What defines a good commuter bike? Is it the MPG? The riding stance? The speed? Indeed, readers did not expect the answer to these questions to include the words, Harley-Davidson. However, Harley-Davidson makes a solid, heritage-inspired motorcycle, but the bikes aren't seen as optimal for commuters. But, what if you wanted to experience that masculinity on a daily? What if you could ride to and from work on your badass hog? What bikes would work best for day-to-day usage and city traffic? Look no further; we have your options below.

Low Rider ST

Harley Davidson Icons Collection El Diablo Low Rider Red Custom
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Shot of a Harley-Davidson Icons Collection El Diablo Low Rider Red Custom with a city scape background bridge at night time. 

One of the most significant entries in this list, the Low Rider ST, is a classic design that promotes confidence and bravado. This West Coast style is a comfortable ride with its upright riding position and mid-mount foot controls. The ST comes standard with ABS installed (perfect for the stop-and-go traffic in a mixed commute), Smart Security System (for inner city parking), and a frame-mounted front fairing (a lifesaver on a windy morning). Coming in at $21,749, this bike is optimal for long highway commuters or those looking for integrated storage options.

Low Rider S

Black Harley-Davidson Low Rider S
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Shot of a Black Harley-Davidson Low Rider S cruising on the road 

Like the Low Rider ST, the Low Rider S is a stripped-down option for those seeking a simplistic, rebellious style. With an outsider feel and sport bike agility and handling, this is an excellent introduction to the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin platform. Designers stripped away the larger ST console for a classic tank console, promoting this entry's minimalist theme. With an estimated 47 MPG and a starting price of $17,530, this bike is best suited for mixed commute riding, the majority being off the freeway due to its lack of integrated front fairing.

Related: Harley Davidson Low Rider El Diablo: Performance, Price, and Photos

Fat Bob 114

Grey Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Side-profile shot of a grey Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114 leaning on the side stand

The Fat Bob 114 mixes classic Harley styling with modern power and technology, an iconic look for the power-obsessed. With its relaxed riding position, forward foot controls, and integrated passenger seat, this bike is perfect for the rider seeking an immediate escape from the monotony of the work he’s just completed. The custom exhaust reminds one of the FTR1200 flat track-inspired bikes coming into the mainstream in today’s market. At $18,330, it's a small step up from the Low Rider S, but a giant stride toward classic Harley styling and other valuable applications on the weekend.

Softail Standard

2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones Black
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Profile view of a 2008 Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones in black 

Budget-conscious shoppers look no further; your bang for your buck Harley has arrived! This bobber-style old-school entry begs to be customized to your every need, using Harley’s notoriously accommodating parts and options store. A resounding Milwaukee-Eight 107 Engine powers this lightweight, soft tail frame through the city streets and onto the back roads. The stretched riding position and mid-mount foot control embrace the rider like a supercharged La-Z-Boy. At only $13,949 ($819 extra for ABS), the Softail Standard is an excellent introduction to the Harley brand and a clear winner for those looking to save a buck.

Related: This Custom1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster Redefines Svelte

Iron 883

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883N Iron 883
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Front three-quarters shot of a black Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883N Iron 883

Seen as the starter Harley, the Iron 883 is instantly recognizable as it weaves through America's city streets and canyons. The forward riding position brings sportbike riding to mind. Vertically challenged riders will appreciate the low seat height (a mere 25.7 inches from the ground). For a manageable $11,249 price tag, this is an excellent choice for various commutes.

Pan-America 1250

Black 2022 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Shot of a black 2022 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 doing a wheelie 

The newest contender in the ADV market and a proof of concept for Harley’s new adventure-focused sub-genre, the Pan-America is a beautiful bike to behold. The tall seat height and upright riding position provide a controlled, comfortable ride on the dirt and the road. With a passenger seat, storage options, and versatility, this bike is made for those ready for the weekend and seeking the path of most resistance. The 150-horsepower engine provides ample power in this endeavor, putting the rider in control of their destiny. They are made for rain, dust, mud, gravel, pavement, potholes, and more, only limited by the rider's imagination. We aren't entirely sure which commute suits this entry, but its capabilities suggest an Indiana Jones-style excursion between the journey home's stop lights. Pick this bike up for an astounding $17,319 today.

Related: 2004 Honda Rune Is A Harley-Davidson Killer Even After 18 Years

Nightster

Black 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Side profile shot of a black 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster riding 

A welcomed upgrade from the Sportster platform, the Nightster is a beautiful mesh of the classic Harley style, along with the modern engineering and theming of the current venue. The Max 975-T engine, stolen from the Harley Bronx Concept, roars to life under a black shroud, entitling the rider to a ghost rider-esque experience. The Night's frame is a clear upgrade from the traditional hoop-loop style frame as well, using the power train as a stressed member, driving down the bike's weight significantly from previous models. The Nightster is a low-riding addition to this list, coming in at $13,499. This vehicle is optimal for the night owl commuter, living a quarter mile at a time in the city streets.

Sportster S

Black and red Harley Davidson Sportster S
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Side-view shot of a parked black and red 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

The Sportster S is a mad scientist’s brainchild of a classic Harley staple and modern power delivery and riding experience. The S makes a statement with its sleek styling and all-new Revolution Max 1250T engine glistening under the tank. The high mount exhaust is a poignant statement and directs the heat of the new engines beating heart away from the rider. Harley's designers took symbols of the past like the four-inch round display and upgraded them for modern usage, showing all needed information in 1 porthole to the past. The Sportster S has three ride modes, typical for this year's newest models. Coming in at $15,499, this is an excellent pick for the speed demon seeking a quality riding experience.

Related: You’ve Never Seen A Harley-Davidson LiveWire Like This

Harley LiveWire

Orange and black Harley-Davidson LiveWire
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Image of an orange and black Harley-Davidson LiveWire cornering 

Harley’s newest brand and a cult classic since its introduction in 2017 (with the first production models sold in mid-2020), the LiveWire is a no-brainer for conservationists and torque enthusiasts. The LiveWire comes in many models, but here we speak about the base model (the LiveWire 1) and the standard model (the Harley LiveWire), all encompassed by the new LiveWire brand. The LiveWire touts an impressive 146-mile range and fast-charge options, capable of charging 0-80% in 40 minutes. Although the bike can reach 60 mph in less than three seconds, the bike's governor stops at 110 MPH (a clear safety feature for this model). LiveWire 1 models (without fast charging) start at $22,799, and the standard model comes in at $29,799.

Harley LiveWire Del Mar

Livewire Del Mar Action Shot
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
2023 Harley-Davidson Livewire Del Mar sprinting on the road

The most exciting entry on this list, the S2 LiveWire Del Mar, is the budget-friendly version of the LiveWire platform. Coming in at an impressive $16,999, this bike offers modern styling and innovation in addition to the already proven LiveWire concept. The frame differs from the previous generations, using the engine as an integral part of the supporting system, offering a much lighter bike. At this stage, the bike is only available for pro orders but is sure to become a popular option for those seeking a Harley-Davidson commuting experience.