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One of Harley’s Coolest, Best-Looking Motos Hits the Comeback Trail

The brand has essentially confirmed the somewhat surprising but very welcome return of an approachable, relatively affordable icon.

Close-up of a black motorcycle engine and exhaust pipe with a visible front wheel and fender.Harley-Davidson
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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This week, Harley-Davidson dropped the first real concrete details on a pair of upcoming bikes spearheading its ‘Back to the Bricks’ plan, and I couldn’t be more stoked.

One of the two new models was very much expected: the Sprint, which will resemble the Indian-made Harley X440 (with significant modifications) and cost less than $10,000.

Side view of a motorcycle with illuminated edges highlighting the seat, fuel tank, engine, and front wheel against a black background.
Even with only this shadowy image to study, there is no debating the type of engine the bike will have.
Harley-Davidson

The other is both more surprising and more exciting: a revival of the air-cooled Sportster, whose roots date all the way back to 1957.

Not only is it a bold, beautifully styled ride, it’s also quite approachable and pretty compelling at the targeted price point.   

Lining things up

Teased during the brand’s presentation of its first-quarter financial figures, both bikes were shown as simple line drawings with basic details, just enough for savvy industry vets to clearly read the tea leaves.

Populating Harley’s lineup on and off for nearly 70 years, the air-cooled Sportster was dropped in 2022 due to tougher emissions regulations, replaced by the liquid-cooled Revolution Max-powered Nightster and Sportster S.

Silver and black Harley-Davidson motorcycle parked on concrete in front of a gray paneled wall.
The Iron 883 was the last of the breed, until now. Here’s hoping the revival looks as good as this 2022 ride.
Harley-Davidson

Bringing back a version of this bike for the 2027/2028 model year is especially exciting due to the planned price of $10,000 and potential return of the Evolution V-twin power plant found on the last 883 Sportster, the Iron 883.

That engine makes 54 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 54 ft-lbs at 3,750 rpm, meaning plenty of grunt for city riding, two-lane twisties and the highway.

Person wearing black leather jacket and helmet riding a silver Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Low bars and mid-controls, along with a sub-30-inch seat height, lend themselves to comfort and approachability.
Harley-Davidson

Though smaller and less powerful than the Revolution Max engine, the 883 still rocks the V-twin shape, making this bike a de facto gateway drug to an iconic Harley feature.

That’s just one element of its attractive profile, which appears to retain the Iron’s circular air filter cover, mid controls and low handlebar, while diverging via an extended rear fender, plus a smaller front wheel with a fatter tire and shorter fender.

Person wearing a black helmet and leather jacket riding a silver Harley-Davidson motorcycle on a street.
From the line drawing, we can also tell that the distinctive twin exhaust pipes are coming back.
Harley-Davidson

Like the Sprint, the silhouette also lends itself to easy modification, with Harley-branded parts and accessories, of course.

While the Iron 883 is not exactly light at 545 pounds, the seat height of 29.9 inches is quite approachable for newer and smaller riders.

Considering that Harley’s new-ish CEO, Pizza Hut veteran Artie Starrs, is a new rider himself, it is perhaps not that surprising to see Harley head this direction. 

Person wearing a black helmet and leather jacket riding a gray Harley-Davidson motorcycle on a street.
Together with the Sprint, the kinder, gentler (but still badass) Sportster could win over the next generation of riders.
Harley-Davidson

The two new bikes align with the larger overall plan, which includes 20 new models over the next three years that lean less on new platforms or power trains and more on making existing silhouettes more accessible.

As Harley continues to try to connect with younger demographics, this move makes a heck of a lot of sense, and should give fans new and old high hopes for the future of the brand.

Availability and pricing

Firm details remain pretty scant but by all indications, the revamped smaller-displacement Sportster will roll out for the 2027/2028 at a price in the ballpark of $10,000.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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