Through the years, we’ve seen loads of cool automobile renderings depicting unimaginable transformations of present autos. Almost all of those digital drawings by no means progress previous the stage of a photoshop mission. This Datsun 240Z was among the many only a few fortunate ones that morphed into an precise automobile. And it’s a sight to behold.
The thought first appeared in Ash Thorp’s thoughts. If that identify doesn’t ring a bell, he’s the man who designed the Batmobile for The Batman film from 2022. The artist has a historical past of making quite a few initiatives with automotive firms, together with De Tomaso, Lamborghini, and others. This time round, the designer teamed up with Carlos Pecino, who works for the design firm Make Haste Corp. This matte black Datsun was their first joint mission.
A number of issues stand out from a design perspective. For starters, we love the situation of the aspect cameras that act as aspect mirrors – they’re hidden in a particular housing in entrance of the doorways. The absurdly large diffuser on the again is one other spotlight and we additionally admire the carbon fiber wheel caps that cowl the BBS multi-spoke alloys. The general Batmobile-inspired styling can also be enhanced by the sharp aspect skirts.
The inventory 2.4-liter inline-six engine below the hood is gone. Instead, energy comes from a Tesla-sourced totally electrical powertrain. A Model S electrical motor sits on the rear axle, giving the outlandish Datsun 401 horsepower or nearly 3 times extra energy than the unique 240Z had. At round 2,500 kilos, it’s heavier than the Japanese coupe however not by a lot.
The inside? As you’d most likely count on, just a few parts come from the 240Z. There’s a customized format with three dials within the heart, a Chevy Equinox-sourced steering column, a digital instrument cluster, and a chunky heart console.
The automotive industry has been undergoing significant transformations in recent years, and there are no indications of this evolution slowing down. In simpler terms, electrification is gradually becoming more prevalent in all its forms, whether we like it or not. However, there are still exceptional sports cars available for purchase that adhere to traditional principles. It is reasonable to assume that these may be among the last combustion-powered performance machines in history. The 2024 Ford Mustang and the 2023 Nissan Z, displayed here, embody two distinct philosophies within the same segment, and it is fascinating to observe how these two vehicles compare.
Sam CarLegion on YouTube offers a direct drag race between the new Mustang and the revived Fairlady. This is a conventional quarter-mile drag race (there is also a rolling-start race) in which the two sports cars achieve their respective objectives using different powertrain configurations. The Mustang in GT trim employs a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 480 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque. This specific yellow Mustang GT lacks the performance package and transmits power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Motorcycle makers of every type and brand have undergone tremendous transformations to go along with their constantly-evolving inventory. An inventory that not only must change to go along with the demands of the consumers but to match the new regulations that are being required. Plus, as new technology becomes available, it is expected by the buying public to be included in the latest model of their favorite bikes. Otherwise, they may switch brands. This supply and demand cycle is constant for all the players within the industry, regardless of how big the nameplates are.
American motorcycle icon Harley-Davidson is no different. Many beloved models have come and gone, and like Geoffrey Chaucer once famously said, “All good things must come to an end.” While some staple models like the Road King and Fat Boy remain in production, others could use a comeback.
Pulling data directly from Harley-Davidson, as well as reputable news sources, historical archives and reliable reviewers, we’ve put together a list of HD motorcycles that deserve a second chance.
Updated September 2023: Harley-Davidson is one of the most well-known names in the motorcycle industry, but even so, there have been a few models that, for one reason or another, the company has decided to discontinue. Riders like us do not entirely agree with their decision, though, which is why we have decided to refresh this list of great bikes that need to make a comeback.
One of the most surprising models on this list is the Iron 883. Ever since its debut in 2009, the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 instantly became a favorite of the Sportster class. It was light, easy to ride, affordable, very customizable, and gave off a sense of urban-ruggedness that many beginner riders gravitated towards. So when it was announced that Harley-Davidson would be closing the book on the Iron 883, it marked the end of an era that certainly gave the competition a run for its money.
