Choosing the Right Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle

Getting a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle can be your ticket to a more liberating travel experience, whether you use it just to run errands or you decide to travel across the country with it. But the people who use their H-D motorcycles run errands and the ones who travel cross country need very different things from their motorcycle.

Once you’ve decided to get a bike, the next thing you'll need to do is get the right one. Emerald City Harley-Davidson has provided a breakdown of some of your options, including some of the most beloved Harley families. This way, when you stop by our location in Lynnwood, Washington, or visit our sister store in Bellevue, you’ll be able to tell us where you’d like to start your search. We also serve those in Seattle.

Harley-Davidson Cruisers

Harley is famous for its cruisers, and for good reason. They set the gold standard for the classic cruiser look, so you know you’re getting a good cruiser when you turn to Harley.

Performance

Cruisers are known for their powerful engines with lots of torque. This is what makes them so great at dominating the road, both for short trips and all-day rides. They can also have great handling that makes it easier to keep things under control.

Style

This is where cruisers excel. Their style draws inspiration from the classic rides of the 1930s to the 1960s, with high-mounted handlebars and low-slung seats. Even the paint finishes are reminiscent of iconic bikes, complete with chrome parts. This and so much more give you that craved, head-turning style.

Cruiser Families

As the leader in cruiser motorcycle manufacturing, many of the motorcycle families from Harley-Davidson include cruisers. From the H-D Street® bikes to the Sportster® lineup to even the Softail® bikes, there are lots of options for you.

Touring Bikes

Touring bikes are specifically designed for riders who spend lots of time on the road, whether because you have a long commute or because you enjoy long trips.

Performance

Touring bikes come with performance features focused around creating a more comfortable and durable bike. That’s why you’ll notice they’re a little bigger, in order to last longer, and they’re designed with ergonomics in mind. Windshields deflect some of the wind to stave off fatigue and the heavier frame can make it easier to stay upright, even if other motorists are zooming past.

Style

Touring motorcycles tend to favor function over excess style, but that doesn’t mean you won’t love the way your bike looks. They’re large and in charge, and they’ve got the style features to match. Sitting upright behind hard styling lines will encourage other commuters to move out of your way.

The Touring Family

Harley-Davidson has its own line of touring motorcycles, with lots of great options so you can find the right set of wheels for your next trip. You’ll even find models built for two riders.

Trikes

Add another wheel to the sturdiest motorcycles and you get a trike. Trikes can benefit more riders than you may think so give this option some serious thought. 

Performance

There are some key differences between two-wheeled bike performance that of a trike. Primarily, they turn more like a car than a motorcycle. Instead of leaning into the turn, you turn the handlebars in the direction you want to go. Of course, the biggest performance benefit is the added stability you’ll get with a trike. You’d be hard-pressed to tip these over, even if you tried.

Style

Trikes are big, but certainly stylish. You’ll still get sleek stylings and finishes so you’ll love taking your trike out for as many trips as you can. And while trikes are naturally wider, Harley-Davidson doesn’t add any bulk you don’t need.

The Trike Family

Harley-Davidson has its own family of trikes, with a couple of premier models that you’ll definitely want to test if you’re interested in a three-wheeled motorcycle. They come in two very different, unique styles so you can find one that matches your riding preferences and personality. 

At this point, you’re probably ready to check out some Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale. We don’t blame you. Stop by Emerald City Harley-Davidson and we’ll give you a complete tour of available options. We proudly serve Lynnwood, Bellevue, and Seattle, Washington.