Harley-Davidson is set to launch a budget-friendly $6,000 motorcycle in 2026, marking a bold move to attract younger and first-time riders. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming affordable Harley.
Harley-Davidson is set to launch the Sprint in 2026, a more affordable motorcycle priced around $6,000, targeting younger and first-time riders. This new model, in development since 2021, aims to build a new generation of loyal customers. The Sprint will debut at dealerships this fall, with a companion cruiser model also in development.
Harley-Davidson confirmed it will introduce a new entry-level model called the “Sprint” for 2026. A callback to the Aermacchi-era Sprint models of the ’60s and ’70s, the new Harley-Davidson Sprint will be revealed this fall, with a starting price below $6,000.
Speaking during Harley-Davidson’s Q2 2025 presentation, Chief Executive Officer Jochen Zeitz confirmed the new Sprint along with a second entry-level cruiser model will be part of the 2026 lineup. Zeitz didn’t offer much in the way of specifics, but he did announce it will be presented at Harley-Davidson’s dealer meeting in October. That suggests a public announcement will come shortly after, perhaps at EICMA in early November.
Zeitz confirmed the Sprint will be a small-displacement model and will be sold for the U.S. and international markets.
“Inspired by our heritage and the spirit of the iconic Harley Davidson Sprint motorcycle, this new bike embodies boldness, irreverence and fun, capturing the rebellious energy that defines the Harley-Davidson experience,” says Zeitz. “Scheduled for release in 2026 and for presentation to our global dealer network in October, I’m pleased to share that we’re targeting an entry price below $6,000 We believe this motorcycle will not only be highly accessible, but also profitable, marking a significant step forward in driving Harley-Davidson’s future profitable growth and opening up a new path in motorcycle segment for the company in future years for its key markets.”
Zeitz noted the Sprint has been in development since 2021, which we can’t help but think of as a response to criticisms from its investor H Partners about Harley-Davidson not working on any entry-level models.
Harley-Davidson has made several attempts at introducing entry-level models in the past, such as the Street 750 and 500. In previous quarterly presentations, Zeitz stated that these past attempts were all ultimately unprofitable. Zeitz says that will not be the case with the Sprint and the as-yet-unnamed entry-level cruiser.
“This bike has been in development since 2021. It’s taking time, but we feel confident that it can achieve a profitable margin’ says Zeitz. “And from there, obviously, we can build a profitable business in various segments that we have not or partly not competed in – the cruiser segment – that we had competed in before. But as you know that has never been a profitable business for many decades. We believe that how we’ve engineered this product, it will be profitable.”
The original Sprint was a small-displacement model introduced after Harley-Davidson acquired half of Aermacchi’s motorcycle division. Harley-Davidson imported an Aermacchi 250 as the Sprint 250 in 1961. In 1969, the Sprint’s displacement grew from 246cc to 344cc to become the Sprint 350. The Sprint was eventually discontinued in 1974.
CEO Jochen Zeitz said during a recent call with analysts that the Sprint, in development since 2021, will be engineered for profitability, unlike earlier lower-cost models like the Street 750, which was discontinued in 2021 after limited success in the US.
Harley-Davidson is launching a $6,000 bike, called the Sprint, aimed at younger riders. https://t.co/FaXwtTjtjt
— Journal Sentinel (@journalsentinel) July 30, 2025
Though details on the Sprint remain under wraps, Harley has confirmed it will debut at dealerships this fall. A companion cruiser model is also in development. The brand is known for heavyweight cruiser touring bikes, some retailing for over $40,000. Currently, Harley’s cheapest model, the Nightster, starts at nearly $10,000.
While manufacturing details haven’t been disclosed, Harley-Davidson has production facilities in Asia, including a factory in Thailand, which currently builds the company’s Pan America adventure bike. Zeitz noted that the company has spent the last five years learning how to build more affordable motorcycles without compromising on brand value.
Also Read :
Tesla Launches Next-Gen Robotaxi with Smart Remote Control
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X 2026 : GM’s Most Powerful Creation Breaks Hypercar Barriers
Tata Harrier EV 2025 : All Set to Spark a New Era Launch Date, Price & Features Announced