Just like its little brother, the Iron 883, the Iron 1200 went from common to commodity in 2021 when Harley-Davidson discontinued the Sportster. It was also around this time when Harley announced that it was “revolutionizing” its Sportster lineup, marking the beginning of the Sportster S and Nightster, both coming equipped with the new liquid-cooled Revolution 1250cc and 975cc engines. While both the Iron 883 and Iron 1200 had their time in the sun, they lasted long enough to become fan favorites.
Low. Slick. Smooth. Comfortable. During the Softail Slim’s tenure in Harley-Davidson’s Softail class, it quickly gained popularity as one of Harley-Davidson’s more “chill out” motorcycles. Basically a skinny Fat Boy, the Slim’s low seat and floorboards gave it a relaxed riding position. It was simple, strong, and lean. Now, the chances of finding one available are also poor.
This motorcycle had a bobbed rear fender, skinny front tire, forward controls, raked and widened front forks, and a 1,340cc Evolution V-Twin engine. By 1999, the Dyna Wide Glide was upgraded with an air-cooled Twin Cam 88 with 1,450ccs. By 2007, the Wide Glide got an even bigger upgrade with the fuel-injected Twin Cam 96 engine before it briefly went on hiatus in 2008 following the release of the 105th-anniversary edition. The Wide Glide returned in 2010, receiving yet another engine upgrade in 2012 with the Twin Cam 103 engine boasting 1,690ccs. Granted that this motorcycle has come back before, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Harley-Davidson could do it again.
Model Highlights
Extremely popular model, with big fanbase
Custom chopper looks straight from factory
5V-Rod
1999 – 2017
Harley-Davidson
Engine
Four stroke, liquid-cooled, 60° V-twin
Capacity
1250cc
Power
109 hp
Torque
77.19 ft-lb
There is probably no other Harley-Davidson model with a cult following like the V-Rod. What makes this motorcycle so unique is the low seat, fat rear tire, hidden gas tank under the seat, and the 1250cc liquid-cooled Revolution engine developed in collaboration with Porsche engineers. Fair to say that this bike is a perfect hybrid of muscular drag strip performance and artistic aggression on the streets. While the V-Rod was undoubtedly one of Harley-Davidson’s most unique models in its cruiser class, one of its biggest obstacles was not following the new Euro 4 regulations.
In Harley-Davidson’s diverse lineup, no model embodied class and old-school charm with modern stylings better than the Softail Deluxe. Fans of the Deluxe appreciated its heavy use of chrome, white-wall tires, and fender design reminiscent of a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere. The first original Softail debuted in 1983 before evolving into the Deluxe. From there, it enjoyed a 37-year residency in Harley-Davidson’s portfolio before seeing its final year in 2020.
Model Highlights
Heavy use of chrome and white wall tires for nostalgic look
The beginner-friendly Street series was such a popular model for individuals with zero riding experience, that Harley began implementing the Street 500 and Street 750 into its riding courses. There probably is no other model in Harley-Davidson’s portfolio that is as user-friendly as the Street Rods, ideally meant for local and city riding, many beginner riders who started on this model have since moved on to bigger and greater bikes. Just like the other members of the Street family (Iron 883, Iron 1200), the book was closed on this line of entry-level bikes to make room for the new Sportster series.
Model Highlights
Beginner-friendly option in Harley fleet
Utilized in Motorcycle training schools
Best utilized in city environment
8Dyna Switchback
2012 – 2016
Harley-Davidson
Engine
Four stroke, Twin Cam 103
Capacity
1690cc
Power
76 hp
Torque
98.8 ft-lb
Harley-Davidson is not outside the realm of creating motorcycles that embody the best of both worlds. One model that stands out from the crowd was the short-lived Dyna Switchback, this motorcycle results from taking the touring aspects of the Road King and configuring them around the Dyna frame. This touring-capable Dyna was nick-named the “Road Queen” as it was seen as a gender-friendly model that allowed female riders to enjoy the comfortable touring seat, windshield, and hard saddlebags of the Road King without the weight and bulkiness.
