The Most Expensive Harley Davidson Models In 2023

Harley Davidson is about as American as it is possible to be. The brand has been around for well over 100 years and is one of the first names anyone will think of when you imagine a motorcycle. While the brand has expanded in recent years, the foundation of Harley Davidson has always been to produce the best long-distance bikes available. That’s no easy task, and if you want the very best, it’s going to cost you.

Harley Davidson produces a wide range of models, at a variety of price ranges. There are no budget options in the Harley range, but there are some seriously expensive vehicles. We wanted to look through what are the most expensive Harley Davidson models for 2023, why they are so expensive, and if it’s worth buying one.

So let’s get started and see what we can find at the top end of the Harley Davidson ranges.

So what are the most expensive Harley bikes in 2022? We’ve taken each category that Harley manufactures and compared the most expensive models from each:

5.Sportster S: From $15,499 

First up is the Sportbike category, and the most expensive Harley here is the Sportster S. Sport bikes have never been the focus for Harley Davidson, but the brand has tried to expand in recent years to move away from the image of large, slower cruisers, with mixed results.

At $15,499 this is one of the least expensive Harley models on sale, and also a premium price tag for this kind of motorcycle. The Sportster S has existed in various forms for over 50 years now, and although the current version tries to keep most of its retro charm, you still have plenty of modern features.

With a TFT display, sat nav, and Bluetooth, this is a bike you can use every day, and still enjoy longer trips on. Driver assistance tech includes ABS, traction control, and cruise control, making most journeys surprisingly easy.

When you want to enjoy the Sportster S, Harley has done a good job of letting you squeeze the performance out of this machine. With 121 bhp and 94 lb-ft of torque, the Sportster S moves surprisingly quickly and handles moderately well in the corners. Don’t expect to be pushing this too hard on mountain roads, but it’s a major improvement over the previous Sportster model.

Overall, this is a motorcycle you can comfortably live with while offering enough performance to surprise you occasionally. For over $15,000 though, you feel the ‘Harley’ premium price here, and in all honesty, this doesn’t capture that Harley Davidson feel as much as the other bikes on this list.

4. Heritage Classic: From $20,799

Up next is the Cruiser category, and at the top of this list is the Heritage Classic. Harley Davidson is the iconic cruiser brand, and although you can argue bikes like the Fatboy are more famous, the current Heritage is the most expensive model you can buy.

With the famous Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, and a 2-into-2 shorty exhaust, the first thing you’ll recognize is the classic rumble sound as you pull away. If that doesn’t make you feel like you’re on a Harley, the option to detach the windscreen transforms this bike into the classic Harley style and allows the Heritage to truly live up to its name.

The Heritage custom isn’t all about callbacks to the past though. This is a modern bike with modern comforts, and capable of long-distance journeys. This isn’t as comfortable as the rest of the bikes on this list, but you’re definitely traveling in style on a Heritage. With 14 color combinations to choose from, plenty of chrome, and different wheel choices, the customization options are a welcome addition. Harley Davidson describes this bike as pure rock and roll style, and it’s hard to disagree.

If you’re planning long trips on the Heritage Classic, the good news is that alongside the comfortable ride, this bike has plenty of practicality. With two large panniers, you have a good amount of storage space, and although the passenger seat isn’t as comfortable as most tourer bikes, you can buy a pillion to improve the ride.

The Heritage Classic won’t impress any potential buyers with its stats, or its performance. And for over $20,000 this is an expensive bike. However, if you want that Harley Davidson experience, out on the open road, there aren’t many options that can beat the Heritage. 

Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 Special: From $20,799

In the Adventure Touring category, the Pan America 1250 Special is top of our list. The latest Pan America comes with a Revolution 1250 engine, producing 94 lb-ft of torque, 150 bhp, and hitting a claimed 46 mpg. These aren’t mind-blowing futures for a motorcycle, but for a long-distance tourer they fit the role perfectly. 

Like a number of bikes in the current Harley Davidson range, the Pan America comes in a limited edition G.I Collectors trim. This spec includes a number of visual changes, with unique mineral green paint, and laced wheels. The design won’t be to everyone’s taste, and the standard Pan America special is available for $800 less if you don’t like the styling.

You’re not short of features on the Pan America Special. Harley Davidson has packed this bike with safety features, including cornering assistance, traction control, hill hold, and ABS. With all this tech you’re rarely out of control on this motorcycle, whether it’s on or off-road. On top of this, you have semi-active electronic dampers, to help with more challenging surfaces.

