How Fast Do Harley-Davidsons Go? [Top Speed Chart]


As a rule of thumb, most production Harley-Davidsons can go as fast as 100-125 mph, but the fastest models can reach a whopping 160 mph. Regarding acceleration, most Harleys can do the 0-60 mph run in 3-5 seconds.

If you want to compare the top speed figures of the different Harley-Davidson motorcycles in one chart, you’ve come to the right place.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

How Fast Do Harley-Davidsons Go?

Surprisingly, early Harley-Davidsons were pretty slow machines.

The first production Harley-Davidson, namely the 1904 Model 1, could only reach a moderate top speed of 35 mph.

This is no surprise since it was powered with a 440cc single-cylinder “F-Head” engine rated at only 4 HP.

In contrast, the top speed of the first commercially successful V-twin Harley-Davidson was 60 mph. This machine was released under the name of Model 7D in 1911 and utilized a 49 ci, 45° V-twin engine rated at 7 HP.

The more innovative Flathead engine replaced the F-Head in 1929. This new power source was available in a number of displacements, including 45, 54, 74, and 80 cubic inches.

The smallest Flathead 45 was known for having great fuel economy, but it could only reach 60-70 mph.

For example, the 1932 Harley-Davidson RL 45 and the 1935 Harley-Davidson Model RL shared the same 45 ci Flathead V-twin, 18.5 HP engine, which ensured a top speed of 70 mph.

Another iconic model in this breed was the 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA 45, which topped out at 65 mph.

Harleys with larger Flathead engines like the 1928 Harley JDH 74 and the 1930 Model VL 74 could reach a top speed of 85 mph.

The latter was available in both a fully equipped “road” and stripped-down configurations. It was one of the fastest stock motorcycles of its time, so it came as no surprise that many of them ended up on racetracks.

By 1935, the available top speed of 74 cubic-inch Harleys had reached 90 mph. For example, the 1935 Harley-Davidson VD utilized a 74 ci, 36 HP Flathead V-twin that offered 90 mph.

Flathead engines were replaced by the Knucklehead engine line, which had 61 and 74-cubic-inch engines paired with a four-speed manual transmission.

The former was nestled in the 1937 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead, which could go as fast as 100 mph.

Performance-minded riders appreciated the extra power of the 74 ci engine configuration since it offered a top speed of 110 HP. You could find this power source in the Harley Davidson FL 74 Knucklehead introduced in 1936.

Harley revealed its new Panhead engine in 1948, which offered a top speed of anywhere from 80-105 mph. Just like its predecessor, the Panhead came in both 61 and 74 cubic inches.

The most well-known models from this era were the 1948 Harley-Davidson EL Panhead 61 and the FL Panhead 74, which offered top speeds of 100 and 105 mph, respectively.

The Shovelhead engines were succeeded by the Evolution 80 ci V-twin, which was often referred to as the “EVO” or “Blockhead” by enthusiasts.

This big-twin engine was used in many iconic models like the 1984 Harley-Davidson FXRS 1340 Low Glide, which topped out at 100 mph.

By 1999, the Evolution 80 was replaced by the Twin Cam 88 followed by 96, 103, and 110 cubic inch versions. The top speed of most Twin Cam Harleys varied between 90 and 120 mph depending on the year and model.

Some of the fastest stock Harley-Davidsons were powered with 69 and 76 ci Revolution engines manufactured from 2001 through 2017.

Unlike their conventional brothers, 60-degree V-twin Revolution engines packed many innovative features including liquid-cooling, fuel injection, and a special short stroke/big bore cylinder configuration.

Thanks to these features, Harley Revolution engines offered an amazing top speed of 120-140 mph out of the box!

The biggest stock Harley V-twin engines belong to the Milwaukee-Eight series. Introduced in 2016, this family contains the 107, 114, 117, and 131 ci engines, which offer a top speed of 100-125 mph depending on the engine size and the motorcycle’s features.

However, the flagship FXDR 114 can hit an amazing top speed of 160 mph, even in stock condition!