Model Highlights
A touring-capable Dyna
Hard saddlebags as standard
Shared features with the Road King, without the added weight
A distant relative of the Switchback, the Sport Glide first emerged onto showroom floors in 1983 as a distinctly unique model unlike anything else previous Harley riders were familiar with before halting production in 1993. The Sport Glide re-emerged twenty-five years later as a more modernized take on the Softail/touring hybrid concept. The bike included some hard saddlebags, a mini batwing fairing that could be removed at the rider’s will, and a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine.
Model Highlights
Modern take on the Softail / Touring hybrid
Mini batwing fairing included
Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine
10VR1000
1994 – 1995
Mecum
Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-twin
Capacity
1000cc
Power
135 hp
Torque
100 ft-lb
The one thing that Harley-Davidson has never been known for was engineering and producing fast superbikes, which all changed in 1994. The company decided that it wanted to compete with the best bikes in the world on the AMA superbike racing circuit. The team tasked to build the bike, Harley-Davidson Skunkworks, started from scratch by moving away from everything the company had ever made. The 1000cc V-twin engine had dual overhead cams, fuel injection, and was water-cooled, which was all new to Harley. The bike never won a race on the AMA superbike circuit, but it had so much potential that it needs to be brought back as a street machine for you all to enjoy.
Model Highlights
Harley’s attempt to compete in the Superbike racing circuit
Fuel injected and water-cooled, unlike other Harley models of the time
Despite high aspiration, never won a race
11Blackline
2010 – 2013
Harley-Davidson
Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-twin, Twin Cam 96
Capacity
1584cc
Power
72 hp
Torque
92 ft-lb
The Harley-Davidson Blackline was the fourth model designed to be a part of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom series. The counterbalanced, twin-cam V-twin engine is air-cooled and can push out 72 horses and between 89 and 99 pound-feet of torque. What made these bikes so special was not the performance or the power but the look. They were designed with unique, eye-catching paint straight from the factory.
Model Highlights
Custom paint look out of the factory
Powerful, fast engine full of torque
12Tour Glide
1981 – 1987
Mecum
Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-twin
Capacity
1338cc
Power
70 hp
Torque
69 ft-lb
Touring bikes are made for one specific function, which you can surely guess just by the name. The Harley-Davidson Tour Glide was no exception. It was built to travel in style from one end of the country to the other. It had an air-cooled 1338cc V-twin engine paired with a five-speed transmission that could pump out 70 horsepower (in later models). It came with a rear trunk, passenger backrest, lockable saddlebags, storage compartments, and dual front disc brakes.
Model Highlights
Built to compete with Honda’s GoldWing in the touring market
Rear trunk, lockable saddlebags and other storage compartments.
Dual front disc brakes
13CLE Classic Sidecar
1979 – 1980
Mecum
Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-twin
Capacity
1337cc
Power
58 hp
Torque
n/a
Many people who have ridden these trikes claim that they are too hard to navigate and turn, which is why they were not produced for much more than a year or two. With the technology today, though, a sidecar alongside a touring bike that has a passenger seat (with a backrest and some lockable saddlebags) could not only allow you to travel in style with a friend, but with a man’s best friend as well.
Model Highlights
Proved to be difficult to maneuver
With retro motorcycle popularity on the rise, these bikes are much sought-after.
Sidecar can be handy for passengers of all kinds
14Topper
1960 – 1965
Mecum
Engine
Two stroke, single cylinder, reed valve
Capacity
164cc
Power
9 hp
Torque
n/a
The H-D Topper is another motorized two-wheeled vehicle that you may not know Harley-Davidson built at one time. A moped designed to get you around town in style. It is the only scooter that the company has made to date. It was offered with a 164cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Today it would be best to build the Topper with electric motor, along with some other features that are available today.