There is a variety of comfort and infotainment features too on the Pan America Special. You have USB-C and 3-Amp sockets, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6.8-inch TFT screen. The Pan America comes with daytime LED running lights and LED turn signals too, and the TFT screen displays stats for temperatures, side stand alerts, and more.

Overall, if you’re after a touring bike that you can also use daily, the Pan America Special is ideal. In 2021 this was the best-selling tourer in the USA, and it’s easy to see why it’s been so popular since its introduction. The G.I. spec paint won’t be for everyone, but regardless of the version you choose, at around $20,000 this is a lot of motorcycle for the money.

Harley Davidson CVO Road Glide Limited: From $44,889

Next up is the Grand American Touring category, and in the top spot here is the CVO Road Glide Limited. For a two-wheel option, it’s hard to beat this motorcycle for long-range journeys, and it’s one of the most comfortable Harley models you can buy. 

Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight engine, with 125 lb-ft of torque, you’ll have no problem on the open highway keeping up with most vehicles. Don’t expect to be setting any lap records on the Road Glide though, as the 963 lb running weight makes this a challenge on some corners.

The cornering ability of this tourer isn’t the focus here – it’s the riding experience over hundreds of miles, and the CVO Road Glide excels. The riding position is upright and comfortable, and for passengers, you have a full backrest. You also get heated grips, and a wireless headset, to help with communication.

Most features on the CVO Road Glide are accessed through the Boom! Box infotainment touchscreen. This includes connectivity to Apple Carplay and Android Auto and access to the Rockford Fosgate dual speaker system. You also get a variety of rider control systems, including traction control, ABS, hill-hold control, and tire pressure monitors.

The CVO Road Glide model features some unique visual upgrades too, making this spec stand out from every other tourer. With Tomahawk wheels and the choice of three unique paint colors, the CVO Road Glide Limited sets itself apart.

Overall, at almost $45,000, you’re paying the equivalent of a V8 Mustang for this motorcycle. To some, this might seem like crazy money, but if you want the very best in American Touring this is the cost.

Harley Davidson CVO Tri Glide Trike: From $49,999

In the top spot as the most expensive Harley Davidson you can currently buy, it’s the CVO Tri Glide Trike.  This is Harley’s ultimate three-wheeler, packed with technology and comfort features, all of which push the price of this trike up to $50,000.

So what do you get for all that money? The CVO is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V twin engine, producing the most torque of any current Harley Davidson engine, at 125 lb-ft. All this pulling power is required though, as the CVO tips the scales at 1270 lbs, with an incredible 6-gallon fuel tank. Fortunately, the CVO has a claimed average of 40mpg, so long-distance journeys are no problem here.

That’s good news, as the CVO Tri Glide is the perfect place for those long road trips. This trike comes with plenty of features to make the trip as comfortable as possible for riders and passengers. You get dual heated seats, heated grips for the rider, and almost 7 cubic feet of storage space. On top of this, with Bluetooth headsets included, it’s easy to talk to your passenger or nearby riders.

Speaking of tech, the CVO Tri Glide is packed with features. There’s an upgrade Rockford Fosgate speaker system, and a full-color, 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. Technology extends to the riding experience too, with a traction control system and slip control system helping you keep the trike under control in every situation. You even get a reverse gear, which is extremely helpful for moving a 1,269lb machine.

As this is a CVO (Custom Vehicle Operation) the quality here is second to none, and the design stands out from any other trike on the road. You get custom ‘Tomahawk’ style wheels, a unique Red Fade paint option, and a generous amount of Kahuna parts. All of this sets the CVO apart from a standard Tri Glide and helps to justify that $10,000 premium.

So overall, at almost $50,000 the CVO Tri Glide is probably the most luxurious way to travel on less than 4 wheels. It’s heavy, difficult to handle on twisty roads at speed, and incredibly expensive. But also packed with luxury and features to make your ride as enjoyable as possible.

Summary

As we mentioned at the start, Harley-Davidson bikes are one of the symbols of American industry. With that kind of branding, comes a premium price tag, and as we’ve seen there are some seriously expensive models for sale. It’s difficult to argue for some of these prices when you compare the statistics to rival bikes, but that isn’t always fair.

Harley-Davidson bikes have always been about more than the numbers. It’s the feeling of freedom they offer to riders, and in all honesty, there are no other bikes that truly come close to offering that same experience. You might have to pay a lot more for it, but if you’re looking for the ultimate road trip on your bike, you can’t look past a Harley

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