What to Consider When Choosing the Best Harley-Davidson® for Your Needs

Every single person you know has heard of Harley-Davidson®. After becoming a household name over a century ago, these motorcycles have long gone hand in hand with freedom, adventure, and the open road. Harley-Davidson® produces machines that not only transport people but inspire an entire lifestyle - a feat most manufacturers have simply never achieved. 

But the allure of riding a Harley-Davidson® goes beyond its iconic design - it’s about loving the road, the rumble of a V-twin engine, and the thrill of the ride. For most, choosing the right Harley-Davidson® is a deeply personal decision, and it’s important to find a model that fits your needs, riding style, and experience level. 

Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads offers a wide range of new and pre-owned models to help you find the perfect ride for your next adventure. This article is your guide on helping you decide which motorcycle to take home with you.

Selecting a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle: What Matters?

Choosing the right Harley-Davidson® motorcycle involves a lot of thinking (and rethinking). With so many models available, each offering different features and benefits, knowing where to start can feel nothing short of overwhelming. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, considering your specific needs will help you find the best Harley-Davidson® for your riding experience and lifestyle.

Your Experience

What’s your level of riding experience? That’s the first question you should ask yourself when you’re in the market for a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Harley-Davidson® offers bikes suitable for beginners, intermediate riders, and advanced enthusiasts. If you're just starting, you need to look for a model that provides manageable power and handling while still delivering the thrill Harley-Davidson® is known for.

• Best Harley-Davidson® for Beginners: Beginners should focus on lighter, more agile models that offer easy maneuverability and control. The Harley-Davidson® Sportster is one of the most popular choices for novice riders because of its lightweight frame and approachable engine size. The Iron 883™ and Forty-Eight® models offer an excellent balance of power and ease, making them great for learning the ropes of riding while providing plenty of style.
• Intermediate Riders: Those with a tad more experience may want to consider models with additional power and comfort. Cruiser models, like the Softail®, offer a smooth ride with a blend of high performance and style. These bikes are ideal for riders who feel comfortable handling a bit more weight and power but still want a relatively simple bike for everyday riding.
• Advanced Riders: For seasoned riders, Harley-Davidson® offers high-performance models like the Touring and Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) lines. Equipped with larger engines, advanced technology, and enhanced comfort, they’re perfect for long-distance travel or anyone looking for an unforgettable riding experience.

Commuting, Touring, or Cruising?

Another factor in selecting the best Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is determining how you plan to use it. Slower riding in town? Trips spanning over several states? Understanding whether you'll be commuting, cruising, or taking on long-distance tours will nudge your decision toward the right model.

• Commuting: For daily rides through the city, agile and lightweight models like the Sportster® or Street® are excellent choices. Their smaller frames allow for easy movement through traffic, and their fuel efficiency makes them practical for short trips. A fan of weekend rides around town? Perfect.
• Cruising: Riders who enjoy day trips or short highway cruises may prefer a Cruiser model like the Softail® or Fat Boy®. These bikes offer more comfort and power than the smaller Sport models but are still manageable for everyday use. Their low-slung design and powerful engines make them ideal for relaxed riding with the satisfying Harley-Davidson® rumble we all know and appreciate.
• Touring: If long-distance trips and cross-country adventures are your bread and butter, the Touring category is designed with you in mind. Models like the Road Glide® or Street Glide® have features like large saddlebags, infotainment systems, and enhanced seating for rider comfort on long-distance travel days and nights. These bikes are perfect for those who want comfort, storage, and the ability to cover large distances with ease.

Understanding Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Categories

Harley-Davidson® divides its motorcycles into several categories, each with its own features and benefits specialized for different types of riders.

• Sportster®: Compact, nimble, and perfect for riders wanting agility, Sportster® models are ideal for urban environments and shorter trips. Their lightweight build makes them beginner-friendly while still offering plenty of power for more experienced riders.
• Softail®: Known for its smooth ride and balanced design, Softail® models combine classic Harley-Davidson® style with modern performance. These bikes feature a hidden rear suspension system that provides a comfortable ride while maintaining a traditional look. More popular among intermediate riders who want a balance between comfort and performance.
• Touring: Touring models are built for long voyages, featuring larger engines, plenty of storage, and cool comfort features. With models like the Road Glide® and Ultra Limited®, riders can enjoy smooth handling, long-distance comfort, and the best technology available.
• Trike Models: Harley-Davidson® offers trike models for those who need a little more added stability on the road, these are better suited for long, open-road journeys rather than urban commuting. The Freewheeler® and Tri Glide® Ultra provide the freedom of riding with enhanced balance, making them perfect for riders who prefer a more relaxed and secure trip. 
• CVO®: Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models are the pinnacle of Harley-Davidson® craftsmanship. (And maybe even the best-looking Harleys depending on who you ask). Built with premium materials and superior technology, CVO bikes are delivered in the luxury department. These are designed for riders who want the best Harley-Davidson® has to offer.

Physical Fit and Comfort

An important (yet typically overlooked) factor in picking a motorcycle is physical fit. Harley-Davidson® motorcycles come in various sizes and styles, and you have to find one that feels comfortable and manageable. 

As a rider, you should consider seat height, handlebar placement, and overall ergonomics to make sure you can ride safely and comfortably for extended periods. Taking test rides and consulting with dealership experts can help determine which models offer the best fit for your body type and riding style.

Engine Sizes and Performance Capabilities

Engine size directly impacts the bike’s performance, so understanding your power needs is a must. Harley-Davidson® offers motorcycles with engine sizes ranging from 883cc in the Sportster® to the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 found in CVO models. 

Beginners may prefer smaller engines for better control, while experienced riders wanting more power for touring or performance will appreciate the larger engine options. Remember that more power doesn’t always mean better - choosing the right engine size depends on your comfort level and how you plan to use the bike.

Setting a Realistic Budget

Hey, almost everyone needs a budget. And when you’re investing in a Harley-Davidson®, setting one is essential. Prices vary significantly across models, and you should balance your budget with the features and performance you need. 

Harley-Davidson® offers a spectrum of pre-owned motorcycles, which can provide excellent value without letting you miss out on quality. Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads has an extensive selection of pre-owned bikes so you can find the best Harley for the money without breaking the bank.

The Importance of Test Rides and Consultations

This is arguably the most fun part about looking for a new motorcycle. One of the best ways to determine the right one for you is by taking it for a test ride. Feeling how the bike handles, its comfort level, and how it fits your riding style is one of the final steps you’ll take before making your decision.

Test rides allow you to experience the power, handling, and ease of different models firsthand. The experienced salespeople at Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads will also give you recommendations based on your wants and needs.

Taking the Next Step

Choosing the perfect Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is an exciting process that reflects your unique style, experience level, and riding goals. No matter if you’re searching for the best one for beginners or a top-of-the-line model for long-distance touring, Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads has a wide range of motorcycles to feast your eyes on.

Questions? Contact us. And if you have an existing Harley that needs to be serviced, our certified technicians are ready to help you. On your quest for the best, allow our team to give you a hand. Come and see us!