Model Highlights
Harley’s attempt in the scooter market
Perfectly suited for modern city market, with an electric motor
FAQ
Q: Is Harley Iron 883 good for beginners?
Yes. The Iron 883 has been the motorcycle of choice for many novice riders thanks to its size, handling, and affordability.
Q: Is the Harley-Davidson Breakout discontinued?
Yes. The Breakout ran as part of Harley-Davidson’s softail inventory from 2012 to 2020.
Q: Why did Harley-Davidson get rid of the V-Rod?
While the V-Rod was certainly one of Harley-Davidson’s unique models in its cruiser class, one of the biggest obstacles it faced was that it did not follow the new Euro 4 regulations. Also, sales and interest in the bike began to drop in its last few years, eventually prompting HD to end its production in 2017.
Q: Is the Sport Glide a touring bike?
While the Sport Glide does have features often found on many of Harley-Davidson’s touring models (stock saddlebags, mini-batwing fairing), it is still considered part of the softail class.
Q: What is the Harley-Davidson Switchback?
The Harley-Davidson Switchback was part of the brand’s Dyna line that featured many elements from the standard Road King touring model (hard saddlebags, windshield, floorboards) but built around the Dyna structure. Nicknamed the “Road Queen”, the Switchback was very popular among female riders that were eager for more touring capabilities, but did not want to have to deal with the bulkiness of the Road King that is more often favored among larger male riders.
In the world of super sports cars, the MANSORY P9LM EVO 900 stands out as a game-changer. This unique conversion of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupé (soon available as a convertible) is a limited edition with only 10 units. It combines exclusivity with high-performance engineering in an iconic package.
MANSORY, known for their expertise in automotive refinement, has taken the Porsche 911 Turbo S and created the P9LM EVO 900. With an impressive power increase to 900hp and 774 lb/ft of torque, this vehicle can reach a top speed of 211 mph and accelerate from 0-60 in under 2.5 seconds.
The conversion goes beyond power enhancements; it includes a complete redesign with a full carbon bonnet and Forged Carbon add-on parts. The bodywork comes in two versions, with an optional two-tone special paint finish. The introduction of new forged wheels in 21 and 22 inches further enhances the vehicle’s appeal.
The “P9LM EVO 900” features a striking front design with enlarged air intakes in the carbon front apron. It also has a new 3-pipe exhaust system and a redesigned diffuser for improved airflow. The rear apron and large retractable rear spoiler contribute to increased downforce on the rear axle.
MANSORY has ingeniously enhanced the performance of the P9LM EVO 900. Changes to the 3.8-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder boxer engine include larger VTG turbochargers, a water-cooled intercooler, a high-performance exhaust system, a sports air filter, and a reprogramming of the engine control unit (ECU).
The vehicle’s superior performance is further supported by the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, standard four-wheel drive, newly developed MANSORY suspension components, and “FV.5C” rims fitted with high-performance sports tires.
The interior of the “P9LM EVO 900” has also been completely redesigned with high-quality leather upholstery and carbon applications. The steering wheel features a carbon and leather combination, with a carbon ring displaying a shift light and digital display for speed and engine revs. Customers can customize the color, pattern, decorative stitching, and carbon applications according to their preference.
In a world of high-performance vehicles, the limited edition MANSORY P9LM EVO 900 offers unmatched luxury and speed, solidifying its status as a true sports car icon. It takes the Porsche 911 Turbo S to new levels of performance and aesthetics.
Kia and Hyundai plan to invest $18 billion in becoming fully electric vehicle manufacturers by the end of the decade. As part of this transformation, the South Korean automakers will develop a new electric vehicle architecture capable of accommodating one of the largest batteries in the industry. The first production model to utilize this platform will be a Kia-branded sedan.
According to a report from ET News, this upcoming vehicle is internally named GT1 and is expected to be positioned in the mid-size segment, potentially as a spiritual successor to the Stinger. The report suggests that it will belong to the E-segment according to European classification, which means it could be slightly larger than the current Stinger in terms of size.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
