The Top 6 Worst Harley Davidson Motorcycles Ever Made

by J. Wallis

Harley-Davidson is one of the most iconic brands in the motorcycle industry, with a rich history dating back to 1903. The brand has produced some of the most beloved and legendary bikes ever made. However, even a giant like Harley-Davidson has faced missteps over the years. Some models were plagued by poor design, mechanical failures, and simply not living up to the Harley standard. In this article, we will dive deep into the worst motorcycles ever made by Harley-Davidson, focusing on what went wrong and why these bikes stand out (for the wrong reasons).

The AMF Era: A Time of Decline

One of the most infamous periods in Harley-Davidson's history is the AMF era (1969–1981). American Machine and Foundry (AMF) took over Harley-Davidson during these years, and the brand's reputation suffered. AMF's influence led to several poorly designed and underwhelming models, which damaged Harley’s prestige for years.

1. Harley-Davidson Sportster (1979)

The 1979 Harley-Davidson Sportster is often cited as one of the worst motorcycles the company ever produced. Though the Sportster name has graced some of Harley's most celebrated bikes, the 1979 model was plagued with problems. The build quality was subpar, and the bike was prone to vibrations, which made it uncomfortable to ride for long distances. Worse yet, the electrical systems frequently malfunctioned, leading to reliability issues. Despite its classic looks, the 1979 Sportster failed to deliver the Harley-Davidson experience that customers expected.

2. The Harley-Davidson Street 500 and 750

The Harley-Davidson Street 500 and Street 750 were designed to target new riders and younger demographics. Released in 2014, these bikes were part of Harley's attempt to broaden its appeal globally. However, they turned out to be significant disappointments for both the brand and its fans.

Design and Build Quality

While these bikes aimed to be affordable entry-level motorcycles, the Street 500 and 750 models were criticized for their cheap materials and lackluster performance. The quality of materials used in these models was a far cry from what Harley enthusiasts had come to expect. Many owners complained about the plastic components and the engine's sluggish performance.

Engine Performance

The engine, particularly on the Street 500, was underwhelming. Although the bike was designed for city commuting, its power output was not enough to provide the thrill that Harley-Davidson riders typically enjoy. The Street 750 fared slightly better in terms of power, but still failed to live up to the standards set by other models in the Harley lineup.

3. Harley-Davidson XR1200

The Harley-Davidson XR1200, introduced in 2008, was inspired by Harley’s flat-track racing heritage. On paper, it seemed like a promising combination of Harley’s storied past and modern performance. However, the XR1200 struggled to find its place in the market.

Awkward Positioning

The XR1200 was designed to compete with sport bikes, but it failed to capture the essence of either a true Harley cruiser or a high-performance sportbike. The result was a machine that felt out of place in both categories. Many riders found its handling to be mediocre, and it lacked the classic Harley-Davidson character that draws fans to the brand.

Limited Appeal

Additionally, the styling of the XR1200 was divisive. Some appreciated its nod to Harley’s racing history, but most buyers were left confused by the bike’s lack of a clear identity. In the end, the XR1200 was quickly discontinued due to poor sales and lukewarm reception.

4. Harley-Davidson V-Rod

The Harley-Davidson V-Rod, launched in 2001, was another ambitious attempt by Harley to reach new markets. Designed in collaboration with Porsche, the V-Rod was Harley’s first liquid-cooled motorcycle. While it had a promising start, it soon became one of the most polarizing bikes in the Harley lineup.

Engine and Design

Powered by the Revolution engine, the V-Rod had strong performance numbers, but its aesthetics and engine setup were a significant departure from traditional Harleys. Long-time Harley riders were turned off by the water-cooled engine and the bike's sleek, futuristic design.

Niche Market

The V-Rod appealed to a niche market but failed to attract the core Harley audience. It was too different from the brand’s iconic designs, and many traditional Harley riders were resistant to change. Though the V-Rod found some success among a subset of riders, it never fully integrated into the Harley-Davidson family, ultimately being discontinued in 2017.

5. Harley-Davidson Buell Blast

The Buell Blast, introduced in 2000, was part of Harley-Davidson’s effort to create a small, lightweight motorcycle aimed at beginner riders. Produced under the Buell name, this bike was a major misstep for Harley in terms of both design and execution.

Subpar Build Quality

The Buell Blast was notorious for its cheap construction. The materials used were substandard, and the overall design was unattractive. The bike's single-cylinder engine also produced excessive vibrations, making it uncomfortable to ride. Many critics and riders alike felt that the Buell Blast didn’t live up to Harley’s reputation for producing premium, well-built machines.

Discontinued After a Short Run

The Buell Blast had a short production run, being discontinued in 2009. Despite Harley’s intentions to attract new riders, the Blast ended up being a failure that didn't resonate with either new or experienced motorcyclists. Today, it remains a symbol of Harley-Davidson's struggles to break into the entry-level market.

6. Harley-Davidson Softail Rocker

The Harley-Davidson Softail Rocker, released in 2008, was meant to be a custom chopper-inspired bike for riders looking to stand out. However, it quickly became one of the least-loved models in the company’s history.

Uncomfortable Riding Position

The biggest issue with the Softail Rocker was its uncomfortable riding position. The low-slung seat and stretched-out handlebars made for an awkward ride, especially over long distances. Additionally, the bike’s rear suspension was stiff, further adding to rider discomfort.

Poor Sales and Discontinuation

The Rocker’s unique design also limited its appeal. While some riders appreciated its custom look, it wasn’t enough to drive strong sales. The Rocker was ultimately discontinued, marking it as a failure in Harley’s lineup of bikes.

Conclusion: Harley’s Stumbles on the Road

While Harley-Davidson has undoubtedly created some of the most iconic motorcycles in history, the brand has also faced its fair share of setbacks. Whether it was a result of poor design choices, build quality issues, or a lack of market understanding, the bikes listed above represent some of the worst motorcycles ever produced by Harley-Davidson. These missteps serve as a reminder that even the most revered brands can occasionally falter.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite "worst" motorcycle from Harley Davidson that's not on the list? If so, leave a comment and let me know what it is and why you think it deserves a place in the top six.