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How Much Does A 500cc Harley Davidson Cost?

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How Much Does A 500cc Harley Davidson Cost?

A new 500cc Harley Davidson Street 500 starts at $6,899 (MSRP, 2026) before freight, taxes, and dealer fees.

How much does a Harley Street 500 cost?

As of 2026, a new Harley-Davidson Street 500 retails for $6,899 in the United States, according to Harley-Davidson’s published MSRP.

That’s the base price before extras like ABS or delivery charges. Grab a used 2018–2021 Street 500 instead? Expect to pay between $4,500 and $6,000 depending on miles and condition, based on Kelley Blue Book listings.

Is the Harley Street 500 any good?

The Harley Street 500 is a solid, beginner-friendly cruiser with a comfortable ergonomic triangle and manageable power delivery.

It won’t win any drag races, but it handles city traffic and light highway jaunts with ease. Riders love the low 28.3-inch seat height and the smooth fuel-injected 494cc Revolution X V-twin. Motorcycle.com even called it one of the most confidence-inspiring bikes for new riders stepping up to Harley. If you're considering other small-displacement options, you might also explore how fast a 500cc dirt bike can go.

Does Harley still make the 500?

Harley discontinued the Street 500 in 2021, and no 500cc model remains in the current 2026 lineup.

Now the smallest Harley is the Iron 883 Sportster, with its 883cc Evolution V-twin starting at $10,999. Harley shifted focus to bigger bikes and electric models like the Sportster S. Honestly, this is the best approach for a brand trying to balance tradition with modern demands. For more details on Harley’s current lineup, check out the most expensive new Harley Davidson.

What’s the smallest Harley Davidson?

The smallest Harley by seat height is the Softail Slim at 23.8 inches, though it’s not the lightest.

Mechanically speaking, the Sportster S is the smallest in displacement at 975cc. Want the lightest option overall? The all-electric LiveWire ONE weighs about 499 pounds wet. Grab a tape measure and a motorcycle lift before you buy—fit matters.

Is a Sportster 1200 A girl bike?

No—calling a Sportster 1200 a “girl’s bike” is outdated and inaccurate; it’s just a smaller-displacement Harley with broad appeal.

Yes, the Sportster’s lighter weight and nimble handling make it easier to ride, but people of all genders and sizes enjoy it. Stereotypes vary by region and club culture, but the bike itself is unisex and widely respected for its agility.

How fast does a Harley 500 go?

The Street 500 tops out around 99 mph under ideal conditions with minimal wind.

That’s plenty for city commuting and light highway use, but don’t expect sustained triple-digit cruising. Use a GPS or speed app for accurate readings—analog gauges aren’t always precise at those speeds. For comparison, you might also look into oil recommendations for your Harley.

Why did Harley stop making the Street 500?

Harley discontinued the Street 500 in 2021 to focus on larger bikes and electrification.

According to Cycle World, Harley redirected resources to the Sportster S and LiveWire models. Sales never hit targets, and tightening emissions rules didn’t help. Sometimes tough decisions lead to better products down the road.

How fast does a Harley Street 750 go?

The Street 750 reaches a top speed of about 112 mph (180 km/h) under favorable conditions.

That gives it usable highway capability. Always obey local speed limits—no production bike gets a free pass on traffic laws.

How much does a Harley Street 750 cost?

A new Street 750 started at $7,894 in 2020—current availability is limited due to discontinuation.

Looking for a used example from 2020–2021? Prices range from $5,200 to $7,000 depending on miles and condition, according to Edmunds data.

Can a short person ride a Street Glide?

A person under 5'5" can ride a Street Glide, but setup is key—lower the suspension and consider a forward control kit.

Many riders between 5'2" and 5'7" ride Street Glides comfortably with seats lowered by 1.5–2 inches. Always test-ride with your boots on to confirm reach and control before buying. If you're exploring other bike options, you might also check Redline bike costs.

What is the smallest and lightest Harley Davidson?

The Street 750 weighs about 498 lb wet and is one of the lightest Harleys.

Compare that to the LiveWire ONE at ~499 lb, or the Pan America 1250 at ~535 lb. Bigger displacement doesn’t always mean heavier—sometimes it’s all about engineering.

Why do bikers hate Sportsters?

Some riders dismiss Sportsters due to their status as starter bikes—seen as less “cool” than big twins or customs.

That’s more about attitude than ability. Sportsters can be built up aggressively—many shops turn stock XRs into race replicas. Culture varies by region and club, but the bike itself earns respect when customized properly. For maintenance tips, see where the speed sensor is located on a Harley Davidson.

Are 1200 Sportsters fast?

A stock 2011 XR1200R Sportster tops 122 mph, while a 2001 1200 Custom peaks at 106.9 mph.

Later models benefit from better aerodynamics and tuning. Always check year-specific dyno charts—older bikes may run rich and feel slower than expected.

Do Harleys break down a lot?

Harleys don’t inherently break down more than other bikes—poor maintenance and excessive modifications are the main culprits.

Stick to oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles and keep the chain adjusted. Skip the “chop-n-drop” mods unless you’re tuning for it—consult a Harley-certified tech. Use good oil like Mobil 1 20W-50 and torque critical fasteners every 6,000 miles. Treat it right, and it’ll treat you right. If you're curious about other costs, you might also read health insurance costs in Kauai.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
David Evans

David is an automotive enthusiast and writer covering cars, motorcycles, and all types of vehicles with practical maintenance tips.