Harley-Davidson is preparing to make a major move in the entry-level motorcycle market with the introduction of the all-new Harley-Davidson Sprint, expected to debut in 2026. According to a recent report by Motorcycle.com, this upcoming model draws inspiration from the brand’s historic partnership with Italian manufacturer Aermacchi and aims to reestablish Harley-Davidson in the lightweight motorcycle category.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Model Name |
Harley-Davidson Sprint |
Expected Launch |
2026 |
Public Reveal |
October 2025 (Dealer Event) |
Price |
Under $6,000 |
Design Inspiration |
Original Sprint from Aermacchi era (1960s-70s) |
Target Audience |
Entry-level riders, global market, urban commuters |
Displacement (Est.) |
Small capacity, likely 300-500cc |
Strategic Role |
Re-enter and profit from low-displacement market |
Second Model |
Yet-to-be-named entry-level cruiser also expected in 2026 |
Official Website |
Overview: A Nod to the Past with an Eye on the Future
The new Sprint revives a name last seen in Harley-Davidson’s lineup during the 1960s and 1970s when the company collaborated with Aermacchi to produce small-displacement motorcycles for beginner riders and the European market. The modern Sprint is designed to capture that legacy while addressing the current demand for affordable, efficient, and accessible motorcycles worldwide.
Confirmed Details So Far
During Harley-Davidson’s Q2 2025 earnings call, CEO Jochen Zeitz confirmed that the Sprint will be publicly unveiled to dealers during a private event in October 2025. A broader public debut is expected to follow shortly thereafter. With an estimated starting price of under $6,000, the Sprint is positioned as a highly competitive option in the lower-displacement segment.
Design and Target Market
While specific engine specifications have not been disclosed, the Sprint is described as a small-capacity motorcycle, suggesting a displacement likely between 300cc and 500cc. It is intended for both the domestic US market and international markets, particularly where smaller motorcycles dominate, such as Asia and parts of Europe.
The bike is being designed to appeal to:
-
New and younger riders
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Urban commuters
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Global consumers seeking affordable Harley-Davidson ownership
Zeitz highlighted that the model is “rooted in our heritage and taps into the spirit of the original Harley-Davidson Sprint.” Development reportedly began in 2021, and it represents a key strategic effort to gain traction in a market segment where Harley has struggled in the past.
Addressing Past Challenges
Harley-Davidson’s earlier attempts at the entry-level market-most notably with the Street 500 and Street 750-saw initial interest but ultimately failed to deliver long-term profitability or a lasting brand presence. Learning from those experiences, the company claims the Sprint has been engineered with profitability in mind from the outset.
“We believe that how we’ve engineered this product, it will be profitable,” Zeitz stated during the earnings call.
This model is a cornerstone of the brand’s plan to build sustainable profitability in the lower end of the market. It also supports Harley-Davidson’s broader goal of expanding its global footprint and attracting a more diverse customer base.
A Broader Entry-Level Strategy
The Sprint is not a standalone launch. According to Motorcycle.com, Harley-Davidson is planning to introduce at least one more entry-level model in 2026. Although unnamed, this second motorcycle is expected to be a small-displacement cruiser, further reinforcing Harley’s renewed commitment to the lightweight segment.
These new offerings are seen as strategic moves to enter territories previously dominated by competitors like Royal Enfield, Honda, and KTM, all of which have successfully captured the beginner and budget-conscious segments with accessible pricing and quality design.
FAQs
Q. What is the Harley-Davidson Sprint?
A. The Harley-Davidson Sprint is an upcoming entry-level motorcycle expected to launch in 2026. It is a modern revival of a classic nameplate that originated during Harley-Davidson’s partnership with Aermacchi in the 1960s and 70s.
Q. When will the Sprint be revealed?
A. The Sprint will be introduced to dealers during a private event in October 2025, with a broader public debut likely to follow soon after.
Q. How much will the Sprint cost?
A. Harley-Davidson has confirmed that the Sprint will have a starting price under $6,000, making it one of the most affordable motorcycles in the company’s modern lineup.
Q. What type of engine will it have?
A. While exact specifications are not confirmed, the Sprint is expected to feature a small-capacity engine, likely between 300cc and 500cc, suitable for new and urban riders.
Q. Will Harley-Davidson release more entry-level motorcycles?
A. Yes. Alongside the Sprint, Harley-Davidson is planning to release a second entry-level cruiser as part of its 2026 model year lineup.
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