| If you've decided you want to buy a Harley | | | | Sportser. The Super Glide, Wide Glide, Low Rider, and |
| Davidson, the next step is deciding what model is | | | | Street Bobs are all Dyna models. The Dyna is |
| right for you. There are five basic kinds of Harleys, | | | | considered by some to be a street class bike. |
| each with its own set of characteristics and options. | | | | Sportsters |
| You'll want to give some thought as to your riding | | | | |
| needs, your preferences, your riding ability, and your | | | | First introduced in 1957, the Sportsters are a smaller |
| personality before choosing your bike. This is true | | | | and lighter bike. During their early years, they were |
| whether you are looking for a new or used Harley. | | | | often used as racing motorcycles. Sportsters are |
| Touring Bikes | | | | popular among those who prefer smaller bikes, such |
| | | | | as women or those of smaller stature. These bikes |
| The Road King, Sharknose and Glides are all | | | | are also popular with beginner riders. Available in two |
| considered to be touring bikes. Each of these models | | | | engine sizes, the 883 and 1200, the Sportster is also |
| has its own distinctive look and personality. For | | | | less expensive than the larger models. One can often |
| example, the Road King has a classic retro look which | | | | find a Sportster for about half the price of one of |
| appeals to many riders. These bikes are comfortable | | | | the larger models. |
| for long rides, but they are also very heavy bikes. | | | | VRSC Bikes |
| Especially for the beginner rider, these bikes can | | | | |
| sometimes be just a bit too much to handle. | | | | The newest offering from Harley, the VRSC bikes |
| Softails | | | | are quite different from the other models. These |
| | | | | powerful bikes have the look of an imported sports |
| Lighter than a touring bike, the softails actually look a | | | | bike, while still retaining the overall look and spirit of a |
| lot like the hardtails from the 1960s. These bikes are | | | | Harley. The engine is water cooled instead of air |
| quite popular and are a great choice for somebody | | | | cooled, which is a break in tradition for Harley |
| looking for a daily rider. Softails are also quite popular | | | | Davidson. The V-Rod falls into this category. |
| among those who wish to customize their Harley. | | | | |
| The popular Fat Boy and Heritage models, sometimes | | | | Once you've chosen your favorite model, you should |
| referred to as cruisers, fall into this category. | | | | visit a dealership and give it a closer look. Make sure |
| Dynas | | | | the size and weight feel right for you, and take it for |
| | | | | a ride if you can. You'll undoubtedly be spending a lot |
| The traditional styling and large twin engines make | | | | of time riding your Harley, so you'll want to make |
| the Dyna a popular choice among Harley fans. They | | | | sure you choose the best model for your needs. |
| have a dual shock rear end suspension, which is | | | | Once you're convinced it's the Harley for you, you'll |
| similar to what the touring bikes have. However, they | | | | be ready to join the ranks of thousands of other |
| also have a lighter front end, similar to a Softail or a | | | | happy Harley owners. |