Nothing beats tearing through the streets on a powerful motorcycle with a monster engine. For some bikers, the heavier the motorcycle, the better. That’s why Harley-Davidsons are a favorite, being some of the heaviest bikes on the market.
Harley Davidson bikes range in weight between 500-1000 lbs (226.8 – 453.6 kg). The weight is affected by the model and the extent of personalization. For example, the SuperLow weighs 544.5 lb (247 kg), the Fat Boy 114 weighs 652.6 lb (296 kg), and the Ultra Limited weighs 877.4 lb (398 kg).
Keep reading as we explore seven different Harley Davidson models and their weights.
7 Harley Davidson Bikes and Their Weights
Now to the good stuff.
We’ve combed through Harley bikes to compile a list of some heavy and lightweight options. We’re focusing on curb weight—the bike’s dry weight combined with fluids and fuel—as you’ll never find yourself riding a motorbike without these. And, of course, they add a bit to the final weight.
Let’s dive in.
1. CVO Limited
This chunky two-wheeler weighs in at a whopping 944 pounds (428.2 kg) curb weight. That’s the same weight as almost seven human adults put together. With a fuel tank capacity of 6 gallons (27.3 L), this beast puts out 0.2555 horsepower per kilogram (19.4 kg per m/s).
This bike features the most powerful v-engine to ever be installed on a Harley bike. Plus, it’s loaded with a host of technologies that enhance maneuverability, acceleration, and braking.
2. Road Glide Ultra
One of the biggest bikes in Harley’s mainstream lineup, the Road Glide Ultra weighs 937 pounds (425 kg) when fully loaded. With the sheer weight of this bike, it may have been considered a tiny car if it had four wheels.
Its Twin-Cooled™ Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine delivers 90 horsepower at 5450 RPM, which is excellent for a touring bike.
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3. CVO Road Glide
With its bold style and sturdy build, this custom edition bike isn’t the heaviest Harley on the market, but it’s definitely on the top of the list. It weighs about 884 pounds (401 kg). That’s about the size of a small American crocodile.
This bike has incredible features, including a security system. So your bike is safe at all times. You also get cruise control and infotainment features to make sure you always have a fun ride.
4. CVO Street Glide
This glossy two-wheeler is the picture of luxury and comfort. With its 105 horsepower engine, the CVO Street Glide weighs 866 pounds (393 kg) curb weight. That’s about the weight of a small moose.
With the CVO Street Glide, you can be sure of excellent road holding, efficient handling, and a comfortable ride.
5. Road Glide Special
This bike is an 855-pound (388 kg) monster weighing the same as a German Leichtgeschutz LG40 recoilless cannon from WWII. Despite its heavy build, this bike uses advanced chassis control to give you smooth acceleration and braking.
However, unlike any machine from the early 1900s, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special boasts improved technological features like Bluetooth connectivity and a charging point. So you’re always connected when you’re on the move.
6. Softail Deluxe
The Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe has a low seat height of only 24.5 inches (62.2 cm), making it ideal for female riders.
It weighs 697 pounds (316.2 kg) and provides a smooth ride with plenty of power. Thanks to its low center of gravity, the Softail Deluxe is one of the most comfortable motorcycles for shorter riders. It’ll make you feel like you’re one with the road.
7. Sportster 883 SuperLow
Another lightweight Harley-Davidson, the SuperLow, features a 25.5-inch (64.8 cm) tall seat and a weight capacity of 562 pounds (255 kg). This model is an easy-riding chopper with excellent maneuverability at moderate speeds.
The bike has an 883cc (0.88 L) Air-Cooled EvolutionTM V-Twin engine and is ideal for riders who like to cruise in luxury and balance. It’s also perfect for getting around town and avoiding traffic.
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Factors Affecting Motorcycle Weight
The biggest factor that affects motorcycle size and, thus, weight is the engine’s capacity in cubic centimeters (CCs). Other elements also affect your bike’s weight.
When assessing a bike’s total weight, you also need to include extra gear.
Purpose
Each motorcycle model has features that affect its weight. Some models, such as off-road bikes, may need to navigate more difficult terrain, so they may need to be lighter.
A dirt bike typically weighs less than 300 pounds (136 kg) and can tackle difficult terrain without crashing or getting stuck in the dirt. On the other hand, street bikes require balance and heaviness to stay on the road.
Cruisers also have more features, which can contribute to their weight. Sportbikes are more focused on horsepower and speed than other motorcycles. Thus, they can be a little leaner.
A touring bike is also designed for long rides with a passenger, adding to the overall heaviness. A three-wheel motorbike will be much heavier than a two-wheeler, despite having superior balance.
Onboard Gear
Saddlebags can contribute to the girth and weight of your bike. Plus, a bike with a windshield and full fairing will be heavier than one with fewer square inches of fiberglass and plastic.
However, these materials can only reduce your bike’s weight by a few pounds at most.
What You Need To Know About Heavy Bikes
The Benefits of Heavy Bikes
Larger motorcycles are safer and have a better chance of surviving a crash than lighter motorcycles.
Because of the additional weight, more force is required to knock the bike over. So, it can protect you from serious harm, and it’ll sustain less damage.
Heavy bikes have wider tires to climb over bumps, cracks, and potholes, and their weight is enough to counter strong winds, thereby making it easier to control the bike.