Harley-Davidson Top Speed Chart

For a better comparison, we’ve compiled the top speed figures of some of the most popular models into this Harley-Davidson top speed list:

ModelTop Speed (mph)Acc. 0-60 mph (s)
2021 Harley-Davidson FXDR 114160 mph2.5 s
2010 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle145 mph3.7 s
2006 Harley-Davidson VRXSE Screamin’ Eagle V ROD DESTROYER145 mph3.0 s
2001 Harley-Davidson VRSCA V-Rod 69140 mphna
2013 Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle138 mph3.73 s
2013 Harley-Davidson VRSCX V-Rod138 mph3.59 s
2013 Harley-Davidson VRSC V-Rod137 mph3.52 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Pan Amerca135 mph3.4 s
2013 Harley-Davidson VRSCR Street Rod134 mph4.24 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Street Bob125 mph4.5 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim125 mph4.2 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Roadster124 mph 4.2 s
2013 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster124 mph4.58
2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Fat Boy124 mph4.62 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail123 mph4.82 s
2013 Harley-Davidson XR1200121 mph3.99 s
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom120 mph4.2 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 1200118 mph4.2 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback118 mph5.18 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLTRX Road Glide Custom118 mph5.43 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FXWGI Dyna Wide Glide117 mph5.43 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FXDBI Street Bob116 mph5.58 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Breakout 114115 mph 4.6 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Sports Glide115 mph4.6 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FXCWC Rocker C114 mph5.70 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FXDX Super Glide Sport113 mph5.08 s
2014 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe112 mph4.5 s
2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S112 mph3.9 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLSTF/I Fat Boy112 mph5.03 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide111 mph5.40 s
2020 Harley-Davidson Street 750110 mph4.6 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Forty-eight110 mph 4.3 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Livewire (Electric)110 mph3.0 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114110 mph3.5 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy 114110 mph5.0 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic110 mph 4.4 s
1998 Harley-Davidson FXST Softail110 mph4.8 s
1946 Harley-Davidson FL Knucklehead 74110 mphna
2013 Harley-Davidson XL1200S Sportster110 mph4.80 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLHRS Road King Custom110 mph5.02 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide109 mph6.2 s
2014 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special108 mph4.3 s
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883108 mph6.94 s
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster 72108 mph5.32 s
2013 Harley-Davidson XL1200s107 mph4.74 s
2013 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster107 mph4.84 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLSTS Heritage Springer107 mph5.96 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Iron 883105 mph5.6 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Low rider S105 mph 4.0 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Road Glide105 mph5.0 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide (special)105 mph5.0 s
1948 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead 74105 mphna
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow105 mph6.37 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide105 mph5.46 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FXDS Convertible103 mph5.99 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King102 mph5.6 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard100 mph5.0 s
2021 Harley-Davidson Road King100 mph5.0 s
1937 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead 61100 mphna
1948 Harley-Davidson EL Panhead 61100mphna
2017 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic100 mphna
1984 Harley-Davidson FXRS Low Glide 80100 mphna
2005 Harley-Davidson Softail 88115 mphna
1997 Harley-Davidson FLSTF FatBoy TC8895 mphna
2013 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Elecric Glide94 mph6.51 s
1936 Harley-Davidson Sport Solo VLH 8094 mphna
2013 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI EG Ultra Classic92 mph7.16 s
2013 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic91 mph7.40 s
1935 Harley-Davidson VD90 mphna
1928 Harley-Davidson JDH85 mphna
1930 Harley-Davidson Model VL85 mphna
1973 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLH 7485 mphna
1935 Harley-Davidson Model RL70 mphna
1932 Harley-Davidson RL 4570 mphna
1942 Harley-Davidson WLA 4565 mphna
1911 Harley-Davidson Model 7D60 mphna
1904 Harley-Davidson Model 135 mphna

This chart is for informational purposes only!

Takeaways – FAQ About Harley Top Speeds

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions on the topic.

What is the average top speed of a Harley-Davidson?

The average top speed of the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycles is anywhere from 100-160 mph while vintage models can reach somewhere between 80 and 110 mph under ideal conditions.

How Fast Do Harley-Davidsons Accelerate?

The latest Harley-Davidson models have a 0-60 mph time of 3-5 seconds, while the fastest accelerating Harley, the FXDR 114, can do the same run in 2.5 seconds.

In contrast, older Harleys can typically go from 0 to 60 mph in 5-8 seconds.

Which stock Harley has the highest top speed?

The fastest stock Harley-Davidson is the FXDR 114 with a claimed top speed of 160 mph.

This race-inspired motorcycle features a 114 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine and many composite components for the best power-to-weight ratio.

How fast can the fastest Harley go?

The top speed of the fastest production Harley-Davidson is no less than 160 mph.

Which Harley-Davidson is the world’s fastest?

The world’s fastest Harley Davidson is a purpose-built race machine, which looks more like an airplane without wings than a motorcycle. This 7-meter long special vehicle, the “Easyriders Streamliner” is powered by two 1500cc Harley-Davidson V-Twin engines and is capable of a top speed of 322.870 mph.

How fast do Harley cruisers go?

As the name suggests, Harley cruisers are designed for cruising, so they are slightly slower than their sportier brothers. Therefore, you can expect the top speed of the larger Harley cruisers to be in the ballpark of 90-100 mph.

Can a Harley go 200 mph?

