
Harley's $6K Motorcycle Might Be The Most Affordable Entry Into The Club | Carscoops
Sales dropped by 18 percent in 2025, but the brand is optimistic that this fall's affordable Sprint bike will appeal to younger consumers.
6 hours ago
by Chris Chilton
Harley-Davidson is developing a budget motorcycle priced at $6,000 to reach a younger demographic.
The 2026 model will cost approximately $4,000 less than the current lowest-priced Harley.
The CEO has also confirmed that the electric sub-brand LiveWire has approved its mini-moto concepts.
Motorcycle manufacturers are facing a 15 percent decline in global demand, with Harley experiencing even greater challenges. CEO Jochen Zeitz recently announced an 18 percent decrease in registrations for 2025, along with news of a cost-effective Hoglet that could potentially reverse this trend.
It's well-known that Harley has been focusing on creating more affordable models for some time; the least expensive bike currently available in the US is around $10,000, making it unattainable for many younger riders. The brand plans to unveil its first budget motorcycle later this year, with sales commencing in 2026. Zeitz indicated that the target price would be "below $6,000."
A Recognizable Name, Revived
Named the Sprint—a title previously used for budget Harleys aimed at countering Honda's competition in the 1960s—the new bike is set to be shown to dealers in October, with an additional cruiser-style model expected next year, likely utilizing similar core components.
Specific technical details have not been disclosed, but this model will feature a significantly smaller engine capacity compared to Harley's current offerings starting at 975 cc, aligning with its pricing strategy and goal of attracting new riders.
“Inspired by our history and the essence of the iconic Harley Davidson Sprint motorcycle, this new bike represents boldness, irreverence, and fun, encapsulating the rebellious spirit that defines the Harley-Davidson experience,” Zeitz stated.
“We believe this motorcycle will not only be very accessible but also financially profitable, marking an important advancement in Harley-Davidson’s future growth and paving the way for the company in the motorcycle market for key future areas.”
Harley has not disclosed where the bike will be produced or who will manufacture it. The company has already seen significant success with the approximately $3,000 single-cylinder bike, the X440, in India, created by the local firm Hero Motorcorp, though it is not available in Europe or the US.
LiveWire Aims for More Compact Options
Zeitz also confirmed that LiveWire, Harley's struggling electric sub-brand, will aim at younger, budget-conscious consumers by moving forward with two mini motos that were presented as concepts earlier this year. One of the bikes is designed for trails, while the other is for road use; both can accelerate to 30 mph (50 km/h) in just 3 seconds, reach a maximum speed of 53 mph (85 km/h), and have a range of 100 miles (160 km).
This development is particularly timely for LiveWire, which sold only 88 electric bikes during the first half of 2025, reflecting a drastic 68 percent drop. The brand reported a loss of $38.4 million during the same period, highlighting the pressing need to identify a more sustainable product-market fit.


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Harley's $6K Motorcycle Might Be The Most Affordable Entry Into The Club | Carscoops
Sales have decreased by 18 percent in 2025, but the brand is optimistic that this autumn's affordable Sprint bike will appeal to younger consumers.