Another benefit of heavy bikes is that you can load more equipment on them than a light bike. Also, they can comfortably accommodate two riders as there is more space on the seat due to its size.
Heavy Bikes Can Also Be Disadvantageous
Heavier bikes need a more powerful engine to accelerate and stronger brakes to slow down. The wheels and other moving parts are also extra challenging to handle.
Also, heavy bikes require a higher level of concentration from an experienced motorcyclist because of their weight. New riders are often advised to start with lighter bikes which are easier to ride.
How To Reduce the Weight of Your Bike
There are a few ways to lower the total weight of a motorcycle, whether you currently own one or are looking for one but want to reduce the weight.
If weight is a major consideration, remember to account for the gear’s weight, as well as a full tank of petrol, while searching for a bike. Keep in mind that the listed weight on your bike is the dry weight: the weight of the motorcycle without gas or accessories.
With a lighter bike, you’ll enjoy advantages like better brake efficiency, quicker steering response, and optimum speed without having to settle for a bike you don’t necessarily like.
Get Rid of Extra Weights Onboard
Saddlebags, backrests, windscreens, and other accessories might add unnecessary weight to your ride. It makes sense to cut down your bike to its bare essentials, especially if you want to improve your gas efficiency. You can also take off the pillion footrests if there are no passengers.
Other High-Performance Components Can Be Replaced
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your exhaust or sprockets, now is the time to do it. Removing your exhaust and replacing your steel sprocket with a performance alternative can drastically improve the appearance and heft of your bike. You can also replace other parts, like the fasteners or the wheels, with lighter ones.
Enhance the Battery
Although motorcycle technology has advanced significantly, many bikes still use lead-acid batteries. Investing in a lithium-ion battery is one way to reduce the weight of your bike.
Lithium-ion batteries weigh only a third of what regular batteries do, making them a simple, though pricier, solution to minimize bulk.
Precautions To Take so Your Bike Lasts Longer
Precautions to take for maintaining a heavy bike include:
- Have it serviced regularly to avoid breakdowns: It’s common for Harley-Davidson owners to avoid maintaining their vehicles to avoid large expenses. But if you want your bike to last longer, you need to service it regularly.
- Don’t over-modify your bike: One of the main reasons Harleys fail is that their owners go overboard when customizing their rides. Replacing parts of the bike like the foot guards, the rearview mirror, or the engine frame can increase the bike’s weight, thus reducing the speed and efficiency of the bike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harley-Davidson Bikes
Why Do Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Weigh So Much?
A Harley Davidson can weigh up to 900 lb (408.2 kg), and a fully loaded touring model can be heavier. However, most models are in the 600–700 lb (272 to 317.5 kg).
This weight is due to the materials used to easily take in two passengers plus luggage, a stereo with multiple speakers, and other items.
Harley-Davidsons tend to be heavy, with a characteristic look and style. Since 1903 when the first Harley-Davidson motorbike was produced, the company has been a brand to reckon with in terms of weight and durability.
What’s the Heaviest Harley Davidson?
The heaviest Harley Davidson in the Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) range is The CVO Limited, which weighs 944 lb (428.2 kg) and is part of the CVO line.
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra weighs over 936 lb (424.6 kg) when fully loaded, making it the heaviest motorbike in the mainstream series.
Can a Motorcycle Be Too Heavy?
If your motorcycle falls over on you more than a few times, it may be too hefty. The same applies if it falls over and causes more damage to the road than it sustains. Also, a motorcycle may be too heavy if you can’t lift it when it falls.
Which Harley Davidson Is the Lightest?
Harley Davidson’s Street 500s and 750s are the company’s lightest motorcycles in decades. They are also the most affordable. The Street 750 is nearly identical to the Street 500 but with a more powerful engine.
The two motorcycles have the same design and weight—approximately 491.6 lb (223 kg).
How Much Does a Full Dress Harley Weigh?
Full-dress motorcycles are usually touring bikes with relatively large body parts when compared to other motorcycles. The curb weight of full-dress Harleys ranges from 810.7 pounds (367.7 kg) for the Street Glide to 826.7 pounds (375 kg) for the Street Glide Special and Road King.
How Many Pounds Can a Harley Hold?
The carrying capacity of a Harley-Davidson can be determined by subtracting the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from the curb weight.
The GVWR shows how many pounds a motorcycle can carry when loaded with fuel and other fluids. The GVWR of every bike is listed in its manual or on the bike itself.
Is There a Motorcycle Weight Limit?
Most motorcycles have a weight restriction based on a technical calculation. The weight limit for most bikes is between 350 and 450 pounds (158.8 and 204.1 kg). That’s the weight of passengers plus cargo.
Final Thoughts
Depending on the model, the weight of a Harley Davidson bike varies greatly. When looking to buy one of this company’s products, don’t forget to consider the weight of the bike, whether you are a new or an experienced rider.
Harley Davidson motorcycles, regardless of model or make, never compromise on quality. All of the motorcycles have the trademark Harley look and design.
Keep your bike in good working order and have it serviced. If you love heavy motorcycles but are concerned about the weight, adopt any precautions listed to keep riding your Harley Davidson.
Thanks for reading!
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Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.