A Harley motorcycle can reach more than 200 mph, but not in stock condition!

These extreme speeds can only be reached by racing Harley-Davidsons built for racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The first Harley-Davidson engine-powered motorcycle that exceeded the 200 mph limit was a purpose-built Buell, which set a new record of 202.989 mph in 1995.

How many speeds does a Harley-Davidson transmission have?

The latest Harley motorcycles are typically equipped with a 6-speed transmission, while older models had 4 and 5-speed transmissions.

How fast can a Harley Forty-eight go?

The top speed of the Harley Forty-eight is 110 mph and its time from 0 to 60 mph is around 4.3 seconds.

How fast is a Harley-Davidson Street 750?

The top speed of the Harley Street 750 is 110 mph and its time from 0 to 60 mph is around 4.6 seconds.

This bike is powered by a 46 ci (749cc), liquid-cooled, SOHC, Revolution X V-Twin Engine rated at 53 HP.

How fast can a Harley 74 go?

The top speed of a 74 ci (1200cc) Harley-Davidson varies anywhere from 85 to 125 mph.

Vintage models with this engine in the ‘30s and ’40s could only reach 85-100 mph, while their modern counterparts can go as fast as 110-125 mph.

How fast can a Harley 80 go?

The Harley 80 ci engine has lived through three generations, the Flathead, Shovelhead, and Evolution. These 1310cc, 45-degree, V-twins ensured a top speed of 90-100 mph depending on their design and the bike’s features.

How fast can a Harley 88 go?

Harley-Davidson motorcycles with a Twin-Cam 88 engine could reach a top speed of 95-115 mph.

Some of the most well-known bikes with this power source were the 1997 FLSTF Fat Boy 88 and 2005 Softail 88, which topped out at 95 and 115 mph, respectively.

How fast can a Harley 103 go?

The Harley 103 ci (1690cc) engine ensured a top speed of about 100-110 mph. This power source was offered exclusively in the popular Twin Can configuration.

How fast can a Harley 107 go?

Some of the latest Harley-Davidsons are powered with innovative Milwaukee-eight engines, and the smallest of them is the Milwaukee-eight 107 (1750cc). These bikes usually top out at 100-120 mph depending on the model.

How fast can a Harley 114 go?

The Milwaukee-eight 114 (1868cc) is the bigger brother of the entry-level 107 (1750cc). Harley-Davidsons with this engine can reach a top speed of 105-160 mph and go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5-5.0 seconds.

Examples:

  • 2021 Harley Breakout 114 top speed: 115 mph
  • 2021 Harley Street Bob 114 top speed: 125 mph
  • 2021 Harley Fat Bob 114 top speed: 110 mph
  • 2021 Harley Fat Boy 114 top speed: 110 mph
  • 2021 Harley Road Glide 114 top speed: 105 mph
  • 2021 Harley Street Glide 114 top speed: 105 mph
  • 2021 Harley FXDR 114 top speed: 160 mph

How fast can a Harley 131 go?

The Milwaukee-eight 131 (2147cc) is currently the largest engine in Harley’s fleet. This power source offers a top speed of anywhere from 110-130 mph and can do a 0-60 mph acceleration in 4-5 seconds.

What is the top speed of a Harley-Davidson Breakout?

The top speed of the latest Harley Breakout is 110 mph and its time from 0 to 60 mph is around 4.6 seconds.

What is the top speed of a Harley-Davidson Sportster 883?

The top speed of the latest Harley Sportster 883 is 105 mph and it can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.6 seconds.

What is the top speed of a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200?

The latest Harley Sportster 1200 can go as fast as 118 mph and its time from 0 to 60 mph is around 4.2 seconds.

How fast can a Harley Street Glide go?

Thanks to its 114 ci (1868cc) engine, the latest Harley Street Glide 114 tops out at 105 mph and it can reach 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds.

How fast is a Harley Ultra Classic?

The top speed of the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic is about 85-100 mph depending on the year. This model features the deservedly-popular Milwaukee-Eight 107 (1746cc) engine with a six-speed manual transmission.

Since this is a touring model, it comes with a lot of fairings, which cause a lot of wind resistance. That’s why the Ultra Classic series is slower than the sporty models.

How fast can a Harley Road King go?

The top speed of the latest Harley-Davidson Road King (1745cc) is about 100 mph and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds.

How fast is the Harley Pan America?

You can expect the top speed of the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 to be in the ballpark of 135-140 mph. Regarding acceleration, this bike can do the 0-60 mph run in about 3.4 seconds.

References:

https://www.harley-davidson.com/

https://www.motorcycle.com/news/news690.html

https://petersonsharley.com/news-article/38654/fastest-harley-davidson-motorcycles

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