It is no surprise to anyone that Harley-Davidson became the premiere motorcycle brand in the world thanks to its eclectic customer base. Ranging from first-time riders to lifelong fans, long-distance touring riders to those that ride in the city, casual cruisers to throttle-hungry speed demons, to those that are just a mix of everything. Harley-Davidson manages to cast a wide net that is able to cater to riders of nearly every kind of background and riding style, and has been making miles of smiles for 120 years.
A good chunk of Harley-Davidson's audience do prefer to get on their motorcycle just to relax on a warm summer day by cruising down the back roads around town before meeting up with friends at their favorite local restaurant. But then again, there are those that just want to go fast. They love the crank of the throttle, the roar of the engine, and the loud rumble of the exhaust as they tear it down the highway. Because when you've got so many cubic inches of power under your seat, it would be a shame if they all went to waste. Thankfully, Harley-Davidson offers a wide selection of models that will satisfy even the hungriest speed demon.
Pulling data directly from manufacturers, historical records, reputable news sources and reviewers, we've put together a list of the best performance-based Harley-Davidson models.
Updated August 2023: Despite their reputation for being a cruiser-forward manufacturer, Harley-Davidson continues to push the envelope when it comes to elevating motorcycle technology and performance. And to keep our readers up to speed on all the latest bar and shield developments, this article with be updated periodically.
10 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 1250cc |
| Power | 121 hp |
| Torque | 94 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 143 mph |
For the longest time, the lightweight high-performance bike category was dominated by Japanese motorcycle brands like Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, and Yamaha. They were ideal for riders that wanted something fast, flashy, cool, maneuverable, and affordable. That was until 2021 rolled in and Harley-Davidson's sportster line debuted the re-imagined Sportster S, shifting the market as the new kids on the block.
Equipped with the liquid-cooled 1250cc Revolution V-twin engine, the Sportster S can produce 121 horsepower, 94 lb-ft of torque, and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 143 MPH! Weighing in at only 500 lbs, this bike comes equipped with forward controls, multiple ride modes, GPS, and Bluetooth compatibility, this motorcycle is definitely raising the bar for all future sport bikes when it comes to speed, technology, and performance.
Model Highlights
- Modern, liquid-cooled engine
- Premium features like multiple rider modes, bluetooth and GPS
9 Harley-Davidson Nightster
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 975cc |
| Power | 90 hp |
| Torque | 70 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
When the Sportster S first arrived on the scene, its competitors were already buzzing about a Harley's new high-performance sportster. In 2022, its little brother, the Harley-Davidson's Nightster hit the market to snatch up even more prospective consumers. While the Nightster carried all the same technical features as the Sportster S, what made it a big draw was that unlike its sibling's 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine, it rocked a 975cc Revolution V-Twin engine. Because some may have felt the power and size of the Sportster S to be a bit overwhelming for them, the Nightster was able to dial it back a bit by producing 90 horsepower, 70 lb-ft of torque, and a max speed of 130 mph.
Model Highlights
- Smaller, more approachable 975 liquid-cooled V-twin
- Classic looks vs. Sportster S
8 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 1868cc |
| Power | 110.5 hp |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 119 mph |
Like many of Harley-Davidson's high-performance cruisers, speed is correlated to power and size. With the Street Bob, it packs the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine on Harley's signature softail frame on a model famous for being simplified, stripped-down and multi-purpose, leaving plenty of room for personal customization. When you've got a large engine on a medium-sized bike, it's very tempting to roll back the throttle and kick it into the sixth gear to see what this cruiser is capable of.
For those that are wondering, it can really haul if you want it to. As stock, the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine boasts 110.5 horsepower, 119 lb-ft of torque, and can accelerate 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds. Upgrade the engine to a stage 4 with 131 cubic inches, be sure to hold on tight or else this motorcycle just may leave without you!
Model Highlights
- No frills cruiser for those looking for simplicity
- Though heavy, the torque and power figures are more than enough for fast riding
7 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 1746cc |
| Power | 86 hp |
| Torque | 107 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 110 mph |
The Fat Bob has built a reputation as being one of Harley-Davidson's top choices for a high-performance cruiser. Its high seat, forward controls, chunky tires, responsive suspension, and Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine has made it a big hit among riders that enjoy balancing casual cruising with full-throttle rides down the highway. Many former sport bike riders tend to gravitate towards the Fat Bob because it carries the high-speed and high-performance factors that they are used to, but brings more weight, comfort, and a post-apocalyptic style that kicks off a new chapter in their motorcycling journey.
Model Highlights
- Milwaukee-Eight engine continues to be popular
- Responsive suspension for better riding characteristics
- Comfortable and fast for all day riding
6 Harley-Davidson Lowrider S
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 1868cc |
| Power | 93 hp |
| Torque | 114 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | n/a |
There is one softail model in Harley-Davidson's lineup that embodies the performance and style of a high-performance cruiser, it is the Lowrider S. Whether you're riding in the city, the suburbs, or the highway, this bike is slick, smooth, fast, simple, aggressive, and fully responsive to the rider's commands.
