. That’s where the Nightster Special comes into play.

It builds on the Nightster platform, featuring a standard passenger seat and pegs for two-up riding, raised handlebars for relaxed ergonomics, a 4-inch TFT display, and updated color options. It’s an upgrade that rounds out the package, making it more comfortable and versatile. That’s what makes the Nightster Special underrated.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Starting Price: $15,999

For so long, the Sportster name has carried a negative connotation; it was typically associated with smaller versions of the big twin engines, offering poorer performance for the most part. That’s not to say Harley didn’t produce some legendary Sportsters, but for the most part, stereotypes dictated that they be reserved for newbies and women riders. That changes with the Sportster S, standing as one of the most powerful Harley-Davidson motorcycles on sale today.

The flagship Sportster now produces 121 horsepower, achieving a 0-to-60 MPH time of just 3.4 seconds. It also features lean-sensitive rider aids, top-notch fully adjustable suspension, and a commanding stance. Still, Harley fans only see it as a Sportster, and OG Sportster fans don’t give it enough attention for not being like its predecessors, despite it being one of the best power cruisers coming out of America today.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST

Starting Price: $19,999

The Pan America 1250 Special has garnered a lot of fanfare since its launch, but its more road-focused sibling, the 1250 ST, never received the same level of affection. No surprise here; it faces stiff competition from legends like the BMW R 1300 GS and the Ducati Multistrada V4, which have had decades to build their fan bases. Plus, Harley’s reputation for building old-school cruisers doesn’t help much, either.

Look past the badge, though, and the 1250 ST can hold its own against its rivals. It produces 150 horsepower and has a top speed of 140 miles per hour. It features Showa suspension with Adaptive Ride Height, Brembo monobloc brakes, and an electronics suite that makes it on par with its rivals. It brings Harley’s touring heritage in an adventure tourer package without screaming for attention.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic

Starting Price: $22,999

It’s not uncommon for the Heritage Classic to pop up in conversations about the most beautiful cruisers currently on sale; it’s a serious looker that combines old-school aesthetic with modern performance and creature comforts. However, it has a significant image problem, as it’s often seen as a motorcycle for older men. It’s anything but that, though older riders would also find themselves quite comfortable on it.

For instance, it has a relatively low seat height and a low center of gravity, making it suitable for shorter and beginner riders who may not yet be comfortable with a taller saddle. It achieves this without sacrificing its big-twin experience or comfort features, thanks to its powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin, plush saddle, saddlebags, and a large windscreen. It’s a cruiser that’s worth checking out, not just for old riders but also for young ones.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Breakout

Starting Price: $23,099

The Harley-Davidson Breakout doesn’t top any charts for being a practical or sensible cruiser; it’s anything but that. Its massive rear tire and raked-out front end make it a heavy-handling motorcycle, and the dragster handlebars and feet-forward pegs make for a windsock riding position. No wonder people often overlook it when picking a Harley, but it still has a role to play in the Softail lineup.

The Breakout serves as a niche motorcycle that was never made to satisfy everyone. Its chopper-like design is a style statement, and the powerful M8 117 engine and chassis geometry speak for its dragster DNA. For someone looking for a custom-style motorcycle with a straight-line punch, there’s hardly a better motorcycle than the Breakout, only if you’re willing to live with the slow handling and low ground clearance.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Road King Special

Starting Price: $24,999

Whether a crossover motorcycle brings the best of both worlds or the worst depends on your perspective, and the same applies to the Road King Special. It’s a tourer based on the FLH platform, so it doesn’t exactly have light handling. Yet, it misses out on some essential touring features, like a fairing and infotainment system, that are present on the more expensive Grand American Tourers. Many riders simply don’t know where it fits.

That’s exactly what makes the Road King Special special, pun intended. It strips touring down to the basics, like a plush ride, a powerful M8 engine, and a clean custom-style design. Its heft and touring suspension give it a planted feel, and it has a clean, no-nonsense design. It’s perfect for someone who’s looking for something more comfortable than a cruiser but not an outright full-dress bagger.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Street Glide Ultra

Starting Price: $30,749

The Street Glide Ultra is a new model for 2025, replacing the Ultra Limited. However, it is viewed as a Street Glide with increased luggage space. That’s hardly the case as this motorcycle is a bit of a sleeper, offering so much more than the standard Street Glide in terms of comfort. The most significant difference is the Tour Pak top box, which can fit two full-size helmets and double up as a plush backrest for the pillion.

Look closely, and you’ll notice more differences. The batwing fairing features a taller clear windshield, complemented by a pair of large fairing lowers for better wind protection. Even the seats have added cushion and more support for long-distance tours, and the grips are thicker. It offers a full-dress bagger experience for a mere $3,000 premium over the Street Glide.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Freewheeler

Starting Price: $31,999

Trikes often get a bad rep for being an old man’s ride or not being easy to maneuver, but the Freewheeler challenges that notion. It’s Harley’s most affordable trike and offers one of the most refined three-wheeled experiences on the market. For instance, it requires little to no physical effort to operate, and even has an electric reverse motor to help it get out of parking spots.

There’s more to this trike than that. The wide, automotive-style rear wheels have a considerable contact patch, providing excellent stability on the highway, and the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine ensures there’s always power on tap. Plus, its stripped-back design makes it more of a custom-style cruiser than a MacGyver’s three-wheeler. It’s ideal for both older riders and anyone who wants to enjoy the Harley experience without the challenges of a heavyweight tourer.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Tri Glide Ultra

Starting Price: $37,999

Like the Harley-Davidson Freewheeler, the Tri Glide Ultra offers a polished, stable trike experience, but this time with a host of more touring-friendly amenities. To start with, it’s the most powerful trike from Harley and the most powerful trike powered by a V-twin engine. Rest assured, the Milwaukee-Eight 114’s instantaneous torque will make the trike feel a lot lighter than it is.

While it may look like the Street Glide from the front, it’s completely different behind the seats. It gets a cavernous trunk that can hold all your and your pillion’s luggage. The bike features a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, four 25-watt speakers, and electric reverse for added comfort and entertainment. Additionally, this custom-style trike tends to retain its value well in the used market.

Performance Specs

Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST

Starting Price: $44,999

For anyone looking for a wild bagger, the CVO Road Glide RR is the natural choice. It’s flush with carbon fiber bodywork, billet aluminum everywhere, and a top-spec parts list right out of a race bike. But all of this comes at a cost of $100+ price tag and expensive maintenance. It’s a one-way ticket to draining your bank account if you so much as tip it over.

That’s why the Road Glide ST makes more sense. It costs less than half the price while retaining some of the top-spec goodies of the flagship bagger without the financial risk. It’s powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output engine with Screamin’ Eagle performance parts, pumping out track-ready performance. Add in fully adjustable Showa suspension and premium brakes, and you have a track-ready bagger that’s far more sensible to own.

Performance Specs