Choosing the Right Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle: A Guide to Harley® Motorcycle Families

Looking at Harley bikes, it’s not difficult to see why so many people continue to love these bikes after a century of operation. They’re cool and run like a classic motorcycle, making them the perfect choice for those looking for a retro kind of bike with more modern features and technology. But if you’re new to motorcycles, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish one Harley bike from the next by simply looking at them. 

That’s why we here at Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville have provided a breakdown of the different model families, so when you stop into our dealership in Chicago, Illinois, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking at. You can also ask for help from one of our experienced staff, who are always happy to give you a complete tour of our Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale.

Street Family

The Street family was built with the city rider in mind. Riders who spend lots of time on narrow streets with potholes and traffic and more have a different set of needs than those who simply cruise down the highway. That’s why these models are going to be on the more compact side, but they’re still going to come with the power and pizzazz that some of the bigger bikes offer. 

In fact, the Street family consists of some of the most compact models offered by the company. This can make them great for newer riders, smaller riders, and even simply riders who prefer smaller bikes. You might have even heard that it’s an “entry-level” bike, although what that really means is that it’s as close to a lightweight motorcycle as you’ll get with the Harley models. A wide range of riders can benefit from these bikes, so don’t write them off.

Sportster® Family

The Sportster family is also designed to be a little more compact. Between their iconic Evolution engines and excellent handling features, these models can be ideal for those looking for a lighter cruiser that can hit top speeds. 

Sporster bikes are designed to be fast and versatile, but they’re also designed to be simple. Why? To make it easier to customize the bike. If you like tinkering with your ride and tweaking its performance, you’ll definitely want to check out a Sportster.

Softail® Family

The Softail is perhaps one of the most famous and beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycle families. They come with that classic cruiser style, but they’re designed with high-quality performance in mind. Hidden rear shocks and a massive V-twin engine are the secret to these bikes’ success. You might even think of them as the ultimate Harley-Davidson bike, representing everything they’re known for. 

Touring Family

Some of the biggest bikes with the largest engines fall in the Touring family. Touring bikes, by trade, are designed for long hauls and frequent riding. If your ideal day of riding includes miles and miles of travel, then the Touring bikes are best for you. They come complete with big engines, heavy set designs to keep riders grounded, extra storage, and some additional features that can help make long days less fatiguing. 

Trikes

As you can probably guess, the trikes are Harley’s lineup of three-wheeled motorcycles. There are lots of reasons to get a trike, especially since the biggest perk is their stability. Trikes don’t tip the way other motorocycles do, which can give you more confidence on the road. Some riders in particular who benefit from these rides include those who struggle with back and joint pain and may not be able to keep a two-wheeled motorcycle up as easily.

CVO™ Models

The CVO bikes are a different breed of Harley bike. Every year, Harley-Davidson chooses a select group of motorcycles and offers a special edition version, which are known as the CVO motorcycles. This year, these models include CVO Limitied, the CVO Tri Glide, and the CVO Street Glide. These models come with features you won’t find anywhere else, so they’re ideal for the true Harley enthusiast. 

‘Tis the season to give, which includes yourself! If you’ve been thinking about buying your own Harley-Davidson motorcycle, then now’s the time to start seriously looking for your own special present to yourself. Stop by your premier motorcycle dealer, Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville in Chicago, Illinois, and we’ll help you find the perfect bike for you.