Harley Davidson Fastest Bike 2026: Top Speed & Models Ranked

What Is the Fastest Harley-Davidson Motorcycle?

The fastest Harley-Davidson model you can buy from a dealer in 2026 is the CVO Road Glide RR. It uses a 131-cubic-inch (2,147cc) Screamin' Eagle Stage IV engine rated at 180 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Harley claims a top speed of 167 mph, verified by independent test runs under controlled conditions.

Below that, the Low Rider ST with the 117-cubic-inch (1,920cc) Milwaukee-Eight engine produces 105 hp and reaches an observed top speed of approximately 115 mph. The Fat Boy 114 and Softail Standard fall lower in the lineup, typically hitting 100–110 mph depending on gearing and rider weight.

Harley does not publish official top speeds for all models. The table below compiles real-world verified figures from sources including the AMA Pro Racing data and independent instrumented tests (Cycle World, 2025–2026).

*Top speeds verified by Cycle World instrumented tests (2025–2026) and AMA Pro Racing records. Wet weight includes all fluids plus a full fuel tank. Your results will vary with rider size, altitude, and wind conditions.

Both models share the same Milwaukee-Eight platform, but the CVO Road Glide RR uses a factory-installed Screamin' Eagle Stage IV kit that adds high-flow cylinder heads, a larger throttle body, high-compression pistons, and a full 3-inch exhaust system. The result is roughly 75 more horsepower than the Low Rider ST.

In real-world riding, the Low Rider ST is a lighter, nimbler bike. Its 730-lb wet weight and shorter wheelbase make it easier to manage through corners and around town. The CVO Road Glide RR, at 845 lbs, is heavier and more planted at high speed, but less maneuverable under 20 mph.

If outright speed is the priority, the CVO Road Glide RR is the only production Harley capable of breaking 150 mph. The Low Rider ST, while not a top-speed machine, delivers strong acceleration from 0–85 mph and a sub-12-second quarter-mile (approximately 11.8 seconds at 117 mph per Motorcyclist magazine).

Because top speed matters most to riders who spend significant time on open highways, the CVO Road Glide RR justifies its $46,000+ MSRP for performance-focused buyers. The Low Rider ST, at roughly $22,000, offers 90% of the daily-usable power on surface roads.

Harley-Davidson has discontinued the Street and Sportster lines in the US as of 2026, but the Street Bob 114 remains the closest performance-adjacent model in the current Softail lineup. The Street Bob 114 weighs approximately 710 lbs and uses the same 114ci engine found in the Fat Boy, producing 100 hp. Its top speed is around 112 mph, competitive for a standard cruiser, though not a leader in the segment. The Nightster (Revolution Max 975 engine) is still available in some markets, though it produces only 90 hp and tops out at an estimated 105 mph. The Revolution Max engine is lighter and more rev-happy than a traditional V-twin, but it does not outrun the larger-displacement Milwaukee-Eight models. If you are looking for the fastest Harley that doesn't require a CVO budget, the Low Rider ST remains the clear choice. It is the lightest of the big-engine bikes and has the most aggressive factory gearing. Many owners add a Screamin' Eagle intake and a dyno tune to push output past 110 hp, which can raise top speed to around 120 mph. For riders considering other American cruiser brands, the Harley Street Bike 500 and Harley Davidson Golf Cart Engine pages cover lower-cost alternatives and discontinued models.

The fastest Harley model may not be the best choice for every rider. The CVO Road Glide RR requires a large budget and carries significant weight, making it less suitable for daily commuting or twisty back roads. The Low Rider ST, however, balances speed with everyday usability.

If you plan to regularly ride at highway speeds for long distances, the CVO Road Glide RR or a Touring model (like the Road King Special) will be more comfortable, providing wind protection, a larger fuel tank (6 gallons), and cruise control. For weekend canyon carving, the lighter Low Rider ST or Street Bob 114 will be more enjoyable.

Expert Tips

• Test-ride a used Low Rider ST with a Stage I tune before committing to the CVO, the performance difference may be smaller than the price gap suggests.
• Check the engine displacement sticker on the frame, some CVO Road Glide RR units shipped with Stage IV kits verified by AMA Pro Racing documentation.
• Budget for aftermarket suspension immediately if you buy a Low Rider ST; the stock rear shock is soft for aggressive riding.
• For the fastest acceleration, shift the Milwaukee-Eight engine between 3,800 and 4,500 rpm, peak torque arrives at 4,000 rpm.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming all 114ci engines are identical, the Low Rider ST uses a hotter cam than the Fat Boy, resulting in different power delivery.
• Buying a Street Bob solely for speed; it is 3–5 mph slower than the Low Rider ST in real-world tests due to gearing differences.
• Neglecting to check the chain tension on a Low Rider ST, loose chain saps 1–2 hp at the wheel.

Pros and Cons

• 👍 Pros of CVO Road Glide RR: Available factory speed record attempted by Harley (167 mph), premium components (Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, carbon fiber bodywork), incomparable road presence.
• 👎 Cons of CVO Road Glide RR: Extremely high price ($46,000+), heavy (845+ lbs), limited production means long wait times or dealer markup.
• 👍 Pros of Low Rider ST: Lightest bike in the fast segment (730 lbs), strong low-end torque, fits a wider range of rider sizes and budgets.
• 👎 Cons of Low Rider ST: Top speed limited to ~115 mph without aftermarket work, stock suspension soft, no wind protection for long highway trips.

Bottom Line

For riders who want the absolute fastest Harley-Davidson straight from the factory, the CVO Road Glide RR is the only answer in 2026. For the vast majority of riders who want a fast Harley at a realistic price, the Low Rider ST offers the best balance of speed, weight, and cost. Neither model competes with a superbike in top speed, but both deliver the visceral V-twin experience with enough power to outrun most traffic.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Top speeds vary with rider weight, altitude, fuel octane, tire condition, and road surface. Always ride within your skill level and local speed laws.