This bike has been one of the most highly demanded models in Harley's lineup that many units are already sold before they even arrive at dealership lots. With the latest models packing a Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine, the Lowrider S sets higher scores in torque and displacement than any other factory stock Harley-Davidson powertrain. Able to accelerate 0 to 60 mph in 4.11 seconds, this motorcycle lands very high on a speed demon's wishlist.
Model Highlights
- Aggressive and responsive
- High demand keeps stock low in dealerships
- Fast 0-60 speed of 4.11 seconds
5 LiveWire One
| Battery | 13.6 kWh |
| Range | 146 miles (city) |
| Power | 104 hp |
| Torque | 86 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 115 mph |
While electric vehicles are gradually becoming more and more popular, the electric motorcycle concept is a new concept also gaining traction. For those that are not aware of an electric vehicle's battery powertrain, it is fully automatic. Meaning there is no shifting involved. Just crank back the throttle and the LiveWire immediately activates its 86 lb-ft of torque, sending this bike from a standstill of 0 to 60 mph in three seconds flat.
At a full charge, this motorcycle has an approximate range 146 miles in the city and 70 miles on the highway. An individual's riding style will ultimately determine how often they will have to charge the bike, though most owners will tend to ride in urban areas. But every once in a while when they've got an empty straightaway all to themselves, the opportunity to hit its max speed of 115 mph is its own reward.
Model Highlights
- Roll-on continuous acceleration without shifting
- 0-60 mph in 3 seconds
- Range is perfect for around town riding and commuting
4 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 1923cc |
| Power | 102 hp |
| Torque | 124 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | n/a |
What happens when you take the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine and put it in the revised version of Harley-Davidson's modern chopper? You get the new and improved Breakout 117. While models like the Lowrider S is a high-performance motorcycle with cruising capabilities, the case is the opposite with the Breakout. This low-profile bike is a dedicated cruiser with serious power ready for those long stretches of highway. With its long rake, 21-inch skinny front wheel, 18-inch fat rear wheel, chrome styling, forward controls, and flashy color schemes, this modern chopper is meant to be seen before it is long gone.
Model Highlights
- Custom chopper looks, with OEM reliability
- Enough power and comfort for longer touring
3 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 1746cc |
| Power | 86 hp |
| Torque | 107 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 110 mph |
While the words "fast" and "Fat Boy" don't necessarily sound like they belong together, you can depend on Harley-Davidson to come up with an exception. Especially since the newer models come equipped with the reliable Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine. While, much like the Breakout, the Fat Boy is seen more as a laid-back cruiser than a full-throttle speed machine. But find a straight strip of road all to yourself, and those gigantic tires will take everyone by surprise by proving that even though its name is "Fat Boy," this bike can be quite the talented sprinter. Because all that muscle isn't just for show after all.
Model Highlights
- Reliable Milwaukee-Eight engine
- Laid-back characteristics
- Highway, long-mile trip ready
2 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 1250cc |
| Power | 150 hp |
| Torque | 94 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | 135 mph (claimed) |
Not all speed junkies like to stay clean and polished. Some like to get into a little more adventure by taking the most untamed roads on the planet... nature itself. That is where the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special comes into play. Harley's first adventure bike first arrived in 2021 where it proceeded to be a big contender in the ADV market.
Much like its cousin, the Sporster S, the Pan America also comes equipped with the liquid-cooled 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine that produces 150 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. Whether you're riding down the street or through the dirt trails, that is a lot of power to instantly take you from point A to point B. Not to mention that having that kind of engine power comes in very handy for when you're riding through some bumpy hills, some rough terrain, and deep puddles of mud.
Model Highlights
- Modern, liquid-cooled engine
- Feature-rich ADV on par with BMW R 1250 GS
1 Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST
| Engine | V-twin |
| Capacity | 1923cc |
| Power | 106 hp |
| Torque | 127 lb-ft |
| Top Speed | n/a |
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST is undoubtedly the brand's top-pick for a high-performance bagger. You've got a Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine housed in Harley's sturdy touring frame, a six-gallon fuel tank, and a fixed Shark Nose fairing that cuts down wind resistance and vibration, and you've got a recipe for a very high-demand touring motorcycle where every highway and winding road is its own drag strip.
Best of all, this motorcycle is compatible for Harley's biggest stage 4 engine upgrade to date, the Milwaukee-Eight 135cu crate engine. For an engine that can produce 143 lb-ft of rear-wheel torque and 130 horsepower, which is 28% more powerful than the stock Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, this upgrade is a speed demon's dream. If you are still not convinced, there is a reason why the Road Glide has been the top choice for the "King of the Baggers" race series.
Model Highlights
- Top of the line high performance bagger
- Six-gallon fuel tank
- Can be upgraded to bigger engine with more power