The 5 Most Iconic and Impactful Harley-Davidson Bikes
What does riding a Harley-Davidson mean to you? For some, it’s a family tradition that means chasing the horizon on a Grand American Touring bike like the Road Glide or Electra Glide. Others dream of upgrading their commutes with an icon like the Heritage Classic or venturing off the pavement on a Pan America. Whatever the dream, we’re here to bring it to life as your used motorcycle dealer and Harley-Davidson destination.
Our showroom features the most popular models in the Harley-Davidson lineup, each of which reflects the incredible legacy of America’s most revered motorcycle manufacturer. What do we mean? The bikes on our showroom floor represent the evolution of Harley-Davidson over the years, with the manufacturer constantly honing its design, from aesthetics to powertrains, to answer rider needs and exceed expectations. Appreciating this evolution starts with looking to the past at some of the most iconic and impactful Harley-Davidson models that set the stage for the powerhouses we know and love today.
#1 - 1909 Model 5D Twin: The Debut of the “Potato-Potato” Rumble
Harley-Davidson started in a backyard shed in Milwaukee in 1903, as William Harley and brothers Arthur and William Davidson pursued their interest in bicycles. The friends developed their first successful prototype in 1904, entering their design in a motorcycle race to test its performance. Despite losing the race, the friends pursued their vision and officially established the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company in 1907. The same year, they introduced the Model 5D prototype at the Chicago Automobile Show, which officially went into production in 1909.
The Model 5D Twin has a coveted place in history because it established the manufacturer’s signature V-Twin rumble. As the first Harley-Davidson to feature a 45-degree V-Twin engine, the Model 5D Twin made a lasting impression in both style and sound. With its two pistons connected to a single crankshaft pin, the engine’s cylinders fired in an off-set rotation, with the first cylinder firing after 315 degrees and the second after a 405-degree rotation. The asymmetrical firing produces the potato-potato rumble that has since become the Harley-Davidson signature.
#2 - 1928 JDH Twin Cam: Answering the Demand for More Power
Harley-Davidson has always been keenly aware of rider needs, especially the demand for more power and heightened performance. The 1928 JDH Twin Cam showcases that awareness and is undeniably the most collectible roadster in the manufacturer’s history. Harley-Davidson developed the JDH Twin Cam as a high-speed powerhouse inspired by its race bikes. It was the company’s way of making its innovative racing technology available to the masses, and riders responded with excitement.
With its V-Twin engine capable of producing 29 hp, the 1928 JDH Twin Cam made history as a production race bike that was faster than anything Harley-Davidson riders had access to before. Its speed was unheard of at the time, with Harley-Davidson outfitting the bike with a front brake to improve rider safety and control. This combination set the stage for future models, each getting closer to fulfilling riders’ insatiable need for speed.
#3 - 1936 EL Knucklehead: The Beginning of a New Chapter
By the 1930s, Harley-Davidson was widely revered for its ingenuity and commitment to constantly improving its motorcycle design. That commitment became even more apparent in 1936 with the debut of the EL, the last model the company's founders designed and built. It marked the end of an era for the company but also the start of a new chapter.
The EL Knucklehead debuted an all-new big twin engine, the first overhead valve V-Twin in the company’s history. Unlike most motorcycles at the time, the EL featured a recirculating oil system that mimicked what was used in automobiles rather than a total loss system. While the system added to the EL’s overall weight, the addition of a few pounds was easy to overlook because of the dramatic improvements the revolutionary new engine made to the EL’s performance, reliability, and longevity. The new design was a much-needed solution that laid the foundation for future Harley-Davidson powerhouses.
#4 - 1994 Road King: The Benchmark of Touring Bikes
Harley-Davidson built the Grand American Touring segment from the ground up, recognizing the need for long-distance touring bikes that offer the customization and potency expected of the revered motorcycle brand. In the 1940s, Harley-Davidson delivered and launched another new chapter with the first of its FL models. Fortunately, even greater success was on the horizon as Harley-Davidson expanded its touring lineup with additions like the Road King in 1994.
The Road King set a new benchmark for the touring lineup, turning heads with its classic Harley-Davidson design and legendary V-Twin engine. It also revealed something far more significant––that Harley-Davidson wasn’t simply listening to rider feedback but was committed to responding and exceeding expectations. Riders wanted something more comfortable when traveling long distances, and Harley-Davidson delivered with the 1994 Road King.
The 1994 Road King rolled off the factory floor with an oversized saddle that offered long-distance comfort when riding solo or two-up. Leather saddlebags earned the bagger part of its distinction and ensured riders had plenty of room to carry gear and other necessities. The bike’s adjustable shock absorbers gave riders more control over the ride quality and handling when riding with or without a passenger. Still, the most notable distinction was the bike’s detachable windscreen, which heightened its versatility without hindering its sleek aesthetic. As we know today, Harley-Davidson further differentiated the Road King from the rest of the lineup by outfitting siblings like the Road Glide and Street Glide with prominent fairings, igniting the ongoing debate about which is better––a batwing or sharknose fairing?
#5 - 2020 Pan America: Leaving the Roads Behind
While Harley-Davidson is best known for its powerful cruisers and Grand American Touring bikes, that isn’t all the brand makes. With the rise of the popular Adventure Touring segment, Harley-Davidson left the roads behind when it launched the 2020 Pan America 1250. This rugged do-it-all ADV bike may not have the clean lines of a classic Harley-Davidson cruiser, but it proved that the all-American motorcycle company can dominate any segment it competes in. With plenty of power, competitive off-road performance, and tons of modern features, the Pan America represents a new chapter in the history of Harley-Davidson.
One particularly noteworthy innovation introduced for the Pan America is its brand-new 1250cc liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine. This new motor maintains the classic Harley-Davidson V-Twin layout but offers a higher redline and more horsepower than the traditional air-cooled Milewaukee-Eight engines that power the other bikes in the brand’s lineup. With 150 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque, the Pan America 1250 is ready to go anywhere and do anything. These attributes are complemented by its five selectable drive modes and a suite of advanced rider safety enhancements. Although Harley-Davidson is a brand that stays true to its long heritage, it isn’t afraid to keep up with the times and introduce new bikes and features to give its riders what they are looking for.
An Incomplete List
Harley-Davidson has one of the most loyal followings in the industry, with riders sharing their passion and love for the brand from coast to coast and beyond. This customer base and loyalty have been a century in the making, with Harley-Davidson establishing its footing and building its foundation with every bike in its lineup since the 1900s. Modest powerhouses like the 1909 Model 5D Twin introduced the signature Harley-Davidson rumble, while modern marvels like the 2020 Pan America take that rumble and modify it to accommodate a new and exciting future in the industry.
Each model in the Harley-Davidson lineup stands on the shoulders of the giants that came before it. Because of this, it’s nearly impossible to compile a complete list of the most impactful models in the brand’s history. How can you narrow such a list down? Every bike, past and present, plays a role in the Harley-Davidson legacy and serves as a stepping stone to the future of one of the greatest motorcycle brands in the world.