Although Harley Davidson is predominantly known for leisurely cruising, they also have a wide array of powerful models. In this article, we will go in depth on the fastest Harleys ever created – both production and custom bikes – so you can decide which one takes home bragging rights as the speediest Harley Davidson.
The Fastest Harley Davidson Motorcycles – A Closer Look
When assessing which Harley Davidson is the fastest, we have to take a look at a few different types of Harley Davidsons. First there’s the standard production models, then one’s which have been modified and to finish off and put it all into perspective, a comparison between a Harley Davidson and a bike that everyone recognizes as a speed demon.
Production Models
If you’re searching for an unparalleled production model, look no further than the world-renowned Harley Davidson FXDR 114. This bike is made to perform with its Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine and super light composite components. It accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in only 2.5 seconds, leaving behind some of the most notorious models on the market such as Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborghini Aventador or Ferrari Portofino.
The 90 horsepower engine situated beneath the cyclist enables this motorcycle to reach an electrifying top speed of 160 miles per hour. Harley Davidson’s LiveWire was previously at the helm for speedy performance, clocking a 0-60 time of 3 seconds flat. It is clear that Harley Davidson is constantly looking towards pushing boundaries in terms of output, so we can anticipate more incredibly fast performance models emerging soon.
Custom Models
If you’re looking to add some speed and power to your ride, designing a custom Harley Davidson model may be the way to go. One of the swiftest street-legal (sit-on) Harleys ever configured is Hiro Koiso’s 2006 Dyna Super Glide FXD/I – powered by a 135ci JIMS131 Twin Cam engine modified by TMan Performance that puts out an astonishing 400 horsepower. These impressive numbers have allowed it set record-breaking land speeds.
Koiso’s Harley Davidson creation was a force to be reckoned with, reaching speeds of up to 194 mph sans fairings. Even more remarkable is that after engineering a body fairing kit for the bike and taking it out on the Bonneville Speed Trials, they achieved an astonishing peak velocity of 260 mph over one mile. That’s faster than your average Toyota Supra or Mercedes-AMG CLA45.
Cal Rayborn, a celebrated racer, astounded onlookers as he set the new land speed record of 265 miles per hour on the iconic Bonneville salt flats that had already been made famous by Koiso’s team. He achieved this remarkable feat while riding an extraordinary Harley Davidson Sportster Streamliner.
Unwilling to be defeated, drag racer Dave Campos took a monstrous Harley Davidson outfitted with two 1500cc V-Twin engines and created the seven meter long Easyriders Streamliner. His record breaking accomplishment of 322 miles per hour has remained undefeated for over sixteen years.
Harley Davidson vs Hayabusa
With its 137-cubic inch M8 naturally aspirated engine, the Harley Davidson Road King modified by Ward Performance boasts a remarkable 198 horsepower and 177 ft-lbs of torque. The customized Suzuki Hayabusa stands poised to challenge it in an epic drag race.
Outfitted with Cylinder Head Porting (CNC) and AV&V manganese bronze alloy valve guides by the experts at Ward Performance, this Harley Davidson had all the power necessary to dominate a drag race. Boasting an impressive 160hp generated by its Milwaukee Eight engine reaching 4,000 rpm – enough speed to easily outpace even the Hayabusa – this bike was always going cross that finish line first.
The Verdict On Which Harley Davidson Is The Fastest
To put it succinctly, even though Harley Davidson isn’t renowned for its speed capacity, there is a variety of models and custom builds that can race competitively with any other brand. From the FXDR 114 to LiveWire’s electric motorbikes and many record-breaking customized bikes, if you are searching for some acceleration on your next bike ride then Harley Davidson has something just perfect for you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic of which Harley Davidson is the fastest:
Which Harley Davidson is the fastest production model?
Experience speed like never before with the Harley Davidson FXDR 114 – reaching 0-60 mph is a mere 2.5 seconds, and its top speed can get you up to 160 mph.
Which Harley Davidson is the fastest ever built?
Setting a world record that would stand for 16 years, the Easyriders Streamliner is the swiftest Harley Davidson ever constructed. It features two 1500cc Harley Davidson V-Twin engines which grant it an incredible speed of 322 miles per hour.
Are all Harley Davidson motorcycles slow?
Contrary to popular belief, Harley Davidson motorcycles are not always slow. In fact, the Big Twin engine designs have been created for leisurely rides while the FXDR 114 and electric LiveWire models were specifically crafted for speed and performance. With these two powerful machines in your arsenal, you can experience breathtaking acceleration that’ll leave everyone speechless.
How does the FXDR 114 compare to other high-performance vehicles?
With its 0-60 mph time of merely 2.5 seconds, the FXDR 114 outstrips several supercars – including the Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari Portofino.
Can I modify a Harley Davidson motorcycle to make it faster?
Absolutely, you can customize your Harley Davidson to increase its speed. Take Hiro Koiso’s 2006 Dyna Super Glide FXD/I for example; he was able to tune it up to a whopping 400 horsepower and reach top speeds of almost 200 mph.
While modifying motorcycles is potentially hazardous, the best way to maximize safety is by working with an expert mechanic who has plenty of experience in this field.